News

18 April 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 18 Apr 2011 [PDF]

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 17 April 2011
Sharp communication needed for Operation Unified Protector AFNS 18 Apr 2011 -- As part of the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector, 313th Air Expeditionary Wing crews flying air refueling missions work with aircraft from several partner nations.
RAF armourers ensure strike missions continue in Libya UK MOD 18 Apr 2011 -- Royal Air Force armourers are making sure that Britain continues to play a full part in delivering precision strikes against forces loyal to the Gaddafi regime in Libya.
HMS Cumberland welcomed home from Libya operations UK MOD 18 Apr 2011 -- HMS Cumberland's ship's company received a rapturous welcome home to the UK as she returned from six-and-a-half months of operations, including high-profile roles evacuating refugees from Libya and enforcing an arms embargo against the country.

Secretary of Defense visits U.S. Division-North in Iraq Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates finished a three-day visit to Iraq, meeting with troops deployed to U.S. Division-North, April 8.

U.S., Afghan Forces Kill 10 Taliban Insurgents AFPS 18 Apr 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces yesterday killed more than 10 Taliban insurgents after conducting a precision airstrike and security operation in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.
U.S.-trained Afghan pilots advance in Mi-17 course, designated as co-pilots AFNS 18 Apr 2011 -- The first two Afghan air force helicopter pilots to complete basic aviator training in the U.S. recently became qualified as co-pilots in the Mi-17 helicopter, the focal point of the Afghan air force's rotary-wing force.
One killed, 3 injured as suicide bomber attacks Afghan Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2011 -- One person was killed and at least three others injured when a suicide bomber dressed in a military uniform detonated his explosive device inside the Afghan Defense Ministry building in Kabul on Monday, a ministry press service official said.
Attack on Afghan Defense Ministry Kills 2 VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- A man wearing an Afghan army uniform opened fire Monday inside the Afghan Defense Ministry in Kabul, killing at least two people in the third such attack on a security installation in less than a week.
Weather Marines forecast for coalition troops in Afghanistan USMC News 18 Apr 2011 -- Marines can't change the weather. Fortunately, there are a few in Afghanistan who can forecast it.
Opium cultivation in Afghanistan expected to fall despite high prices – UN UN News Centre 18 Apr 2011 -- Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is expected to decline slightly this year despite the prevailing high prices of opium, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported today, saying that Government effort to discourage production could yield further reduction.

Air Force Reserve C-130s support fight against Mexican wildland fires AFNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Two Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft conducted three aerial firefighting missions from here April 16 in support of the ongoing efforts to contain the wildland fires the Mexican state of Coahuila.

National Guard Responds to Texas Wildfires AFPS 18 Apr 2011 -- National Guard members from four states today are supporting civil authorities in Texas as they battle more than 30 wildfires threatening lives and property.

Defense Policy / Programs

Gates Will Present President With Cost-cutting Options AFPS 18 Apr 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is 'a leader when it comes to fiscal responsibility' and will provide President Barack Obama with options -- along with the pros and cons of each -- to make additional defense cuts, the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs said yesterday.
Pentagon Official Addresses WikiLeaks, Social Media AFPS 18 Apr 2011 -- The WikiLeaks episode underscores the need for laws and policies that address the unintended consequences of 'technology at the intersection of national security,' the Pentagon's lead communicator said yesterday.
North Carolina Bases Mostly OK After Severe Weather AFPS 18 Apr 2011 -- Operations on Fort Bragg, N.C., are 'pretty fluid' today after severe weather damaged buildings and cut off power to the installation and surrounding communities over the weekend, Fort Bragg officials said.
USS George Washington to Return to Yokosuka NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington will return to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka April 20.
U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Announce Realignment NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FLTCYBERCOM) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) administratively realigned the Navy's cyber organizational structure April 18, to enhance efficiency and maintain optimal effectiveness of the cyber domain.
Navy's Newest Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship USNS William McLean Launched NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- USNS William McLean, the newest ship in the U.S. Navy's Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships, slid into the water for the first time during a nighttime launch and christening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, April 16.
Pacific Partnership Looks to Future In Talks with Tongan Chief NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23 discussed the impact of the American presence in Tonga and the future of Pacific Partnership with the Honorable Chief Fotu, Chief of Estate in Vava'u, April 17.
American Embassy to Jamaica Hosts Continuing Promise 2011 Opening Ceremony NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- The American Embassy hosted an opening ceremony for Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11) at the Bank of Jamaica, April 15.
Continuing Promise 2011 in Full Swing NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Medical personnel from Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) began screening patients at the National Sports Arena and Windward Road Health Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, April 14.
UNITAS 52 Exercise Commences in Brazil NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Three U.S. Navy ships and one U.S. Coast Guard cutter arrived in Salvador, Brazil for the start of UNITAS Atlantic phase (LANT) 52, April 15.
Enterprise Concludes Visit to Bahrain NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) returned to sea April 16, after concluding a port visit in Manama, Bahrain.
ESG 5 Visits USS Boxer NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, Rear Adm. Peg Klein, visited amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), to meet with senior leaders and embarked units, April 11.
Enterprise Sailors Volunteer with Bahrain COMRELs NNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), departed Bahrain, April 16, after spending part of their port visit volunteering in the local community.
Kevlar bike shorts, female aviator uniforms among gear in works Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- Despite the nation's budget woes, efforts to develop and distribute gear that will enable Soldiers to be more lethal and resilient in any environment will continue to be supported, predicted Program Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller Thursday.
Arlington Cemetery officials tell lawmakers wrongs will be righted Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- Arlington National Cemetery officials told congressmen that past faulty management practices are being fixed, including employee training and automation of record-keeping systems.
Personal Effects Depot relocating from Aberdeen to Dover Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- Army officials helped Dover Air Force Base welcome its newest tenant unit with a much-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony April 15.
Soldiers need to retake GAT survey Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- Within the next couple of weeks, Soldiers will begin to see reminders that they must re-measure their resiliency and psychological health by taking the Global Assessment Tool survey again.
Army develops smartphone framework, applications for the front lines Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- Leading his team of paratroopers en route to capturing a high-value target, Spc. Hao Bui encountered obstacles - enemies, streets, roadside bombs.
Key tactical communications applications to join in Army network exercise Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- With more than 100,000 systems in the field and a lifesaving track record in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Army's friendly force tracking and messaging software is preparing for the future with a new version that is faster, more versatile and better connected to the Marine Corps.
New York Army National Guard Soldiers Fly High, See All Via Unmanned Aircraft Army News 18 Apr 2011 -- The New York Army National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will have a hawk's eye view of the battlefield thanks to the Soldiers who operate the brigade's Shadow RQ-7 unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.
50th Space Wing officials accept ground system upgrades AFNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Officials at the 50th Space Wing accepted two Global Positioning System ground system upgrades during a ceremony here April 14.
Air Force officials announce civilian strategic leader program assignments AFNS 18 Apr 2011 -- Air Force officials here April 18 announced the placement of the Air Force's newest senior leaders into command-equivalent positions as part of the civilian strategic leader program.

Iran Army backs regional states- commander IRNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Ataollah Salehi said here Monday that Iran's Army supports all regional countries and it is a deterrent to the world's bullying powers.
Ahmadinejad hails performance of Iranian army IRNA 18 Apr 2011 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hailed the performance of the Iranian army as the most popular, powerful and beloved army in the world.
Iran to unveil new destroyer soon ISNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Iran's Navy Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Monday the country is to unveil a new model of destroyer in near future.
Iran army receives defense system ISNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Iranian army received Shalamcheh defense system, said Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi on Monday.
Iran successfully test fires air defense system, missiles ISNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Iran successfully test fired air defense system and two missiles as it is preparing to mark National Day of Army.
Iran displays advanced army weapons ISNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Iran displayed advanced army weapons as it marked Army Day on Monday.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/18/2011 The White House 18 Apr 2011
April 18, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 18 Apr 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 18, 2011
BAE Systems Enhances UK Royal Air Force Training Capabilities BAE Systems 18 Apr 2011 -- UK Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilot training is now more representative of flying front line aircraft than ever before thanks to engineers at BAE Systems.
EADS North America conducts flight demonstrations of its Armed Aerial Scout 72X Technical Demonstration Aircraft EADS 18 Apr 2011 -- EADS North America this week is conducting flight demonstrations of its company-funded Armed Aerial Scout 72X (AAS-72X) helicopter at the Nashville International Airport to coincide with a nearby military aviation exposition.
Airbus Military A330 MRTT for Royal Air Force visits UK for first time EADS 18 Apr 2011 -- The Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the Royal Air Force is today visiting the United Kingdom for the first time.
General Dynamics Awarded $33 Million for 30mm PGU-13 Cartridges General Dynamics 18 Apr 2011 -- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a $32.5 million contract for 30mm ammunition by the U.S. Army Contracting Command in Rock Island, Ill. The award consists of a mixture of new production of PGU-13 D/B cartridges and the remanufacture of existing U.S. Air Force inventory of PGU-13 HEI cartridges.
Republic of Korea Air Force Receives First Lockheed Martin Sniper Pods Lockheed Martin 18 Apr 2011 -- The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) recently received Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Sniper pods for their F-15K aircraft. Delivered to Daegu Air Base, South Korea, these pods will be immediately deployed into full flight operations with the ROKAF F-15K fleet.
Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon Honored for 50 Years of Service Northrop Grumman 18 Apr 2011 -- On March 17, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) joined representatives of the U.S. Air Force in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first delivery of the T-38 Talon trainer aircraft.
Boeing, Australia Announce Order for 5th C-17 Globemaster III Boeing 18 Apr 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the Commonwealth of Australia has signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire a fifth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. The Foreign Military Sale allows the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to expand its C-17 fleet as it faces an increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
DCNS begins sea trials of first-of-class FREMM frigate Aquitaine DCNS 18 Apr 2011-- One month early, DCNS begins the sea trials of the Aquitaine, the first ship built under the FREMM multimission frigate programme.
Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Full Mission Simulator to Eglin Air Force Base Lockheed Martin 18 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] marked the delivery of the first F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator (FMS) system to Eglin Air Force Base's 33rd Fighter Wing. Preparation and assembly is underway at the base's F-35 Integrated Training Center (ITC) for training to commence this fall.
Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System Submitted For NSA Certification Testing Lockheed Martin 18 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the National Security Agency (NSA) has conditionally recognized completion of critical design for the Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS).
New Warhead Reduces Size of Raytheon Small Tactical Munition Raytheon 18 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) tested a new warhead for its Small Tactical Munition, a new weapon specifically designed to be employed from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). STM is a 13-pound guided munition that is approximately 2 feet long, making it the smallest air-launched weapon in the Raytheon portfolio.
French Army selects Thales to provide support for most of its radio-controlled IED jammers deployed in operations Thales 18 Apr 2011 -- Thales has been selected by the French Army to assure through-life support of a sizeable proportion of its radio-controlled IED* jammers deployed in external theatres of operation.

Other Conflicts

18 April 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Apr 2011

Libyan Opposition Seeks to Build Self-Styled Government VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- With fighting between opposition forces in Libya and forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in its third month (on April 17th), the rebels have begun to take steps to govern and administer the areas under their control.
Western allies in breach of UN Libya resolution - Russia's NATO envoy RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2011 -- Arms supplies to Libya by Western countries are a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolution on the North African state, Russia's permanent envoy to NATO said on Monday.
UN and Libya reach agreement on humanitarian presence in Tripoli UN News Centre 18 Apr 2011 -- United Nations envoys visiting Libya have reached an agreement with the authorities on setting up a humanitarian presence in the capital, Tripoli, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, while once again calling for an immediate end to the fighting that has taken a heavy toll on civilians.
Libyan Pro-Government Shelling Continues as UN Peace Call Ignored VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- As government shelling continued in a besieged city in western Libya, a United Nations call for a cease-fire went unheeded on Monday.
LIBYA: Traumatized evacuees describe Misrata horror IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- Civilians evacuated from the war-ravaged western Libyan city of Misrata have described the humanitarian situation there as grim, saying families are barely able to find enough food and water, that medical treatment is hard to come by, and corpses are lying in the streets.

Lawmaker proposes sending marines back to South China Sea CNA 18 Apr 2011 -- A lawmaker proposed Monday that Taiwan send its marine corps back to the South China Sea to strengthen its position in the regional dispute over claims to the area.
After 11-year hiatus, ROC marines to return to South China Sea: CGA CNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Taiwan will soon replace army soldiers stationed on remote islands in the South China Sea with marines as regional tensions simmer over the area's disputed territories, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said Monday.

UN-backed disarmament process for ex-fighters from Darfur kicks off UN News Centre 18 Apr 2011 -- More than 1,000 former fighters from Sudan's armed forces and Darfur's rebel groups are laying down their arms over the next 10 days and beginning a United Nations-backed process aimed at reintegrating them into civilian life.
SUDAN: Lack of justice "entrenching impunity" in Darfur IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- Aid workers have raised serious concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan's troubled Darfur region where, they say, a prevailing climate of impunity has often resulted in humanitarians being killed, injured, abducted or car-jacked.

COTE D'IVOIRE: A massacre witnessed IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- On 30 March people who had sought refuge at a local government building in the western Ivoirian town of Bloléquin were cooking, children playing. The following morning the bloodied bodies of at least 85 men, women and children were piled up in a hallway.
Côte d'Ivoire: UN rushes in agriculture aid as gradual calm begins to return UN News Centre 18 Apr 2011 -- As calm gradually returns to Côte d'Ivoire after months of post-election violence, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today that it is rushing to assist farmers as they prepare to sow their rice and maize crops at the onset of the rainy season in the north and west of the country.

News Reports

US Denies Trying to Undermine Syrian Government VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- The United States on Monday denied working to undermine the Syrian government, but it acknowledged trying to strengthen civil society groups there. The comments followed a press report suggesting that U.S. funds had gone directly to Syrian opposition factions.
U.S. Has Been Funding Syrian Opposition, 'Washington Post' Reports RFE/RL 18 Apr 2011 -- A respected U.S. newspaper claims Washington has been secretly financing the Syrian opposition, just as reports emerged of more deadly clashes between Syrian forces and antigovernment protesters.

Arab Uprisings Could Affect US Strategy Toward Mideast Talks VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- For decades, Washington has relied on friendly Arab governments to manage the Arab-Israeli conflict without taking Arab public opinion into consideration. But now, with popular uprisings sweeping through the region, U.S. policymakers are looking at other ways Washington can maintain its influence. Policy makers and regional experts say one way Washington can do that is by renewing its efforts to promote peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Readings Inside Japanese Reactor Show 'Harsh' Environment VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- Japanese nuclear regulators say robots have obtained the first radiation readings from inside the stricken Fukushima power plant's tsunami-damaged reactor buildings.

President stresses formation of global movement for peace, security IRNA 18 Apr 2011 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stressed the need for formation of a global movement to establish peace and security in the world.
Ahmadinejad: Enemy seeks Arab-Iranian war in region ISNA 18 Apr 2011 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday the enemy seeks Arab-Iranian war in the region.

Ban stresses need for comprehensive global response to piracy off Somalia UN News Centre 18 Apr 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for a comprehensive response to maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, saying the menace is a consequence of the overall insecurity, lack of a stable national government and underdevelopment in the Horn of Africa country.
Nigerian Opposition Demands Forensic Analysis of Presidential Poll VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- Officials with Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] announced this evening that President Goodluck Jonathan had prevailed over his main rival, General Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change [CPC].
Riots Hit North Nigeria As President Declared Winner VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- Electoral officials in Nigeria say President Goodluck Jonathan has won reelection in a vote that has sparked rioting in northern states that backed his leading opponent.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Says Camp Ashraf Must Go, And That Iraq Admired As Arab Revolutions Unfold RFE/RL 18 Apr 2011 -- On April 8, 2011, the Iraqi military launched a raid on Camp Ashraf, 60 kilometers north of Baghdad. The camp is the headquarters of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (aka People's Mujahedin of Iran), an organization opposed to the current government of Iran.
IRAQ: New push for water deals with Turkey, Syria IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- Iraq is renewing efforts to reach deals with Syria and Turkey to increase water levels on the River Euphrates which flows from these two countries into Iraq, and on which Iraq is heavily dependent for agriculture and electricity generation.

Thales Alenia Space Awards Lockheed Martin Payload Application Software Development Contract for Iridium NEXT Satellites Lockheed Martin 18 Apr 2011 -- Thales Alenia Space has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) to develop, test and support integration of payload application software for the Iridium NEXT satellites.
Boeing Selected for 2nd Round of NASA Commercial Crew Development Boeing 18 Apr 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been selected for the second round of NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program. Under a $92.3 million CCDev-2 contract, the company will further mitigate program risk and mature the system design of its Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Selected to Support Boeing to Mature the Design of the CST-100 Spacecraft's Integrated Service Module and Launch Abort Propulsion System Pratt & Whitney 18 Apr 2011 -- The Boeing Company has selected Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne to help mature the design of its Service Module and integrated Launch Abort propulsion system for the Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft.
India starts countdown for launch of 3 satellites RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2011 -- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Monday began a 54-hour countdown for the launch of three satellites, an ISRO press secretary said.
CAMBODIA: Bird flu risk 'under control', say health experts IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- Health officials in Cambodia stress that they have not let down their guard against H5N1, despite four fatal cases of human avian flu this year, and are confident the community-based detection, surveillance and containment model remains robust and effective.
Indonesia Suicide Bombing Fits New Pattern of Attacking Local Targets VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- Security analysts in Indonesia say a suicide bombing at a police mosque that killed the bomber and wounded 26 people is part of a new terrorist strategy. Rather than attacking Westerners in hotels and embassies, they say, smaller groups of Islamic extremists have begun targeting police and Indonesians who speak out against religious fundamentalism.
AFGHANISTAN: Warning over school-feeding programme IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- Aid agencies and education officials are concerned that scaling down school feeding programmes in impoverished rural areas of Afghanistan could adversely affect school attendance and the health and nutrition of hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren.
Burma Sanctions Debated After Change in Government VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- The European Union has announced it is suspending some sanctions against Burma, now that a nominally civilian government has replaced the military one. The move follows calls for western governments to remove the economic and political punishments, altogether, and reports that top military leader Than Shwe has retired. But Burma's main opposition, led by democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, says sanctions should remain until human rights improve. Analysts say a combination of targeted sanctions and diplomacy may be the best way to engage Burma.

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