News

24 August 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 24 Aug 2011 [PDF]

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 23 Aug 2011
NATO mission not over yet in Libya UK MOD 24 Aug 2011 -- With Free Libya Forces fighting to overcome pockets of supporters of Colonel Gaddafi's former regime within Tripoli, UK forces have helped NATO maintain a constant presence over the city.

Combined Afghan, Coalition Force Kills Taliban Chief AFPS 24 Aug 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a senior Taliban leader and a subordinate during a security operation in Faryab province.
Marine general reflects on coalition air efforts USMC News 24 Aug 2011 -- 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) has supported more than 600 combat operations in southwestern Afghanistan since March.
Ramadan impacts Afghan training, but mission still on target USMC News 24 Aug 2011 -- Coalition forces instructors at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, have stayed on target training Afghan National Security Forces.

Pakistani forces begin search operation in Karachi IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Pakistani paramilitary forces and police launched a search operation in the country’s commercial hub of Karachi.
Pakistani Police Make Arrests in Kidnapping of American VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Police in Pakistan say they have arrested three people in connection with the kidnapping of an American in the city of Lahore earlier this month.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Press Briefing on the 2011 Annual Report to Congress: Military and Developments Involving the People's Republic of China DoD 24 Aug 2011
China Report Notes Military Modernization AFPS 24 Aug 2011 -- China’s military is modernizing, but the Chinese government needs to be more forthcoming on why it needs these new capabilities.

Pakistan concerned at US aid suspension IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- President Asif Ali Zardari told a US delegation that Pakistan was concerned about the reports of proposed slash in US assistance for the country.
Routine Interactions Build U.S-India Defense Relations AFPS 24 Aug 2011 -- The U.S.-India defense relationship is a natural partnership created by shared interests and values.
Biden Thanks Yokota Airmen for Helping Japan AFPS 24 Aug 2011 -- VP Biden thanked about 1,000 military and civilian personnel from Japan’s Kanto Plains for their role during Operation Tomodachi.
New CREW Maintenance University, eliminates need for additional training Army News 24 Aug 2011 -- Designed to offer maintainers and operators with a more realistic training, the new CREW Maintenance University opened its doors to students this Spring.
Product manager providing mission command through integration Army News 24 Aug 2011 -- One unit at a time, the office integrates all of the many capabilities that reside within a command post into the CPS&I;product line to deliver vital mission command to the Army and other services.
HSC 28 Responds to Suspected Pirate Attack NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Detachment 2, embarked aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, responded to an attack on the motor vessel (MV) Caravos Horizon in the Southern Red Sea Aug 10.
George Washington Returns to Yokosuka NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- The Navy's only full-time, forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington returned to its forward-operating port of Yokosuka, Japan, Aug. 25.
USS George H.W. Bush Completes 20,000th Arrested Landing NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- USS George H.W. Bush reached an aviation milestone Aug. 23, completing the 20,000th arrested landing since the ship's commissioning in 2009.
USS New Orleans Completes Predeployment Exercise, Returns to San Diego NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- USS New Orleans returned to its homeport in San Diego Aug. 22 following a two week predeployment exercise off the coast of Southern California.
USS New Orleans Aids Vessel in Distress, Recovers Suspected Contraband NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- USS New Orleans responded to a distress call during its pre-deployment exercise leading to the capture of more than 1,800 lbs. of alleged contraband Aug. 20, off the coast of San Diego.
Rodong Sinmun on UFG Exercise KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Ulji Freedom Guardian joint military exercises are exercises for a nuclear war against the DPRK.
Ulchi Freedom Guardian underway in Korea Army News 24 Aug 2011 -- The Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command exercise "Ulchi Freedom Guardian" runs through Aug. 26 with more than 530,000 troops participating from nine nations.
2nd Aviation Detachment trains for night missions Army News 24 Aug 2011 -- The 2nd Aviation Detachment located at Stewart Air Base in New Windsor conducted training in night vision flying.
T-34 Crashes Near Bob Hall Pier NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- A T-34C Turbomentor, a two seat training aircraft, assigned to Training Squadron 28 based out of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, crashed at approximately 6:33 p.m. Aug. 24.
Second Fleet Sets Sortie Condition Alpha in Preparation for Hurricane NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet ordered all U.S. Navy ships in the Hampton Roads, Va., area to set Sortie Condition Alpha Aug. 24.
NAVFAC Awards $15 Million for Facility at Barksdale Air Force Base NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast awarded a $15 million contract Aug. 3 for design and construction of a single-bay hangar and training facility at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
Newest Redstone Arsenal building certified green Army News 24 Aug 2011 -- Redstone Arsenal's most recent addition to LEED certification is for building 4400, which includes the Army Materiel Command and Army Security Assistance Command headquarters.
Saratoga Springs Commanding Officer Relieved NNS 24 Aug 2011 -- The commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Saratoga Springs, N.Y., was relieved of command by Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Aug. 24.

Next test of Russia's Bulava missile set for Aug. 27 RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- A state commission has scheduled the next test launch of the Bulava ballistic missile for August 27.

Next round of Taiwan-China talks postponed due to differences CNA 24 Aug 2011 -- The seventh round of top-level talks between Taiwan and China will not take place this month as planned.
SEF confirms existence of '1992 consensus' CNA 24 Aug 2011 -- The "1992 consensus" between Taiwan and China has actually existed even though the opposition Democratic Progressive Party has refused to accept it.

F-16 pilot accused of damaging utility pole while landing CNA 24 Aug 2011 -- A resident of Sincheng Township in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan: F-16 fighter jet hit a utility pole while coming in to land.

Iran still hopes to receive S-300 air defense systems RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- Tehran is hoping that an international court will rule in favor of Iran over the legality of the supplies of Russian S-300 air defense systems.
Iran among 10 countries with complete space tech: Minister ISNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Vahidi: Country is one of the 10 countries which own complete space technology.

Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 8/24/2011 The White House 24 Aug 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, August 24, 2011 US Dept. of State 24 Aug 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 24, 2011
EADS North America passes the halfway mark in deliveries of the U.S. Army UH-72A Lakota helicopter EADS 24 Aug 2011 -- EADS North America has achieved another milestone on the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program as the company has delivered more than half of the planned 345 Lakotas to the U.S. Army.
Lockheed Martin Selects Courtland Manufacturing Facility For Future Standard Missile-3 Block IIB Production Lockheed Martin 24 Aug 2011 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that it has selected its Courtland, Ala., facility for future production of the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB (SM-3 IIB). The production facility decision will be part of the bid that Lockheed Martin intends to submit for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s upcoming product development phase for the SM-3 IIB that is scheduled to be awarded in 2013.
Lockheed Martin AMF JTRS Team Delivers Joint Tactical Radio to AFRL For C-130J And C-5 Integration Risk Reduction Lockheed Martin 24 Aug 2011 -- High-capacity, secure battlefield communications links between all elements of the U.S. military forces are one step closer to truly being connected. The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team has delivered a Small Airborne Joint Tactical Radio Engineering Development Model (EDM) to the C-130J and C-5 System Integration Laboratories in Marietta, Georgia. This is the second EDM delivered to the U.S. Air Force to support platform integration activities of the Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS).
Lockheed Martin Introduces Virtual Capability That Connects Interpreters with Battlefield Troops Lockheed Martin 24 Aug 2011 -- Deployed U.S. and international forces battling language barriers will now be able to instantly connect to a pool of highly qualified interpretation services through a real-time, virtual capability developed by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]. Tailored to meet the exponential demand for qualified interpreters in theater, Lockheed Martin’s Linguist on-line service, LinGo LinkTM, brings high end interpreter services to troops at the forward edge.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Third Production C-5M Super Galaxy To U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin 24 Aug 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] completed delivery today of the third production C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force.
Raytheon-Boeing Team Continues to Validate JAGM Single Rocket-Motor Solution Raytheon 24 Aug 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed a second series of government-funded technology development phase tests of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile's single rocket-motor solution, designed by Boeing and its subcontractor ATK.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 24 August 2011 United Nations 24 Aug 2011

Libyan Uprising Boosts Morale in Mideast VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The apparent victory by rebels in Libya is sending shockwaves throughout the Middle East.
Analysts Assess Future US-Libya Ties VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- While fighting continues in Libya, the international community is already looking ahead to a post-Gadhafi era.
Senior Rebel Officials Arrive in Tripoli VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The general secretary of Libya’s opposition Transitional National Council says 5 executive members of the rebel movement have arrived in the capital.
Libyan Rebels Continue Holding Tripoli VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Anti-Gadhafi forces in Libya are consolidating their hold on the capital and other parts of the country even as pro-Gadhafi fighters put up fierce resistance.
Gadhafi Loyalists Continue to Defend Scattered Parts of Tripoli, Southern Libya VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Fighting is continuing across parts of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, , as Gadhafi loyalists attempt to defend their last enclaves.
Heavy Fighting Continues In Tripoli; Qaddafi Remains Defiant RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- Sporadic, heavy fighting has continued in central Tripoli, despite claims by rebel fighters that they most of capital under their control.
Britain, France Seek To Unfreeze Libyan Assets RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- France and Britain are working to unfreeze Libyan assets blocked by UN Security Council sanctions.
US Introduces UN Resolution to Release $1.5B in Libyan Assets VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The United States has introduced a resolution at the U.N. Security Council to unfreeze $1.5 billion in Libyan assets for urgent humanitarian needs.
World Powers Mull Libya Strategy VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- French envoys said Wednesday the country is working with its allies to draw up a United Nations resolution that would unfreeze Libyan assets.
LIBYA: A protection challenge for the opposition IRIN 24 Aug 2011 -- The entry by Libyan opposition fighters into Tripoli clearly marks a turning point for the Libyan opposition after six months of fighting against Col Muammar Gaddafi's government.
Anti-Gadhafi Forces Offer Reward for Gadhafi's Capture VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Libya's opposition is offering a $1.67 million reward for the capture of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Libyan rebels offer $1.5 mln reward for Gaddafi, dead or alive RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- Libyan rebels offered amnesty, as well as a $1.3-million reward for anyone who captures or kills Muammar Gaddafi.
4 Italian Journalists Kidnapped in Libya VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Italy says four Italian journalists have been kidnapped and their driver killed in Libya by armed men described as loyalists to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Foreign reporters flee from 'hotel trap' in Tripoli RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- All foreign journalists have left a hotel in Tripoli after being trapped in the building for several days.
Libya to choose new leader by spring RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- Mustafa Abdel Jalil: Libya will hold presidential elections in the next eight months and Muammar Gaddafi will be tried for his crimes inside the country.
West fears Al-Qaeda could seize Gaddafi weapons RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- The US, France and Britain have asked Libya's neighbors to beef up security on their borders to prevent the possible smuggling out of weapons.
Libyan rebels vow to honor Gaddafi-era contracts RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- Libya's National Transitional Council will honor all business contracts signed with foreign companies during the reign of Muammar Gaddafi.

Yemeni Forces Kill Dozens of Militants VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Officials in Yemen say the military has killed dozens of suspected al-Qaida-linked militants in the country's south.

South China Sea on Agenda as Philippine President Heads to Beijing VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- China’s ambassador in Manila says his country is willing to look into partnerships with the Philippines in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

More Alleged Mass Graves Found in Southern Kordofan VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- New satellite images Wednesday over Sudan’s Southern Kordofan State show more alleged mass graves.

Kashmir gun battle in 5th day, toll mounts to 14 IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Intermittent firing between Indian army and trapped militants in a forested area along dividing military line of control in north Kashmir was on for the fifth day.

Genocide Trial of Khmer Rouge Leaders Likely Delayed Until 2012 VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Court sources and observers in Cambodia say the genocide trial of four surviving Khmer Rouge is now likely to be delayed, yet again.
War Crimes Suspect Hadzic Pleads Not Guilty VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The former leader of Croatia's ethnic Serbs, Goran Hadzic, has pleaded not guilty at the United Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague.
Hadzic Pleads Not Guilty To War Crimes RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- Former Croatian Serb leader Goran Hadzic pleaded not guilty today to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Salvadoran War Crime Suspect Held in US VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Federal agents in the US arrested a former Salvadoran military officer accused of participating in the killing of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador in 1989.

News Reports

Syrian Forces Launch Raids, Make Arrests VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces are again raiding towns and villages throughout the country.
Damascus: Individuals supported by al-Qaeda IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Deputy Syrian Foreign and Immigrants Affairs Minister: Intervention in Hamah and Hams were in response to groups supported by Al-Qaeda.
UN Syria Sanctions Draft Targets Assad And Others RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- A European and U.S. draft resolution calls for UN sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Pakistan Denies Link to Chinese Terror Group VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Pakistan's foreign minister is denying claims made by some Chinese officials that her country had anything to do with terrorist attacks in Xinjiang.

Kim Jong-il's armored train returns to North Korea after Russia visit RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is returning to his homeland after talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Kim Jong Il Seen off by Russian President KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Kim Jong Il was warmly seen off by Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev upon the conclusion of his historical visit to the Russian Federation.
Speech Made by Medvedev at Banquet KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- The following is the speech made by Russian President Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev at the banquet given in honor of General Secretary Kim Jong Il visiting Russia:
Speech Made by Kim Jong Il at Banquet KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il made a speech at the banquet given by Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, in welcome of his visit to Russia.
Russian President Hosts Banquet in Honor of Kim Jong Il KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, hosted a grand banquet at the Presidential Guest House of the Russian Federation in Ulan-Ude City in welcome of Kim Jong Il.
US: North Korean Nuclear Concessions Welcome, But Insufficient VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The United States has called reported North Korean nuclear concessions welcome but insufficient.
North Korea Ready To Discuss Nuclear Moratorium RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- The Kremlin says North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is willing to discuss suspending nuclear weapons tests and production.
Medvedev, Kim Jong Il Meet in Siberia VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and North Korea's Kim Jong Il met in Siberia to discuss resuming six-party nuclear talks, among other issues.
Russia President Medvedev Meets with North Korean Leader Kim VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and North Korea's Kim Jong Il met in Siberia to discuss resuming six-party nuclear talks.
Russian, North Korean leaders agree on Soviet debt plan RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il reached a "common approach" on Pyongyang's Soviet-era debts.
N.Korea agrees gas pipeline deal and return to nuclear talks RIA Novosti 24 Aug 2011 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il agreed on a deal with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for a gas export pipeline to South Korea.
Talks Held between Top Leaders of DPRK and Russia KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Talks were held between Kim Jong Il and Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, in Ulan-Ude.
Kim Jong Il Meets with Russian President KCNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Kim Jong Il met with Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, in Ulan-Ude, the capital city of the Republic of Buryatia in Russia.

Iran accepted only outlines of Russian proposal: envoy IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Sajjadi: Iran has accepted only the outlines of the Russian proposal to Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Iran says is transferring centrifuges to Fordo site ISNA 24 Aug 2011 -- The Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Davani: Country is transferring centrifuges from Natanz to Fordo nuclear site.
IAEA inspector visits Iran nuclear sites ISNA 24 Aug 2011 -- The IAEA Deputy Director General Herman Nackaerts has toured Iran's nuclear sites, said Iranian ambassador to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh.
Bushehr power plant turbines tested successfully IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Turbines of Bushehr power plant were tested successfully at the speed of 3000-cycle on Tuesday.
Minister: Iran to send bio-creatures into space IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Brigadier General Ahmad: Iranian Kavoshgar satellite with a payload containing a bio-capsule of live creatures will be sent into space.

AU Summit to Address Humanitarian Crisis, Says Official VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- A senior official of the African Union says the scheduled August 25 “pledge summit” will focus on addressing the humanitarian crisis, which he said is a result of the ongoing drought in East Africa.

UN Envoy Meets Burmese Political Prisoners, Aung San Suu Kyi VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- United Nations officials say special envoy Tomas Quintana spoke with political prisoners at Burma's notorious Insein Prison.

Senior Kyrgyz Security Official Steps Down, Berates Country's Leaders RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- A senior Kyrgyz security official has stepped down in protest at what he says is his agency's transformation into a "tool" to protect top officials' interests.

Ballot Error no Impact on Referendum Results, Says Liberian Elections Chief VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The chairman of Liberia’s national elections commission says Tuesday’s constitutional referendum was successful despite an error on the ballot papers.

Zimbabwe Vice President Suspicious About Husband’s Death VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Joice Mujuru, vice president of Zimbabwe, said she is suspicious about how her husband, Solomon Mujuru, died.

Congo Investigates UN Driver for Trafficking Minerals VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Congolese authorities are investigating a United Nations driver accused of trying to illegally export minerals.

Ukraine Marks 20 Years Of Independence RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- Ukraine today marks 20 years of independence.

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