News

11 May 2010 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 11 May 2010 [PDF]

Iraqis Arrest Six Terrorism Suspects AFPS 11 May 2010 -- Iraqi forces arrested two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members and four criminal associates during separate operations conducted with U.S. advisors in southern and northern Iraq.
USS The Sullivans Protects Oil Terminal, Hosts Visitors Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- USS The Sullivans is part of a defense group whose primary mission is to guard Iraq's Al Basrah Oil Terminal.
Attacks in Iraqi Capital Kill at Least 5 Police Officers VOA 11 May 2010 -- Iraqi officials say two explosions in Baghdad have killed at least five police officers and wounded 14 others.
Iraq On Alert After Attacks Kill More Than 100 RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Iraqi security forces on increased alert following a series of bombs and other attacks that killed more than 100 people on May 10.
Iraqi Officials Blame Al-Qaida for Deadliest Day of Attacks This Year VOA 11 May 2010 -- Iraqi officials have blamed militants linked to al-Qaida for a series of attacks across Iraq that killed at least 110 people.
Soldiers' time at JSS ends with transfer Army News 11 May 2010 -- Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment "Tomahawks" cut the power to the station April 13.

Afghanistan Operations Target Bombers, Weapons AFPS 11 May 2010 -- Afghan and international patrols targeted bombing facilitators and weapons used to attack security forces during operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan.
Remarks With Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 11 May 2010
Remarks at Reception in Honor of Afghan President Hamid Karzai US Dept. of State 11 May 2010
Press Release: U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Discussions US Dept. of State 11 May 2010
Obama, Karzai Seek To Improve US-Afghan Ties VOA 11 May 2010 -- US President Obama will meet with Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai at the White House.
US, Afghanistan Agree on Strategic Dialogue VOA 11 May 2010 -- Senior US and Afghan defense officials agreed to establish a regular strategic dialogue, designed to define and build a long-term relationship.
US, Afghanistan Reaffirm Partnership After Discord VOA 11 May 2010 -- Senior US and Afghan officials have reaffirmed partnership ties in a Washington dialogue aimed at repairing a strained relationship.
Clinton Pledges Long-term US Commitment to Afghanistan VOA 11 May 2010 -- US Secretary of State Clinton: US will not abandon Afghanistan, saying the US will remain committed to Afghanistan for years to come.
U.S. Vows Not To Abandon Afghanistan As Talks Open RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- The United States has pledged not to abandon Afghanistan as the two countries began top-level talks.
Karzai Begins U.S. Meetings with Visit to Walter Reed AFPS 11 May 2010 -- In the midst of a series of diplomatic meetings here, Afghan President Hamid Karzai took time to visit with American servicemembers who were wounded helping his country.
In U.S., Karzai Seeks To Repair Image, Win Support For Peace Talks RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has kicked off a four-day visit to Washington with a dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Pakistan court rejects petition on Taliban extradition IRNA 11 May 2010 -- A Pakistani court rejected a petition, seeking orders to prevent the government from extradition of top Afghan Taliban leaders to any foreign country.
Fourteen Said Killed By U.S. Missile Strikes In NW Pakistan RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- At least 14 people are reported to have been killed in northwest Pakistan, near the Afghan border, in a barrage of missile strikes.
U.S. drone aircraft kills 22 in Pakistan IRNA 11 May 2010 -- US drone aircraft fired missiles on houses and a vehicle and killed at least 22 people and injured several others in North Waziristan.
Pakistani army kills 40 militants in tribal area: TV IRNA 11 May 2010 -- Pakistani security forces backed by fighter aircraft have killed around 40 militants in Orakzai tribal region.
Hillary Clinton statement widely condemned in Pakistan IRNA 11 May 2010 -- Hillary Clinton said that Pakistan was responsible for the alleged plot of bomb blast.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S. official deflects speculation on Taiwan president's remark CNA 11 May 2010 -- Senior US official played down the significance of any speculation about how Washington will respond in a case of a conflict between China and Taiwan.
General Describes Effort to Counter Roadside Bombs AFPS 11 May 2010 -- Director of the organization tasked with overcoming the challenge posed by IEDs spoke about the future of counter-IED efforts.
Air Force officials announce FY 2011 force structure alignments AFNS 11 May 2010 -- Air Force officials announced May 11 the proposed force structure realignment for fiscal 2011.
Submarine Integration a Learning Process, Task Force Leader Says Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- The U.S. Navy recently ended a longstanding ban on women serving in submarine crews.
GW Starts Sea Trials, Completes SRA Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, May 11 to conduct sea trials in preparation for the ship's upcoming summer deployment.
Kearsarge ARG Completes Integrated Training Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) with the Kearsarge Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) off the coast of North Carolina April 20-May 5.
Partnership with Air Guard, Reserve offers new options with C-130 training AFNS 11 May 2010 -- Secretary of the Air Force announced that officials will proceed with a plan to augment the C-130 Hercules training fleet with C-130s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve squadrons.
Joint Readiness Training Center: the Battlefield Staged Army News 11 May 2010 -- From the fabricated mosques to the Middle Eastern role players and the mock artillery fire, the emphasis at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) is to simulate battlefield realities.
TASM-E supports 1/214th Avn. Regt. exercise Army News 11 May 2010 -- The Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager - Europe supported the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment's exercise at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels last month by providing technical expertise and assistance in logistics planning.
SPS 2010 Kicks Off Exchanges in Jamaica Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- The crew on board High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) kicked off a series of subject matter expert exchanges with Jamaican defense forces in Port Antonio, Jamaica, May 10.
Swift Arrives in Jamaica for SPS 2010 Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) arrived in Port Antonio Jamaica, May 8, to kick off Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010.
Senate confirms Army general to lead new Cyber Command Army News 11 May 2010 -- Defense officials are lauding the Senate's confirmation of Lt. Gen. Keith B. Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, to also lead the new US Cyber Command.
Louisiana Guardsmen Continue Oil Spill Response AFPS 11 May 2010 -- The Louisiana National Guard is conducting around-the-clock operations to fill in a breach near here in support of operations related to the oil spill off the Louisiana coast.
Youngstown Airmen take part in oil spill cleanup AFNS 11 May 2010 -- Two C-130 Hercules aircraft and crews from here are spraying oil-dispersing agents as part of an effort to clean up the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Army North responds to support federal response to oil spill Army News 11 May 2010 -- Several Army North subordinate units deployed to various locations in the southeast US to support the overall federal and commercial response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) named senior command at Fort Sam Houston Army News 11 May 2010 -- US Army North (Fifth Army) has received orders from the Secretary of the Army to resume the role of senior mission command at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis.
Navy Medicine Takes a Look Back at Mission in Haiti Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- Navy Medicine, along with personnel from key military commands, NGOs, and interagency partners, came together for an after action review conference.
NAVFAC Pacific Awards Largest Contract in Command's History Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- NAVFAC Pacific awarded a $4 billion multiple award construction contract to seven companies for projects at sites in Guam and other areas in the NAVFAC Pacific Area of Responsiblity.
NAVFAC, Small Business Building Energy-Efficient Center for Ohio Reservists Navy NewsStand 11 May 2010 -- Representatives of the Navy, Ohio National Guard, and an Ohio small business partnership joined local officials in breaking ground on an $11-million armed forces reserve center at the Akron-Canton regional airport May 5.
EB-G projects near end at Grafenwoehr Army News 11 May 2010 -- The Efficient Basing-Grafenwoehr project is on its final leg.
Department to Study Compensation, Incentives AFPS 11 May 2010 -- Defense Department officials today announced the start of the congressionally mandated 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation.
Obama Calls for Federal Government Hiring Reform AFPS 11 May 2010 -- President Obama signed a memorandum calling for a sweeping overhaul of federal government recruitment and hiring practices.

Somali ambassador defends Russian treatment of pirates RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- The Somali ambassador to Russia defended the decision to set adrift a group of pirates.
Russian Military Says Pirates Likely Dead RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Pirates released on the open sea after hijacking a Russian oil tanker last week never made it ashore and are likely dead.
Pirates released after assault operation near Gulf of Aden apparently perished RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- The Somali pirates who were captured in an assault operation after hijacking and then released have not reached the coast.

Iran's Navies Flex Their Muscle RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Iranian naval forces have recently staged two large-scale maneuvers intended both to enhance their combat capabilities and to demonstrate their strength to the West.
Defense Minister lauds deterrent power of Iranian armed forces IRNA 11 May 2010 -- Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi: Wargames dubbed as `Velayat 89’ displayed Iranian deterrent power.
Cruise missiles fired in 5th phase of Velayat 89 war games IRNA 11 May 2010 -- The Fifth phase of the `Velayat 89' war games started Tuesday in the Iranian southern waters by firing cruise missiles towards the hypothetical targets.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 11 May 2010
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate The White House 11 May 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 11, 2010
BAE Systems Awarded $10 Million Contract for Commercial Armored Vehicles BAE Systems 11 May 2010 -- BAE Systems has received a $10 million contract from the U.S. Government for commercial armored SUVs and pick-up trucks.
Lockheed Martin Receives AMF JTRS Contract Options to Produce Additional Equipment for Tactical Communications Network Lockheed Martin 11 May 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced that it has received additional contract options that increase the quantity of equipment being produced for the Airborne, Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS). AMF JTRS is an encrypted Internet-Protocol network that will provide joint forces with seamless, secure, wideband mobile communications.
Lockheed Martin Completes Delivery Of C-130J Airlifters Lockheed Martin 11 May 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] completed deliveries of the four C 130Js ordered by the Royal Norwegian Air Force at a ceremony here today with U.S. and Norwegian officials.
As Lead Technology Integrator for AEWE, Raytheon Demonstrates High-Bandwidth Wireless Communications and Network Interoperability Raytheon 11 May 2010 -- As the lead technology integrator for the recent U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE), Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully connected more than 25 technologies from more than 20 different companies and agencies into a common network.
SAIC Awarded $39 Million Task Order by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division SAIC 11 May 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a follow-on contract by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) to provide management and systems engineering services to NAWCAD's Integrated Communications and Information Systems (ICIS) Division. The task order has a one-year base period of performance, four one-year options, and a total value of more than $39 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in St. Inigoes, Md. The task order was awarded under the U.S. Navy's SeaPort-e contract.

Other Conflicts

Obama Vows to Hold Israel, Palestinians 'Accountable' During Indirect Talks VOA 11 May 2010 -- President Obama has vowed to hold Israel and the Palestinian Authority "accountable" for any actions that "undermine trust."
Jerusalem Old City Initiative Releases New Peace Plan VOA 11 May 2010 -- Israel and the Palestinians have resumed peace talks following a 17-month break in negotiations.

Medvedev, al-Assad meet Hamas leader Mashaal in Syria RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, met on Tuesday with Syria-based Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal.
Russia's Medvedev calls on Hamas to release Israeli soldier Shalit RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- Russian President Medvedev called on the Palestinian radical Islamic group Hamas to release captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Russia's Medvedev, Syria's al-Assad meet with Hamas leader Mashaal RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- Russian President Medvedev and his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, met with the Syria-based Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal.
Medvedev warns against rising tensions in 'deteriorating' Mideast RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- Russian President Medvedev: The situation in the Middle East is getting worse and an increase of tensions would be extremely dangerous.
Medvedev Meets With Syrian Leader, Continues Mideast Tour RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Russian President Medvedev has wrapped up a visit to Syria pledging to continue to advance the Middle East peace process.
UN Sec.-Gen. Ban welcomes Israeli-Palestinian indirect peace talks RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- UN Secretary-General Ban welcomed the beginning of indirect peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians under the mediation of the US.

UN envoy to Lebanon meets Arab League and Egyptian officials on regional peace UN News Centre 11 May 2010 -- Top UN envoy to Lebanon had a meeting during which the two officials discussed the Middle East peace process.

UN agency urges bolstered protection for Somali refugees UN News Centre 11 May 2010 -- The United Nations refugee agency issued new guidelines today, calling on governments to enhance their protection of people escaping the “unfolding international tragedy” in Somalia.
US Says Somalis in Need of International Protection VOA 11 May 2010 -- UN refugee agency is appealing to all governments to grant asylum to people fleeing from central and southern Somalia.

Darfur blue helmets to take 'robust' defensive action if attacked UN News Centre 11 May 2010 -- Head of joint AU-UN mission in Darfur: Peacekeepers will be more robust when defending themselves from attacks.
Sudan Unfazed by Rebel Threats VOA 11 May 2010 -- President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir's government will not kowtow to threats issued JEM rebel group.

Indian, Pakistani Foreign Ministers to Hold Talks in Mid July VOA 11 May 2010 -- In yet another sign of improving ties between India and Pakistan, the foreign ministers of the South Asian rivals have announced plans to hold talks in mid July.
Pakistan, Indian FMs to meet in Islamabad on July 15 IRNA 11 May 2010 -- Pakistan FM Qureshi: Indian counterpart S. M. Krishna will travel to Islamabad on July 15 for talks on key issues, raising hopes for the revival of stalled bilateral dialogue process.
Pakistan, India To Hold July Talks RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- India and Pakistan have said their foreign ministers will meet in Islamabad in July as part of efforts to get abandoned peace talks back on track.

China dismisses reports of incursions into Indian territory IRNA 11 May 2010 -- China dismissed fresh reports of incursions by its troops into Indian territory, saying it was committed to solving the vexed boundary issue through talks.

Liberians Still Debating Reconciliation Commission Recommendations VOA 11 May 2010 -- International Center for Transitional Justice has published an assessment addressing transitional justice options in Liberia.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - 05/11/10 United Nations 11 May 2010

News Reports

US Support for Democracy Key to Improving Muslim Relations VOA 11 May 2010 -- President Barack Obama's widely publicized speech in Cairo one year ago this June raised hopes that U.S. relations with the Muslim world might soon improve.

Mothers of 3 arrested Americans can come to Iran IRNA 11 May 2010 -- IRI foreign minister said here Monday night in the name of humanity, Iran grants visas to mothers of the 3 arrested American citizens in Iran.
Iran To Allow Families To Visit Jailed U.S. Hikers RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Iranian FM Mottaki has announced that Tehran will allow the mothers of 3 American hikers arrested to visit them in prison.

Kyrgyz Interim Government Members Split On Constitution Plans RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Two key members of Kyrgyzstan's interim government have spoken against transforming the country into a parliamentary republic.

Uncertainties Prevail Over Thailand Protests VOA 11 May 2010 -- In Thailand efforts to end anti-government protests in Bangkok have stalled.

Aquino on Course to Become Philippine President VOA 11 May 2010 -- As vote counting continues in the Philippines, all indications are that Liberal Party candidate Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino will become the next president.

Five Years After Andijon Events, Key Questions Remain Unanswered RFE/RL 11 May 2010 -- Justice and Resurrection" continues to pursue the issue, and claims to have gathered testimony identifying and verifying the deaths of an additional 68 protesters.

British PM Brown Resigns; David Cameron New PM VOA 11 May 2010 -- Britain's PM Brown has resigned as leader of his Labor Party and his two political rivals near a deal to form a new government.
Brown resigns as British PM, premiership handed to Cameron RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- Gordon Brown announced his resignation as British PM and leader of the Labour Party.
Crunch Time for British Post-Election Negotiations VOA 11 May 2010 -- There is still no clear deal on a new government in Britain after last week's inconclusive elections, which saw no party win an outright majority.
Tory deal with Lib Dems back on after talks with Labour falter IRNA 11 May 2010 -- A power-sharing deal between Britain's Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats appeared the most likely after negotiations with Labour faltered.
Clegg pressed to make decision on next UK government IRNA 11 May 2010 -- Opposition Conservative leader David Cameron: "Decision time for the Liberal Democrats" over which party they will back to form the next British government.
Two brothers, husband/wife in possible race to replace Brown IRNA 11 May 2010 -- Labour's National Executive Committee meeting to discuss procedures to elect a new party leader following PM Brown's decision to step down from.
Brown sacrifices leadership in bid to keep Labour in power IRNA 11 May 2010 -- PM Brown announced he will be stepping down from power, paving the way for Labour to open formal power-sharing deal with Liberal Democrats.

Nigeria's Ruling Party Chairman Arraigned on Corruption Charges VOA 11 May 2010 -- The chairman of Nigeria's ruling party has been arraigned on charges that he tried to defraud the federal government of more than $1 million.

No Repeat of 2005 Post-Election Violence, Says Ethiopian Official VOA 11 May 2010 -- Senior Ethiopian government official: Country is ready to hold the May 23 parliamentary elections in a free, fair and credible manner.

Tensions Rise in Ivory Coast Over Stalled Electoral Process VOA 11 May 2010 -- Tensions are mounting in Ivory Coast, as the dispute continues over the creation of a final voter list for the country's long-delayed presidential elections.

Yanukovych defends need to improve Russian-Ukrainian ties amid opposition protests RIA Novosti 11 May 2010 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych: International legal framework of Ukrainian-Russian bilateral relations should be improved.

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