News

02 June 2010 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 02 Jun 2010 [PDF]

Airpower Summary: May 31 AFNS 02 Jun 2010

Al Asad Aerial Porters prepare for drawdown AFNS 02 Jun 2010 -- Airmen from the 532nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron transitioned from redeploying Marines deployed here to the upcoming drawdown of troops.
JET Airmen represent crown jewel of operation in Iraq AFNS 02 Jun 2010 -- Most Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing are stationed at Joint Base Balad, but some find themselves at forward operating bases throughout the country as joint expeditionary tasked Airmen.

Coalition forces defend base, thwart enemy AFNS 02 Jun 2010 -- Coalition security forces at Kandahar Airfield repelled attempts by insurgents to penetrate the perimeter and collectively defended the base May 22.
Cautious Optimism Greets Afghan Peace Council RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010 -- To some, the rumblings of reason have been echoing across the mountainous Afghanistan for weeks as delegates made their way to the Consultative Peace Jirga that began today in Kabul
Insurgent Violence Mars Start Of Afghan 'Peace Jirga' RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010 -- A three-day peace council in the Afghan capital, Kabul, is continuing, despite insurgent attacks within minutes of its opening.
Explosions, Gunfire Mar Opening of Afghan Peace Jirga VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- The streets of Kabul echoed with insurgent gunfire and explosions late Wednesday morning as representatives from all over Afghanistan met for the first day of the National Consultative Peace Jirga.
Forces Seize Taliban ‘Shadow Governor’ in Afghanistan AFPS 02 Jun 2010 -- The newly appointed Taliban shadow governor of Baghlan province was captured May 31 by an Afghan-international force as he prepared to leave for Pakistan.
Afghanistan Army on ‘Glide Path’ to Meeting Quality, Growth Goals AFPS 02 Jun 2010 -- Just six months after activating the NATO Training Mission- Afghanistan, one of the command’s deputy commanders said that changes to the training program have produced marked improvements in the quality of troops entering the Afghan National Army.
North Dakota Soldiers in Afghanistan Completing Major Move Army News 02 Jun 2010 -- North Dakota National Guard Soldiers in Afghanistan have been finishing the details of a major equipment move that began two months ago.
UN-backed peace initiative kicks off in Afghan capital UN News Centre 02 Jun 2010 -- Some 1,600 participants from across Afghanistan gathered in the capital, Kabul, today to kick off a United Nations-backed event aimed at charting the way forward in bringing peace and stability to the country.
U.S. Military Halts Refueling Flights From Kyrgyzstan's Manas Facility RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010 -- The U.S. military has stopped refueling tanker aircraft at Kyrgyzstan's Manas air base as officials from both sides renegotiate a fuel contract, the Pentagon says.
First female Danish soldier killed in Afghanistan IRNA 02 Jun 2010 -- The first female Danish soldier has died during a tour of duty in Afghanistan, the Danish military command announced in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
RCT-7 over the hump: Marines reflect on past months, anticipate remaining time in Afghanistan USMC News 02 Jun 2010 -- Lance Cpl. Benjamin E. Palmer deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7 to Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan in October 2009, as part of the first full-sized RCT to stand up in Afghanistan.

North Dakota Soldiers Busy with Missions in Haiti Army News 02 Jun 2010 -- While U.S. Southern Command's earthquake disaster response in Haiti officially ended yesterday, humanitarian and construction work continue there. That mission, dubbed New Horizons, incorporates about 500 National Guard Soldiers, with 21 hailing from the North Dakota National Guard.

Defense Policy / Programs

UN independent expert voices concerns over the practice of targeted killings UN News Centre 02 Jun 2010 -- A United Nations independent human rights expert today sounded the alarm about the practice of targeted killings, saying it had a tenuous legal basis and could undermine the rules that aim to prevent extrajudicial executions and guarantee people the right to life.

Asia Summit to Kick-Off Five-Nation Gates Trip AFPS 02 Jun 2010 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today embarked on a five-nation trip that will begin with his participation in a major Asian security conference in Singapore.
China Says Timing 'Not Convenient' for Gates Visit VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- U.S. officials say Defense Secretary Robert Gates has called off plans to travel to China this week because the Chinese government said the timing of a planned visit was "not convenient."

Six Programs Certified for Oversight Under Nunn-McCurdy Law AFPS 02 Jun 2010 -- The Department of Defense has certified that six acquisition programs – including the Joint Strike Fighter and the DDG-1000 destroyer – should continue under Nunn-McCurdy legislation.
Team SPAWAR Marks 5,000 M-ATV Integration Milestone Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic marked a milestone June 1 by integrating the 5,000 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All Terrain Vehicle.
Underwood, HSL 60 Support Relief Efforts in Guatemala Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- USS Underwood (FFG 36), along with her embarked Helicopter Squadron Anti-Submarine Light (HSL 60) detachment, arrived off the coast of Guatemala May 31 to assist in humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) efforts.
UNITAS 51 Atlantic Phase Comes to a Close Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- Rear Adm. Vic Guillory, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet thanked the Argentine navy for introducing another generation of officers and enlisted personnel to Unitas 51 as the Atlantic phase of the exercise came to a close May 26 at the Armada de la Republica Argentina headquarters in Buenos Aires.
Destroyer Squadron 50 Changes Command Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 held a change of ceremony ceremony aboard coastal patrol ship USS Chinook (PC 9) in Manama June 1.
USS Columbus Returns to Pearl Harbor Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear powered submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam May 28, following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.
USS Chung-Hoon Deploys to Western Pacific Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for an independent deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility in the western Pacific June 1.
USS Bonhomme Richard Commences Dawn Blitz 2010 Navy NewsStand 02 Jun 2010 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed San Diego June 1 to participate in Exercise Dawn Blitz 2010.
US, India Meet for Strategic Dialogue VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Officials from India are in Washington this week to participate in a Strategic Dialogue with their U.S. counterparts. India's Minister for External Affairs, S.M. Krishna, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are leading the comprehensive discussions. Topics of the talks are expected to include energy, agriculture, science and technology, health, education, defense and counter-terrorism.
United States, Bangladesh to begin Pacific Angel efforts AFNS 02 Jun 2010 -- U.S. officials are scheduled to provide humanitarian and civic assistance in cooperation with local authorities to residents in western Bangladesh as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2010 in mid-June.
DoD News: 2010 DACOWITS Committee Members Announced DoD 02 Jun 2010 -- The Department of Defense announced today selection of the new chairwoman and nine appointees to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS).
Technology to Drive New, Better Ways to Educate the Force AFPS 02 Jun 2010 -- Got a cell phone handy? It could be your ticket to keeping up with your professional development requirements.
Lynn: Military Practices Energy, Environmental Stewardship AFPS 02 Jun 2010 -- The winners of the annual Secretary of Defense environmental awards employ conservation and sustainability policies on their installations that support the nation’s environmental and security strategies, Pentagon officials said today.
Tiger Squadron, 3rd ACR support Iraqi Army to free Kut Adeera Army News 02 Jun 2010 -- White grenade smoke filled the air and gunfire rang out as vehicles quickly positioned themselves to react to enemy fire at the front gate of the town of Kut Adeera, Iraq.
"Lancers" conduct land navigation training Army News 02 Jun 2010 -- Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted land navigation training, May 26, to prepare themselves for the upcoming Iron Warrior Stakes competition to be held in June.
Army testing green laser kits in Afghanistan Army News 02 Jun 2010 -- The Army's Program Executive Office Soldier is fielding several Green Laser Escalation of Force kits to units in Afghanistan for operational assessment.
Army Testing Rugged, Autonomous Robot Vehicle Army News 02 Jun 2010 -- The U.S. Army's Autonomous Platform Demonstrator (APD), is a 9.6 ton, 6 wheeled, hybrid-electric robotic vehicle currently undergoing developmental and mobility testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.; the demonstrator vehicle represents the state of the art in unmanned ground vehicle mobility technology.
Macedonian forces begin training alongside U.S. Marines USMC News 02 Jun 2010 -- Macedonian soldiers kicked off two weeks of training alongside U.S. Marines at Romania’s Babadag Training Area, May 31.
93 years in the waiting: 5th and 6th Marines return to Belleau Wood USMC News 02 Jun 2010 -- In the summer of 1918 two regiments of Marines arrived in the Picardy region of north-central France as part of the American Expeditionary Force. With combat experience limited to ship-born detachments and small land engagements, the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments would soon find themselves making history in the wheat fields and forests around a small village called Belleau.
Clinton hails Romania's willingness to host U.S. missiles RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Romania's readiness to host U.S. missile defense systems demonstrates its 'serious' attitude to global security, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has said.

New MPs join lobby against UK’s replacement of Trident IRNA 02 Jun 2010 -- A number of newly-elected MPs from different parties were handing in a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron Wednesday calling for action by his coalition government on nuclear disarmament.

Russia to transfer its Nerpa nuclear sub to India in autumn 2010 RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Russia will transfer its Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine for a 10 year-lease to India in the autumn, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation has said.

Pakistan Navy inducts 2 U.S.-Maritime Patrol Aircraft IRNA 02 Jun 2010 -- U.S. and Pakistani officials Tuesday commemorated the delivery of two P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft to the Government of Pakistan from the United States, the U.S, embassy said.

Defense ministry denies report about missile testing CNA 02 Jun 2010 -- A magazine report about a medium-range missile test-firing plan is not accurate, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement Wednesday, without elaborating.

Russia to supply Su-30, Yak-130 planes to Algeria in 2011 RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Russia will supply Su-30 Flanker fighters and Yak-130 Mitten trainer/light attack jets to Algeria in 2011, the deputy head of the Russian Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation, Vyacheslav Dzirkalin, said.
Algeria, Libya set to buy Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense systems RIA Novosti 30 Jun 2010 -- Algeria and Libya are ready to buy Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense systems, deputy head of the Russian Military-Technical Cooperation Service Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said on Wednesday.
Russia, UAE hold talks on modernizing BMP-3 infantry vehicles RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Russia and the United Arab Emirates are holding negotiations on modernizing a large number of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, a defense industry official said on Wednesday.

Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton Aboard Air Force One En Route Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The White House 02 Jun 2010
June 2, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 02 Jun 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 02, 2010
Northrop Grumman's Viper Strike Being Added to KC-130J Arsenal Northrop Grumman 02 Jun 2010 -- The U.S. Marine Corps Harvest Hawk aircraft will soon be equipped with Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) -built Viper Strike stand-off precision guided munition as part of an effort under way to bring greater utility to the Marines' KC-130J refueling and cargo aircraft.
Oshkosh Defense and General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada to Showcase Mission-Proven Vehicle Platforms at CANSEC 2010 Oshkosh 02 Jun 2010 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), and General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada will be exhibiting Oshkosh’s MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) and Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) in the Valley Associates booth at CANSEC 2010, which is taking place June 2-3 in Ottawa, Ontario.
U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61TM Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan Sikorsky 02 Jun 2010 -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced that the U.S. State Department has accepted the first two modernized S-61TM aircraft that will support missions for the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Other Conflicts

2 June 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Jun 2010

Press Conference by Security Council President on Work Programme for June United Nations 02 Jun 2010

Situation on Korean Peninsula explosive - Lavrov RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- The situation on the Korean Peninsula is explosive and dialogue on North Korea's nuclear program should be continued, the Russian foreign minister said Wednesday.
Russia, South Korea to discuss Cheonan issue Thursday RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Talks between the Russia and South Korean deputy foreign ministers on the sinking of the South Korean Cheovan corvette will be held in Moscow on Thursday, a source at the Russian Foreign Ministry's Asia department said.
S. Korea to discuss in Moscow taking Cheonan issue to UN RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Seoul is seeking an agreement from Russia to take the Cheonan issue to the UN Security Council, a high-ranking diplomat in Seoul said prior to leaving for talks in Moscow.
U.S., S.Korea to hold large-scale military drills in Yellow Sea RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- The U.S. and South Korea will hold large-scale naval exercises in the Yellow Sea next week to send a "strong signal" to Pyongyang, the Yonhap news agency said, quoting a South Korean defense official.

UN rights body votes to dispatch probe into ‘attack’ on Gaza aid convoy UN News Centre 02 Jun 2010 -- Strongly condemning Israel’s actions against the humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted today to dispatch an independent, international probe into violations of international law resulting from Monday’s incident.
General Assembly President and Qatari leader discuss Gaza flotilla raid UN News Centre 02 Jun 2010 -- The Israeli military “attack” on the humanitarian flotilla headed for Gaza, which led to the deaths of 10 civilians, was among the issues discussed by General Assembly President Ali Treki during a meeting in Doha with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Netanyahu Rejects Criticism of Deadly Raid on Gaza Activist Flotilla VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected criticism of his commandos' storming of an activist flotilla that was trying to break the blockade on Gaza. The raid, Monday, killed nine activists. International criticism is growing, but as our correspondent reports, Israel is not bowing to international pressure for it to lift the blockade on the Palestinian enclave.
Israel Begins Deportation Of Aid Flotilla Activists RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010 -- Israel has begun expelling the hundreds of activists seized during a commando raid on an international aid convoy sailing toward Gaza.
Israel Deports Flotilla Activists, Criticism About Raid Continues VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Israel says it is speeding up deportation of hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists who were aboard ships stormed by Israeli commandos this week. The raid in the Mediterranean this week killed nine activists and sparked a storm of worldwide protests.
Turkish Parliament Calls for Review of Ties With Israel VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Lawmakers in the Turkish parliament are urging the government to review political, economic and military ties with Israel in the wake of Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Israeli attack on aid convoy again draws worldwide attention to Gaza RIA Novosti 30 Jun 2010 -- The humanitarian crisis which hit the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli blockade once again came into focus on Wednesday with many states calling for a lifting of the embargo in connection with the recent deadly attack on a humanitarian aid convoy.
Gaza refuses to accept Freedom Flotilla cargo from Israel RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Authorities in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday refused to accept humanitarian cargo seized by Israeli authorities during their deadly attack on an international aid convoy in neutral waters.
Israel plotted aid convoy attack - Palestinian diplomat RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- The Israeli siege of a Gaza-bound international aid convoy in neutral waters was carefully planned by the Israeli leadership, the Palestinian ambassador to Moscow said on Wednesday.
Turkey to press for UN commission to probe Freedom Flotilla siege RIA Novosti 30 Jun 2010 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday his country would begin talks with the UN on establishing an international commission to probe Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla aid convoy.
Israel to continue sea blockade of Gaza Strip - Netanyahu RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Despite criticism from the international community, Israel will continue its blockade of the Islamist-run Gaza Strip from the sea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

At ICC review conference, nations reaffirm commitment to Rome Statute UN News Centre 02 Jun 2010 -- More than 80 nations have reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome Statue, which led to the founding of the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing the crucial role of justice in achieving sustainable peace.
Ban unveils new head of UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus UN News Centre 02 Jun 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appointed Lisa Buttenheim of the United States as his Special Representative and top United Nations official in Cyprus, where UN-backed talks are being held in a bid to reunify the island.
DRC-CONGO: Security improves for DRC refugees IRIN 02 Jun 2010 -- Humanitarian access in Impfondo, in the northern Likouala region of the Republic of Congo (ROC), has improved following the reinforcement of security, say officials.
SRI LANKA: New deadline for IDP resettlement IRIN 02 Jun 2010 -- The Sri Lankan government has issued a new deadline to resettle tens of thousands of conflict-displaced still living in camps.
AFRICA: Habré trial would be a blow to impunity IRIN 02 Jun 2010 -- Parties to the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, are meeting in Uganda to review progress and reaffirm a commitment to fighting impunity. Human rights and legal experts say bringing former Chadian leader Hissène Habré to trial is indispensable to ensuring that such international treaties are more than words on paper.
Peace process with ULFA in limbo once again IRNA 02 Jun 2010 -- The peace process with the outlawed ULFA in India’s Northeastern state of Assam is in a limbo once again.
24 Dead in Central Somalia Fighting VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Reports from central Somalia say fierce fighting between a pro-government militia and Islamist rebels has left at least 24 people dead and dozens others wounded.

News Reports

UK changes goal-posts in dispute over Iran’s nuclear program IRNA 02 Jun 2010 -- The British government has welcomed Turkey and Brazil's efforts to secure a deal with Iran but insists that the resulting ground-breaking Tehran Declaration does not go far enough even though it was encouraged by the US.
Larijani: Tehran Declaration a test for West IRNA 02 Jun 2010 -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said here Wednesday the May 17 Tehran Declaration is a test for western states.
Green Supporters Want West To Help Iranians Access Internet, Uncensored Information RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010 -- Human rights activists and supporters of the opposition Green Movement in Iran are increasing their calls on the United States and other countries to help Iranians access an unfiltered Internet by lifting sanctions and sharing key software and technology.
Iran: Sanctions Resolution Basis for Confrontation VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Iran's foreign minister has warned that a move toward new international sanctions against his country is a basis for confrontation.

Terrorists still trying to access nuclear materials - Russia's security chief RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- Terrorists have not given up their attempts to access nuclear materials in Russia and former-Soviet republics, the head of the Russian Federal Security Service said on Wednesday.

Japanese PM Hatoyama Steps Down VOA 01 Jun 2010 -- Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has stepped down, a little more than eight months after taking office. His resignation comes days after he agreed to keep a controversial U.S. Marine base on Japan's southern island of Okinawa, breaking a campaign promise.

EU Commits To Opening Door To Western Balkans, But Warns Progress Still Needed RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010 -- The European Union today reaffirmed its commitment to integrating countries from the western Balkan states, dismissing fears of enlargement fatigue or doubts about the region's stability. In exchange, it requested a commitment from the Balkans to carry out agreed reforms for joining the EU.
Thai Government Wins No-Confidence Vote VOA 02 Jun 2010 -- Thailand's coalition government has survived a no-confidence vote, after debate that focused on the recent anti-government clashes that left more than 80 people dead. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva won the support of 246 members of the 480-seat House, but the debate left divisions within Thailand's government.
Commentary: Unusually Quiet Elections Mark End Of Revolutionary Cycle In Georgia RFE/RL 02 Jun 2010
Kyrgyzstan lifts state of emergency, curfew on South RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2010 -- The Kyrgyz authorities have lifted a state of emergency and curfew in the country's southern city of Jalalabad, an interim government spokesman said on Wednesday.

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