News

16 February 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 16 Feb 2011 [PDF]

Enterprise Strike Group Transits Suez Canal, Enters US 5th Fleet NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- Enterprise Carrier Strike Group transited the Suez Canal and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Feb. 15.

Iraqi Defector Says He Lied Over Weapons Claims RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- An Iraqi defector who allegedly convinced officials that former leader Saddam Hussein had a bio-weapons program has admitted that he lied.
GWTC tailors training to fit Iraqi combat roles Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- Iraqi Army battalions continue to train at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center near Mosul.
Iraqis Attack Government Offices Over Public Services RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Around 2,000 people attacked government offices and tried to set fire to the governor's house to protest poor public services.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Attackers in Afghanistan AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- Afghan and coalition killed four insurgents in Afghanistan’s Kunar province yesterday, military officials reported.
Troops bring security to remote Afghan checkpoint Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- In a remote and rural province like Uruzgan, even the smallest presence can have a huge impact on the local population.
EU police mission in Afghanistan 'flawed', UK report warns IRNA 16 Feb 2011 -- The EU’s Police Mission in Afghanistan was flawed and risks failing in an area where the EU should be showing leadership.
Women's shura convenes for first time in 2 years Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- The group was in Jaji Maidan for one purpose: conduct the coalition's first women's shura, or formal meeting, in the last two years.

Defense Policy / Programs

US confirms $50 mln for Ukraine's nuclear security RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- The US has officially confirmed that it will render Ukraine $50 million to support the country's nuclear security program.
Russian, U.S. generals to discuss nuclear terrorism in Lisbon RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- Russian and U.S. generals will meet in Lisbon in June to discuss cooperation in fighting nuclear terrorism.

Programs Will Suffer Without Adequate Funding, Mullen Says AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- Military programs will suffer if the Defense Department’s budget for fiscal 2011 isn’t passed immediately.
Gates Tells Congress Funding Cuts Would Cause Crisis AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department would face a crisis if it’s forced to continue operating under a continuing resolution or doesn’t receive the funding it needs.
Acquisition Chief Urges Congress to Pass 2011 Appropriation AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department’s chief acquisition officer today added his voice to calls for Congress to approve the DOD appropriations bill for fiscal 2011.
Pentagon Comptroller Explains Budget Issues AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department’s top financial official warned of a disruption in war funding and other likely effects if Congress continues to force the military to operate on continuing resolutions.
US Administration Calls on Congress to Continue Foreign Military Aid VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Senior US defense officials appealed to the Congress not to cut military aid programs.

Panel Chosen for Sentencing Portion of Detainee Trial AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- A military commission panel of officers will determine the sentence detainee Noor Uthman Muhammed will serve.

Science Chief Charts Future Technologies AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- No one argues with the notion that the quality of its people makes the U.S. military the best in the world.
Gates Welcomes House Vote Against Extra F-35 Engine AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today welcomed the full House of Representatives vote to kill the extra engine for the F-35 joint strike fighter.
Adjustments Put F-35 on Track, Program Director Says AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department’s joint strike fighter program is on track to field the F-35 Lightning II in fiscal 2016.
Gates, Mullen Support Force Reduction Plans AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- Reductions in end strength for the Army and Marine Corps beginning in 2015 will be conditions-based.
Airmen assist in Air Force-wide missile modification AFNS 16 Feb 2011 -- Members of the 86th Munitions Squadron here recently assisted a joint air to surface standoff missile team in a weeklong project of modifying several missiles as part of an Air Force-wide initiative.
Brigade Modernization Command Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- Brigade Modernization Command (BMC) is the new name for the Future Force Integration Directorate, part of the Army Capabilities Integration Center.
'Raven' sees all in battle Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- E Company, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, will wrap up another Raven Operators Course at Lee Field, a training area in the outskirts of Sand Hill.
Army armors more heavy tactical trucks Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- The Army has introduced modular, add-on armor capability to key portions of its fleet of heavy tactical trucks.
"Lakota" flies first mission in the National Capital Region Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- The first operational mission of the Army's latest helicopter to fly in the National Capital Region, the "Lakota" UH-72A, took place Feb. 11.
PM WIN-T employee ensures SATCOM equipment is up and running Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- Still early in his career, Marc Crudo has well-exceeded the requirements of Project Manager, Warfighter Information Network-Tactical.
Navy Team a World Leader in Nuclear Radiological Detection NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- Naval Postgraduate School experimental team on the cutting edge of network-controlled maritime stand-off nuclear radiological threat detection.
Military Doesn't Tolerate Sexual Assault, Leaders Tell Congress AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department has zero tolerance for sexual assaults and is making headway in preventing them and taking aggressive action when they occur.
Big 'E,' Kearsarge, Work Together in Red Sea NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- USS Enterprise and USS Kearsarge steamed alongside each other in the Red Sea to conduct a photo exercise and host leadership visits, Feb. 16.
USS GHW Bush Departs Mayport NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- USS George H.W. Bush completed a successful port visit aboard Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Feb. 11-14.
USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Singapore NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- USS Abraham Lincolnand embarked Carrier Air Wing 2 arrived in Singapore, Feb. 16.
USS Monterey Visits Key West NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- USS Monterey completed a successful port visit in Key West, Fla., Feb. 14, wrapping up the ship's composite training unit exercise.
USS Mitscher Wraps Up COMPTUEX, Visits Port Everglades NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- USS Mitscher departed Port Everglades, Fla., Feb. 14, following a port visit that marked her completion of a Composite Training Unit Exercise.
Army Pilots Conduct Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Gunston Hall NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- U.S. Army pilots with Joint Task Force Bravo, completed annual deck landing qualifications on board USS Gunston Hall.
Air Defenders conduct sling load operation in Korea Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- Missile sling load operation is part of 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment's field training exercise conducted at Suwon and Osan Air Base.
U.S., Malaysian Forces Conduct Joint Aviation Exercise NNS 16 Feb 2011 -- Aircraft from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group participated in a joint aerial combat training exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Feb 14.
New fuel savings concept evaluated at JB McGuire AFNS 16 Feb 2011 -- As the Air Force's largest consumer of aviation fuel, Air Mobility Command officials are taking a leadership role in efforts to reduce fuel consumption across all mobility Air Force missions.
Royal Thai, U.S. Marines conduct mock raid from the sea USMC News 16 Feb 2011 -- Royal Thai and U.S. Marines maneuvered around the objective area during exercise Cobra Gold 2011.
New Strategy Shows Importance of Space Domain, Lynn Says AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department’s release last month of the first U.S. National Security Space Strategy underscores the importance of the domain.
Lynn Gains IT Industry's Cybersecurity Perspective AFPS 16 Feb 2011 -- Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III returned yesterday from a two-day cybersecurity-focused trip here that included a keynote speech and meetings with industry leaders.
Army Reserve breaks ground on new facility Army News 16 Feb 2011 -- Construction of the new $19.6 million headquarters for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve officially began here, Monday, with a ceremonial groundbreaking on the future site of the 88,000-square-foot facility.

Russia's second S-400 missile unit enters service RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- The strategic command of Russia's space defense forces took delivery of its second unit of S-400 Triumf missile systems.

Iran deploys two warships to Mediterranean, Israel calls move 'provocation' RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- Israeli FM Lieberman called two Iranian warships heading to the Mediterranean Sea a "provocation."

Chinese Minister of Public Security on Sino-DPRK Friendship KCNA 16 Feb 2011 -- The Sino-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations are steadily growing stronger, said Meng Jianzhu, minister of Public Security.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 2/16/2011 The White House 16 Feb 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, February 16, 2011 US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 16, 2011
U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin Highlight M-TADS/PNVS Performance As Production Reaches 1,000 Systems Lockheed Martin 16 Feb 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] marked the delivery of the 1,000th Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system to the U.S. Army at ceremonies held today at Lockheed Martin facilities in Ocala and Orlando, FL. M-TADS/PNVS, also known as Arrowhead®, is the advanced targeting and pilotage system for the U.S. Army’s AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.
Airbus Military A400M begins refuelling trials with RAF VC10 EADS 16 Feb 2011 -- Airbus Military has begun air-to-air refuelling trials of the A400M airlifter using a Vickers VC10 tanker of the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) operating from Toulouse.
Northrop Grumman Submits Bid for Air Force's Air and Space Operations Center Competition Northrop Grumman 16 Feb 2011 -- A team led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has submitted its bid for the U.S. Air Force's Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) modernization program.
Lockheed Martin Completes Final Installations on First of its Kind Missile Warning Spacecraft Lockheed Martin 16 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) team has finished final installations on the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite and successfully completed the spacecraft’s final factory confidence test in preparation for delivery to the launch site.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 16 February 2011 United Nations 16 Feb 2011
Partnership between UN and Member States key to effective peacekeeping UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The success of UN peacekeeping depends on a strong partnership between the world body and Member States.

Security Council extends deployment of extra troops in Côte d'Ivoire UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The Security Council today decided to extend up to three months the temporary redeployment of United Nations peacekeeping units from Liberia to Côte d’Ivoire.
Displaced in Ivory Coast Need More Shelter VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- The UN refugee agency says it has begun work on a new camp for internally displaced people in western Ivory Coast.

South Sudan Reports Progress on Seperation Issues VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- South Sudan is reporting progress on issues that remain to be resolved with the northern Khartoum government.
Lack of Infrastructure a Major Challenge for South Sudan VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- South Sudan is due to become the world’s 193rd nation on July 9, following a referendum last month in which nearly 99 percent of its voters chose to separate from Sudan.

Darfur: UN-African peacekeepers to set up quick reaction force to protect civilians UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur has significantly stepped up its patrols in the strife-torn region of Sudan.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Concerns rise over human rights abuses IRIN 16 Feb 2011 -- Attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army in parts of the Central African Republic have created a complex situation.

DR Congo: rebel leader abandons armed group under UN demobilisation scheme UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The United Nations peacekeeping force in the DRC reported that a senior member of troublesome armed group has turned himself in.

Terrorist Wave Raises Doubts About Moscow's North Caucasus Strategy RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Russia's volatile North Caucasus region has been rocked by a spate of fresh violence.
New Insurgent Group Emerges In North Caucasus RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Kabardino-Balkar-Karachai insurgency wing commander Asker Djappuyev's "general mobilization" also extends to neighboring Karachayevo-Cherkessia?

Belarus parliament not to discuss recognition of Georgian republics RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- The Belarusian parliament will not discuss the possible recognition of the former Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Russian coast guard denies shooting at Japanese fishing boat near Kuril Islands RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- The Russian Coast Guard denied Japanese media reports that it had opened fire on a Japanese fishing vessel off the disputed South Kuril islands.

UN-Backed Tribunal for Lebanon Sets Rules VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- A U.N.-backed tribunal investigating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has issued some key guidelines for prosecution of the case.

Sierra Leone Police Official: Security Improving VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police has told VOA the current security situation in the country is significantly improving following the country’s 11-year civil war that left at least 50,000 dead.

Kosovo: UN envoy calls for probe into allegations of human organ trafficking UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The top United Nations official in Kosovo called for an urgent investigation into allegations that members of the ethnic Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army trafficked in human organs in 1999.

News Reports

Mullen Warns Against Cutting US Aid to Egypt VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- The top U.S. military officer, Admiral Michael Mullen, has warned against cutting U.S. military aid to countries like Egypt.
UN human rights office plans to send mission to Egypt after transition UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights plans to send a team of officials to Egypt following the recent leadership change in the country.
Labor Unrest Spreads Throughout Egypt VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Thousands of Egyptian workers are on strike Wednesday, demanding better pay and work conditions, following anti-government protests that led to former President Hosni Mubarak's resignation.
Rural Egyptians Welcome Change, Economic Worries Linger VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- The Egyptian village of Kafr Torky lies along the banks of the Nile, seemingly a world away from the passions that played out further north.
The Egyptian Economy: Facing the Unknown VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- As Egypt works to replace the government of President Hosni Mubarak, the country’s financial future is still far from certain.

In Iran, Call For Opposition Leaders' Executions Sign Of 'Panic' RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- The scene from Iran's parliament on February 15, the day after large antigovernment protests, could have been mistaken for a street demonstration itself.
Clashes In Iran As Regime Backers Call For Execution Of Opposition Leaders RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Violence has erupted on the streets of Tehran during the funeral of a student who was shot dead during an antigovernment protest on February 14.
Iranian Govt. Calls for Friday Rally to Show 'Hatred' for Opposition VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Iran's clerical establishment has called for a major rally in Tehran on Friday, to express what it calls its "hatred" of reformists.

Police disperse anti-government demonstration in Libya RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- At least 14 people were injured when police dispersed an anti-government demonstration in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi.
Hundreds of Libyans Stage Anti-Government Protest VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Hundreds of Libyans have staged an anti-government protest in the country's second-largest city, Benghazi, chanting slogans denouncing Libyan leaders and fighting with police.
Anti-Government Protests Break Out in Libya VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Libyan protesters clashed with police Wednesday in an anti-government demonstration inspired by the uprisings that brought down the rulers of Libya's neighbors, Egypt and Tunisia.

Bahrain's Security Forces Crack Down on Protesters VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Bahrain's military says it has taken control of parts of the capital after riot police stormed a main square in Manama early Thursday to drive out thousands of demonstrators.
Stop using excessive force against protesters, UN rights chief tells Bahrain UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- The UN human rights chief has voiced alarm at the excessive use of force by authorities in Bahrain.
Anti-Government Protests Continue in Bahrain VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Opposition supporters in Bahrain have held protests for a third straight day, calling for more rights and for the prime minister to step down.
Thousands Protest in Bahrain for 3rd Day VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Thousands of Bahrainis are holding a third day of anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Manama.

Yemeni Government Loyalists Continue Attacks on Opposition VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Hundreds of Yemeni government loyalists armed with batons and daggers assaulted student demonstrators.

Clashes Reported In Libya, As Protests Continue In Bahrain, Yemen RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Clashes were reported today between protesters and police in Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city.
More Protests Reported In Bahrain, Yemen RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Thousands of protesters are gathering in Bahrain's capital, Manama, after two days of antigovernment demonstations left two people dead.

Azerbaijanis Protest Over Energy Shortages RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- Hundreds of people in the Nardaran village near the Azerbaijani capital of Baku have rallied to protest a lack of gas and electricity.

Honesty to bring successful talks with G5+1: President IRNA 16 Feb 2011 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Talks with the G5+1 will have positive outcomes if this group behaves in an honest way.
Ahmadinejad stresses further talks on nuclear issue ISNA 16 Feb 2011 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said there is no other way but further talks on Iran's nuclear issue.
U.S. Investigating If Venezuela Sent Gasoline To Iran RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. State Department is investigation information that Venezuela violated U.S. sanctions by sending gasoline to Iran.
President: Sanctions have no effect on Iran IRNA 16 Feb 2011 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Sanctions have no effect on Iran's economy, adding that in a world with close economic competitions sanctions have no meaning.

Kerry Tries To Calm Dispute Over U.S. Man RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- US Senator John Kerry is meeting top Pakistani leaders in an effort to smooth over differences on the detention of a jailed American.
Top U.S. senator in Pakistan to resolve diplomatic row IRNA 16 Feb 2011 -- U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry arrived in Pakistan for talks over the fate of U.S. employee.
Pakistan PM Says Courts to Decide Diplomatic Status of Detained American VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Pakistan's prime minister says country's courts will decide whether a U.S. consulate employee has diplomatic immunity.

Senior Burmese General Quits Parliament VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Burmese news reports say a former top member of Burma's military government has resigned his seat in parliament, in a surprise move less than three weeks after he was sworn in.

EU Renews Sanctions Against Zimbabwe VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- EU sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and most of his colleagues in the ZANU-PF party have been renewed.
Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai Says Gov't Polarized, Refuses Rush to Elections VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- PM Tsvangirai said progress under the power-sharing arrangement has been stalled by the "increased polarization" of its parties.

Opposition Uganda Candidate Predicts 'Hugely Flawed' Election VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- Leader of Uganda’s main opposition Forum for Democratic Change: Opponents of incumbent President Yoweri Museveni will be participating in what he described as a totally sham election.
Uganda's Electoral Commission Chairman Promises Fair Elections VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- The chairman of Uganda’s electoral commission has promised a credible general election on Friday.

Belarusian Opposition Activist Trials To Start RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- The first Belarusian activist charged with organizing mass disorder during postelection demonstrations in December will face trial on February 17.

Khodorkovsky judge will not press charges against whistleblower aide RIA Novosti 16 Feb 2011 -- Judge who sentenced Khodorkovsky will not seek the prosecution of an aide who claimed the verdict was ordered from above.

Remarks at the Launch of Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2011
U.S. Government Launches Civil-Society Strategic Dialogue RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has opened the government's first-ever strategic dialogue with civil-society members, pledging U.S. support for champions of human rights.
The EU's New Diplomatic Service Gets Off To A Shaky Start RFE/RL 16 Feb 2011 -- As the crisis in Egypt developed, the European Union's top diplomat, Catherine Ashton, toiled behind the scenes, working to forge a consensus on the issue among the EU's 27 member states.

UN agency on 'red alert' as soaring food prices threaten millions of world's poorest UN News Centre 16 Feb 2011 -- Record high food prices are putting added pressure on the United Nations agency that helps feed nearly 100 million of the world’s poorest people.
Skyrocketing Food Prices Push Millions into Extreme Poverty VOA 16 Feb 2011 -- The head of the World Bank says a sharp rise in food prices has pushed 44 million people into extreme poverty.

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