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02 May 2011 Military News

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OIF/OEF Casualty Update 02 May 2011 [PDF]

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON OSAMA BIN LADEN The White House 01 May 2011 -- "Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children."
DOD Background Briefing with Senior Defense Officials from the Pentagon and Senior Intelligence Officials by telephone on U.S. operations Involving Osama Bin Laden DoD 02 May 2011 -- Presenter: Senior Defense Officials and Senior Intelligence Officials
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan, 5/2/2011 The White House 02 May 2011
Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on the Killing of Osama bin Laden The White House 02 May 2011
Official: Bin Laden's Death is 'Defining Moment' AFPS 02 May 2011 -- A senior national security official today provided insight into the decision process leading to the raid by U.S. special operations forces that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan yesterday.
Al-Qaida Remains Dangerous, Panetta Says AFPS 02 May 2011 -- Osama bin Laden is dead, but al-Qaida still is dangerous, CIA Director Leon E. Panetta said today in a letter to the agency's employees.
Bin Laden Buried at Sea, Official Says AFPS 02 May 2011 -- Osama bin Laden received a Muslim ceremony as he was buried at sea, a senior defense official said here today.
Intelligence, Secrecy Drove bin Laden Operation AFPS 02 May 2011 -- In the early morning hours of darkness yesterday, about 35 miles northeast of Islamabad, Pakistan, dozens of U.S. special operations members and CIA agents readied themselves aboard military helicopters for the operation of a lifetime.
How The U.S. Found, And Killed, Osama Bin Laden RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- What started with the discovery of one name four years ago ended a few hours ago with the death of the most wanted fugitive in U.S. history.
Clinton: Pakistan Cooperation Helped Find bin Laden VOA 02 May 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation 'helped lead' to the discovery of Osama bin Laden's hideout near Islamabad. She is non-committal about whether the $25 million U.S. reward for finding bin Laden will be paid.
Statement from Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper on the Death of Osama bin Laden Director of National Intelligence 02 May 2011
Message from the Director: Justice Done - Statement to Employees by Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Leon E. Panetta on the Death of Usama Bin Ladin CIA 02 May 2011
Secretary Clinton Remarks on the Killing of Usama bin Ladin US Dept. of State 02 May 2011
U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation AFPS 02 May 2011 -- An intelligence-driven U.S. operation in Pakistan killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden yesterday, President Barack Obama announced in a nationally televised address from the White House late last night.
Obama Announces Death Of Bin Laden RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has announced that Osama bin Laden, the Al-Qaeda leader and America's most wanted man, is dead.
Officials Provide Details on bin Laden Operation VOA 02 May 2011 -- Briefing reporters in a telephone news conference after the president spoke, senior administration officials provided additional details on the operation that killed bin Laden, although they stressed they could not and would not go into many details of the mission.
Obama Announces Death of Osama Bin Laden VOA 01 May 2011 -- Twenty-five minutes before midnight on a Sunday night, President Obama made an announcement that the American people had waited almost ten years to hear.
Obama Declares 'Justice Has Been Done' AFPS 02 May 2011 -- "Justice has been done," said President Barack Obama in announcing the death of Osama bin Laden in a U.S. military operation in Pakistan. An American counterintelligence and counterterrorism team killed bin Laden during a firefight near Islamabad, the president said during a short statement from the White House late Sunday night.
Bin Laden Killing Puts Pakistan On The Spot RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- The nearly decade-long hunt for the world's most-wanted man has ended. But the death of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden in the early hours of May 2 has put the spotlight on Pakistan, the place of his ultimate demise.
Clinton Stresses Pakistan Cooperation After bin Laden Killing VOA 02 May 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is stressing the need for continued U.S.-Pakistani security cooperation after the killing of Osama bin Laden by a U.S. forces team near Islamabad. She said the message to the Taliban is that it cannot defeat or wait out U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan.
Intelligence, Operations Team Up for bin Laden Kill AFPS 02 May 2011 -- The plan to attack the compound of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden was the result of relentless intelligence work and operational professionalism, White House officials, speaking on background, said this morning.
Clinton: U.S. Will Redouble Antiterrorism Efforts AFPS 02 May 2011 -- The United States will not become complacent in the aftermath of killing Osama bin Laden, but will continue its efforts to stamp out terrorism with new resolve, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said today.
Osama Bin Laden Killed In Pakistan By U.S. Forces RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed in a U.S. operation in Pakistan, nearly a decade after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.
Pakistan officially confirms death of al Qaeda leader bin Laden RIA Novosti 02 May 2011 -- Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has officially confirmed the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the first official statement from the Central Asian country after U.S. President Barack Obama made the announcement late on Sunday night.
Reports mixed on location, burial of bin Laden RIA Novosti 02 May 2011 -- Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's body has been buried at sea, CNN reported on Monday citing a U.S. official.
PM on death of Bin Laden UK MOD 02 May 2011 -- The UK's Prime Minister David Cameron has issued a statement on the death of Osama Bin Laden, the leader of terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda, who has been killed in a US operation in Pakistan.
Pakistan Calls bin Laden's Death Setback to Terrorist Groups VOA 02 May 2011 -- Pakistan is calling Osama bin Laden's death a major setback for terrorist groups around the world, as the Pakistani Taliban vows to step up attacks against U.S. and Pakistani interests.
Pakistan Stunned by bin Laden's Death VOA 02 May 2011 -- While much of the reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden has been celebratory, the feeling is very different in the country where U.S. forces found and killed the terrorist leader.
Europe Welcomes bin Laden's Death VOA 02 May 2011 -- European leaders from Russia to Britain have hailed the death of Osama bin Laden as a major achievement in efforts to rid the world of terrorism.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 01 May 2011
NATO mine-hunters sweep approaches to Misrata harbor NATO 02 May 2011 -- NATO mine-countermeasures ships are sweeping the approaches to Misrata harbour. This is to provide the greatest possible protection after pro-Qadhafi forces in four small boats dropped three mines in the vicinity of the harbour on Friday.

Forces Kill Insurgents in Baghlan Province AFPS 02 May 2011 -- A combined force killed numerous armed fighters in a gun battle yesterday in the Doshi district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct $18.5 million Afghan National Army Hospital Army News 02 May 2011 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded an $18.5 million dollar contract to design and build a new campus facility for the Afghan National Army Regional Hospital Gamberi located in Gamberi, Afghanistan, May 1.
Marines welcome new commander in Afghanistan USMC News 02 May 2011 -- Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 welcomed a new commander while deployed with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, April 30.
Karzai Urges Taliban to Learn 'Lesson' From Bin Laden's Killing VOA 02 May 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has urged Taliban militants fighting his government to learn a 'lesson' from the killing of Osama bin Laden and end their decade-long insurgency.
FM spokesman: Bin Laden's death leaves no excuse for foreign troops to stay in region IRNA 02 May 2011 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Monday that with Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden's death there will remain no excuse for foreigners to send troops to the region to fight terrorism.
Iran: Bin Laden's death leaves no excuse for foreigners' presence in the region ISNA 02 May 2011 -- Iran said on Monday there is no other excuse for outsiders to send troops to the region following Osama Bin Laden's death.
Brigade Leaders Cite Value of Intelligence AFPS 02 May 2011 -- Intelligence is indispensible for soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team in the counterinsurgency fight here.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Announces Reassignment of USJFCOM Functions DoD 02 May 2011 -- As part of the disestablishment of U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM), the Department of Defense today announced the approved reassignment of critical USJFCOM organizations and functions to designated combatant commands, military services and the Joint Staff.
Obama Awards Medal of Honor to Korean War Soldiers AFPS 02 May 2011 -- President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor posthumously today to the families of two soldiers who served in the Korean War.
Unit takes form, begins deployment cycle USMC News 02 May 2011 -- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit began its deployment cycle here May 2 by assuming operational control of the elements that make it a complete Marine air-ground task force.
Navy, Coast Guard Depart Rio de Janeiro for Atlantic Phase Exercises of UNITAS 52 NNS 02 May 2011 -- U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships along with ships from Brazil, Mexico and Argentina departed Rio de Janeiro May 2, after several days in port preparing for the second half of the Atlantic (LANT) phase of UNITAS 52.
USS Avenger Conducts Search, Rescue Training Operations NNS 02 May 2011 -- Mine countermeasure ship USS Avenger's (MCM 1) search and rescue (SAR) team completed a series of training drills in the East China Sea April 29.
USS City of Corpus Christi Arrives at New Homeport NNS 02 May 2011 -- USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) arrived at the boat's new homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, May 1, after completing a homeport shift from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 in Guam.
ONR Seeks to Spark Partnerships at Naval STEM Forum NNS 02 May 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will host a conference June 15-16 that seeks to gather Department of the Navy, industry, academic and nonprofit leaders in partnering on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives.
ONR Spotlights Importance of Sea-based Aviation Science and Technology NNS 02 May 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research announced May 2 that it is giving prominence to Sea-based Aviation by making it a national naval responsibility (NNR).
U.S, South American Navies Train and Prepare while in Rio de Janeiro NNS 02 May 2011 -- U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, along with their South American partners, prepared for the second half of the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 52 May 1, while in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
NAWMU 1 Holds Change of Command in Guam NNS 02 May 2011 -- Naval Airborne Weapons Maintenance Unit (NAWMU) 1 held a change of command ceremony at Top o' the Mar in Asan, Guam April 28.
Iwo Jima Sets Sail after Successful Fleet Week NNS 02 May 2011 -- Multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Port Everglades, Fla., after successfully completing a week long fleet week May 1.
Navy Leadership Discuss Surface Ship Maintenance Initiatives NNS 02 May 2011 -- Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC) co-presented with the Director of Fleet Maintenance, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), during a conference hosted by the American Maritime Modernization Association (AMMA) in Virginia Beach, Va., April 21.
SPAWAR Provides Critical Link during Missile Defense Agency Test NNS 02 May 2011 -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific's (SPAWAR) Combined Test Bed (CTB) announced today that it recently participated in a missile-on-missile intercept test.
End of era: Huey helicopters retire from Europe Army News 02 May 2011 -- Rotors ripping the air, four UH-1 Iroquois helicopters soared above Hohenfels for the last time at a retirement ceremony for the aircraft, April 27.
Kansas Army National Guard units transfer authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Army News 02 May 2011 -- More than 300 Soldiers gathered at the recreation center here April 15 to witness a transfer of authority ceremony led by Brig. Gen. William Glasgow, deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA).
Soldiers train on new FBCB2 to prep for network exercise Army News 02 May 2011 -- Soldiers preparing for this summer's Network Integration Evaluation at White Sands Missile Range are receiving training on the new Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below Joint Capabilities Release.
Air Force Auxiliary provides aerial support to tornado-ravaged South AFNS 02 May 2011 -- In an effort to assist those affected by the tornadoes that swept through the Southeast U.S. last week, the Civil Air Patrol -- the Air Force Auxiliary -- is flying over areas with major devastation to assist first responders and state and local officials as they assess the damage to the region.
Army accelerates app innovation, delivery Army News 02 May 2011 -- The Army is now developing another 'Apps for the Army' challenge which will be the next increment of the Army Marketplace.
Combat vehicle work continues for FMS to Iraq, ceremony held Army News 02 May 2011 -- Anniston Army Depot officially announced production of 586 M113 Family of Vehicles and 21 M88A1s through a foreign military sales case during a rollout ceremony here on April 28. These vehicles will be used by the Iraqi government to meet their specific national requirements.
Travis civil engineers inspect, repair 17 generators for use in Japan AFNS 02 May 2011 -- Recently, the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency's Civil Engineer Maintenance Inspection Repair Team here was tasked to inspect and repair 17 generators, which will be used to help power Yokota and Misawa air bases in Japan.
Air Force further reduces officer RIF requirements AFNS 02 May 2011 -- Several year groups and competitive categories will no longer be required to meet the September 2011 reduction in force board.
Troops Explore Emerging Energy Solutions AFPS 02 May 2011 -- As the military works to shrink its operational energy footprint, experts in solar power, microgrids and 'smart' generators recently took that technology to a crucial jury: the troops.

Russian, U.S. military officials discuss European missile defense in Brussels RIA Novosti 02 May 2011 -- High-ranking Russian and U.S. military officials are meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday to discuss the possibilities for Russian-U.S. cooperation in the creation of the European missile defense network, Russia's envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said.

Iran's Press TV Suggests Israeli Military Buildup In Iraq RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- A report from Iranian state television suggests Israel has been gathering military aircraft at a U.S. air base in Iraq in preparation for an attack on the Islamic republic.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 02, 2011
ATK Drives International Expansion with $13.4 Million in New 25mm Tactical Ammunition Contracts from U.S. Allies ATK 02 May 2011 -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) has received awards totaling $13.4 million in new 25mm tactical ammunition contracts. The awards, received from a mix of allies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reinforce ATK's position as a preferred, global provider of medium-caliber ammunition.
L-3 STRATIS Awarded Special Operations Contract for Enterprise Information Technology Services L-3 Communications 02 May 2011 -- L-3 Communications announced today that its STRATIS division has been awarded a one year $84.9 million firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract under the U.S. Special Operations Forces Information Technology Enterprise Contract (SITEC) Distributed Computing Management Services (DCMS) program.
BAE Systems Awarded JTRS Software Support Contract BAE Systems 02 May 2011 -- BAE Systems has been awarded a $9.4 million contract for Link-16 Software In-Service Support (SwISS) for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). The work will include technical support, enhancements, maintenance and upgrades to the JTRS Link-16 waveform software. The total program value could reach $24.3 million if all options are exercised.
New Contract To Support Falklands Islands Protection Ship BAE Systems 02 May 2011 -- The Royal Navy's patrol vessel HMS Clyde will remain in the South Atlantic to protect the Falklands Islands until 2018, following a six year contract extension with BAE Systems to deliver 24/7 support services to the ship.
Boeing Receives JDAM Contracts Valued at $100M Boeing 02 May 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has received contracts totaling $100 million for two types of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits.
General Dynamics Successfully Demonstrates Tactical Version of 120mm Roll-Controlled Guided Mortar General Dynamics 02 May 2011 -- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that it has successfully demonstrated a tactical version of the company's 120mm Roll Control Guided Mortar (RCGM) at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz. The testing was conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.
Raytheon Awarded $15.7 Million for Patriot Missile Support Services Raytheon 02 May 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a $15.7 million contract to provide material and technical services in support of the Patriot Missile Field Surveillance Program.
Raytheon-Boeing Team Achieves Milestone with Test of JAGM's Single Rocket Motor Solution Raytheon 02 May 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed a series of government-funded tests of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile's single rocket motor solution.
Successful firing test of AASM with laser terminal guidance offering 1-meter accuracy, against a high-speed moving target Sagem (Safran group) 02 May 2011 -- On Thursday, April 21, French defense procurement agency DGA successfully performed a demonstration firing test of the AASM modular air-to-ground weapon against a land target moving at high speed.

Other Conflicts

2 May 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 May 2011

Libya: UN looking to return to Tripoli after unrest forces temporary relocation UN News Centre 02 May 2011 -- The United Nations is exploring ways to re-enter Tripoli as soon as possible, a spokesperson for the world body said today, following the announcement that 12 international staff left owing to unrest in parts of the Libyan capital.
Libyan Crowds Mourn Gadhafi's Son as Battles Continue VOA 02 May 2011 -- Libyan crowds on Monday mourned at the funeral of leader Moammar Gadhafi's son, while pro-government forces launched new attacks on the western city of Misrata.

Southern Kordofan polls should lead to inclusive government, says UN's Sudan envoy UN News Centre 02 May 2011 -- The top United Nations official in Sudan said that the elections that got under way today for the governorship of the state of Southern Kordofan should lead to an all-inclusive government, and called for the holding of peaceful polls.
New UN-African Union project aims to boost humanitarian access in Darfur UN News Centre 02 May 2011 -- The joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur has announced a new initiative to help aid agencies access hard-to-reach communities in parts of the strife-torn Sudanese region.

News Reports

Interview: Hamid Mir, The Last Man To Interview Bin Laden RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- Hamid Mir is a Pakistani journalist who first achieved global fame for his multiple interviews with Osama bin Laden. In December 2001 he was the last journalist to speak with bin Laden before the Al-Qaeda leader disappeared underground.
Ban urges world to remember terrorism's victims in wake of death of Osama bin Laden UN News Centre 02 May 2011 -- The death of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind some of the world's most notorious terrorist attacks, represents a 'watershed moment' in the fight against the scourge of terrorism, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
Bin Laden Killing Confirms Pakistan is Sanctuary for Terrorists, Says India VOA 02 May 2011 -- Senior Indian offcials reacted with 'grave concern' Monday to the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed in a U.S. operation in Pakistan, saying the news confirms that Pakistan continues to shelter terrorists.
India says Osama's killing in Pakistan, matter of concern for India IRNA 02 May 2011 -- India said on Monday that killing of global terrorist Osama bin Laden 'deep inside Pakistan' was a matter of grave concern as it underlines New Delhi's apprehension that terrorists belonging to different organisations find sanctuary in that country.
Iran Parliament raises doubts on Bin Laden death ISNA 02 May 2011 -- An Iranian lawmaker raised doubts over press report on death of al-Qaeda Leader Ossama Bin Laden.
Hamas condemns bin Laden killing RIA Novosti 02 May 2011 -- Hamas leader Ismail Haniya condemned on Monday the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a special operation carried out by the U.S. military in Pakistan.
Bin Laden Mideast Influence Declined in Recent Times VOA 02 May 2011 -- In Yemen, where the offshoot al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has taken root, government officials hailed the news as a turning point in the fight against terrorism. So, too, did many ordinary Yemenis.
Abbottabad, The Peaceful Pakistani City Where Osama Bin Laden Met His Violent End RFE/RL 02 May 2011 -- For 10 years, the world has expected that if Osama bin Laden were ever found, it would be in a cave somewhere in the mountains on either side of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Glossary of media reports about bin Laden's killing in shootout IRNA 02 May 2011 -- The electronic media in Pakistan on Monday exclusively reported news about the killing of Osama Bin Ladan.
Importance Of Bin Laden's Death May Lie In Its Symbolism RFE/RL 02 May 2011

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