News

12 May 2010 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 12 May 2010 [PDF]

Message from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Stabalization of Iraq The White House 12 May 2010
Iraqis Arrest 4 Terrorism Suspects AFPS 12 May 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested four terrorism suspects in two operations.
U.S. Says Iraq Troop Withdrawal Remains On Schedule RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- The U.S. Defense Department says the planned withdrawal of US troops from Iraq remains on schedule.
Iraqi Election Hinges On Court Ruling On Banned Candidates RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- Committee that vets Iraqi officials says it will no longer disqualify candidates in the March parliamentary elections.
Second contingent of 14th MI Battalion returns from Iraq Army News 12 May 2010 -- The Soldiers belong to the 14th Military Intelligence Battalion, which began its redeployment from Camp Cropper, Iraq, April 28.

Afghanistan Operation Leaves Taliban Commander Dead AFPS 12 May 2010 -- Afghan and international forces killed a leading Taliban commander in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Remarks by President Obama and President Karzai of Afghanistan in Joint Press Availability The White house 12 May 2010
Joint Statement from the President and President Karzai of Afghanistan The White House 12 May 2010
Three Lithuanian special forces soldiers wounded in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Three Lithuanian Special Forces soldiers were wounded during an overnight patrol operation in southern Afghanistan.
NATO Oil Tanker Attacked in Pakistan VOA 12 May 2010 -- Pakistani officials: Bomb ripped through an oil tanker carrying supplies for a NATO forces in Afghanistan, killing at least one person.
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban "terror" campaign steps up a gear in Kandahar IRIN 12 May 2010 -- Widespread assassinations, intimidation and bomb blasts have spread a sense of fear in Kandahar.
Obama, Karzai Say Disagreements Were Exaggerated RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- US President Obama and Afghan President Karzai put on a show of unity and declared that their recent disagreements have not affected their shared goal.
Obama, Karzai Reaffirm Goals, U.S.-Afghan Partnership AFPS 12 May 2010 -- President Obama and Afghan President Karzai reaffirmed the shared US and Afghan goals to defeat al-Qaida and to establish good governance and a growing economy in Afghanistan.
Obama, Karzai Renew Goal Of Defeating Al-Qaeda RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- President Obama: He and visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai have renewed their goal to defeat Al-Qaeda.
US, Afghanistan, Reaffirm Partnership after Discord VOA 12 May 2010 -- Senior US and Afghan officials have reaffirmed ties of partnership in a Washington dialogue aimed at repairing a strained relationship.
Obama, Karzai Seek Common Ground on Major Issues VOA 12 May 2010 -- US President Obama is meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, in Washington to improve strained relations between the two governments.
U.S., Afghan Leaders Meet At White House RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- Hamid Karzai has arrived for talks at the White House with US President Obama, as the Afghan president continues his visit to Washington.

Defense Policy / Programs

Intelligence, Countering Bombs Get Centcom Focus AFPS 12 May 2010 -- Countering roadside bombs and improving intelligence efforts are among 10 capabilities the military needs to improve on in US CENTCOM.
Official Urges Reserve Component Funding, Predictability AFPS 12 May 2010 -- Senior Pentagon reserve affairs official emphasized to Congress the importance of adequately funding the force and providing predictability about deployments.
Soldiers make history: Baumholder service members march in Russia's Victory parade Army News 12 May 2010 -- Soldiers of Baumholder's 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team marched into history during Russia's 65th Victory Day parade in Moscow May 9.
Navy Showcases Maritime Strategy, Newest Namesake Submarine in 'Show-Me' State Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Kansas City Navy Week April 26-May 2 was a week of parades, speeches, volunteering, tours and concerts.
Patriot Returns from Spring Patrol Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Mine counter-measures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) returned to Sasebo, Japan, May 12, after an almost four-month spring patrol.
George Washington Sailors use Fast Cruise to Prepare for Sea Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- USS George Washington Sailors completed a mock two-day underway period, aimed at getting the crew ready for the ship's upcoming sea trials.
Naval Special Warfare Hosts Trident Spectre 2010 Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Naval Special Warfare Group 2, Support Activity 2 hosted Trident Spectre 2010 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.
USS Virginia Changes Commanders After Maiden Voyage Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- USS Virginia (SSN 774) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London April 29.
Abraham Lincoln Completes TSTA and FEP Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received an overall grade of outstanding after successfully completing a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) May 10.
Klakring Sailors Help Refurbish Orphanage in Montevideo Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- The guided-missile frigate, USS Klakring (FFG 42), and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) Det. 10 Sailors conducted a community relations (COMREL) project May 8 at Hogar Maruja Stirling Boys Orphanage.
Klakring Delivers Project Handclasp Materials to Shelter Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- The Center for the Promotion of Human Dignity (CEPRODIH), a shelter for battered women received a special gift May 8 from USS Klakring (FFG 42) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Det. 10 Sailors on behalf of Project Handclasp.
Naval Personnel Command Customer Service Center Update Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Customer Service Center (CSC) has increased operational capacities.
Motor T Marines prep for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 USMC News 12 May 2010 -- Marines and Sailors of 1st Tank Battalion travelled more than 6,000 miles to reach Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield.
MHG military police move to consolidated grounds USMC News 12 May 2010 -- Military police from Military Police Support Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, opened the doors to their new temporary consolidated work area.
Policy Official Notes Cybersecurity Challenges AFPS 12 May 2010 -- Putting cybersecurity in place poses significant challenges for the Defense Department, the government as a whole and for critical infrastructure.
ARRA Project at Everett CDC Complete Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Navy officials and children from the Naval Station Everett Child Development Center cut the ribbon for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded toddler room expansion May 10.
Communications Center Named in Honor of Fallen Sailor Navy NewsStand 12 May 2010 -- Dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy Communications Center at NCTAMS PAC in Wahiawa, Hawaii.

Russia may disclose data on nuclear stockpiles - Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Russia is considering disclosing data on its nuclear stockpiles.
Japanese, South Korean jets trail Russian bombers over Pacific RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Two Russian strategic bombers were shadowed by Japanese and South Korean fighters.
French warships for Russia may be armed with Ka-52 helicopters RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Russian Ka-52 helicopters may be best choice to arm Mistral helicopter carriers, which Russia plans to purchase from France.
Russian missile cruisers complete joint exercises RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- The Russian heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky and guided-missile cruiser Moskva have completed joint exercises.

US careful not to take military action against Iran: Minister IRNA 12 May 2010 -- Minister of Defense Brigadier General Vahidi: US is wise enough not to make any military movement against Iran.
'Velayat 89' war games end in Iran's territorial waters IRNA 12 May 2010 -- The grand war games launched in Iran's territorial waters ended Wednesday with a strong show of power by the Iranian navy units.
Iran seeks closer military ties with Tajikistan RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Vahidi will arrive in Tajikistan on an official visit aimed at expanding military contacts between the two countries.

Taiwan may have fewer than 80 operational fighters in 2025: report CNA 12 May 2010 -- Taiwan's air force may have fewer than 80 operational fighters in 2025 if it is unable to procure F-16 C/D fighters.

KCNA and S. Korean Mobile Drills KCNA 12 May 2010 -- South Koreans launched "a field mobile drill" on May 10 in the areas of Inchon and Puphyong.
S. Korean Army to Stage Large-Scale Mobile Drills KCNA 12 May 2010 -- Ssangyong unit of the army announced that it would stage large-scale mobile drills in the area of Hwachon.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 12 May 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 12, 2010
BAE Systems Receives $5 Million U.S. Army Contract for Patriot Vehicles BAE Systems 12 May 2010 -- BAE Systems today announced the award of a $5.5 million contract from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to manufacture 24 Patriot support vehicles for Taiwan. These vehicles will be configured on the Long-Term Armor Solution (LTAS) equipped Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).
Boeing NewGen Tanker Win Would Bring 800 Jobs, $40 Million to Iowa Boeing 12 May 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that Iowa will benefit from approximately 800 jobs and an estimated $40 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force's next aerial refueling aircraft.
General Dynamics Acquires EBV Explosives Environmental Company General Dynamics 12 May 2010 -- General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) announced today that it has acquired EBV Explosives Environmental Company, an industry leader in demilitarization, incineration and disposal of munitions, explosives and explosive wastes. Terms of the cash transaction have not been disclosed; the acquisition will be accretive to General Dynamics’ earnings in 2010.
General Dynamics Robotic Systems Completes Successful Autonomous Navigation System Critical Design Review General Dynamics 12 May 2010 -- General Dynamics Robotic Systems’ Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) program has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR). General Dynamics Robotic Systems is a part of General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, Mich., a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
Northrop Grumman Awarded $186.6 Million Contract to Continue the Design of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Northrop Grumman 12 May 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a $186.6 million cost plus fixed fee contract from the U.S. Navy to continue the engineering and design effort for the nation's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Oshkosh Defense Receives $5 Million Award for HEMTT Light Equipment Transporters Oshkosh 12 May 2010 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has received an award valued at more than $5 million from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for more than 20 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M983A2 Light Equipment Transporters (LET). The vehicles will be delivered in May 2010.
Pratt & Whitney Delivers 1000th F117 Engine to U.S. Air Force Pratt & Whitney 12 May 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney delivered the 1,000th F117 engine powering the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft to the United States Air Force. Four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines provide power for 100 percent of The Boeing Company’s C-17 Globemaster III -- the world’s premier heavy airlifter. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
Raytheon Links Combat Systems for Networked Lethality at Army Exercise Raytheon 12 May 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) networked an array of combat systems during a U.S. Army experimental force exercise to evaluate existing and emerging capabilities for improved situational awareness and targeting efficiency.

Other Conflicts

Russia Urges Nations to Take Active Role in Middle East VOA 12 May 2010 -- Russian President Dmitri Medvedev urged the all nations to actively work on helping bring peace to the Middle East.
Israel Marks Jerusalem Day, Defends Claim to City VOA 12 May 2010 -- Israel is celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, while the city's boundaries continue to be a source of tension between Israel and the Palestinians.

Press Conference by Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia United Nations 12 May 2010
Somalia: UN looks to Istanbul forum as key step to aid war-torn nation UN News Centre 12 May 2010 -- Top UN envoy in the war-torn nation urged the world community to provide the needed resources on the military, political and humanitarian fronts.
More Somalis Flee as Situation Deteriorates VOA 12 May 2010 -- UN refugee agency says tens of thousands of Somalis are fleeing their homes as the situation in the conflict-ridden country continues to deteriorate.
SOMALIA: Thousands displaced by floods, fear of renewed clashes IRIN 12 May 2010 -- Flooding and fear of renewed clashes in Somalia's south-central region of Hiiraan have displaced thousands of families in and around Beletweyne.

Fear of more Darfur clashes causing displaced people to flee, says UN-AU mission UN News Centre 12 May 2010 -- Fears of a possible military battle in North Darfur are causing people already staying in camps for the internally displaced to flee again.
Report Urges African Consensus on Sudan Referendum VOA 12 May 2010 -- Pressure is building on the African community to ensure the credibility of the process and prevent conflict from spilling over into the region.
Russian helicopter unit in Sudan receives UN awards RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Personnel of the Russian aviation group operating in Sudan as part of an international peacekeeping operation in the region have been awarded with UN medals.

Security Council extends UN force for two weeks as talks on troop cuts in Chad continue UN News Centre 12 May 2010 -- Security Council decided to extend the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad for another two weeks.

LIBERIA: Moving on from 14 years of conflict IRIN 12 May 2010 -- "Vested interests" are hampering Liberia's recovery from civil war by failing to address key recommendations of the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Four Reported Killed In Shoot-Out On Macedonia-Kosovo Border RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- Four people are reported dead in a shoot-out between Macedonia's border police and unidentified gunmen near the country's frontier with Kosovo.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary General United Nations 12 May 2010

News Reports

Kyrgyz interim leaders accused of helping Bakiyev to escape RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Leading members of the Kyrgyz interim government have been accused of accepting bribes to help the ousted leader and his family escape the country.

Thai Security Forces to Cut Off Power to Rally Site VOA 12 May 2010 -- The Thai government is stepping up efforts to isolate red shirt protesters in central Bangkok by shutting off utilities and power supplies to the protest site.

UN mission assisting Nepal's peace process to stay for four more months UN News Centre 12 May 2010 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the UN presence in Nepal until 15 September.

Uzbeks Remember 2005 Protest Deaths VOA 12 May 2010 -- Thursday, May 13, marks five years since authorities in Uzbekistan killed hundreds of anti-government protesters in the city of Andijan.
When It Comes To Andijon, Don't Ask -- And Certainly Don't Tell RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- The fifth anniversary of a bloody uprising in eastern Uzbekistan is on many people's minds.

Nigerian President Plans to Run in Next Year's Poll, Says a Senior Aide VOA 12 May 2010 -- In Nigeria, a senior presidential aide says President Goodluck Jonathan will run as the ruling party's candidate in next year's elections.
Expectations High for Nigeria's New Leader VOA 12 May 2010 -- Nigeria's new president has less than one year to finish out the term of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, who died last week at the age of 58.

ICC Chief Concludes Kenya Visit to Probe 2008 Violence VOA 12 May 2010 -- The chief prosecutor for the ICC has concluded a visit to Kenya where he is investigating the country's deadly 2008 post-election ethnic violence.

Madagascar Leader Won't Contest in Election VOA 12 May 2010 -- Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, surprised many by announcing on state television that he will not participate in the upcoming presidential elections.

Aquino Pledges to Investigate Arroyo VOA 12 May 2010 -- Begnino "Noynoy" Aquino has pledged investigations will be held into the conduct of the outgoing leader Gloria Arroyo.

Britain's New Leaders Say National Interest Eclipses Politics VOA 12 May 2010 -- PM Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg pledged to work together to solve the formidable challenges facing the country.
Britain's New Coalition Government Gets to Work VOA 12 May 2010 -- Britain has a new coalition government with Conservative Party leader David Cameron as prime minister and his coalition partner, Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats as deputy.
New British PM Cameron pledges to form strong coalition government RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Conservative leader David Cameron, who took over as British prime minister, has vowed to form a full coalition government with the Liberal Democrat party.
New British PM, Deputy Hail 'Historic and Seismic' Political Shift VOA 12 May 2010 -- British Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron says the new coalition government with the Liberal Democrats represents a "historic and seismic shift" in Britain's political landscape.
Coalition 'seismic shift' in UK politics, says Cameron IRNA 12 May 2010 -- Journalists witnessed a surreal joint press conference between Conservative PM Cameron and Liberal Democrat Deputy PM Clegg.
Cameron becomes youngest British prime minister in two centuries IRNA 12 May 2010 -- Conservative leader David Cameron became Britain's youngest prime minister in almost 200 years and ended 13 years of Labour rule.
Brown to Resign British Labor Party Leadership VOA 12 May 2010 -- Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced he will resign as leader of his Labor Party.

Tymoshenko lawyers to appeal criminal bribing case against her RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Decision to start a criminal case against ex-Ukrainian premier Yulia Tymoshenko will be appealed in court.
Ukraine's Tymoshenko charged on suspicion of attempted bribery RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- Former Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko has been charged on suspicion of trying to bribe Ukrainian Supreme Court officials.
Ukraine Prosecutors Reopen Tymoshenko Criminal Probe RFE/RL 12 May 2010 -- Prosecutors in Ukraine have announced they have reopened a 6-year-old corruption investigation into former PM Tymoshenko.

Medvedev's visit to strengthen Russian-Turkish rapprochement RIA Novosti 12 May 2010 -- When Russian President Medvedev arrived in Turkey, it was clear that the main outcome of his visit would be the establishment of a High-Level Cooperation Council.

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