News

12 May 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 12 May 2011 [PDF]
Chapter closes for Air Force JSTO mission at Fort McCoy Army News 12 May 2011 -- April 22 marked the end of Airmen coming to Fort McCoy to receive specific, in-theater mobilization training prior to deploying in support of overseas combat contingencies, specifically in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Former U.S. Ambassador Charts New Policy Course For Pakistan RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the UN, has been vocal in the wake of Bin Laden's death.
Pakistan opposition rejects Osama inquiry committee IRNA 12 May 2011 -- Pakistan’s main opposition party rejected government’s commission for inquiry of US forces operation to kill Osama bin Laden.
Pakistan PM appeals for unity after Osama's death IRNA 12 May 2011 -- Pakistani PM Gilani appealed to Pak nation to show unity.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 11 May 2011
NATO hits command and control bunkers in Tripoli NATO 12 May 2011 -- NATO attacked a large C2 bunker complex in downtown Tripoli that was used to coordinate attacks against civilian populations.
Gadhafi's Tripoli Compound Hit After TV Appearance VOA 12 May 2011 -- NATO warplanes have attacked Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's compound in Tripoli, hours after he made his first appearance on Libyan television since last month.
Army assisting Libya operations with RAF UK MOD 12 May 2011 -- British Army personnel are taking to the skies over Libya in RAF Sentinel aircraft, helping gather essential intelligence in support of NATO-led operations.
NATO ships thwart attack on Misrata harbour NATO 12 May 2011 -- In the early hours of Thursday 12 May 2011, NATO warships participated in a coordinated defence against a small boat attack threatening the port city of Misrata.
NATO responds to migrant distress call NATO 12 May 2011 -- A NATO warship enforcing the Embargo Operations provides aid and assistance to migrant vessel last night.

Black Jack Soldiers carry the "torch" back to Iraq Army News 12 May 2011 -- Soldiers from the 2/1st Cavalry Division, began departing Fort Hood, Texas, for Iraq and Kuwait.
The Basrah Operations Command Army News 12 May 2011 -- Basrah is a 19,000 square kilometer Southern Iraqi province with a growing population of three million people.

U.S. Soldiers, Sailors team up to combat IEDs in northern Afghanistan Army News 12 May 2011 -- Navy EOD technicians from EOD Group Two and Soldiers from the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team continue to join forces.
Innocent Civilian Killed in Afghanistan Operation AFPS 12 May 2011 -- Combined forces mistakenly shot and killed a young Afghan girl yesterday during a shootout with suspected Taliban forces in Nangarhar province.
NATO Admits Killing Girl in Afghan Raid VOA 12 May 2011 -- NATO says a combined Afghan and coalition force has killed a young girl and an Afghan policeman during an operation against a Taliban leader in eastern Afghanistan.
Moondogs return to hero's welcome USMC News 12 May 2011 -- While deployed, VMAQ-3 flew more than 2,575 hours in combat, conducting more than 630 missions, and jamming enemy communications in support of operations in southern Afghanistan.
Indian, Afghan Leaders Meet Amid Growing Tensions Over Pakistan VOA 12 May 2011 -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is in Afghanistan's capital, where he met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Indian Prime Minister Vows Support For Afghanistan RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Kabul on a two-day visit to discuss Indian aid for Afghanistan and regional security.
Indian PM embarks on two-day visit to Afghanistan IRNA 12 May 2011 -- India’s Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday embarked on a two-day official visit to Kabul.

US drone strike kills 8 in NW Pakistan IRNA 12 May 2011 -- An unmanned US aircraft Thursday fired missiles into Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region and killed at least eight people.
Suspected US Drone Strike Kills 5 in Pakistan VOA 12 May 2011 -- Pakistani officials say a U.S. drone strike has killed at least five suspected militants in the country's northwest tribal region near the Afghan border.
U.S. Drone Attack Kills 5 Suspected Militants In Pakistan RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Pakistan security officials say a U.S. drone attack has killed five suspected militants in North Waziristan tribal district.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by Secretary Gates During Troop Visit at Camp Lejeune, N.C. DoD 12 May 2011
DOD Announces Force Protection Equipment Demonstration VIII DoD 12 May 2011
Lynn: U.S. Must Preserve Its Defense Industrial Base AFPS 12 May 2011 -- Competition, a global defense market and targeted research and development spending will be critical in preserving the nation’s defense industrial base.
Odierno: Services Must Partner to Weather Lean Times AFPS 12 May 2011 -- The Defense Department must expand joint service, interagency and allied partnerships during tight fiscal times, and avoid the pitfalls of “doing more with less.
Undersecretary addresses fiscal challenges AFNS 12 May 2011 -- Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton spoke at the Air Force Association's Air Force Breakfast Program here May 11.
DOD Committed to Realignment of Forces in Japan AFPS 12 May 2011 -- The Defense Department is committed to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, a defense spokesperson said here yesterday.
Gates to Troops: U.S. Must Sustain Force Excellence AFPS 12 May 2011 -- Defense Secretary Gates spoke with Marines and soldiers and watched them train at two East Coast military bases.
Anniston Army Depot upgrading tanks for Saudis Army News 12 May 2011 -- Anniston Army Depot is upgrading 57 M1 Abrams tanks for Saudi Arabia's Royal Saudi Land Forces through a partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems' facility at Lima Army Tank Plant in Ohio.
Battle Command Training Program now Mission Command Training Program Army News 12 May 2011 -- The Battle Command Training Program is changing its name to the Mission Command Training Program.
Expeditionary Center's 422nd JTS hosts airfield operations TTP conference AFNS 12 May 2011 -- Nearly 20 airfield operations and air traffic control subject-matter experts met with 422nd Joint Tactics Squadron members.
Hawks soar into Okinawa to prep for joint service training USMC News 12 May 2011 -- The main body for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 landed May 4 in preparation for the Marine Division Tactics Course.
Airmen and Soldiers give artillery a lift Army News 12 May 2011 -- The training mission provided Soldiers from A and C batteries, 5-3rd Field Artillery the opportunity to learn how to load, secure and unload the vehicles into an airplane, at real-time speed.
USS Mitscher Deploys With George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group NNS 12 May 2011 -- USS Mitscher departed from its homeport of Norfolk, Va. for its deployment as part of George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, May 11.
USS Gettysburg Deploys with George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group NNS 12 May 2011 -- USS Gettysburg and an embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 detachment departed their homeport of Mayport, Fla., May 10.
USS Barry Sailors Maximize Experience During Port Visit to Rhodes, Greece NNS 12 May 2011 -- Sailors from USS Barry enjoyed the opportunity to unwind and soak up some Greek culture during a port visit to Rhodes, Greece, May 5-11.
USS Guardian Continues to Build Partnerships, Visits Surabaya, Indonesia NNS 12 May 2011 -- USS Guardian arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia May 10, to continue a partnership mission with the nation's navy.
USS Robert G. Bradley Departs Casablanca NNS 12 May 2011 -- USS Robert G. Bradley departed Casablanca, Morocco, after completing a theater security cooperation visit, May 11.
U.S., Romanian Marines complete counter insurgency training USMC News 12 May 2011 -- The U.S. Marines worked with platoons of Romanian Marines for two weeks of training in counterinsurgency operations.
AETC, 17th AF officials bring maintenance training to 7 partner nations AFNS 12 May 2011 -- Officers and NCOs from seven African nations began a three-week course designed to provide fundamental maintenance and logistics management skills.
Chiarelli: Stress Disorder, Brain Injury Science Lacking AFPS 12 May 2011 -- The therapies used for the treatment of brain injuries lag behind the advanced medical science employed for treating mechanical injuries, such as missing limbs.
Fighting Bombs in Cyberspace Gives Army an 'EDGE' AFPS 12 May 2011 -- Afghan people and places are being replicated in cyberspace, giving warfighters a way to train for one of the most complex, deadly situations they will face on the ground.
KCNA on US Foreign Policy KCNA 12 May 2011 -- The president of the World Peace Council described U.S. President Barack Obama as the new face of its war expansionism.

Rasmussen: "NATO: A Changing Alliance in a Changing World" NATO 12 May 2011

Rasmussen calls for NATO, Russia to 'build security together' RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- NATO General Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen stressed the importance of cooperation with Russia on a European missile defense shield.
Russia Courts Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia VOA 12 May 2011 -- With the death of Osama bin Laden, Russia is reaching out to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia in an effort to keep Islamic radicalism out of Russia’s southern flank.
Russian foreign minister going to Greenland for Arctic Council meeting RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is heading to Greenland to attend a ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council.
Arctic Countries Talk Sustainability RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Top diplomats from eight Arctic countries today met in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, to discuss ways to regulate exploitation of the region as global warming melts the ice.
Arctic Nations Meet Amid Global Warming Changes RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Nations sharing the Arctic are meeting in Greenland today to discuss how to better manage the region as it deals with climate change.

Taiwan Presses US for Fighter Jets, Notes Progress in Ties with China VOA 12 May 2011 -- Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has again pressed the United States to sell the island F-16 fighter jets and other military equipment.
Taiwan Pres: 3 lines of defense sum up national security policy CNA 12 May 2011 -- President Ma shared with the international community Taiwan's experience and strategies in building national security.
Taiwan Pres to expound strategies with U.S. think tank CNA 12 May 2011 -- President Ma will outline Taiwan's security strategies in a teleconference with a U.S. think tank.

Indian army to buy 40,000 suits to save soldiers from chemical weapons IRNA 12 May 2011 -- The Indian Army will procure 40,000 pieces of specially-designed suits to protect its soldiers from chemical weapons.

Kiev's parliament allows foreign troops to exercise in Ukraine RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- Ukraine's parliament approved a special presidential decree permitting foreign troops to participate in joint military drills.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 5/12/2011 The White House 12 May 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, May 12, 2011 US Dept. of State 12 May 2011
Secretary Clinton Remarks With Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen After their Meeting US Dept. of State 12 May 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 12, 2011
Boeing to Begin Maintenance Work on SBX Missile Defense Radar Boeing 12 May 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will begin maintenance and upgrade activities this week in Seattle for the Sea-based X-band Radar (SBX), which arrived in port on May 10, passing through Puget Sound and Elliott Bay.
Boeing Awarded CH-47F Chinook Modification Work by US Army Boeing 12 May 2011 -- Boeing received a $23.7 million contract on May 9 to perform Initial Production Fielding Support modifications on 49 CH-47F Chinook helicopters at the Boeing Millville Modification Center. The contract period extends the current work of modifying Chinook aircraft at the Boeing Millville facility for another year, from May 2011 through April 2012.
Boeing to Develop High-Brightness Laser Boeing 12 May 2011 -- The Boeing Company has received a $4.2 million, 16-month contract to design and develop a 25-kilowatt high-brightness laser for the Pentagon's High Energy Laser – Joint Technology Office (HEL-JTO). Boeing will develop the solid-state, electric laser based on the highly efficient Thin Disk Laser (TDL) technology.
Raytheon Professional Services Awarded NATO e-ITEP Development Contract Raytheon 12 May 2011 -- Raytheon Professional Services LLC (RPS), a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, has received a NATO contract to develop an electronic Individual Training and Education Program (e-ITEP).

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 12 May 2011 United Nations 12 May 2011
Partnerships and use of civilian capacities key to successful UN peacebuilding UN News Centre 12 May 2011 -- The United Nations has often missed the opportunity to support countries emerging from conflict to strengthen peace and enhance national institutions.

Libya: UN official voices concern as fighting blocks aid delivery in west UN News Centre 12 May 2011 -- The head of the UN food aid agency said that fighting in the Western Mountains of Libya is preventing humanitarian staff from distributing supplies.
2 Dead After Explosions Rock Libyan Capital VOA 12 May 2011 -- Libyan officials and medics say two people have been killed by apparent NATO airstrikes in Tripoli.
Qaddafi Makes Brief TV Appearance After Weeks Of Absence RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- After weeks of absence, Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi has made a brief appearance on state television.
Libyan Opposition Leader Outlines Plan For Post-Qaddafi Government RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- The interim prime minister of Libya's opposition Transitional National Council has presented a "road map" to a democratic government.
Libyan Transitional Council Seeks Local Council Support VOA 12 May 2011 -- The general secretary of Libya’s National Transitional Council says a nationwide meeting of opposition delegates will end today in rebel-controlled Benghazi.
Libyan Rebel Delegation to Visit White House on Friday VOA 12 May 2011 -- Representatives of Libya's Transitional National Council will visit the White House on Friday.
Libyan Opposition Travels To White House For Talks RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- The Obama administration is inviting representatives of Libya's opposition to the White House on May 13.
UK welcomes Jalil as "legitimate" Libyan representative IRNA 12 May 2011 -- Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomed a visit to Britain by the leader of the Benghazi-based rebel NTC Mustafa Abdul Jalil.
LIBYA: How online mapping helped crisis response IRIN 12 May 2011 -- Soon after the Libyan crisis broke, decision-makers and humanitarian workers faced a critical challenge: lack of information about events inside the country.
EU Ministers Discuss Influx of Migrants VOA 12 May 2011 -- EU interior ministers meet in Brussels Thursday to discuss how to handle a wave of migrants flooding into their countries following the Arab uprisings in North Africa.

AU Envoy: North Africa Uprisings Crippling Somalia Rebels VOA 12 May 2011 -- AU special envoy to Somalia, Jerry Rawlings, says popular uprisings in North Africa are helping to weaken Somali radical groups.

ICC informs Security Council of visit by Sudanese leader and war crimes indictee UN News Centre 12 May 2011 -- The International Criminal Court informed the Security Council that Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir recently visited Djibouti, which is supposed to enforce arrest warrants issued by the court.

Ivory Coast Medical Needs Rise as Violence Subsides VOA 12 May 2011 -- While the major violence may have subsided in Ivory Coast over the past month, medical needs are said to be at critical levels.
New Ivory Coast President Visits Senegal VOA 12 May 2011 -- Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara heads to Senegal on Thursday - his first foreign trip since being sworn in last week.

Egypt to simplify Rafah border crossing for Palestinians RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- Egypt will facilitate the procedure for Palestinians who wish to enter the country through the Rafah border crossing.

MOZAMBIQUE: North overwhelmed by asylum seekers IRIN 12 May 2011 -- Thousands of frustrated Ethiopian and Somali asylum seekers trying to make their way to South Africa have been marooned in overcrowded camps in northern Mozambique.

Pakistan, India in talks to resolve dam dispute IRNA 12 May 2011 -- Top Pakistani and Indian experts opened a two-day talks in Islamabad aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over a planned dam in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Kosovo heading towards phase of greater stability, UN envoy says UN News Centre 12 May 2011 -- Senior UN official: Kosovo appears to be heading towards a period of increased political stability.

Prosecutors Disagree on Cambodia War Crimes Tribunal's Next Case VOA 12 May 2011 -- Prosecutors at the Khmer Rouge war crimes tribunal in Phnom Penh are at odds this week after investigating judges said they have completed their work on their third case.

News Reports

Chinese Remain Optimistic After US Talks Stall VOA 12 May 2011 -- Despite few concrete results from this week’s high-level U.S.-China talks in Washington, Chinese officials indicate their government firmly supports increasing dialogue.

Syrian Activists: Government Forces Arrest Dozens VOA 12 May 2011 -- Syrian activists say the government has arrested dozens of people and deployed tanks around cities in central Syria.
Syria Braces for More Anti-Regime Protests VOA 12 May 2011 -- Syrian government forces expanded their crackdown on public opposition uprising, deploying tanks around the historic city of Hama.
Syria Rounds Up Protest Leaders As Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Rights activists in Syria say the country's security forces are continuing a town-by-town crackdown on dissent.
Syrian Activists Say Government Tanks Deploying Around Hama VOA 12 May 2011 -- Syrian activists say government forces expanded their crackdown on an opposition uprising.
Syrian opposition prepares for fresh protests RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- The Syrian opposition has announced another day of mass protests for this Friday.

Bahrain Says Foreign Forces Will Remain VOA 12 May 2011 -- Bahrain's top military leader says foreign forces will remain in the Gulf island kingdom after it lifts emergency rule next month.
Talks, troops withdrawal from Bahrain are proper ways for peace, says Iran ISNA 12 May 2011 -- Iranian FM Salehi said talks and withdrawal of military forces from Bahrain are the most appropriate ways to establish peace in the country.

Dozens Wounded as Yemeni Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 12 May 2011 -- Dozens were wounded as fresh clashes erupted between Yemeni security forces and protesters, a day after at least nine people were killed in anti-government unrest.

Mubarak, Wife Questioned in Egypt Wealth Probe VOA 12 May 2011 -- Egyptian prosecutors say former president Hosni Mubarak and his wife, Suzanne, have been questioned over allegations of illegally acquiring a portfolio of massive wealth.

Former Tunisian President's Case Sent to Military Court VOA 12 May 2011 -- Tunisian authorities have referred criminal cases against former President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali to a military court.

European Parliament Slams Azerbaijan On Rights RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- The European Parliament has condemned a crackdown on opposition protests in Azerbaijan and expressed "deep concern" at attacks on civil society, social network activists, and journalists in the country.

Top U.S. Official: 'Arab Spring' Scenario Not Likely Coming To Central Asia RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Top US State Department official: Characteristics of countries in Central Asia make it unlikely for an "Arab Spring"-like wave of popular uprisings.
Amnesty International Warns World 'At Historic Crossroads' RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Imagine a world that is "flat" -- that is, a world where every person has access to information and can participate in decisions affecting their lives with no fear of persecution.
Amnesty International Releases Annual Report on Human Rights VOA 12 May 2011 -- Amnesty International says in its latest annual report that recent uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa show that freedom of expression lies at the heart of human rights.

Russia: Iran Nuclear Plant Will Soon Be Operational VOA 12 May 2011 -- A senior Russian diplomat says Iran's Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant will be up and running within weeks.
Iran receives nuclear fuel from Russia ISNA 12 May 2011 -- Iran received the second fuel shipment from Russia for its Bushehr nuclear power plant.
MP: Iran's proposed package to west inclusive of regional, int'l benefits IRNA 12 May 2011 -- Head of IRI Parliament’s National Security Commission: Proposals package to west is inclusive of entire issues.

Fuel Rods at Japanese Plant Were Exposed VOA 12 May 2011 -- Operators of Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant say water levels in the plant's number-one reactor are lower than originally thought.
TEPCO reports nuclear fuel meltdown at Fukushima No. 1 RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- Fuel rods in the No. 1 reactor at Japan's crippled nuclear power plant may have melted after being fully exposed.
Radioactivity Observation Result Released KCNA 12 May 2011 -- An observation result of radioactive fallouts from Japan's Fukushima atomic reactors was made public in the DPRK.

Nigerian Probe into Electoral Killing Aims to Prevent Future Violence VOA 12 May 2011 -- The head of Nigeria's panel investigating last month's electoral violence says uncovering the causes of that killing will help prevent future unrest.

As Museveni Sworn in, Questions Raised About Uganda's Democracy VOA 12 May 2011 -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a fourth term in office.

Thai Court Revokes Bail for Opposition Leaders VOA 12 May 2011 -- A court in Thailand has revoked bail for two opposition leaders because it said they incited unrest at a recent political rally.

India's West Bengal Set to End 34 Years of Communist Rule VOA 12 May 2011 -- The world's oldest democratically elected communist government is having what some are calling its Berlin Wall moment this week.

Haiti: UN mission calls for explanation on results of three disputed districts UN News Centre 12 May 2011 -- The UN mission in Haiti has called on the country’s electoral authorities to explain results from 3 districts in recent legislative elections that do not match the figures of local and international observers.

Australia Urged to Rethink Fiji Ties VOA 12 May 2011 -- A leading Australian policy think tank says the government in Canberra has adopted the wrong approach to persuading Fiji’s military rulers to return to democracy.

EU Lawmakers Call For Wider Belarus Sanctions RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- The European Parliament has called on the European Union to expand sanctions on Belarus over its crackdown on the opposition.

United Russia, Putin Prepare For National Elections RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- The contours of Russia's next election season are becoming clearer.
Medvedev says political competition vital for Russia RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- Competition is vital for the country's political stability and no one party can claim a dominant role.

Demjanjuk Found Guilty Of Nazi Murders, Released On Grounds Of Age RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- A German court found John Demjanjuk guilty of helping to murder almost 30,000 prisoners at a Nazi death camp during World War II, but released him to due to his advanced age.
German court convicts former Nazi death camp guard RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- A Munich court found Ukraine-born Ivan (John) Demjanjuk guilty of helping to kill Jews at a Nazi extermination camp and convicted him to five years in prison.

Rodong Sinmun Calls for Abolishing Old International Economic Order KCNA 12 May 2011 -- Developing countries are calling for the earliest abolition of the old order in the field of international economy.

Mayflower Test Satellite, Jointly Developed by Northrop Grumman and Applied Minds, Proves Successful During Recent SpaceX Mission Northrop Grumman 11 May 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation and Applied Minds, LLC announced the success of a recent launch and orbit of a Mayflower test microsatellite. Data gathered from around the world was analyzed, showing all tested systems functioned correctly including a new, previously unproven advanced solar cell deployment system.

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