News

11 April 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 10 April 2011
NATO strikes further reduce pro-Gaddafi forces capacity NATO 11 Apr 2011 -- NATO's Operation Unified Protector struck several more targets around the cities of Ajdabiya and Misrata yesterday afternoon and early this morning.
U.S. Provides Support for NATO's Libya Operations AFPS 11 Apr 2011 -- The United States continues to support NATO efforts in Libya, as Moammar Gadhafi’s forces continue attacks on Misrata and Ajdabiya.
The arms embargo explained NATO 11 Apr 2011 -- Since the 23rd of March 2011, NATO's Operation Unified Protector has been enforcing the arms embargo against Libya as mandated by the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

Bomb Kills At Least Five In Iraq RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- Reports say two bombs exploded in a crowded central area of the Iraqi city of Falluja, killing at least five people and wounding at least 10 others.

Combined Forces Capture Taliban Facilitator AFPS 11 Apr 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban facilitator yesterday during a security operation in Kandahar province’s Zharay district.
TF Warrior transitions Combat Outpost Tangi to Afghan security forces Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- Task Force Warrior Soldiers made final preparations to transition Combat Outpost Tangi to Afghan National Security Forces, April 8.
TF Duke canine unit bring skills to the fight Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- Dogs and their handlers attached to Task Force Duke conducted training involving detection, obedience and patrol skills at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, April 5.

Ambassador Calls for 'Renewal' Amid US-Pakistan Tensions VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- The U.S. ambassador to Islamabad is calling for a renewal in relations between the United States and Pakistan.
Pakistan's Top Spy Visits U.S. RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- The head of Pakistan's intelligence agency is visiting his counterpart at the CIA at a time of tension in the counterterrorism partnership between the two spy agencies.
Pakistan intelligence chief leaves for US to revive ties with CIA IRNA 11 Apr 2011 -- Pakistan’s intelligence chief, Lt. Gen, Ahmad Shuja Pasha, left for Washington for talks with the chief of Central Intelligence Agency.
Pakistani ethnic leader shot dead in Karachi IRNA 11 Apr 2011 -- Unidentified gunmen shot dead a central leader of an opposition ethnic group in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on Monday.
Clash leaves police officer, 3 militants in Pakistan dead IRNA 11 Apr 2011 -- A police officer and three militants were killed in a clash in the outskirts of northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar early Monday morning.
3 die in roadside bomb in NW Pakistan IRNA 11 Apr 2011 -- A roadside bomb hit a passengers van and killed at least three people in northwest Pakistan on Monday.

U.S. Military Remains Ready to Help Japan AFPS 11 Apr 2011 -- The U.S. military remains ready to help Japan, even as it has repositioned many assets since a 9.0 magnitude earthquake marked a chain of disasters there one month ago.
Yokota AB, Misawa AB commanders lift stop-movement order AFNS 11 Apr 2011 -- The orders issued March 12 and 14 that stopped active duty Air Force permanent-change-of-station moves to Yokota and Misawa air bases has been lifted.

Defense Policy / Programs

B-1B Lancer upgrade will triple payload AFNS 11 Apr 2011 -- Airmen from the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron began their first phase of demonstrations of a multiple ejector rack on a B-1B Lancer here March 22.
USS Monterey Visits Naples During Inaugural Missile Defense Deployment NNS 11 Apr 2011 -- The USS Monterey (CG 61) arrived in Naples, Italy, April 10, during a regularly scheduled port visit.
Dempsey Lays Out Themes for Tenure as Army Chief AFPS 11 Apr 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wanted an Army chief of staff willing to challenge the status quo, and he believes he has one in Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.
Office of Naval Research Showcases Technologies at Sea-Air-Space Expo NNS 11 Apr 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research is displaying some of its newest technologies and programs at the 2011 Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition.
Marine Corps makes aviation history with intercontinental Osprey flight USMC News 11 Apr 2011 -- The Marine Corps completed an aviation first, April 8, by flying MV-22B Ospreys on the aircraft's longest movement to date.
Blue Ridge Concludes Patrol NNS 11 Apr 2011 -- USS Blue Ridge, and embarked 7th Fleet staff from Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, April 11.
Joint weapons training at Clark Field Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- U.S. Marines from Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan familiarized members of the Philippine Air Force with weapons in the United States. arsenal on April 7 in support of Exercise Balikatan 2011.
Airmen participate in humanitarian exercise in Trinidad and Tobago AFNS 11 Apr 2011 -- More than 150 U.S. military personnel and military and civilian officials gathered to participate in the annual Fuerzas Alidas Humanitarias.
Initial cyber INWT class graduates AFNS 11 Apr 2011 -- Sixteen Airmen graduated from the first Intermediate Network Warfare Training class here March 31.
Employees trained, ready to test encryption devices Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- Communications specialists here will soon be using sophisticated equipment to test encryption devices arriving from the field.
USACE Sacramento District completes largest-ever Army land exchange deal Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- The U.S. Army Reserve and SunCal signed the largest-ever real property exchange agreement April 8.
Sacramento District breaks ground on Fort Hunter Liggett solar array Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- Representatives from the Department of the Army, U.S. Rep. Sam Farr's district office, Fort Hunter Liggett and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District broke ground a one-megawatt solar array.
New DoD initiatives to detect concussion under study Army News 11 Apr 2011 -- The deputy director for traumatic brain injury at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and TBI said new initiatives will aid in the recognition of concussion while Soldiers are still in-theater.
Navy Region Hawaii Gets Smart on DADT Repeal NNS 11 Apr 2011 -- Navy Region Hawaii conducted "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal Tier 3 training for all Sailors and civilians at Sharkey Theater on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 8.
Troops to Receive Full Mid-month Pay on April 15th AFPS 11 Apr 2011 -- All service members will receive their full mid-month pay they have earned in their April 15th paychecks.

Russia, Brazil discuss joint production of armored police cars RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport: Holding talks with Brazil on setting up a joint venture for manufacturing light-armor police vehicles.

NATO Secretary General's monthly press conference NATO 11 Apr 2011
Georgia takes part in NATO exercises RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Georgia is taking part in computer-assisted war games as part of the NATO Partnership for Peace program.

ROC military hones anti-landing strength in drill CNA 11 Apr 2011 -- The annual Hankuang drill began Monday with an anti-landing operation in northern Taiwan.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/11/2011 The White House 11 Apr 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, April 11, 2011 US Dept. of State 11 Apr 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 11, 2011
Boeing Receives Contract for SM-3 IIB Concept Design Boeing 11 Apr 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to develop the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB (SM-3 IIB). This $41.2 million, 32-month contract is for the concept definition and planning phase of the project.
Lockheed Martin and Atmos Sistemas Team to Pursue Brazilian Air Surveillance Enhancement Radar Program Lockheed Martin 11 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Atmos Sistemas Ltda. have signed a teaming agreement to pursue the Brazilian Air Force's future Three-Dimensional (3-D) Long-Range Radar procurement program, which seeks to upgrade and enhance air space control over South America's largest country.
Thales signs new Merlin support contract with Lockheed Martin Thales 11 Apr 2011 -- Thales UK has signed a new contract with Lockheed Martin UK for the next five-year phase of the existing 25-year Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) programme.
General Dynamics Completes Pressure Hull For Submarine Mississippi in Record Time General Dynamics 11 Apr 2011 -- General Dynamics Electric Boat reached a major construction milestone on the submarine Mississippi (SSN-782), completing work on the pressure hull in less time than any previous ship of its class.
Oshkosh Defense Introduces SandCat Tactical Protector Vehicle in Latin America at LAAD 2011 Oshkosh 11 Apr 2011 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), will showcase the SandCat Tactical Protector Vehicle (TPV) in Latin America for the first time at LAAD Defence & Security 2011, April 12-15
Raytheon Delivers Record Number of Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles Raytheon 11 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Missile Systems business delivered a record number of Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles last year. The company's delivery of 366 ESSMs in 2010 more than doubled the previous year's total.
Raytheon Delivers First Phalanx to Republic of Korea Navy Raytheon 11 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the first Phalanx Close-In Weapon System to the Republic of Korea Navy for batch one of the new Ulsan-1 class FFX ship program.
APAR multifunction radar passes F.A.T. with flying colours Thales 11 Apr 2011 -- The first APAR Multi Function Radar for the Royal Danish Navy was subjected to the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at the Thales premises in Hengelo, the Netherlands.
BAE Systems Delivers Greater Intelligence Capabilities to Two U.S. Navy Ships BAE Systems 11 Apr 2011 -- BAE Systems announced it has delivered two production units of the U.S. Navy's primary shipboard intelligence system for U.S. naval forces, providing significantly greater intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability over legacy systems.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 11 April 2011 United Nations 11 Apr 2011

Libya Rebels Meet With African Union, Reject 'Road Map' RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- A delegation of heads of state from AU countries has met with Libya's opposition leaders in Benghazi.
AU Takes Truce Plan to Libyan Rebels VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Leaders of the AU arrive in Benghazi to present Libyan rebels with a peace plan. Colonel Moammar Gadhafi has already accepted the proposals in principle.
Gaddafi 'accepts' African Union peace plan RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has accepted an African Union road map to ending a civil war in the North African country.
Press Conference on Humanitarian Situation in Libya United Nations 11 Apr 2011
LIBYA: Benghazi calm but in need IRIN 11 Apr 2011 -- The eastern Libyan city of Benghazi has been relatively calm, but this should not mask existing and potential humanitarian needs, aid workers warn.

Press Conference on Situation in Côte d'Ivoire by Assistant Secretary-General of New York Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 11 April 2011 United Nations 11 Apr 2011
COTE D'IVOIRE: Applause and anger as Gbagbo falls IRIN 11 Apr 2011 -- As news of Laurent Gbagbo’s fall from Côte d’Ivoire’s presidency spread around Abidjan, residents of the economic capital expressed a mixture of relief, anger and apprehension.
Clinton Says Arrest of Gbagbo A 'Signal' to Dictators, Tyrants VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the arrest of defeated Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo sends a message to dictators that they cannot disregard the verdict of free elections.
Detained Gbagbo Calls for End to Ivory Coast Fighting VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Ivory Coast's former president is calling for an end to fighting after he was captured on Monday by forces backing the country's president-elect.
UN: Ivory Coast Crisis Not Over Yet VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- U.N. peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy told reporters the main task now is to restore law and order in Abidjan and the rest of the country and begin the reconciliation process.
Ivory Coast's Gbagbo Captured, Taken to Ouattara HQ VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Defiant Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo has been captured at his residence, ending a four-month power struggle in the West African country.
Ex-leader of Côte d'Ivoire surrenders to forces loyal to elected president - UN UN News Centre 11 Apr 2011 -- The UN peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that the country’s former president Laurent Gbagbo surrendered.
Ivory Coast's Gbagbo Arrested In Abidjan RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo has been arrested at his residence in Abidjan after four months of political deadlock in the former French colony in West Africa.
Ivory Coast's Gbagbo Captured at Presidential Compound VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo has been captured by fighters backing the country's internationally recognized president.
Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo Captured VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Ivory Coast's incumbent leader has been captured by French troops and fighters backing the country's internationally recognized president.
Thousands of Ivoirians Flee to Liberia's Maryland County VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Liberia continues to be the main safe haven for Ivoirian refugees.
Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo arrested RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Besieged Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo was detained on Monday in the west African state's main city of Abidjan and taken to the headquarters of his elected successor, Alassane Ouattara.

DPRK Delegate on Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula KCNA 11 Apr 2011 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea will always live up to its commitment as a responsible nuclear weapons state.
KCNA on US and S. Korea Deterrence Policy KCNA 11 Apr 2011 -- The full-dress session of the south Korea-U.S. "extended deterrence policy committee" took place in Hawaii shortly ago.

Foreign Minister: Israel Should Topple Hamas VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says Israel should topple the Palestinian militant group Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip in response to several days of deadly fighting between the two sides.
Sudan Refutes Israeli Claims on Targeting Hamas Official KCNA 11 Apr 2011 -- The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs scathingly refuted claims of Israeli media that one of the victims of the recent Port-Sudan air strike was Hamas member.
Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes in Gaza Strip KCNA 11 Apr 2011 -- The Israeli forces continue to kill Palestinians despite the protest and denunciation by the international community.

India repatriates 39 Pakistani prisoners IRNA 11 Apr 2011 -- In a goodwill gesture, India released 39 Pakistani nationals, including two women, from different jails across the country and repatriated them to Pakistan.

China's Maritime Disputes Fueled by Need for Energy VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- The Chinese government has downplayed its maritime disputes with its neighbors in the region.
ASEAN FMs Avoid Controversy in Setting 2011 Summit Agenda VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Southeast Asian nations will not discuss maritime border disputes when they meet later this year with their key dialogue partners.

OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen to hold talks in Armenia RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group will hold talks in Armenia with the country's leaders on April 11-12 on the settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.

Security Council to consider plans for specialized Somali courts to try pirates UN News Centre 11 Apr 2011 -- The UNSC decided to urgently consider the establishment of specialized Somali courts to try suspected pirates.

News Reports

Syrian Students Rally for Anti-Government Protesters VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Syrian security forces have broken up a student demonstration at Damascus University in support of anti-government protesters.
Nine servicemen killed in north Syrian ambush RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- The number of Syrian servicemen killed in an ambush on an armed forces unit in the country's northwest has risen to nine.

Yemen Opposition Rejects Gulf Proposal on Power Transfer VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Yemen's opposition rejected a Gulf Arab initiative for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down because the proposal appears to offer him immunity from prosecution.
Yemen's President Agrees to Power Transfer VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Yemen's president has welcomed a proposal by the Gulf Cooperation Council that he transfer powers to his vice president.
YEMEN: Laid off construction workers join protests IRIN 11 Apr 2011 -- Faris Ubad, 34, is one of hundreds of day labourers who get up at the crack of dawn in the hope of finding a day’s work from passing contractors.

Bahrain Questions Activist in Ongoing Crackdown VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Bahrain has accused a leading human rights activist of fabricating photos and has summoned him for questioning in an ongoing crackdown against anti-government protesters.

Egyptian Protesters Demand Corruption Trials VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- A few hundred Egyptian protesters have defied an army demand to leave Cairo's main Tahrir Square and are vowing to stay until Egypt holds former officials accountable for corruption.

Japan To Expand Evacuation Area Around Stricken Nuclear Plant RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- The Japanese government is expanding the evacuation area around a nuclear power plant.
Japan considers expanding evacuation area RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Japanese authorities are considering new recommendations for residents around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Damage from Radiation Expands in Japan KCNA 11 Apr 2011 -- The radioactive substances were leaked from another nuclear power plant increasing concern over radiation in Japan.
Strong Quake Hits Japan on One-Month Anniversary of Disaster VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- A strong aftershock rattled northeastern Japan, triggering new tsunami warnings and the evacuation of an already-crippled nuclear power plant.
New earthquake hits Japan RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- A magnitude 7.1 quake struck northeastern Japan, leading authorities to expand the evacuation area around its crippled Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.

Iran calls for France to take back its uranium ISNA 11 Apr 2011 -- Iranian envoy to IAEA said France refuses to take back Iran's 50 tons of natural uranium kept in the European country.
Iran confirms expulsion of Kuwaiti diplomats ISNA 11 Apr 2011 -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry official confirmed deportation of several Kuwaiti diplomats.

EU Observers Express Encouragement at Nigeria's Legislative Elections VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Head of the EU Election Observation Mission: Legislative elections in Nigeria represented a positive step in the country’s fledgling democracy.
Nigeria Opposition Makes Gains in Legislative Vote Tally VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's ruling party is leading in the vote tally from the April 9 parliamentary elections.
Nigerian Opposition Parties Make Senate Gains VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- In Nigeria, results from the weekend senate elections bring encouraging news for opposition parties, which made gains at the expense of the ruling People’s Democratic Party.

Leftist Former Military Officer Leads in Peru Presidential Vote VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Election results in Peru indicate leftist, former army officer Ollanta Humala will face the daughter of imprisoned former president Alberto Fujimori in a run-off election in June.

Supporters Of Jailed Kyrgyz Party Leader Seek OSCE's Help RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- Supporters of a Kyrgyz opposition leader jailed on suspicion of trying to overthrow the government have called on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to help secure his release.

Kazakhstan Reshuffles Cabinet RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- Kazakhstan's prime minister has carried out a government reshuffle following the landslide reelection victory of President Nursultan Nazarbaev for a new five-year term.

Deadly Blast Hits Belarus Subway, Killing 11 RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- A rush-hour explosion at a subway station in the center of the Belarusian capital has reportedly killed 11 people.
Eleven dead in Minsk metro blast RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- Eleven people were killed in a blast that hit Minsk's Oktyabrskaya metro station on Monday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said.
Belarus says deadly metro blast was terrorist attack RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- The blast which tore through a rush-hour Minsk metro station on Monday was a terrorist attack, prosecutors said.
Deadly Blast Hits Belarus Subway RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- An explosion has hit a metro station in the center of the Belarusian capital, Minsk, reportedly causing several fatalities and injuring more than a dozen.

50 Years Since World Star-Struck By Space Pioneer Gagarin RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- On April 12, 1961, a rocket blasted into space carrying Yury Gagarin, about to make history as the first man in space.

Two Arrested After France Imposes Full Face Veil Ban VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Two women protesting France's new ban on Islamic face veils have been arrested after taking part in a demonstration in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
France Begins Enforcing Full Face Veil Ban VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- France has begun enforcing a ban against Islamic veils covering the whole face.
French Full Veil Ban Comes Into Force RFE/RL 11 Apr 2011 -- A controversial law banning the wearing of garments that cover the face in public has come into force in France.
France's Veil Ban Goes into Effect on Monday VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- France becomes the first country to enforce a ban against the niqab, or Muslim face veil Monday, when new legislation comes into force.

Lockheed Martin Ships Juno Spacecraft to NASA Lockheed Martin 11 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] shipped NASA's Juno spacecraft to Kennedy Space Center, Fla. on April 8. The vehicle will undergo four months of testing and processing in preparation for its launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 vehicle in early August. During the past year, the spacecraft was assembled and tested at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company facilities near Denver, Colo.

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