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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 22 Feb 2010 [PDF]
• Airpower Summary: Feb. 21 AFNS 22 Feb 2010
• Airpower Summary: Feb. 20 AFNS 22 Feb 2010
• Airpower Summary: Feb. 19 AFNS 22 Feb 2010
• Airpower Summary: Feb. 18 AFNS 22 Feb 2010
• Airpower Summary: Feb. 17 AFNS 22 Feb 2010
• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Gen. Odierno from the Pentagon DoD 22 Feb 2010 -- Presenter: Commander, U.S. Forces-Iraq Gen. Raymond Odierno
• Gates: Only Serious Change in Security Would Delay US Troop Withdrawal from Iraq VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that there would have to be a "pretty significant" deterioration in the security situation in Iraq before he would consider delaying the planned withdrawal of nearly half the remaining U.S. troops in the country by September 1.
• Forces in Afghanistan Kill, Detain Militants AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- Combined Afghan and international forces in Afghanistan killed or detained militants and seized enemy weapons in recent operations, military officials reported.
• More than 800 Gather to Bid Farewell to Deploying New York Army National Guard Troops Army News 22 Feb 2010 -- More than 800 friends, family and well-wishers packed the Wings of Eagle Discovery Center here Sunday. Feb. 21, as the 180 Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 827th Engineer Company departed for active duty in Afghanistan.
• General sees positives in Afghan army training Army News 22 Feb 2010 -- Though training an Afghan army essentially from the ground up has been a difficult undertaking, an Army general involved in the effort said yesterday that he's seeing positive results.
• Gates, Mullen Regret Civilian Casualties AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- Expressing deep regret over civilian casualties resulting from a NATO air strike yesterday, Pentagon civilian and military leaders said today they support the strategy that puts as much emphasis on protecting the Afghan population as capturing or killing insurgents.
• Helmand Start of Broader Offensive, Officials Say AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- The coalition’s operations in Helmand province are the first stage of a broader offensive to change the course of the fight in Afghanistan, Defense Department leaders told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
• Afghan Campaign Will Be Tough, Petraeus Says AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- With U.S. forces entering the second week of a 12- to 18-month campaign in Afghanistan, the general in charge of U.S. forces in the region acknowledged yesterday that the way ahead will be tough.
• MACG-28 Marines ready for Afghanistan deployment USMC News 22 Feb 2010 -- Marines from multiple Cherry Point squadrons collaborated in an effort to practice aspects of air command and control and air defense in eastern North Carolina, Feb. 1-11.
• Afghan Officials Say NATO Strike Kills 27 Civilians RFE/RL 22 Feb 2010 -- The Afghan government says 27 civilians were killed in the central province of Dai Kundi on February 21 when a NATO air strike mistakenly targeted a convoy they were traveling in.
• Afghanistan: NATO Airstrike Kills 27 Civilians VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- The Afghan government says a NATO airstrike has killed at least 27 civilians in southern Afghanistan.
• Georgian troops in Afghanistan to defeat terrorism - Holbrooke RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2010 -- Georgian troops in Afghanistan will play a major role in the world's victory over terrorism, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said on Monday, during a visit to the South Caucasus state.
• NATO airstrike kills at least 27 civilians in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2010 -- A NATO airstrike killed at least 27 civilians in southern Afghanistan, hundreds of miles away from the town of Marjah, where a large-scale offensive against Taliban militants is underway, the Wall Street Journal said on its website on Monday, quoting Afghan officials.
• Latest loss of Afghan lives prompts UN call for safeguarding civilians during conflict UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- A top United Nations official in Afghanistan has repeated the world body’s call for all parties to the conflict to avoid civilian casualties, after an international military operation on Sunday reportedly killed at least 27 people, including women and children, in the southern province of Uruzgan.
• AFGHANISTAN: Sharp rise in Marjah displaced prompts concern IRIN 22 Feb 2010 -- The number of those displaced by a major anti-Taliban military operation in Nad Ali District, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, has more than doubled over the past four days, according to the provincial authorities.
• Support squadron keeps ‘Ace of Spades’ in play; Harrier squadron broadens MEB-Afghanistan’s capabilities USMC News 22 Feb 2010 -- A streak of white appears in the blue sky as an ear-numbing sound shrieks behind it. The gravel and sand on the ground vibrates as two AV-8B Harriers with Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, descend for the first time, Feb. 10.
• Otis transports Marines, provides support for Haiti USMC News 22 Feb 2010 -- On the cold, dreary Saturday morning of Feb. 6, when most Marines aboard Cherry Point were still asleep, a handful of Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 had already begun planning a transport mission to the earthquake-stricken country of Haiti.
• JTF-Haiti awaits final World Food Program requirements Army News 22 Feb 2010 -- The World Food Program ended the interim stage of its food distribution program in Haiti Feb. 20.
• Army watercraft assists Colombian Red Cross with delivery of humanitarian aid Army News 22 Feb 2010 -- Humanitarian assistance in the form of food, water, mattresses and tents have poured into Haiti from countries around the world in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated the southern region of this small Caribbean nation.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Secretary Gates and Adm. Mullen from the Pentagon DoD 22 Feb 2010 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen
• Mullen: Iran Concerns Middle Eastern Neighbors AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- Just back from a trip to the Middle East, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today cited widespread concern about Iran’s nuclear program, but emphasized the importance of diplomatic and economic pressure, rather than military action, to stem it.
• Gates Picks Intelligence Official for New Post AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- Letitia Long, deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, will serve as the next director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced today.
• Andersen, Yokota Airmen train for disaster relief operations AFNS 22 Feb 2010 -- Members of the 36th Contingency Response Group here and aircrews from the 374th Operations Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, participated in a mock deployment to rehearse time-critical actions for disaster relief operations Feb. 17-18 at Northwest Field.
• Aircraft Soar With Support From Ground Army News 22 Feb 2010 -- Their efforts helped defeat more than 60 improvised explosive devices, transport dozens of critically wounded patients, move thousands of tons of equipment and fly more than 140,000 flight hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Alaska-based Soldiers jump at unique training opportunity to build 'ice road' Army News 22 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. Army Cold Regions Test Center has 50 employees on a permanent, full time basis. Managing the resources in an organization that size becomes a challenge at times, especially when the cold test season runs only from October through March.
• Navy Reservists Supporting Operation Unified Response Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- Sailors assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 13, a Reserve logistics unit headquartered in Gulfport, Miss., responded on short notice to support Operation Unified Response, the relief effort sending food, supplies and medical equipment to Haiti after the Jan. 12 earthquake.
• Gunston Hall Arrives in Rota to Prepare for Africa Partnership Station Mission Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), along with its embarked Africa Partnership Station staff, arrived in Rota, Spain, Feb. 22 after a 10-day transit across the Atlantic Ocean and on the heels of its participation in Haiti relief efforts.
• Bataan Holds Change of Command Off Haiti Coast Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), on-station off the coast of Haiti to provide disaster relief support, held a traditional change ofcommand ceremony on the "Big 5" flight deck Feb. 19.
• Energy Efficient BEQ Breaks Ground at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- A groundbreaking ceremony and traditional Hawaiian blessing for new energy efficient bachelor housing was held Feb. 18 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) in Kaneohe.
• Information Dominance Corps Warfare Insignia Approved Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- The chief of naval operations has approved the Information Dominance Corps Warfare insignia Feb. 19 for wear by officers and enlisted who complete a rigorous personal qualification program. The qualification requirements will be outlined in a forthcoming Navy instruction.
• Patriot Sailors Visit Cambodian Children Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- Sailors from mine countermeasures ship, USS Patriot (MCM 7), volunteered for a community service project Feb. 20 at Village D'Enfants orphanage in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
• Former USNS Vessel Re-commissioned as Chilean Supply Ship Navy NewsStand 22 Feb 2010 -- The former fleet replenishment oiler USNS Andrew J. Higgins (T-AO 190) was re-commissioned Feb. 10 in Mobile, Ala., as the Chilean supply ship Almirante Montt (AO-52).
• Retreat held in Antarctica as LC-130s depart AFNS 22 Feb 2010 -- As part of Operation Deep Freeze, Airmen at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, held a retreat ceremony Feb. 16 after the last LC-130 Hercules left the continent.
• Dutch partnership emphasizes innovations in training AFNS 22 Feb 2010 -- The commander of the Royal Netherlands air force visited the Air Education and Training Command headquarters Feb. 14 through 16 to learn more about
  remotely piloted aircraft, strategic airlift and space.
• African Officers Graduate from 12-Week Intelligence Course USMC News 22 Feb 2010 -- Twenty-three officers from nine African nations, along with one U.S. officer, graduated from a 12-week introductory intelligence course at the Gendarmerie Academy here in December.
• Holbrooke Hails Georgian Troops, Says U.S. Studying Transit Offer RFE/RL 22 Feb 2010 -- A top U.S. official has praised Georgia for its contribution of nearly 1,000 troops to Afghanistan, adding that Washington is considering Tbilisi's offer to use the small South Caucasus nation as part of an armaments supply route.
• CPSG logistics support expected to save millions AFNS 22 Feb 2010 -- Electronic Systems Center members here transitioned all sustainment actions for a critical base security system from contractors to a government-organic source Feb. 10, reaping large savings for the government.
• Trainers, Advisors Help Philippines Fight Terrorism AFPS 22 Feb 2010 -- Eliminating foreign terrorists and their safe havens in the southern Philippines is the No. 1 priority of U.S. forces deployed here, said Army Col. Bill Coultrup, the region’s top U.S. military officer.
• Russian Military Families In Kyrgyzstan To Return Home RFE/RL 22 Feb 2010 -- The commander of Russia's military base in Kyrgyzstan says the families of most officers and servicemen will return to Russia beginning on March 1, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
• Ukraine long way from NATO - Russian envoy RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2010 -- Ukraine is a long way from joining NATO at the moment, Russia's envoy to the Western military bloc said on Monday.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2010
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 2/22/10 The White House 22 Feb 2010

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 22, 2010
• BAE SYSTEMS, COBHAM FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR NAVY'S NEXT GENERATION JAMMER SYSTEM BAE Systems 22 Feb 2010 -- BAE Systems and Cobham have formed a strategic alliance on a proposal for the U.S. Navy's Next Generation Jammer system, designated to replace the ALQ-99 tactical jammer currently installed on the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler aircraft. The Next Generation Jammer program seeks to develop new ways to jam enemy radars, using the EA-18G as the target platform.
• IAI-Made Eitan UAV Inducted into Israel Air Force Israel Aerospace Industries 22 Feb 2010 -- Commander in Chief of the Israel Air Force, MGen. Ido Nehushtan: "The 'Eitan's' impressive weight and wingspan put the aircraft in the "heavy UAV" category – a reflection of its significance on the battlefield, its ability to complete a variety of IAF long-range missions, and its critical role in air force missions covering a broad array of scenarios."
• £4.5M BAE Systems Test Rig Will Speed FRES scout and Warrior Upgrade BAE Systems 22 Feb 2010 -- the source of any problems much more quickly and easily, so that we and the MoD can have confidence in meeting their demanding reliability targets.”
• LONGBOW LLC Awarded $86 Million to Support and Sustain U.K. Apache Attack Helicopters Lockheed Martin 22 Feb 2010 -- The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], was recently awarded an $86 million contract from AgustaWestland to support LONGBOW FCR systems on the United Kingdom Apache AH Mk-1 aircraft.
• LONGBOW LLC Awarded $86 Million to Support and Sustain U.K. Apache Attack Helicopters Northrop Grumman 22 Feb 2010 -- The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), was recently awarded an $86 million contract from AgustaWestland to support LONGBOW FCR systems on the United Kingdom Apache AH Mk-1 aircraft.
• Oshkosh Defense Receives $13 Million Delivery Order to Supply HEMTT A4s to Army Reserve Oshkosh 22 Feb 2010 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded a delivery order valued at more than $13 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to supply more than 35 next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) to the Army Reserve.
• SAIC Awarded $351 Million Task Order By Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division SAIC 22 Feb 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a task order by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) - Crane Division to support its Joint Special Operations Response Department (JSORD) with technical and engineering services. The follow-on contract has a two year base period of performance, three one-year options, and a total value of more than $351 million, if all options are exercised.
• U.S Customs and Border Protection Adds Six Helicopters to Light Enforcement Helicopter Contract EADS 22 Feb 2010 -- From the Eurocopter booth at Heli-Expo, American Eurocopter announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has entered into the first option year on the Light Enforcement Helicopter (LEH) contract and placed an order for six AS350B3s. This is the second order on the LEH contract that was awarded to American Eurocopter by the Department of Homeland Security in July 2008.

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 Feb 2010
• EU Condemns Use of Fake Passports in Hamas Killing VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- European Union foreign ministers are condemning the use of forged European passports by the killers of a top Palestinian militant.
• Joint UN-African Union envoy meets with displaced persons in North Darfur UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the African Union today reaffirmed his commitment to help bring peace to Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region and enhance the security of civilians in the area, as he met with a group of displaced persons in North Darfur.
• Development of security, legal institutions major challenge for Liberia – UN report UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- More than a decade after its civil war, Liberia is heading towards reconciliation but significant challenges remain in the development of its security and legal institutions, which will impact the future of the United Nations mission there, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a new report.
• Côte d'Ivoire: UN envoy meets with African mediator in bid to solve electoral crisis UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- The top United Nations envoy in Côte d'Ivoire today met with the African mediator seeking to end the political crisis threatening the much-delayed elections in the divided West African country.
• Somali Government, Religious Group Forming Anti-Rebel Alliance VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Somalia's fragile transitional government and a moderate religious faction are struggling to form an alliance aimed at driving out al-Qaida-linked extremists who control much of the country. A week of difficult talks in Addis Ababa has yielded a tentative power-sharing accord.
• Resettling Darfur's Displaced Raises Questions VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- As Sudan's government and Darfur rebels move closer to a final peace, efforts are under way to build housing for some of the estimated 2.7 million people uprooted by the war. There are concerns the new settlements could make internally displaced people permanently displaced.
• India Sets Condition for Improved Relations with Pakistan VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- India says it is ready for improved relations with Pakistan if it takes steps to clamp down on terrorism. The two rival nuclear powers are preparing to hold their first official talks in over a year.
• Analysis: Fighting for peace in DRC's Kivu region IRIN 22 Feb 2010 -- A year ago, Goma town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was temporarily home to tens of thousands displaced by fighting between government forces and various armed groups. Now, many have returned to their villages.
• COTE D'IVOIRE: Uneasy calm after wave of protests IRIN 22 Feb 2010 -- An uneasy calm has been restored in cities across Côte d’Ivoire following fresh protests over the past few days, according to aid workers.
• Tensions Grow As Drilling To Start Off Falklands RFE/RL 22 Feb 2010 -- A British firm is expected to start drilling for oil near the Falkland Islands today, despite strong opposition from Argentina.
• Israeli claim on sites in occupied Palestinian territory matter of concern – UN UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- A senior United Nations official today voiced concern at Israel’s announcement that it was adding two religious sites in occupied Palestinian territory to its list of national heritage sites, warning against moves that could prejudice the resumption of peace talks.
• Sierra Leone: veteran war crimes lawyer tapped as top prosecutor UN-backed court UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- A United States attorney, who leads the prosecution against former Liberian president Charles Taylor, has been named by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the new Prosecutor of the United Nations-backed tribunal trying the worst acts committed during the decade-long brutal civil war in Sierra Leone.
• Somalis Bracing for Battle Among Islamists VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Somalia's al-Shabab militants in Mogadishu say three members of another Islamist insurgent group, Hizbul Islam, accidentally blew themselves up while planting a roadside bomb that was meant to kill al-Shabab officials. The explosion comes on the heels of an announcement by Hizbul Islam that it has begun fighting al-Shabab in the Lower Juba region.

News Reports

• NY Terror Suspect Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- An Afghan immigrant accused of conspiring to attack New York City with bombs has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support for a terrorist organization. Najibullah Zazi entered the plea Monday in a New York court as part of a deal with prosecutors.
• Iran Plans 2 New Uranium Enrichment Plants VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Iran says it is planning to begin building two new uranium enrichment facilities.
• Six killed in suspected terrorist blast in Pakistan RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2010 -- At least six people were killed and 15 injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Swat Valley in Pakistan's northwest, the Aaj TV channel reported on Monday citing police.
• Space Shuttle Lands Safely in Florida VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Space Shuttle Endeavour has returned to Earth after spending more than a week at the International Space Station to make construction upgrades.
• UN, African officials meet with coup leaders during mission to Niger UN News Centre 22 Feb 2010 -- A joint mission of United Nations and African officials have met with those responsible for last week’s coup d’état in Niger as they visited the capital, Niamey, to assess the situation on the ground.
• Belarus Forces Way To Top Of EU Ministers' Agenda RFE/RL 22 Feb 2010 -- Belarus has forced its way to the top of the EU agenda once again as member states' foreign ministers meet today in Brussels.
• Egypt's ElBaradei Weighs Presidential Bid VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Mohammed ElBaradei is a well-known figure because of his long-career abroad with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. An enthusiastic crowd met him Saturday at Cairo airport as he returned home after a long absence.
• Soldiers to Govern Niger Until New Constitution VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Niger's new military leaders say they will run the country until politicians agree on a new constitution. The army took power last week in a coup against President Mamadou Tandja.
• Regional Mediator Holds Crisis Talks in Ivory Coast VOA 22 Feb 2010 -- Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore is in Ivory Coast for talks with government and opposition leaders about ways to resolve the country's political crisis. President Laurent Gbagbo dissolved the government and electoral commission weeks before expected presidential elections.