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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 25 Feb 2011 [PDF]
• Sailors Provide Continuous Counter-IED Training to ANSF, Coalition Troops NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 Sailors provided counter improvised explosive device (IED) training to Norwegian soldiers on Forward Operating Base Camp Griffin in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, Feb. 12.
• Pakistani Insurgents Destroy Oil Tankers For NATO Troops RFE/RL 25 Feb 2011 -- Four people have been killed in an apparent attack by Islamic insurgents on fuel tankers in northwestern Pakistan carrying oil to NATO forces in Afghanistan, RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal reports.
• Landing zone safety officers trained at austere location AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- At an austere airstrip here, air mobility liaison officers are conducting landing zone safety officer certification training to U.S. and coalition forces throughout Afghanistan.
• Last frontier for tactical air control AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Weather can often be the deciding factor on an aircraft landing. As soon as a weather system moves out, operations generally resume their normal tempo. That is, unless the airstrip in question is in the middle of an Afghan mountainside.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates Speech - United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) DoD 25 Feb 2011 -- "The strategic rationale for swift-moving expeditionary forces, be they Army or Marines, airborne infantry or special operations, is self-evident given the likelihood of counterterrorism, rapid reaction, disaster response, or stability or security force assistance missions. >But in my opinion, any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should “have his head examined,” as General MacArthur so delicately put it."
• Gates Challenges Cadets to Change Army Culture AFPS 25 Feb 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told cadets here that they must continue changing the culture of the Army to ensure the service can handle the challenges facing America.
• DOD Announces Improvements To The Personnel Security Clearance Process DoD 25 Feb 2011 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) released information today about improvements made to the personnel security clearance process. Over the past four years, the DoD has worked with the Director of National Intelligence, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Personnel Management to streamline processes, make changes to policies, introduce extensive information technology improvements, and eliminate a backlog of approximately 100,000 pending cases.
• Construction Begins on Navy's Newest Aircraft Carrier NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Advance construction started on the nation's newest aircraft carrier Feb. 25 with a "first cut of steel" ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News, Va.
• Theodore Roosevelt Highlights Mast-landing as Special RCOH Milestone NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- A major milestone was completed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) when the 34-ton upper main mast was installed during the ship's ongoing refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., Feb. 24.
• ONR's TechSolutions Moves Aircraft Launch Bulletins into Digital Age NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Flight crews responsible for launching aircraft from the decks of carriers are transitioning into the computer age, with the aid of an Office of Naval Research (ONR) TechSolutions device successfully tested Jan. 27-30.
• USS Hawaii Returns from Western Pacific Deployment NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region, Feb. 24.
• Region Northwest Participates in Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, and Naval Magazine Indian Island participated in this year's annual Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2011 (SC-CS11) Feb. 21 - 25.
• USS Santa Fe Departs for Deployment NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region, Feb. 24.
• ONR's TechSolutions To Provide New, Improved Eyewear to SEALs NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research's (ONR) TechSolutions department is set to deliver new protective eyewear to Navy Special Warfare Command personnel this year.
• ONR Develops New Acquisition Model for Delivering Information to the Fleet NNS 25 Feb 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has created a unique acquisition approach to rapidly develop a new way to deliver information to the fleet that developers will outline Feb. 22 at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) conference in Miami.
• U.S., Kuwait Mark Gulf War 20th Anniversary AFPS 25 Feb 2011 -- This week marks 20 years since the United States, as part of a 34-nation coalition, drove Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi army out of Kuwait, returning that nation to sovereignty and reshaping the U.S. military to the force it is today.
• Defense department provides joint basing overview Army News 25 Feb 2011 -- This week marks 20 years since the United States, as part of a 34-nation coalition, drove Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi army out of Kuwait, returning that nation to sovereignty and reshaping the U.S. military to the force it is today.
• Preparing for repeal of DADT brings training for Soldiers Army News 25 Feb 2011 -- With pending repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law banning gays and lesbians from military service, the Army is implementing a tiered training program for Soldiers worldwide.
• Airmen demonstrate massive airdrop, teamwork in joint exercise AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Nine Little Rock Air Force Base C-130 Hercules and twice as many aircrews, along with maintainers and planners from the base, participated in Joint Operation Access Exercise Feb. 9 through 12 here and at Fort Bragg, N.C.
• Emergency exercise brings U.S., Japanese responders together AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Airmen from the 35th Fighter Wing teamed with their host nation's emergency responders for an accident exercise here Feb. 23.
• Air Force leads the way as Green Power Partner AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- The Air Force is one of the nation's top purchasers of green power, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top 25 list of Green Power Partners released this month.
• Japanese, American NCOs work together to gain insight AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Kadena Air Base officials began a NCO exchange program Feb. 18, giving eight Japanese Air Self Defense Force airmen the chance to see how their U.S. Air Force counterparts operate.
• CONR team supports successful shuttle launch AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Officials with the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or CONR, and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24.
• Marine Forward Element Set Up to Help in Middle East AFPS 25 Feb 2011 -- Traveling through the Middle East to confer with U.S. allies in the midst of regional unrest, the top U.S. military officer visited a new Marine Corps headquarters element here designed to evacuate noncombatants or provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
• Space weather team readies for upcoming solar max AFNS 25 Feb 2011 -- Solar max may sound like the name of a super hero, but it's certainly no comic book or 3-D movie.
• Mullen Reaffirms American-Bahraini Alliance AFPS 25 Feb 2011 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen continued his visit to Bahrain today to reaffirm the U.S.-Bahraini relationship as the protest movement here entered its 12th day.
• Chairman to Attend Desert Storm Ceremonies AFPS 25 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. military’s top officer arrived here today during his swing through the Middle East to meet with Kuwaiti officials and participate in ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
• U.S. Marines observe, train Georgia’s 33rd Light Infantry Battlion during Georgia Deployment Program USMC News 25 Feb 2011 -- In August 2009, the Republic of Georgia joined forces with International Security Assistance Forces and ramped up a battalion of soldiers to aid the fight in Afghanistan. This marked the start of the Georgia Deployment Program. The first unit was the 31st Light Infantry Battalion, 32nd is serving in Helmand Province now and the 33rd is preparing to replace them.
• Getting ground troops needed air support USMC News 25 Feb 2011 -- “Mission 1001 is airborne. They’re going to be at your location in five (minutes). It’s a flight of two AV-8B Harriers, how copy?”
• Counsel of colonels get hands-on, visit simulator, experience training USMC News 25 Feb 2011 -- The III Marine Expeditionary Force counsel of colonels met at the III MEF Motor Vehicle Simulator Training Facility to experience the facility and training capabilities first-hand, Feb. 17.
• MP support company takes on field exercise USMC News 25 Feb 2011 -- More than 50 Marines from Military Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, recently participated in a two-week training evolution here.
• III MEF CG provides guidance USMC News 25 Feb 2011 -- Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr. discussed his guidance for the Marines and sailors of III Marine Expeditionary Force during Exercise Cobra Gold 2011.
• EOD Marines conduct basic demolition range USMC News 25 Feb 2011 -- Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted a two-day basic demolition training package for junior Marines and sailors in the battalion.
• Cuts damage UK’s military capability, former defence chiefs warn IRNA 25 Feb 2011 -- Defence cuts, announced by the government, undermines the UK’s Navy ability to protect the Army or Royal Marines on amphibious operations, former military chiefs have warned Prime Minister David Cameron.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 2/25/2011 The White House 25 Feb 2011
• February 25, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 25 Feb 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 25, 2011
• Lockheed Martin Flies First Production F-35 Stealth Fighter Lockheed Martin 25 Feb 2011 -- The first production model of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II made its inaugural flight today in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Air Force this spring. The jet will head to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery.
• Northrop Grumman Cuts Steel for Second Gerald R. Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Northrop Grumman 25 Feb 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) cut one of the first pieces of steel for the second ship in the Gerald R. Ford class, CVN 79, during a ceremony at the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News.
• Lockheed Martin Solicits for Australian Industry Partnership on MH-60R Helicopter Lockheed Martin 25 Feb 2011 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] is expanding its base of potential suppliers for the MH-60R helicopter in Australia, issuing a request for information from potential suppliers of critical pieces of aircraft hardware.

Other Conflicts

• 25 February 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Feb 2011
• Côte d'Ivoire: UN chief voices concern over worsening violence, urges restraint UN News Centre 25 Feb 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Côte d’Ivoire, deploring recent clashes between rival groups as well as threats against the United Nations, including a call to impede the movement of peacekeepers.
• Civilians Flee Fighting in Ivory Coast's Commercial Capital VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Civilians in Ivory Coast's commercial capital are fleeing a week of fighting between supporters of the country's rival governments. The incumbent president's youth leader wants to block the movement of all U.N. peacekeepers.
• UN envoy urges people of Darfur to participate in new dialogue initiative UN News Centre 25 Feb 2011 -- The head of the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Ibrahim Gambari, has urged inhabitants of the troubled Sudanese region to engage in dialogue to find a solution to their protracted conflict, saying a process of popular consultations would soon begin.
• SUDAN: Rights groups criticize Khartoum crackdowns IRIN 25 Feb 2011 -- Anti-government protesters, who have taken to the streets of Khartoum and other Sudanese cities over recent weeks, run the risk of sexual assault, torture and detention, say human rights workers and demonstrators.
• Ban reports progress in efforts to end Equatorial Guinea-Gabon border dispute UN News Centre 25 Feb 2011 -- The leaders of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon today reiterated their commitment to submit their longstanding border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with the aim of resolving the matter as soon as possible, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reported today.
• Somalia: UN voices alarm at plight of trapped civilians as fighting intensifies UN News Centre 25 Feb 2011 -- The United Nations today voiced alarm over the plight of Somali civilians caught up in the fighting pitting forces of the country’s transitional government, who are backed by African Union peacekeepers, against insurgents of the Al-Shabaab armed group.

News Reports

• Popular Protests Continue Against Many Arab Governments VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Popular protests engulfed large swathes of the Arab world after Friday prayers, as anti-government movements appear to gain momentum. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators turned out across the Arab world after Friday prayers to express anger at their leaders.
• No foreign role in recent Arab uprisings: Larijani IRNA 25 Feb 2011 -- Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani said on Thursday that the foreign powers have had no role in recent popular uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Gaddafi’s youngest son joins protesters IRNA 25 Feb 2011 -- The youngest son of the embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Arab joined the Libya’s anti-government protesters on Thursday.
• International Community Responds To Libya Crisis, Bloodshed RFE/RL 25 Feb 2011 -- International efforts to halt violence in Libya are gathering pace as the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union craft emergency responses to the mounting bloodshed in that country.
• Russia to send 4 additional evacuation planes, ship to Libya RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2011 -- Russia plans to send four additional planes and a ferry to evacuate people from riot-torn Libya, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
• Russia condemns Libya over use of force against civilians - Medvedev RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2011 -- Russia condemns Libyan authorities over its use of force against civilians, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday.
• Libyan top prosecutor resigns, joins opposition RIA Novosti 25 Feb 2011 -- Libya's top prosecutor, Abdul-Rahman al-Abbar, has followed other officials in the troubled country and resigned to join the opposition against the long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Al Arabiya news channel said on Friday.
• As Libyan crackdown escalates, UN rights chief urges action to halt violence UN News Centre 25 Feb 2011 -- The United Nations human rights chief today urged action to help end the violence in Libya and to hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable, saying that the crackdown on protesters is escalating.
• Reports: Shots Fired as Protesters March in Libyan Capital VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Protesters in Libya staged a new push to oust longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi Friday There are reports of gunfire against demonstrators in the capital.
• Bahrain Faces More Anti-Government Protests VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Tens of thousands of protesters are converging on a central square in Bahrain to press their demands for the government's resignation and democratic reforms.
• Yemen Rallies Continue After Friday Prayers VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Tens of thousands of demonstrators are rallying in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, where many protesters are calling for an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule.
• Jordanians Politely Demand Reforms VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Amid heavy security, thousands of protesters including the Muslim Brotherhood, youth groups and smaller political parties marched in Amman demanding government reforms and parliamentary elections.
• Beijing Plaza Partially Blocked Ahead of Planned Protest VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Construction barriers have gone up around a Beijing site that activists have designated for regular Sunday afternoon protests.
• 'Day Of Rage' Turns Deadly As Many Thousands Turn Out Across Iraq RFE/RL 25 Feb 2011 -- Reports say at least five protesters have died in clashes with Iraqi police as thousands of people protest against the government in many cities across the country in a "Day of Rage.".
• Protesters Killed as Iraqis Stage 'Day of Rage' Protest VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets Friday in a nationwide "Day of Rage" inspired by uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and other Middle Eastern nations.
• Experts Say Yanukovych Instituting 'Neo-Soviet' Rule in Ukraine RFE/RL 25 Feb 2011 -- He's destroyed his country's democratic institutions and reduced quality of life for most of his compatriots. That's the verdict against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych by many of the country's political experts one year into his presidency.
• Guinea-Bissau needs to do more to fight trans-national drug trade, says UN envoy UN News Centre 25 Feb 2011 -- Guinea-Bissau still has a long way to go in fighting impunity, drug trafficking, organized crime, and other “remaining triggers of instability” in a country that has for years been dogged by war, coups, coup attempts and assassinations, a senior United Nations official warned today.
• Detained American Rejects Murder Charges in Pakistan VOA 25 Feb 2011 -- A U.S. consulate employee accused of killing two men in Pakistan has refused to sign a charge sheet, insisting he has diplomatic immunity.
• Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) en route to International Space Station Thales 25 Feb 2011 -- The Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) developed by Thales Alenia Space was successfully launched yesterday at 4:50 pm local time (10:50 in France and Italy), from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
• AFGHANISTAN: “Pay your taxes”, government tells NGOs IRIN 25 Feb 2011 -- The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has called on all local and international NGOs to pay their taxes promptly or face legal consequences, including fines and a revocation of their operating licenses.