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17 February 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 17 Feb 2011 [PDF]

Taking flight - Guardian Eagles leave for Middle East Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- The last two groups of Soldiers of the 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion set out for their deployment to the Middle East.

Gates Warns Of Security Problems In Iraq After U.S. Withdrawal RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- US Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Iraq will face major security "problems" if U.S. troops leave the country by the end of this year as planned.
State Department Needs Iraq Funding, Gates Says AFPS 17 Feb 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates: US is at risk of losing its gains in Iraq if Congress doesn’t fully fund the State Department’s mission there.
Aviation brigade flies final hours, sees change in Iraq Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- The Army's last active-duty aviation brigade in Iraq is heading home after a year-long deployment in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
MPs deploy to Iraq Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- More than 150 Soldiers of the 59th Military Police Company said goodbye during a ceremony for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.
Sabers finish strong in Kuwait Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- As their time in Kuwait ends, troopers of the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment finalized their preparation through tactical convoy operations training.
Kurdish Guards Fire On Protest In Iraq, Kill Two RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- Kurdish security forces reportedly opened fire on a crowd of protesters calling for political reforms in northern Iraq.
Three Reported Killed In Iraqi Protests RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- Three people were reported killed and at least 14 injured following clashes between protesters and Iraqi security forces in the eastern city of Kut.
One Killed in Northern Iraq Protest VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- At least one person was killed and more than 30 injured during a protest in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniya.

U.S. Airstrike Kills Terrorists in Afghanistan AFPS 17 Feb 2011 -- A U.S. military airstrike yesterday killed a Haqanni terrorist network leader and two other terrorists in the Terayzai district of Afghanistan’s Khost province.
ANA, TF Storm break trail, make difference in Kharwar Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to D/2-30th Infantry and Afghan National Army soldiers conducted foot patrols to show an Afghan government presence in Kharwar district, Afghanistan, Feb. 10 and 12.
NATO, Afghan Forces Capture 3 Insurgent Leaders VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- NATO forces in Afghanistan say coalition and Afghan forces have captured leaders of an insurgent group in the eastern part of Afghanistan.
Gates: U.S. Must Consider Sustainability of Afghan Forces AFPS 17 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department has requested enough money to put the Afghan national security forces in a good position to defend their own country.
AAF graduates first upgrade training class from Shindand Flying Training Center AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- Two Afghan Air Force pilots graduated from the Mi-17 aircraft commander upgrade course Feb. 11.
New building brings equal treatment for security at Kabul airport Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- Ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Women's Customs Search area at Kabul International Airport.
Fort Drum welcomes home 1st BCT Soldiers from Afghanistan Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- One hundred forty-nine Fort Drum Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team received a warm welcome after serving a yearlong tour in Afghanistan.

Pakistan Worries Top Pentagon Officials VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Senior U.S. defense officials expressed serious concern about the situation in Pakistan during a hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill.

Defense Policy / Programs

US, Russia to begin data exchange under START in March RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- The US and Russia will hold their first information exchange on nuclear stockpiles under the START on March 22.
U.S. ready to discuss further arms reduction with Russia RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- The US is ready to discuss further arms reduction efforts with Russia, including tactical nuclear weapons.
U.S. to expand civilian nuclear cooperation with Russia RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- The US will continue to expand its civilian nuclear cooperation with Russia, including reactor development and security of radioactive materials.

Testimony Includes Detainee's Statement, Terrorist Training AFPS 17 Feb 2011 -- Testimony in the sentencing of Noor Uthman Muhammed has ranged from a personal statement to details of his training.

Gates, Mullen Take Budget to Senate Committee AFPS 17 Feb 2011 -- The Defense Department’s request for a $553 billion base budget and an additional $117.8 billion to fund overseas operations for fiscal 2012 is the right amount.
SecAF, CSAF provide FY12 budget details AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided details on the service's fiscal 2012 national defense authorization budget request.
Willard Cites Need for Asia-Pacific Stability AFPS 17 Feb 2011 -- Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard: Asia-Pacific region is the engine of global economic growth now, and the U.S. Pacific Command is a strong force for stability in the area.
Army special ops continues to grow, increase optempo Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- US Army Special Operations Command has more than doubled its manpower since Sept. 11, 2001.
Mission Command Battle Lab supports joint experiment Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- The Mission Command Battle Laboratory will support the Joint Forcible Entry Warfighting Experiment 2011, centered on the mythical country of Ellis, from Feb. 28 to March 17.
New environmental control units keep systems, Soldiers on target Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- In the sweltering temperatures of the Middle East, it's not just Soldiers who can overheat.
Results of command, control training study show roadmap ahead AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- Standardizing command and control training across domains and consolidating training were the main recommendations of a recent independent study.
USS New York Completes Final Contract Trials NNS 17 Feb 2011 -- USS New York successfully completed final contract trials and returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 4.
Cowpens Conducts Lagging Repairs NNS 17 Feb 2011 -- USS Cowpens crew members completed 128 lagging jobs, as well as repairs on several roller chocks and a fuel tank during the ship's nine-day port visit in Singapore at Changi Naval Base in Singapore, Feb. 9.
USS Truxtun Completes COMPTUEX, Begins Joint Task Force Exercise NNS 17 Feb 2011 -- USS Truxtun and its crew of more than 290 Sailors, departed Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 14, for Joint Task Force Exercise as part of the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
USS Gettysburg Completes COMPTUEX NNS 17 Feb 2011 -- USS Gettysburg and embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70, completed a successful Composite Training Unit Exercise as part of the George H.W. Bush Strike Group, Feb. 10.
Security Cooperation for the Army National Guard Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- From an Army National Guard perspective, Security Cooperation forces are mobilized to engage in "self-defense and multinational operations."
U.S., Polish military enhance partnerships through training AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- Airmen from Ramstein Air Base traveled to the 33rd Air Base in Powidz, Poland, Feb. 4 to 12 for a joint training mission with Polish military forces.
Eagle Vision program garners key award for keen Earth observation AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- An Electronic Systems Center program has been named the winner of a prestigious award.
CBRNE command zeros in on ever-changing threats Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- Sixth annual Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Defense Summit underway.
Third Army, 20th Fighter Wing work together to ensure BRAC transition a success Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure committee mandated that Fort McPherson, Ga. close, and the Third Army headquarters be moved to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.
Classy home: Drill Sergeant School ribbon cutting set Army News 17 Feb 2011 -- Corner of Kemper and Marion avenues the site of the new U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School.
US 'Surprised, Concerned' By Argentina's Actions VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- US officials are "surprised and concerned" by an incident last week in which a US military aircraft was searched, and items aboard seized, in Buenos Aires.
Stop loss pay application window closing March 4 AFNS 17 Feb 2011 -- The deadline for eligible members or legally designated beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is coming to a close March 4.

Russia to start building new S-500 air defense missiles by 2014 RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Russia will start serial production of its next-generation S-500 missile system in 2014.

Maintenance of Taiwan's AIM-120 missiles at risk CNA 17 Feb 2011 -- The sustainability of a US-made missile could be at risk because the component makers have withdrawn from the program.

Modernisation of Chinese armed forces a matter of concern IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- Defense Minister A. K. Antony said India needs to carry out a 'comprehensive review' of its defence preparedness and 'remain vigilant' to meet its security challenges.
India desires peaceful relations with all its neighbours: Antony IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- Defense Minister, A K Antony: India has always desired peaceful relations with all its neighbours including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
India to deploy aircraft for anti-piracy in Seychelles IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- India will soon deploy a maritime surveillance aircraft in the Seychelles to carry out reconnaissance over its waters and areas of Gulf of Aden.

Iran: Warships Will Make Suez Passage VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Iranian state media say Tehran is sending two warships through the Suez Canal.
Suez Canal official dismisses Iranian warship report RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- A Suez Canal board member on Thursday quashed reports that two Iranian warships had passed through the waterway en route to Syria.

At Least 20 Killed In Tanzania Explosions VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Tanzanian officials say at least 20 people were killed overnight by a series of explosions at a military munitions dump.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 2/17/2011 The White House 17 Feb 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 17 Feb 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 17, 2011
Boeing EA-18G Growlers Deployed by US Navy Boeing 17 Feb 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft have been deployed for the first time by the U.S. Navy.
Lockheed Martin Receives $34.5 Million Contract For Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb Kits Lockheed Martin 17 Feb 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been awarded a $34.5 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for production of paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) GBU-12 kits. The majority share contract includes deliveries to both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy and is scheduled to begin the second quarter of 2011.
Lockheed Martin Receives $726.6 Million Contract Modification For F-22 Raptor Sustainment Lockheed Martin 17 Feb 2011 -- Lockheed Martin Corp. [NYSE: LMT] has received a $726.6 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force for sustainment of the F-22 Raptor fleet.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services and Alpha Star Aviation Services Plan Joint Venture Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sikorsky 17 Feb 2011 -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) today announced the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) with Alpha Star Aviation Services to engage in discussions to form a joint venture dedicated to providing comprehensive military and commercial aviation support and maintenance services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alpha Star Aviation Services is an aerospace services provider based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 17 February 2011 United Nations 17 Feb 2011
Press Conference by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs on Her Visit to Drought-hit Eastern Africa, 17 February 2011 United Nations 17 Feb 2011

Negotiations Continue at UN on Palestinian Settlements Resolution VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Arab ambassadors continued their closed-door discussions on whether to push for a vote a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution that condemns Jewish settlement construction.
Israeli PM warns Hezbollah RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah against any attempt "to take Galilee."

S. Korea Blamed for Failed Inter-Korean Talks KCNA 17 Feb 2011 -- The south Korean authorities are busy shifting the blame for the failed inter-Korean talks on to the DPRK.
Hu Jintao on Boosting China-DPRK Relations KCNA 17 Feb 2011 -- The Chinese party and government are satisfied with the successful development of the bilateral relations.

Ban calls for end to Côte d'Ivoire post-election crisis UN News Centre 17 Feb 2011 -- With a high-level AU panel due to visit Côte d'Ivoire, Secretary-General Ban called on all sides to fully cooperate.
South Africa President Joins AU Panel Heading to Ivory Coast VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- South African president Jacob Zuma will travel to Mauritania and Ivory Coast as part of the African Union’s initiative aimed at resolving the political crisis in Ivory Coast.

UGANDA: Escalating land disputes in the north IRIN 17 Feb 2011 -- Disputes over land in northern Uganda have escalated, affecting the resettlement plans of former internally displaced people, say locals.

Moscow doubts Saakashvili ready to negotiate RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Moscow is skeptical that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is to rebuild ties with Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.

India conveys "deep concern" to Sri Lanka over fishermen detention IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- India conveyed its 'deep concern' over the detention of 136 Indian fishermen in Jaffna.
Sri Lanka apprehends 24 more Indian fishermen IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- Sri Lankan Police has detained another 24 Indian fishermen, taking to 136 the total number of Tamil Nadu fishermen in their custody in the past two days.

Serbia Wants UN Probe Of Kosovo Organ Trafficking RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has called on the United Nations to conduct an international investigation into allegations that Kosovo's prime minister and his associates were connected to organ trafficking in 1999-2000.

News Reports

Sec. Clinton Remarks With General James E. Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff US Dept. of State 17 Feb 2011
Egypt protestors ignore calls for end of tumult, strikes continue RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Egyptian protestors continued to stage nationwide strikes with no regard to calls from the country's leadership to end the upheavals and return to work.
US Treasury Advises Banks to Monitor Egyptian Transactions VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- The United States Treasury told American banks Wednesday to monitor transactions related to members of ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's government.

Iran Rallies Set for Weekend VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Iran's chief of judiciary: Government will block opposition leaders from making statements to their supporters.
Iran Vows to Block Opposition VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- The head of Iran's judiciary says the government will block opposition leaders from making statements to their supporters.
Head Of Iran's Judiciary Rejects Call For Opposition Executions RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- The head of Iran's judiciary has rejected demands to arrest and execute the country's two main opposition leaders.

Bahrain Locked Down as Military Tightens Grip VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Bahrain's military took control of the capital, hours after riot police firing birdshot, rubber bullets and teargas stormed an anti-government protest camp, killing at least five people and wounding more than 230.
Bahrain Defends Crackdown on Anti-Government Protesters VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Bahrain's foreign minister has defended a security force crackdown on anti-government demonstrators who had camped out in a main square in the capital.
Bahrain: Ban calls for immediate end to violence against demonstrators UN News Centre 17 Feb 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban called for an immediate end to violence against peaceful protesters in Bahrain.
Bahrain's Security Forces Drive Out Protesters from Downtown Square VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Bahrain’s riot police stormed a central gathering of protesters early Thursday, leaving three people dead and hundreds more injured.
Bahrain police use tanks to block demonstrators RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Dozens of tanks have arrived in the centre of the Bahrain's capital, Manama, where demonstrators are demanding political reforms.
UK concerned about death of Bahraini protesters IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- Foreign Secretary William Hague spoke to his Bahraini counterpart to stress the need for “peaceful action to address the concerns of protestors.”
Four people killed, dozens missing after Bahrain police raid IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- At least four people were killed and dozens are missing after Bahraini security forces raided thousands of protesters gathered in the capital's Pearl Square.
At least four dead as police attempt to suppress riots in Bahrain RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- At least four people have died and nearly 100 have been injured in Bahrain's capital of Manama as riot police attempt to suppress demonstrators.
Two dead as police break up protest camp in Bahrain RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Police in the Bahrain capital of Manama killed at least two people on Thursday when they dispersed demonstrations inspired by recent coups in Egypt and Tunisia.

At least 12 killed, dozens injured in Libya protests RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- At least 12 people were killed on Thursday and dozens injured in anti-government protests in Libya's northeastern city of Al-Baida and eastern city of Benghazi.
Libyan Protesters Express Rage, Call for Reforms VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Anti-government protests are reported in several cities in Libya, on what demonstrators are calling a Day of Rage.
Libyan Online Activists Call For 'Day Of Rage' RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- Antigovernment activists have called for a "day of rage" in Libya.

Four Dead In Bahrain Protests; Libya Activists Call For 'Day Of Rage' RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- Bahrain's army says it has taken control of key parts of the capital, Manama.

Yemen Protests Continue for 7th Day VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Protests continue to spread and gain momentum in Yemen for a seventh consecutive day Thursday.
Yemen Security Forces, Government Loyalists Clash With Protesters RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- In Yemen, security forces and government loyalists have clashed with antigovernment protesters on the seventh consecutive day of demonstrations.

Algeria to End State of Emergency, PM Says VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia says the country's 19-year-old state of emergency will be lifted by the end of the month.

Ethiopian Journalist Alleges Detention for Inciting Egypt-Style Protests VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- An Ethiopian journalist says he was detained and harassed by federal police after comparing conditions in Ethiopia to those in North African states hit by people power protests.

Former Tunisian President Reported in Grave Condition VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- News reports say former Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali is in a grave condition in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

IRI FM: Entire required fuel for Bushehr N Plant provided IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- IRI FM Salehi announced entire required fuel for Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is provided and final tests are being conducted.
Russia renews opposition to anti-Iran sanctions IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- Russian FM spokesman Lukashevich: Moscow is strongly against a new round of US-backed UN sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Suspected Iranian Arms Dealer on Trial in Nigeria VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- A suspected Iranian arms dealer is on trial in Nigeria for a shipment of weapons that his attorney says were bound for Gambia.

Pakistani Court Delays Decision on Detained American VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- A Pakistani court has delayed until next month a ruling on whether a detained U.S. State Department has diplomatic immunity.
Court Delays Hearing On Immunity For U.S. Man Held In Pakistan Deaths RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- Lahore's High Court has accepted a request from Pakistan's government to delay hearing.
Pakistan ex-FM says U.S. shooter has no diplomatic immunity IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- Pakistan’s former FM Qureshi disclosed that US Emabssy employee is not entitled to full diplomatic immunity.
Pakistani PM says court to decide fate of US shooter IRNA 17 Feb 2011 -- PM Gilani told top US senator that issue of an American employee, who faces double murder charges, will be decided by Pak courts.

In Kazakhstan's Poll, It's Not 'Who's Gonna Win?' But 'Why Now?' RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- The race is on to see who will be the next Kazakh president and the suspense is, well, nonexistent.

Uganda Electoral Commission Promises Free, Fair Vote Friday VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- An official of Uganda’s electoral commission told VOA the electoral body consulted widely with all participating political parties to put in structures he said would ensure Friday’s parliamentary and presidential election is free and fair.
Claims of Rigging as Uganda Heads to Polls Friday VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a fourth term in the country's national elections Friday.

Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai Repeats His MDC Won't Be Rushed Into Elections VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai reiterated and reinforced the position on election timing he laid out in a speech earlier this week.

Madagascar's Former President Says He Will Return VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Madagascar's ousted president Marc Ravalomanana says he will return home despite a threat by the current government to arrest him on arrival.

Steps taken to prevent repeat of fraud in Haiti's run-off elections, UN envoy says UN News Centre 17 Feb 2011 -- Measures are being taken at the 1,500 voting centres for Haiti’s presidential run-off election next month to prevent a repetition the first round.

Belarus opposition activist jailed for 4 years over poll protests RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- A Minsk court on sentenced Belarusian opposition activist Vasily Parfenkov to four years in prison.
Belarusian Court Sentences Opposition Activist VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- A court in Belarus has sentenced an opposition activist to four years in jail for taking part in a protest following disputed election.
First Anti-Lukashenka Protester Jailed RFE/RL 17 Feb 2011 -- A Belarus court has sentenced an opposition activist to four years in jail for taking part in mass protests in December 2010.

Russia angered by speech of suspected militant in top U.S. university RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2011 -- Russia is outraged after a top U.S. university invited a suspected Russian militant, who is on an international wanted list, as a guest speaker for a panel discussion.
UN rights chief urges Russia to step up efforts to ensure rule of law, accountability UN News Centre 17 Feb 2011 -- The UN human rights chief urged Russian authorities to act without delay on reforms to key institutions.
Europe raps Russia's judiciary over lack of independence, political bias RIA Novosti 15 Feb 2011 -- The European Parliament has criticized Russia's judiciary over its lack of independence and impartiality.

Australia Lacks Confirmation Japan Will Halt Antarctic Whale Hunt VOA 17 Feb 2011 -- Australian officials say they have received no formal word that Japan plans to call off its annual whale hunt.

Orbital Awarded Contract For SES-8 Communications Satellite By SES World Skies Orbital Sciences Corp. 17 Feb 2011 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that one of its major customers, SES of Luxembourg, has placed a firm order for its sixth STARTM communications satellite for its worldwide network. The new satellite, SES-8, will provide Ku-band communication services to India and the Southeast Asia region.
ATV-2 ferry ship: a successful launch with full load of supplies inside its Thales Alenia Space-built cargo module Thales 17 Feb 2011 -- European Space Agency’s second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-2) has been launched yesterday evening by Arianespace from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Christened Johannes Kepler, in honour of the German astronomer and mathematician, the second ATV flight model will rendezvous and dock with the orbiting International Space Station in fully automatic mode after eight days of autonomous flight. The Johannes Kepler ATV will deliver experiments, equipment, spare parts and propellant as well as food and oxygen for the astronauts currently onboard the ISS.

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