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18 November 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 18 Nov 2011 [PDF]

Combined Force Detains Several Insurgents AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Navy Sea Kings making a big difference in Helmand UK MOD 18 Nov 2011 -- Royal Navy Sea Kings have over the last five months helped seize more than seven tonnes of drugs and stop insurgents in Afghanistan building over 1,500 homemade bombs.
Panetta, MacKay Look Ahead in Afghanistan Effort AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- The way ahead in Afghanistan was among the topics covered in a meeting between Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Canadian Defense Minister Peter G. MacKay.
Mazar after transition NATO 18 Nov 2011 -- Since July, Afghan forces have been fully in charge of Mazar's security, with ISAF forces only operating in a supporting role.
Two more British soldiers killed in Afghanistan IRNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Two British soldiers have been killed when a bomb hit their vehicle in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province, Afghanistan.
9th ESB deploys in support of OEF USMC News 18 Nov 2011 -- Marines and sailors with 9th Engineer Support Battalion boarded aircraft here Nov. 12 and departed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Pakistani envoy to US denies sending memo IRNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Pakistani Ambassador to US Hussain Haqqani denied writing and sending any secret memo to US Admiral Mike Mullen.
School blown up in NW Pakistan IRNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Suspected Taliban militants have blown up a school in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province.

Iraqi Air Force To Resume Patrols Of Airspace RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- A top Iraqi parliament deputy says an Iraqi fighter plane will patrol the country's airspace next week for the first time since 2003.
F-16s to strengthen Iraqi air defense, partnership with U.S. AFNS 18 Nov 2011 -- Commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq.

III MEF continues Thailand assistance USMC News 18 Nov 2011 -- U.S. Pacific Command sent the III Marine Expeditionary Force flood-relief command element from here to the Kingdom of Thailand Nov. 14.

Defense Policy / Programs

Joint Statement by President SusiloI Bambang Yudhoyono of The Republic of Indonesia and President Barack Obama of The United States of America The White House 18 Nov 2011
Pacific Engagement Fosters Better Understanding AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- Senior U.S. military leaders met recently with their counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss military-to-military agreements and increased security cooperation.
Nominee Discusses Asia-Pacific Challenges AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- The United States faces difficult challenges in the Asia and Pacific regions, Mark Lippert said here yesterday.
Fact Sheet: Excess Defense Article (EDA) F-16 Refurbishment The White House 18 Nov 2011
US, Indonesia Agree on F-16 Transfer AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. and Indonesian presidents issued a joint statement announcing the planned transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16s to the Indonesian air force.
Bills pushing F-16 sale to Taiwan clear U.S. congressional committee CNA 18 Nov 2011 -- A U.S. congressional committee adopted two bills pushing for the sale of new F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan and closer ties with the country.

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta at the Halifax International Security Forum DoD 18 Nov 2011-- BUG: the source does not exist in description file
Remarks by Secretary Panetta and Canadian Minister MacKay DoD 18 Nov 2011-- BUG: the source does not exist in description file
Army concludes second Network Integration Evaluation Army News 18 Nov 2011 -- The Army has concluded its second Network Integration Evaluation (NIE), moving closer to deploying an integrated battlefield network after collecting valuable Soldier feedback on the latest tactical communications technologies.
3d ESC conducts Command Post Exercise Army News 18 Nov 2011 -- The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) conducted a command post exercise-sustainment from Nov. 2-14 at Fort Lee, Va.
Range reconnaissance equips commander with knowledge for future training operations Army News 18 Nov 2011 -- The commander stepped from the vehicle into the open air and surveyed the scenery. A vast expanse of rolling mountain ranges and deep ravines crowded with towering trees stood before him. The view, as eye-catching as it may have been, was not the center of attention. It was the vacant buildings in his near vicinity that were the main point of interest for the commander.
USARPAC's CCP demonstrates real-world capabilities during Autumn Laulima Army News 18 Nov 2011 -- U.S. Army Pacific's Contingency Command Post demonstrated its flexible capability to Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, USARPAC commander, during the deployment readiness training exercise Autumn Laulima, Nov. 10 on Fort Shafter Flats.
'Working ourselves out of a job': Extensive training leads CLB-1 EPT to success with ANA USMC News 18 Nov 2011 -- Like those before them, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), made a concerted effort to put together a well-rounded group of Marines to create their Embedded Partnering Team.
Planning Continues for Largest Amphibious Assault Exercise in 10 Years NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command hosted the second operational planning team conference (OPT) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story, the week of Nov. 14-18 for Exercise Bold Alligator 2012 (BA-12), scheduled to take place during January and February 2012.
USS Norfolk Holds Change of Command NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 18.
USS Leyte Gulf Returns to Ft. Lauderdale NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) visited Ft. Lauderdale Nov. 14, during the Veteran's Day weekend to pay tribute to the city in which she was commissioned nearly 25 years ago.
U.S. Navy's Self Defense Test Ship Successfully Transits on Alternative Fuel Blend NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Navy successfully concluded its largest demonstration of shipboard alternative fuel use Nov. 17, with the successful arrival of the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) to Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme, Calif.
2011 Navy Now Forum Focuses on Information Dominance, Cyber Security NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- The fall 2011 Navy Now forum networking luncheon was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., Nov. 17.
USS Ponce Departs Ponce NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- The hot, bright Puerto Rican sun poured its rays down over the Bay of Ponce as the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) slipped its moorings and turned its bow north, heading home to Norfolk, Va. after a warm and energetic final visit to its last-ever port of call (and namesake city), Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Last C-9 Takes Flight at Oceana NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- The 'Globemasters' of Fleet Support Squadron (VR) 56 brought another chapter in their 35-year history to a close with the final flight of their last C-9B Skytrain II aircraft, Nov. 15.
USNS Henson Completes U.S., Indonesian Oceanographic Survey NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- The Military Sealift Command (MSC) oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson (T-AGS 63) completed of a month-long, bilateral survey mission with the Indonesian Navy Nov. 16, one of the largest in three decades of hydrographic surveys between the two countries.
Defense Secretary visits 'Submarine Capital of the World' NNS 18 Nov 2011 -- The Secretary of Defense visited Sailors and shipyard workers Nov. 17, while getting a firsthand look at construction of the Virginia-class attack submarine to be commissioned the USS Mississippi.
Panetta: Future Rests on Partnerships, Modernization AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- Partnerships and modernization hold the key to meeting the challenges facing the United States and its allies, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said.
U.S., Canadian Defense Leaders Call F-35 Crucial AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Canadian Defense Minister Peter G. MacKay emphasized that both nations are committed to developing the F-35 joint strike fighter.
Panetta, MacKay Reaffirm U.S.-Canada Partnership AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Canadian Defense Minister Peter G. MacKay reaffirmed the ties between their nations in the defense of North America and in multinational endeavors around the world.
Dempsey Speaks of Building Force for the Future AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- Examining what makes the profession of arms a profession is important to service members, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told members of the Military Reporters and Editors group.
U.S. tests hypersonic weapon RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Army has conducted the first flight test of a new weapon concept designed to fly within the earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speed and long range.
Senate Committee Considers Special Operations Nominee AFPS 18 Nov 2011 -- The Senate Armed Services Committee met to consider President Barack Obama’s nominee for assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict.
Air Force civilian deployment opportunities expected to increase AFNS 18 Nov 2011 -- More than 800 Air Force civilians deployed to various overseas locations in 2010.
Army Releases October Suicide Data DoD 18 Nov 2011
Department of Defense Announces New Installation Energy Technology Demonstrations for Fiscal 2012 DoD 18 Nov 2011

Russia to build 2 plants for S-500 air defense systems RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- Russia’s Almaz-Antey concern will build two plants to manufacture formidable S-500 air defense systems.
Russia seeks extension of Azerbaijan radar lease until 2025 RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- Russia and Azerbaijan are close to signing a document extending the lease of the Gabala radar until 2025.

India developing capabilities to protect space-based assets IRNA 18 Nov 2011 -- India said it is developing capabilities to protect its space-based assets such as satellites.
India committed to develop “best of relations” with China: PM IRNA 18 Nov 2011 -- India, China agreed on the need or working together as there was “enouh space” and areas for them to work together for mutual benefit.

Taiwan to follow Japan's troop deployment on southernmost island CNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Taiwan will watch closely whether Japan deploys self-defense troops on the country's southernmost Yonaguni Island, Deputy Defense Minister Andrew Yang said.
Taiwan Defense ministry censured over spying case CNA 18 Nov 2011 -- The Control Yuan censured the Ministry of National Defense and the Army Command Headquarters for poor supervision of a former general.

Iran builds reconnaissance multipurpose UAV ISNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Iranian scholars have built an UAV which can be used in different reconnaissance, imaging, military and non-military observation missions.

Haiti to Explore Military Reconstruction VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Haitian President Michel Martelly says his government is moving forward with a plan to reconstitute the nation's military.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, November 18, 2011 US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 18, 2011
CASSIDIAN has been awarded a contract by the Spanish Air Force for modifying fuselages of the F-5 aircraft EADS 18 Nov 2011 -- Cassidian Spain recently signed a contract with the Spanish Air Force to carry out structural modifications on five fuselages in F-5 aircraft.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Lays Keel of DDG 1000, First Zumwalt-class Destroyer General Dynamics 18 Nov 2011 -- On Thursday, November 17, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works celebrated the keel laying of Zumwalt (DDG 1000), the first ship in the planned three-ship Zumwalt class of guided-missile destroyers. The keel unit is the 4,000-ton, heavily outfitted mid-forebody section of the ship, which was moved from the shipyard’s Ultra Hall construction facility onto the building ways in late October.
Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Development Model for U.S. Navy's Integrated Topside Program Support Northrop Grumman 18 Nov 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded follow-on and additional task order contracts totaling $69 million from the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) for the Navy's Integrated Topside (InTop) program.

Other Conflicts

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

Turkey Follows Russia, Warns of Syrian Civil War VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- There are new warnings that the situation in Syria could descend into civil war.
At Least 11 Killed Following Unrest in Syria VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Activists say at least 11 people were killed in Syria on Friday after security forces opened fire on protesters and launched new raids across the country.

UN reports three areas in Somalia have emerged from famine UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations reported today that three areas in Somalia which were declared to be in a state of famine earlier this year have emerged from the dire food crisis as a result of scaled-up relief delivery, but warned that the situation remains critical for millions of people in the Horn of Africa country.
Ethiopia May Join Alliance Against Somalia's Al-Shabab VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- An alliance of mostly East African nations is preparing a coordinated military campaign in Somalia to finish off the embattled al-Shabab extremist group.
UN: Record Numbers of Somalis, Ethiopians Flee to Yemen VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations says a record number of refugees have fled Ethiopia and Somalia for Yemen, despite the instability there.
Famine Subsides in Somalia, Starvation Risk Remains VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations reports that famine in southern Somalia has subsided in three regions, due in part to the success of humanitarian intervention.
UN-backed group calls for adequate support in tackling piracy off Somali coast UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- A UN-backed group dedicated to fighting piracy off the Somali coast has stressed the need for the international community to provide adequate resources to successfully tackle this ongoing threat.

Turkish MP: Close Tehran-Ankara cooperation for campaign against terrorism is very important IRNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Head of Turkey's National Defense Commission, Oğuz Kağan Koksal says close cooperation between Tehran and Ankara for campaign against terrorism is of high importance.

UN agency voices concern about safety of refugees in Sudanese border areas UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today it is working to move refugees who have fled fighting in southern parts of Sudan and crossed over into neighbouring South Sudan away from the border and to safer areas due to security concerns.

Saakashvili applauds EU resolution on Georgia RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili described a European parliament resolution on Georgia that dubs Russia an illegal military occupant as “historical.”

News Reports

Statement by President Obama on Burma The White House 18 Nov 2011
Briefing on Burma by Senior Administration Officials The White House 18 Nov 2011
Obama Speaks with Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- The phone call on November 17 was the president’s first the Burmese democracy leader, who spent years in and out of house arrest and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
Suu Kyi's Party To Register For Myanmar Elections RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- The party of Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has announced its decision to rejoin politics and register for upcoming parliamentary by-elections in Myanmar.
Burma’s Opposition Party Re-Enters Politics VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Burma’s opposition National League for Democracy has announced it will re-enter politics in upcoming elections following reform moves by the military-backed government.
US: Clinton to Press for Follow-Through on Reforms in Burma VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s groundbreaking visit to Burma early next month will be a test of the Burmese government’s stated commitments to democratic reforms.
Obama To Send Clinton To Myanmar Next Month RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Myanmar as the U.S. looks to seize what could be an historic opportunity for progress in the repressed country.
Obama Announces Major New Diplomatic Initiative on Burma VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama announced a major new diplomatic initiative responding to positive changes in Burma.
Obama Meets with Asian Leaders VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has held talks with Asian leaders attending the East Asia Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Egyptians Rally Demanding Military Cede Power VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- With a little more than a week before Egypt's first post-revolution elections, demonstrators turned out en masse to protest what they say is the military's attempt to prolong its "temporary" powers.
New Protest Sweeps Cairo's Tahrir Square VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Thousands of Egyptians are demonstrating in Cairo's Tahrir Square, upset over what they say is an attempt by the country's military to reinforce its powers.
Thousands of protesters gather in Cairo’s Tahrir Square RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- Some 50,000 protesters gathered on Friday in Tahrir Square in the Egyptian capital of Cairo to take part in rallies against military rule called “Friday of One Demand.”

Libya reinstated as member of UN Human Rights Council UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- United Nations Member States voted overwhelmingly to readmit Libya as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.
Muslim Brotherhood Holds First Public Conference In Libya RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- The Muslim Brotherhood is holding its first public conference on Libyan soil after being banned for decades.

KCNA on Rumor about 'Nuclear Cooperation' KCNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Some dishonest forces are deliberately spreading the rumor that the DPRK is helping Iran in manufacturing nuclear weapons.

Statement by the Press Secretary on Today's Resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors on Iran The White House 18 Nov 2011
Secretary Clinton Statement on International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors' Resolution on Iran US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2011
Statement by the Press Secretary on Today’s United National General Assembly Resolution Condemning the Assassination Plot against the Saudi Ambassador The White House 18 Nov 2011
Full text of Iran protest letter to IAEA Director-General ISNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Iran's Ambassador to the IAEA Soltanieh sent a letter to Director-General Yukiya Amano before holding the Board of Governors conference.
Full text of NAM statement on IAEA resolution ISNA 18 Nov 2011 -- Non-Aligned Movement stressed talks and diplomacy to be the only long-term solution for Iran’s nuclear issue.
Reluctant Turkey A Key Player In Any Sanctions Regime Against Iran RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- Any effort to impose effective sanctions on Iran will require Turkey's cooperation.
IAEA Rebukes Iran for Nuclear Activities VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency has passed a resolution that cites "deep and increasing concern" about Iran's nuclear activities.
IAEA adopts Iran resolution RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Friday passed a resolution on Iran, drafted by a group of international mediators, a diplomatic source said.
IAEA Backs World Powers' Resolution To Intensify Pressure On Iran Over Nuclear Program RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations' nuclear watchdog has backed a resolution drawn up by the world's major powers to increase pressure on Iran.
IAEA Considers New Measure on Iran Nuclear Aims VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- The board of governors of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency is meeting in Vienna, where it is expected to vote on a measure further criticizing Iran for its nuclear program.
Dozen countries join in on Iran Six resolution RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- Italy, Japan and 10 other countries joined in on the draft resolution by the Iran Six that is expected to be submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors.
U.S. Defense Chief Warns On Iran Military Strike RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said he will raise American concerns about the unintended consequences of any military action against Iran during talks with his Israeli counterpart.
IAEA inspectors may visit Iran ‘soon’ RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- IAEA experts may soon accept Tehran’s invitation to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
General Assembly condemns plot to kill Saudi Arabian diplomat UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- United Nations Member States deplored a disrupted plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States.

After North's Rebuff, S. Korea Looks Elsewhere to Donate Aid VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- South Korea says it is looking to donate baby formula originally intended for North Korea to countries.

Former Philippine Leader Gloria Arroyo Arrested VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has been arrested in her hospital room on electoral fraud charges.
Former Philippines President Arroyo Arrested In Hospital RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been arrested in a Manila hospital, where she was receiving medical treatment, on charges of electoral fraud.

DR Congo: UN and diplomats urge credible elections to consolidate democracy UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC and members of the diplomatic corps in the country voiced support for all Congolese as they prepare to hold presidential and legislative elections later this month.

Security Council commends Liberians for recent presidential poll UN News Centre 18 Nov 2011 -- The Security Council commended the people of Liberia for holding a free, fair and transparent presidential election earlier this month, and encouraged them to work together to promote lasting peace and stability.

Critics: Impact of Equatorial Guinea Vote Unclear VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Officials in Equatorial Guinea say voters overwhelmingly backed a constitutional referendum this week that limits presidents to two terms in office.

Brazil Establishes Truth Commission VOA 18 Nov 2011 -- Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has signed a law establishing a truth commission to deal with human rights abuses during the country's two-decade military dictatorship.

Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan Agree On Economic Union RFE/RL 18 Nov 2011 -- Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan have agreed to create a body regulating their trade and economies that could eventually become a Eurasian economic union.
Eurasian Union may be launched in 2015 - Medvedev RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday he did not rule out the Eurasian Economic Union, a new entity meant to promote further cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, would be formed in 2015.

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