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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 23 Nov 2009 [PDF]
• Airpower Summary: November 19 AFNS 23 Nov 2009
• Airpower Summary: November 20 AFNS 23 Nov 2009
• Airpower Summary: November 21 AFNS 23 Nov 2009
• Airpower Summary: November 22 AFNS 23 Nov 2009
• Tennessee Guard unit delivers water on Q-West Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- While walking around Q-West, it's likely that one might come across a pallet of water near a living area, place of work, or elsewhere
• Iraqi Forces, U.S. Advisors Capture Suspected Terrorists AFPS 23 Nov 2009 -- Iraqi security forces and U.S. advisors detained 12 suspected terrorists recently in operations in north and central Iraq, military officials reported.
• Operation Blue Spoon underway aboard Al Asad USMC News 23 Nov 2009 -- As the clouds and drizzle of the rainy winter season roll into Iraq, many Marines with Multi National Force - West are rolling out. The gradual drawdown of Marines aboard Al Asad Air Base has sparked the idea for Operation Blue Spoon.
• US Cautious on Afghan Outreach to Taliban VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that the United States is open to the prospect of Afghan government peace talks with elements of the Taliban, but she advised Kabul officials to proceed cautiously. Clinton spoke in advance of another top-level White House meeting convened by President Obama on whether he should send thousands more U.S. troops to Afghanistan.
• New NATO Command in Kabul Focuses on Afghan Training AFPS 23 Nov 2009 -- A newly established NATO command was activated Nov. 21 at Camp Eggers here, as the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan merged with the new NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan to create a unified command for the training of Afghan security forces.
• Logistics Chiefs Lays Out Challenges in Afghanistan AFPS 23 Nov 2009 -- Everything in Afghanistan – including combating improvised explosive devices – is made more difficult because the nation is at the end of a long and complicated logistics trail, Undersecretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter said today.
• American engineers conduct quality assurance training in Afghanistan AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- Khost Provincial Reconstruction Team engineers conducted quality assurance training for more than 30 Afghan contractors, foremen and engineers at the Civil-Military Operations Center in downtown Khost, Afghanistan recently.
• Attacks in Afghanistan Kill 4 US, 8 Afghan Soldiers VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- International security forces in Afghanistan say recent attacks in the country's south and east have killed four U.S. and eight Afghan soldiers.
• Obama Calls for Security Meeting on Afghanistan VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Top administration officials are expected to attend the national security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan Monday, including Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
• HMH-772 Hustlers Transfer MAG-40 Air Support Authority to HMH-462 Heavy Haulers USMC News 23 Nov 2009 -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 "Hustlers" transferred control of air support for Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, to HMH-462 "Heavy Haulers" during a transfer of authority ceremony here, Nov. 16.
• Marines prepare Georgian Soldiers for deployment to Afghanistan USMC News 23 Nov 2009 -- About half a kilometer away from two companies of Georgian Soldiers lies the objective—an old, run-down air traffic control tower
• USS Rentz Assists Mariners in Distress Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- USS Rentz (FFG 46) responded to a distress call Nov. 20 from Motor Vessel Adnan Wahd, which was taking on water while at sea in the Central Arabian Gulf.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Communications team keeps warfighters, VIPs connected AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- Members of the 379th Communications Squadron provide vital communication links in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for warfighters on the ground and leaders in flight.
• 2nd Infantry Division debuts Warfighters' Simulation system during exercise Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- The 2nd Infantry Division recently became the first U.S. Army division to use the Warfighters' Simulation system during a command post exercise in South Korea
• ARRA: Corps of Engineers starts work on $40 million levee project in Santa Barbara County Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- U.S. Rep. Lois Capps joined officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Santa Maria and Santa Barbara County for a groundbreaking celebration to mark the beginning of the Santa Maria River Levee Improvement project
• 3/405th AFSB Supports USAID Resupply Mission Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- The 3/405th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) recently completed a resupply operation in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance
• Retirees living in Germany can benefit from new arrangements reached with German Federal Ministry of Finance Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- Retired servicemembers who live in Germany as ordinary residents can benefit from new arrangements reached with the German government regarding duties charged on purchases made in American military exchange and commissary facilities and packages received through U.S. forces post offices.
• Can commercial industry quench the Army's thirst for connectivity? Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- As troops continue to deploy to diverse theatres such as Afghanistan where existing communications infrastructure is limited, the Army's demand for connectivity continues to grow.
• Army to separate Soldiers who don't extend to deploy Army News 23 Nov 2009 -- Soldiers who don't agree to extend their enlistments in units slated to deploy on or after Jan. 1 may be involuntarily separated up to three months early.
• CLB-24 digitally trains for deployment USMC News 23 Nov 2009 -- Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, spent two days driving the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan without leaving the comforts of home, Nov. 19
• Seventh Fleet Command Ship Changes Command Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- Capt. Rudy Lupton relieved Capt. Thom W. Burke as commanding officer of 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) at an official change of command ceremony held on board the ship November 24.
• GW CSG Returns from Fall Deployment Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG) returned to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Nov. 23, completing its second fall deployment since joining the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces last year.
• Annapolis Changes Commanding Officers Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- USS Rentz (FFG 46) responded to a distress call Nov. 20 from Motor Vessel Adnan Wahd, which was taking on water while at sea in the Central Arabian Gulf.
• New Commanding Officer for USS Alaska (SSBN 732) Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Blue) held a change of command ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Chapel, Nov. 23.
• Family Care Plan Revisions Include Deployment Deferment Option Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- Navy officials announced revisions to its Family Care Plan policy Nov. 23 which includes a new deployment deferment option for eligible Sailors.
• Naval Base Ventura County Participates in Joint Port Security Exercise Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- Naval Base Ventura County joined more than two dozen local and federal agencies on Nov. 19 in a joint full-scale exercise involving maritime security.
• NOSC Spokane Receives Facelift Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Spokane held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 13 to celebrate the resurfacing of the drill deck after more than 10 years and three name changes.
• Seal Beach to Go Green Using ARRA Funds Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects on board Naval Weapons Station (NAVWPNSTA) Seal Beach are moving forward, with an especially green focus on future sustainability.
• Rocket Science Leads to New Whale Discovery Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- Rocket science is opening new doors to understanding how sounds associated with Navy sonar might affect the hearing of a marine mammal – or if they hear it at all.
• Navy Announces Availability of ex-John F. Kennedy for Donation Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- In a Federal Register notice published on Nov. 23, 2009, the Department of the Navy advertised the availability of ex-John F. Kennedy (CV 67), located at the Navy's Inactive Ships Maintenance Office, Philadelphia, Pa. for donation as a museum/memorial under the authority of Title 10 U.S.C. Section § 7306.
• Naval Support Activity Bahrain Commanding Officer Relieved Navy NewsStand 23 Nov 2009 -- The commanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain was relieved of command November 23 due to loss of confidence.
• CMSAF visits Canada to build PME partnership AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited multiple locations in Canada Nov. 17 through 20 to build a permanent enlisted professional military education partnership with one of America's closest allies.
• PACAF commander discusses roles, mission, people at Global Warfare Symposium AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- The Pacific Air Forces commander addressed the command's current and future opportunities at the Air Force Association Global Warfare Symposium here Nov. 20.
• Physical training uniform made in America AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- Air Force officials partnered with American industry to ensure the new physical fitness uniform is not only upgraded with better material and functionality, but also is 100 percent America made.
• Air Force officials enhance community support information AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- As Air Force officials continue to modernize information sharing to meet 21st century mission requirements, manpower and personnel force development officials have taken a look at the official community Web site of the Air Force to increase its effectiveness.
• Health Care Gains Recognition as Bridge to Stability AFPS 23 Nov 2009 -- A theory gaining momentum among counterinsurgency and military medical experts is that the health of a nation’s people affects the health of a nation.
• Pentagon Convenes Fort Hood Shooting Task Force AFPS 23 Nov 2009 -- The leaders of the Pentagon’s review board on the Fort Hood, Texas, rampage reported for duty here today to begin their 45-day investigation to what led to the mass shooting, a Pentagon official said.
• Air Mobility Command officials welcome new commander AFNS 23 Nov 2009 -- Air Mobility Command officials welcomed a new commander in a ceremony Nov. 20 at Scott Air Force Base.
• Army Joins With Mental Health Institute to Study Suicides AFPS 23 Nov 2009 -- The Army is collaborating with the National Institute of Mental Health to launch the largest study ever undertaken of suicide and mental health among military personnel.
• Latvia denies link between NATO exercise and Russia-Belarus drills RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- The Latvian foreign minister said on Monday that the country's military drills with NATO scheduled for next summer are not a response to Russia-Belarus exercises held in September this year.
• Russian submarine towed to port after engine malfunction RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- A Russian diesel-electric submarine from the Black Sea Fleet is being towed to the port of Novorossiisk after suffering an engine malfunction during sea drills, a Black Sea Fleet official said.
• French warship in arms deal arrives in St. Petersburg RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- France's Mistral helicopter carrier on Monday made a port call in St. Petersburg, a Russian Navy spokesman said.
• New blast at arms depot in Russia's Ulyanovsk kills 8 RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- Eight servicemen were killed and two injured on Monday in a new explosion at an arms depot in the city of Ulyanovsk, in Russia's Volga region, a Defense Ministry spokesman said.
• Yushchenko pledges to force Russian navy out of Crimea RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko pledged on Monday in an election campaign statement to force Russia's Black Sea Fleet to leave Ukraine's Crimea by 2017.
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 11/23/09 The White House 23 Nov 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 23, 2009
• BAE SYSTEMS SECURES $60.6 MILLION IN CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS FOR HEAVY VEHICLE BAE Systems 23 Nov 2009 -- BAE Systems has been awarded contract modifications from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) for work on Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Redesigned Cabs, and M113A3 Ambulance vehicles
• BAE SYSTEMS – NAVISTAR DEFENSE TEAM SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES CRITICAL DESIGN REVIEW FOR JOINT LIGHT TACTICAL VEHICLE PROGRAM BAE Systems 23 Nov 2009 -- BAE Systems, through its US Combat Systems line of business, and teammate Navistar Defense, LLC have successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) for the U.S. multi-service Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program
• Contract Win to Progress Next Generation Warships for Royal Navy BAE Systems 23 Nov 2009 -- A new generation of Royal Navy ships, designed to meet the UK's future defence, security and peacekeeping needs, is the focus of a £3.4 million contract awarded to BAE Systems by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• BAE Systems Welcomes F35 to Patuxent River As Vertical Flight Moves a Step Closer BAE Systems 23 Nov 2009 -- A BAE Systems led test team has welcomed the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 Lightning II (also known as the Joint Strike Fighter) to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, for flight testing
• Pratt & Whitney Delivers 400th F119 Engine to U.S. Air Force Pratt & Whitney 23 Nov 2009 -- Pratt & Whitney has delivered the 400th F119 engine, which powers the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, to the U.S. Air Force. This milestone delivery marks a significant accomplishment for the only operational fifth generation fighter engine in service today and demonstrates the maturity of this highly advanced propulsion system.
• Raytheon Awarded $241 Million for Zumwalt Software Development Raytheon 23 Nov 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received a $241.3 million U.S. Navy contract to deliver additional open architecture software capability for the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000).
• Raytheon's Rolling Airframe Missile Completes Key Flight Tests Raytheon 23 Nov 2009 -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 successfully completed three instrumented test vehicle flights between April and October designed to demonstrate the system's upgraded kinematic capabilities.
• SAIC Awarded $25 Million Task Order by GSA SAIC 23 Nov 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a task order by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to provide a broad range of information technology (IT) services to the U.S. Navy Region Southeast (NRSE). The task order has a one-year base period of performance, two one-year options and a contract value of $25 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily at Navy installations in the southeastern United States, and parts of the Caribbean. The task order was awarded under the GSA Millennia Lite Government Wide Acquisition Contract.
• DCNS awarded contracts worth €1bn to maintain French Navy’s SSNs and SSBNs DCNS 23 Nov 2009 -- The French Navy has formally awarded DCNS two major contracts for through-life support services for its nuclear-powered submarine fleets. The first is for TLS for six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for five years; the second for TLS for nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) for five-and-a-half years.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Nov 2009
• No improvement in Palestinian access to Israeli-occupied West Bank land, UN reports UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- Israel continued to increase freedom of movement for Palestinians between most urban centres in the West Bank over the past six months, but access to land has not significantly improved, with 60 per cent of the area remaining largely off-limits for use and development, according to a new United Nations report released today.
• Hamas expects swap deal with Israel for Shalit by next week RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- Hamas delegates headed to Cairo on Monday for talks on a deal that would free an Israeli soldier who has been held captive for more than three years, regional media said.
• Gunmen Kill 21 in Southern Philippines VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Military and police in the Philippines are searching for a southern governor and his militia after 21 people, including journalists, family and supporters of his political opponent were found dead. More bodies are expected to be uncovered.
• At least 29 massacred in Philippines political war RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- At least 29 civilians were massacred in a struggle between political clans in the Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines on Monday, the national news agency PNA reported.
• Sudan's UN Ambassador Says Peacekeepers Should Leave Darfur VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- It’s time for international peacekeepers to prepare to leave the Sudan’s Darfur region, said the Sudanese ambassador to the United Nations, Abdalmahmoud Abdalhaleem,
• Kidnappings, attacks threaten to undercut UN-AU efforts in Darfur – Ban UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- Increased threats to international staff in Darfur, including “extremely alarming” kidnappings, ongoing military action by Chad, Sudan and rebels, and Government limits on peacekeepers’ movements continue to hamper efforts to stabilize the Sudanese area torn apart by nearly seven years of war, says a new report by the United Nations chief.
• UN-backed demobilization process begins in North Darfur UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- Over 150 ex-combatants who once fought for armed militia in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region participated today in a United Nations-backed demobilization and reintegration programme which aims to ease the return of former soldiers to their communities.
• DRC Government to Broadcast Live ICC Trial VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Information Minister says his country’s official radio and television will provide live coverage of Tuesday’s trial of Congolese militiamen at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
• International Criminal Court trial of two former Congolese leaders opens tomorrow UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- The trial against two former Congolese rebel leaders for crimes allegedly committed by their militias in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2003 is set to begin tomorrow in The Hague at the International Criminal Court.
• Sri Lanka: top UN official welcomes recent releases of displaced from camps UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- The top United Nations humanitarian official, who just returned from a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, today praised the swift discharge in recent weeks of many of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had been confined to makeshift camps for several months.
• SRI LANKA: Agencies raise concerns over IDP care once resettled IRIN 23 Nov 2009 -- The release of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from camps in Sri Lanka's north is welcome, but the government must now ensure they are properly cared for, the UN and NGOs say.
• Bosnia needs continued support amid political impasse, Security Council told UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- Bosnia and Herzegovina needs continued international support in its bid for Euro-Atlantic integration, despite the political impasse it is currently facing, the United Nations Security Council was told today.
• Difficulties Reported At Latest Armenia-Azerbaijan Summit RFE/RL 23 Nov 2009 -- International mediators gave a mixed assessment of the Munich talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying there was progress on some issues but a failure to agree on others, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
• UN still concerned over access to civilians displaced by Yemen conflict UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- United Nations agencies and their partners are continuing to assist civilians uprooted by fighting in northern Yemen, but warned today that access to internally displaced persons (IDPs) that are not staying in camps is still a concern.
• War Crimes Tribunal's Credibility at Stake in Karadzic Trial VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic is being tried before the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Many analysts believe the court's credibility is at stake in this high profile trial.
• SOMALIA: Humanitarian crisis deepens as Beletweyne control shifts IRIN 23 Nov 2009 -- Both locals and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia's central town of Beletweyne are experiencing increased hardship with several changes in the town's administration, residents say.
• First Khmer Rouge Trial Begins Final Hearings in Cambodia VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- In Cambodia, the final hearings have begun in the first trial of a Khmer Rouge leader.

News Reports

• Iranian President Visits Brazil, Looking For Support On Nuclear Issue RFE/RL 23 Nov 2009 -- Iran's President Mahmud Ahmadinejad began a tour of South America in Brazil today.
• Brazil's President Welcomes Iranian Leader VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says Iran should negotiate with the West for a "just" solution to the country's controversial nuclear program.
• Iran's leader wants debate on 'global justice' with Obama RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has proposed launching a debate with U.S. leader Barack Obama on global issues, but does not seek direct negotiations with Washington, an Iranian official said on Monday.
• Iraqi Lawmakers Amend Election Law VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Iraq's parliament Monday approved an amended version of a law, that is required before general elections can be held, but Sunni lawmakers say the new version does not address their concerns.
• Litvinenko's Widow Sees No Progress After Three Years RFE/RL 23 Nov 2009 -- The widow of former Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agent Aleksandr Litvinenko says she still hopes the suspects in his killing will be tried in London, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
• Military action alone will not defeat scourge of piracy, Secretary-General says UN News Centre 23 Nov 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has paid tribute to all those who serve on the front lines of the battle against piracy off the coast of Somalia, while stressing that this scourge will not be defeated by military means alone.
• US Congressman Criticizes Puntland For Abusive Behavior VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- The government of the semi-autonomous Somali region of Puntland has been sharply criticized by a U.S. lawmaker, who says Puntland authorities are routinely arresting, harassing, torturing, and handing over men from the neighboring Ogaden region to Ethiopian security.
• Romanian President, Chief Rival Face Run-Off Vote VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- With nearly all ballots counted, Mr. Basescu was carrying about 33 percent of the vote to Geoana's 30 percent.
• Most Opponents of Guinea Military Reject Power-Sharing Plan VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Most opponents of Guinea's military government are rejecting a power-sharing plan put forward by the regional mediator, Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore.
• Israel Moves to Repair Relations With Turkey VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Israel's trade minister has called for better relations with Turkey nearly a year after relations soured because of Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas militants who control the territory.
• Radiation leak investigated at U.S. nuclear power plant RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2009 -- The U.S. nuclear regulatory authorities have sent a group of experts to investigate a small radiation leak at the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear power plant (NPP), the CNN reported.
• Saudi Interior Minister Warns Against Hajj Violence VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister says his security forces will do their utmost to keep the peace during the annual Muslim pilgrimage, or Hajj. But he does not discount the possibility of attacks by recent infiltrators from Yemen.
• Report Blaming Hindu Nationalist Leaders for Role in 1992 Destruction of Mosque Rocks Indian Parliament VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- In India, a leaked government report which has blamed senior Hindu nationalist leaders for the demolition of an ancient mosque 17 years ago, has rocked parliament, and angered the opposition.
• Hajj Pilgrims Add H1N1 Vaccine to Ritual VOA 23 Nov 2009 -- About 2.5 million Muslims are converging on Mecca this week to take part in the annual Hajj. This year many pilgrims are adding extra step to their preparations for the ritual - getting the H1N1 vaccine.
• TIMOR-LESTE: Bird flu worries as awareness remains low IRIN 23 Nov 2009 -- Ask Afonso de Jesus what he knows about avian influenza (H5N1) and the answer is worrying.