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28 May 2010 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 28 May 2010 [PDF]

Iraqis Arrest 5 Terrorism Suspects AFPS 28 May 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested four terrorism suspects today during three combined operations conducted with U.S. advisors.
Personnel recovery team lives up to its motto AFNS 28 May 2010 -- Training exercises are a never-ending way of life for the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron members.
Former Iraqi PM Allawi Calls on UN to Intervene in Iraqi Stalemate VOA 28 May 2010 -- The political party of former Iraqi PM Allawi is demanding that the UN intervene to keep his rivals from manipulating election results.
Iraqi river police unit graduates Army News 28 May 2010 -- For two months, the U.S. Navy Detachment 1, Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, deployed to Contingency Operating Site Garry Owen partnered with Iraqi Police 1st Lt. Hissinin, commander of the 50-man Special River Police Company, providing hands-on training in every aspect of river patrolling operations.

Operation Improves Security in Afghan Province AFPS 28 May 2010 -- Afghan soldiers, supported by International Security Assistance Force troops, have completed a clearing operation aimed at disrupting insurgent presence in and around Bala Murghab.
NATO Prepares to Test President Obama's 'Surge' Strategy in Afghanistan VOA 28 May 2010 -- Thousands of U.S. troops are heading into southern Afghanistan in June to launch an offensive in Kandahar province.
U.S. Military Death Toll In Afghanistan Hits 1,000 RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- The United States military is reported to have suffered its 1,000th death in the eight-year-old war in Afghanistan.
Eliminating drugs key to solving Afghanistan's problems - official RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Eliminating drug production in Afghanistan is crucial to solving the impoverished state's many other problems.
Merkel mum on Koehler's controversial comments on Afghan mission IRNA 28 May 2010 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not comment on the latest controversial remarks by President Horst Koehler.

U.S. drone strike kills 10 militants in Pakistan IRNA 28 May 2010 -- A suspected U.S. drone aircraft Friday killed at least 10 militants in Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region.
UN experts urge Pakistan to act after religious minority members killed UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- Three UN human rights experts called on the Pakistan to take every step to ensure the safety of religious minorities.
Pro-Taliban group claims responsibility for Pakistan mosque attacks RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Pakistani Islamic group Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab claimed responsibility for the seizure of two mosques in Lahore.
Pakistani commandos storm seized mosques in city of Lahore RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Pakistani commandos have stormed two Ahmadi mosques in the city of Lahore seized by suspected Islamic extremists.
Some 80 killed in Pakistani mosque attack RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Some 80 people were killed in an attack by Islamic extremists on two mosques in Pakistan's second largest city of Lahore.
At Least 70 Dead As Gunmen Attack Pakistani Mosques RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- Gunmen wearing suicide vests have stormed two Pakistani mosques belonging to a minority sect in Pakistan's second city of Lahore, killing at least 70 people.
Gunmen attack 2 mosques in Pakistan, about 30 killed RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- At least 30 people have been killed and hundreds taken hostage by gunmen who attacked two mosques in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
22 killed as militants attack worship places in Pakistan: police IRNA 28 May 2010 -- Up to 22 people were killed as two groups of militants stormed worship places of a religious group, declared non-Muslims in Pakistani in early 70s.
Militants Launch Bloody Attack on Minority Sect in Pakistan VOA 28 May 2010 -- Suspected Islamic militants launched a coordinated attack on worshipers from a minority sect in Pakistan, killing around 80 people.
Four Policemen Killed In Pakistani Provincial Capital RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- Unidentified assailants have gunned down four policemen in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta.

Defense Policy / Programs

Biden: Strategy Pillars Will Ensure America's Security AFPS 28 May 2010 -- New US National Security Strategy recognizes that America’s strength is based on all elements of national power.
National Security Advisor Describes New Strategy AFPS 28 May 2010 -- New US National Security Strategy is one of renewal and global leadership that advances US interests by building the sources of American strength and influence.
New security strategy touts partnership efforts AFNS 28 May 2010 -- Military-to-military contacts are a "critical component" of global engagement and support the nation's security.
U.S. global leadership in Obama's National Security Strategy RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- A week ago, President Barack Obama outlined the key elements of the strategy in a commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
White House unveils new U.S. security doctrine RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- U.S. President Barrack Obama transmitted on Thursday the new National Security Strategy to the Congress, the White House said in a statement.

Medvedev Sends US-Russian Arms Deal to Parliament VOA 28 May 2010 -- Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has sent a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States to parliament for ratification.
Medvedev submits Russian-U.S. arms deal for ratification RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- President Medvedev on submitted the new Russian-US arms treaty for ratification to the lower house of Russia's parliament.

Russia sees no justification for Poland hosting U.S. missiles RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Russia can find no reason that would justify the deployment of U.S. Patriot missiles near the Polish-Russian border.

U.S., Japan Agree to Relocate Air Base on Okinawa AFPS 28 May 2010 -- The US and Japan agreed to relocate a controversial U.S. air base to a less densely populated area on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Conference of American Armies Army News 28 May 2010 -- The Conference of American Armies is an organization of 20 member national armies, five observer armies and two international military organizations.
Marine Corps Tests New Fighting Vehicle AFPS 28 May 2010 -- The Marine Corps is conducting reliability tests on its latest expeditionary fighting vehicle prototypes.
Obama Backs Gates in Budget Debate AFPS 28 May 2010 -- President Barack Obama today promised to veto any legislation that includes funding for an alternate engine for the F-35 joint strike fighter or more C-17 cargo jets, expressing his “strong support” for Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ budget-reform effort.
Post looks to gain an additional 82,800 acres Army News 28 May 2010 -- Fort Benning's garrison commander, COL Tom Macdonald, released a new map this week outlining defined areas of land being considered for potential acquisition to expand the amount of land suitable for training on the post.
Casey cites state of Army, looks to future Army News 28 May 2010 -- The Army is evolving to meet challenges on the battlefield today and honing tactics the service will use more frequently to help countries deny terrorists in the future, the Army chief of staff said May 14.
RIA-JMTC and BAE Systems host joint ribbon cutting ceremony for Composite Armor Center Army News 28 May 2010 -- The Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center and BAE Systems officially opened a new Composite Armor Center on Arsenal Island Thursday.
Post open new live-fire shoot house Army News 28 May 2010 -- Fort Sill leaders called for more realistic training and they got their answer Monday with the new live fire shoot house on the West Range.
Misawa maintenance Airmen benefit from AFSO21 review AFNS 28 May 2010 -- For many Airmen, the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program is as abstract as its name. For the Airmen of the 35th Maintenance Squadron munitions flight munitions support equipment element here, an AFSO21 review revealed they could cut their work time in half.
Scott AFB converts to new defense accounting system AFNS 28 May 2010 -- Air Force and U.S. Transportation Command officials began a new era of financial management May 27 when Spiral 2 of the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System, or DEAMS, deployed to users at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Air Force chief of staff encourages Airmen to embrace energy efficiency AFNS 28 May 2010 -- The Air Force's top uniformed officer urged the integration of energy efficiency and conservation into all aspects of the service's mission at the close of the U.S. Air Force Energy Forum here May 28.
Multiple Enterprise Strike Group Ships Operate Together for First Time Navy NewsStand 28 May 2010 -- Several Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTSG) ships operated together at sea for the first time May 27 in a display of operational prowess not usually occurring until later in a strike group's training cycle.
Enterprise Completes 1,000th Trap Navy NewsStand 28 May 2010 -- During flight operations the crew of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) briefly celebrated as the 1,000th landing or "trap" since the ship got underway for flight deck certification and carrier qualifications was successfully completed May 27.
SBT-22 Opens New Operations Facility at SSC Navy NewsStand 28 May 2010 -- Special Boat Team (SBT) 22, the only command in the Department of Defense specifically designated to conduct special operations in riverine environments, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new $9.7 million riverine operations facility (ROF) May 21.
NPS RSEP Team Helps Prepare Harry S. Truman Strike Group for Deployment Navy NewsStand 28 May 2010 -- When the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) departed Norfolk for deployment May 21, a Regional Security Education Program (RSEP) team embarked USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), preparing Sailors and Marines for what to expect while operating in foreign waters.
Gunston Hall Assists Multinational Teams For Evaluations Navy NewsStand 28 May 2010 -- Sailors from the Whidbey Island-class dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) prepared three maritime multinational teams for the visit, board search and seizure (VBSS) training part of Phoenix Express 2010 (PE10) in the Mediterranean Sea May 25.
Seismic Equipment Measures What's Shakin' in GTMO Navy NewsStand 28 May 2010 -- Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba, is home to a United States Geological Survey (USGS) broadband seismograph station.
Bravo Battery mixes brains with brawn while supporting 24th MEU USMC News 28 May 2010 -- A common impression of artillerymen is guys pulling triggers on big guns and firing rounds over long distances.
Osan Airmen host munitions exercise AFNS 28 May 2010 -- Members of the 51st Fighter Wing are hosting a mass munitions production exercise here through May 28.
SCMAGTF, Greek Special Forces conduct bilateral training on 71st anniversary of German invasion USMC News 28 May 2010 -- On the 71st anniversary of that historic invasion, Marines with Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, were in port in Souda Bay, Crete.
Marines, Romanian troops put rounds down range in combat marksmanship course USMC News 28 May 2010 -- The exercise focused on improving combat marksmanship techniques and stances.
Partners in pain: US Marines, Romanian troops train with nonlethal weapons USMC News 28 May 2010 -- Purpose of exercise was to teach the Romanians nonlethal techniques, tactics and procedures to subdue violent, or potentially violent, aggressors.
Gates Addresses Troops on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal AFPS 28 May 2010 -- Defense Secretary Gates told troops worldwide today that any repeal will be delayed until the ongoing Defense Department high-level review is completed.

Russia, Norway to hold joint naval drills on June 7-11 RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- The Russian Northern Fleet and Norwegian Navy will conduct the Pomor-2010 joint military drills between June 7 and 11 in the Barents and Norwegian seas.

Albright Presents Strategic Concept For NATO's Next Decade RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- For years, global policy-watchers have speculated on the direction NATO will take as Cold War-era divisions give way to a new range of 21st century alliances and security concerns.

Ukraine passes on joining post-Soviet CSTO bloc - Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Ukraine will not join the post-Soviet Collective Security Treaty Organization bloc as it contradicts its non-alignment policy.
Ukraine probing suspected arms supplies to Georgia RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office is investigating the suspected sale of Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles to Georgia not long before its conflict with Russia in 2008.

Ban welcomes outcome of month-long nuclear treaty review conference UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- The latest review meeting of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) wrapped up today by reaffirming the resolve of the five Member States with nuclear weapons to eliminate their arsenals and calling for a United Nations-sponsored conference in 2012 to establish a nuclear-free Middle East.

May 28, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 28 May 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 28, 2010
Boeing GPS IIF-1 Satellite Sends 1st Signals from Space Boeing 28 May 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has acquired the first on-orbit signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-1 satellite, the inaugural spacecraft in a 12-satellite constellation that the company is building for the U.S. Air Force. The signals indicate that the spacecraft bus is functioning normally and ready to begin orbital maneuvers and operational testing.

Other Conflicts

28 May 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 May 2010

NDC Holds Press Conference on "Cheonan" Sinking KCNA 28 May 2010 -- The National Defence Commission of the DPRK held a press conference at the People's Palace of Culture Friday denouncing the Lee Myung Bak group of traitors of south Korea for having recently kicked off a racket of confrontation with the DPRK after groundlessly linking the case of the sinking of warship "Cheonan" with it.
FM Accuses US of Creating Atmosphere of International Pressure KCNA 28 May 2010 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry Friday released the following statement in connection with the fact that the United States is becoming all the more reckless in its moves to create an atmosphere of international pressure upon the DPRK by referring the case of warship "Cheonan" to the UN Security Council
S. Korea holds naval drills in Yellow Sea as crisis escalates RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- The South Korean Navy started large-scale anti-submarine drills in the Yellow Sea.
Wen: China Will Not Shield Attacker of S. Korean Warship VOA 28 May 2010 -- China's number two official has assured S. Korean authorities that Beijing will not obstruct justice in the sinking of a S. Korean naval ship.
China slams actions harming stability on Korean Peninsula RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao: Beijing condemns any actions undermining stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Flotilla Challenges Israeli Blockade of Gaza VOA 28 May 2010 -- A confrontation is looming between the Israeli navy and international activists on the high seas off the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip.
Israeli Army Re-Opens Highway to Palestinians VOA 28 May 2010 -- Israel's army has re-opened part of a major highway in the West Bank to Palestinians after a years' long ban.

Kenya Security Officials Probe al-Shabab Attack Motives VOA 28 May 2010 -- Security officials in Kenya are investigating possible motives attack by Somalia's al-Shabab on the Kenyan side of the border.
Thousands Flee Street Battles in Mogadishu VOA 28 May 2010 -- UN refugee agency reports more than 17,000 people have been displaced from their homes this month in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Somali clashes continue to kill and uproot thousands, reports UN agency UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- Renewed fighting between Government troops and armed opposition groups have displaced over 17,000 people from the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Funds urgently needed in southern Sudan to prevent crisis turning into disaster - UN UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- Top UN humanitarian official called on the international community to provide more funding to prevent the crisis in southern Sudan.

Security Council agrees to convert UN mission in DR Congo into stabilization force UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- The Security Council extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in the DRC by one month and agreed to transform the operation.

Azerbaijan: UN rights expert on displaced persons urges progress in peace process UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- Progress is needed in the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Bodies Exhumed, Police Investigate Kashmir Gun Battle VOA 28 May 2010 -- Police in Indian Kashmir have examined the remains of three suspected militants following claims that the Indian army faked the shoot-out that allegedly killed them.

GHANA-TOGO: Government prepares for refugees' return IRIN 28 May 2010 -- The Ghanaian government will set up shelters for 1,000 returning refugees who fled to neighbouring Togo to escape violence in Bawku in Upper East region following land disputes that have been mounting since late April.
UN Rushes to Help Ghanaian Refugees in Togo VOA 28 May 2010 -- UN Refugee Agency says it is rushing aid to thousands of Ghanaians who fled into neighboring Togo following a violent land dispute.
UN agency dispatches aid to assist Ghanaians fleeing violent clashes UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- UN refugee agency is rushing aid to about 3,500 Ghanaians who have fled into neighbouring Togo after an ongoing land dispute.

Karadzic asks for Hague trial recess over new evidence RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- The former Bosnian Serb president, Radovan Karadzic has asked the Hague Tribunal to suspend his trial for one month.

SRI LANKA: De-mining efforts face funding shortfall IRIN 28 May 2010 -- The recent death of a French de-miner in northern Sri Lanka highlights the ongoing threat of landmines in preventing the safe return of tens of thousands of conflict-displaced.

Press Conference on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers United Nations 28 May 2010

Ban calls on dozens of hold-out States to join International Criminal Court UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban has called on all nations to adhere to the tribunal that seeks to try perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity worldwide.

News Reports

UN chief urges Iran to desist from vow to enrich more uranium to 20 per cent UN News Centre 28 May 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban has urged Iran to end its continued enrichment of uranium to 20 per cent purity.
Iran Sees 'Positive' Reaction to Nuclear Fuel Plan VOA 28 May 2010 -- Iranian FM Mottaki believes major powers are "positively" considering Iran's nuclear fuel plan.
Clinton Criticizes Brazil's Iran Diplomacy VOA 27 May 2010 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: US has serious disagreements with Brazil over its efforts to mediate with Iran over its nuclear program.
Clinton Blasts Brazil-Turkey Approach To Iran RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- US Secretary of State Clinton has condemned the move by Brazil and Turkey to reach a nuclear-fuel exchange deal with Iran.
Moscow supports Tehran Fuel Swap Declaration IRNA 28 May 2010 -- Head of Russia's Security Council Nikolai Patrushev praised Iran-Turkey-Brazil May 17 fuel swap declaration.
Soltanieh: Iran offered constructive proposals to UN NPT Conference IRNA 28 May 2010 -- Iran’s IAEA envoy Soltanieh: Iran provided the UN NPT Review Conference with constructive proposals.

Kyrgyz Interim Government Winds Its Way Through Obstacles RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- Less than two months after the bloody political upheaval that resulted in regime change in Bishkek, life seems to have returned to normal in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan Offers Rewards For Bakiev Kin RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- Kyrgyz authorities are promising cash rewards for help in locating fugitive relatives of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev.
Kyrgyz authorities offer cash reward for information on whereabouts of Bakiyev's relatives RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- An order offering a cash reward for any information about the whereabouts of ousted Kyrgyz president Bakiyev's relatives was signed.
Leader Of Kyrgyz Communists Transferred From Jail RFE/RL 28 May 2010 -- The jailed leader of the Kyrgyz Communist Party was released from detention today and transferred to house arrest.

Nepal on the brink of political chaos: Report IRNA 28 May 2010 -- With barely hours left for the term of the Constituent Assembly to end, Nepal sank close to political chaos with the rival parties deadlocked.

Jamaica Unrest Death Toll Reaches 73 VOA 28 May 2010 -- Jamaican police say 73 people have been killed since authorities launched an assault Sunday for an alleged drug lord wanted by the United States.

Clinton Prods Sri Lanka on Reconciliation Commission VOA 28 May 2010 -- US Secretary of State Clinton: Reconciliation commission being set up by Sri Lanka to look into the armed conflict that ended there a year ago must be seen as independent, competent and impartial.
Sri Lanka rejects demand for probe into rights violation IRNA 28 May 2010 -- Sri Lanka has rejected demands from the global community for an independent probe into the alleged human rights violations.

Jonathan Frontrunner for Next Year's Vote in Nigeria VOA 28 May 2010 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has less than a year to finish out the term of the country's late president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

EU Observers Praise Burundi Election Despite Opposition Complaints VOA 28 May 2010 -- Despite two delays and opposition complaints, the head of the European Union election observer mission said the vote met international standards.

Poland satisfied with Russia's probe into Kaczynski plane crash RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Poland is content with Russia's investigation into the plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski.
Russia to give Poland data recorders from president's plane on May 31 RIA Novosti 28 May 2010 -- Russia will give Poland the flight data recorders of the Polish presidential plane that crashed in western Russia in April.

Thales Alenia Space announces start of Yamal-400 programme Thales 28 May 2010 -- Thales Alenia Space announced today the official start of the Yamal-400 program for Russian operator Gazprom Space Systems (GSS). The two satellites in this programme, Yamal-401 and Yamal-402, will provide both fixed communications and broadcast services.

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