Saturday, January 19, 2008

Scuttlebutt: Navy to Bring Back 4th Fleet at NS Mayport

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2008 -- Official discussions about creating a new 4th Fleet headquarters in Jacksonville are moving from the highest levels of the Navy to the highest levels of the Pentagon, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson's staff.

Nelson, D-Fla., sent a letter Thursday to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Navy Secretary Donald Winter urging them to support locating the command at Mayport Naval Station.

The U.S. 4th Fleet hunted submarines in the South Atlantic during World War II until it was dissolved almost six decades ago.

The new 4th Fleet would cover a similar area, with plans to operate from Naval Station, Mayport, Fla., and oversee operations in Central and South America. The commander of Naval Forces Southern Command also would be the head of 4th Fleet, Navy officials said.

The fleet would not own any ships. Instead, it would operate in the same way Navy forces do in the Persian Gulf region. In U.S. Central Command, one admiral serves as head of both Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet. Therefore, the dual-hatted admiral in charge of 4th Fleet and NavSouth would be under the commander of Southern Command.

The NavSouth commander has a seat at the operational planning table through Southern Command. The creation of a numbered fleet gives the same commander an official role in allocating training and resources, letting him help tailor the forces for his missions.

The decision to stand up the fleet, Navy officials said, is within the scope of the chief of naval operations, as changing ship home ports are. But a final go-ahead is still well off, though sources say the Navy’s leadership is actively working the issue and is strongly in favor of the idea.

The final decision will not come until the Navy briefs military and congressional leaders.

Local Jacksonville news outlets, News4Jax.com, jacksonville.com, and defense news source, militarytimes.com, have additional details about the story.

(Compiled from press reports and news releases.)

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Combat Camera: Patrolling the Streets of Muqdadiyah, Iraq

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Griffing of 2nd Platoon Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, pulls security on the open door of an alleged abandoned house while the courtyard and exterior of the house is being searched to ensure it is not rigged to explode in Muqdadiyah on Jan. 3. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. LaRayne Hurd)

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Griffing of 2nd Platoon Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division scans the streets of Muqdadiyah for enemy activity during a patrol on Jan. 3. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. LaRayne Hurd)

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U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Rodriguez, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, walks a small canal on the streets of Muqdadiyah to check for wires during a patrol on Jan. 3. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. LaRayne Hurd)

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A soldier walks along a small canal on the streets of Muqdadiyah to check for wires during a patrol on Jan. 3. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. LaRayne Hurd)

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U.S. Army Sgt. John Newton and Spc. Daniel Rodriguez of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, walk along a small canal on the streets of Muqdadiyah to check for wires during a patrol on Jan. 3. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. LaRayne Hurd)

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U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Rodriguez of 2nd Platoon Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, pulls security while halted on a patrol through the streets of Muqdadiyah on Jan. 3. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. LaRayne Hurd)

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Friday, January 18, 2008

Forces Kill 13 Terrorists, Detain Three During Combat Operations in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2008 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces killed 13 terrorists and detained three suspects yesterday and today during operations targeting al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq, military officials reported.

Southwest of Hawijah this morning, coalition forces targeted an alleged senior leader involved in the al Qaeda in Iraq network in Kirkuk. The suspect allegedly is responsible for facilitating finances for terrorist operations in the region and is involved in improvised-explosive-device attacks. Reports also indicate he was a close associate of Abu Harith, the senior leader of the Kirkuk terrorist network, before Harith was killed during a coalition operation Nov. 21.

As coalition forces arrived in the target area, they were engaged by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The ground force returned fire and called for supporting aircraft. As the firefight continued, coalition forces saw armed terrorists emerging from the target building. Supporting aircraft engaged them and enemy personnel firing from inside the target buildings. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force pulled back and called for supporting aircraft to engage the buildings to destroy any remaining explosives. The ground force assessed that a total of nine terrorists were killed during the engagement.

West of Muqdadiyah today, coalition forces targeted alleged associates of the al Qaeda in Iraq network in the northeastern Diyala River Valley region. Reports indicate the individuals were associated with an al Qaeda in Iraq meeting that was targeted by coalition forces yesterday after forces identified a terrorist transporting an anti-aircraft weapon in his vehicle. Coalition forces confirmed the presence of the terrorists in the target area and called a supporting aircraft to engage, killing four terrorists and destroying two buildings believed to be used for terrorist activities.

During three coordinated operations near Samarra yesterday and this morning, coalition forces detained three suspects while targeting foreign-terrorist facilitators involved in the al Qaeda network in the city. Reports indicate that one of the suspected terrorists detained is involved in foreign-terrorist facilitation and is associated with al Qaeda members who conduct attacks against coalition forces. The individual allegedly uses his residence as a safe haven for al Qaeda members and foreign terrorists and has ties to senior leaders in the network.
“Al Qaeda has the capability to carry out violent, spectacular attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We are continuing to keep the pressure on them and are squarely focused on dismantling al Qaeda in Iraq networks.”
Elsewhere, coalition forces killed four terrorists yesterday during operations targeting al Qaeda in Qulayah, west of Muqdadiyah.

During the operation, surveillance elements positively identified several terrorists at an al Qaeda in Iraq meeting location. Coalition forces directed a precision air strike and assessed that four terrorists were killed in the operation.

Coalition forces also directed a precision air strike on a vehicle, which intelligence reports indicated was carrying an anti-aircraft weapon. The driver of the vehicle transporting the weapon was one of the terrorists killed in the initial air strike. The vehicle and weapon were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
“We continue to strike the al Qaeda networks that conduct heinous attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces, and innocent civilians,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Iraqi and coalition forces are taking the fight to these terrorists, keeping them on the defensive and diminishing their ability to attack.”
Also yesterday, coalition forces killed three terrorists during operations targeting al Qaeda networks north of Jalula.

Intelligence reports from previous operations led coalition forces to a location northeast of Hamrin Lake, where al Qaeda in Iraq networks were believed to be operating. Coalition forces assessed that recent success in the Diyala River Valley region pushed these terrorists to seek safe haven in the area.

As coalition forces arrived at one of the target buildings in the area, they repeatedly called for the occupants to come out, but the occupants did not comply. The ground force was then engaged by armed gunmen from the rooftop and surrounding courtyard. Coalition forces returned fire, and a supporting aircraft engaged to suppress the enemy force.

Once the enemy fire ceased, coalition forces cleared the area and assessed that three terrorists were killed during the engagement. The ground force discovered that two women were also killed and two other women were wounded during the engagement. The wounded women received immediate medical attention by coalition medical personnel before being airlifted to a military medical facility for further treatment.

During another operation in the area, coalition forces returned to a building from a previous operation and called for the building's occupants to come out. An individual exited, but did not comply with verbal instructions and ignored warning shots. The man continued to approach the ground force, and coalition forces engaged, killing him.
"Coalition forces deeply regret when civilians are hurt or killed during operations to rid Iraq of terrorism," Danielson said. "These terrorists deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by their actions and presence."
In other Iraq news, an explosion partially collapsed a school in southeastern Mosul yesterday.

Multinational Division North received intelligence reports indicating the school bombing was an intentional act by extremists operating in the area. The explosion, which occurred inside the structure, caused the northwestern and southwestern corners of the building to cave in. There are currently no reports of casualties or a cause for the explosion.

In Iraq on Jan. 16, air strikes in Arab Jabour dropped 10,000 pounds of munitions on bunkers used by al Qaeda as training sites for new recruits. Intelligence led 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, deployed from Fort Stewart, Ga., to the bunkers. Air Force B-1 bombers dropped 19 GBU-31s on the site.

"This operation maintains the momentum of Operation Thunderbolt by denying enemy sanctuaries and enemy caches, ultimately downgrading their capabilities," said Army Maj. James Wilburn, daytime chief of operations for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

South of Zambraniyah, soldiers from 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regt., 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, found two booby-trapped houses while on a foot patrol. Air support was called by 6th Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment to destroy the houses. Navy F-18 jets dropped a 500-pound bomb on each of the houses.

Operation Marne Thunderbolt, a part of the countrywide Operation Phantom Phoenix, continues to relentlessly pursue al Qaeda and other extremist elements operating south of Baghdad, U.S. officials said.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Slated to Deploy

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Official U.S. Navy file photo of Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Focus On Defense:

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 18, 2008 (NNS) -- Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), with more than 7,000 Sailors and Marines, will deploy Jan. 24 while the forward-deployed USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) undergoes scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan.

Nimitz CSG is deploying under the Navy's fleet response plan (FRP) and will operate in the Western Pacific in support of U.S. commitments in the region.

The FRP provides the United States with the ability to respond to any global commitment with flexible and sustainable forces and the ability to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice.

The Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, is comprised of Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Destroyer Squadron 23, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), and USS Chafee (DDG 90), the "Scorpions" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, the "Easy Riders" of HSL-37 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11.

The squadrons of CVW-11 include the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, the "Black Aces" of VFA-41, the "Sunliners" of VFA-81, the "Wallbangers" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, the "Red Devils" of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron 232, the "Black Ravens" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support 30, and the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 6.

During the past few months, the Nimitz CSG has conducted several training exercises off the coast of California and is fully prepared to deploy.

In September 2007, the Nimitz CSG returned from a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific. During its 2007 deployment, the Nimitz CSG supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, conducted Maritime Security Operations, and participated in joint and coalition military exercises and operations with many countries.

Commanded by Capt. Mike Manazir, Nimitz was commissioned in 1975, making it the first Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named for World War II Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz.

(From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs.)

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Combat Camera: Combat Operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

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Coalition soldiers conduct combat operation in the vicinity of Firebase Martello in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Nov. 28. This operation is conducted to disrupt Taliban activity in Kandahar province and surrounding areas. Photographer: Sgt. Michael Zuk, Joint Combat Camera Center.

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A Coalition soldier conducts combat operations in the vicinity of Firebase Martello in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Nov. 28. This operation is conducted to disrupt Taliban activity in Kandahar province and surrounding areas. Photographer: Sgt. Michael Zuk, Joint Combat Camera Center.

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U.S. Officials Search for WWII POW/MIAs on Wake Island

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Greg Berg and Denise To excavate a dig site Jan. 12, 2008 on Wake Island. Mr. Greg and Ms. To, forensic anthropologists, were sent to do a site survey after Wake Island officials notified the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command of bones located on the island. JPAC officials are charged with achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of past conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

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A memorial to prisoners of war is seen Jan. 12 on Wake Island. The "98 Rock" is a memorial for the 98 U.S. civilian contract POWs who were forced by their Japanese captors to rebuild the airstrip as slave labor, then blind-folded and killed by machine gun Oct. 5, 1943. An unidentified prisoner escaped, and chiseled "98 US PW 5-10-43" on a large coral rock near their mass grave, on Wilkes Island at the edge of the lagoon. The prisoner was recaptured and beheaded by the Japanese admiral, who was later convicted and executed for war crimes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

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Greg Berg uses a sifter to look for bone and artifacts at a dig site Jan. 12 on Wake Island. Mr. Berg, a forensic anthropologist, was sent to do a site survey after Wake Island officials notified the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command of bones located on the island. JPAC officials are charged with achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of past conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

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Greg Berg and Denise To excavate a dig site Jan. 12, 2008 on Wake Island. Mr. Greg and Ms. To, forensic anthropologists, were sent to do a site survey after Wake Island officials notified the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command of bones located on the island. JPAC officials are charged with achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of past conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

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A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flightline Jan. 12 at Wake Island. The C-17, from the 15th Airlift Wing from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, brought members of Pacific Air Forces headquarters to conduct a site survey of the island. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Living History:

WAKE ISLAND, Jan. 17, 2008 (AFPN) -- A team of anthropologists sent by Joint Prisoner of War Missing in Action Accounting Command officials began to dig on Wake Island to determine if they have found World War II prisoners of war.

When a contractor doing asbestos abatement work on the island discovered what appeared to be human remains, Wake Island officials contacted JPAC.

JPAC sent Greg Berg and Denise To from its Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, headquarters to investigate.

JPAC officials are charged with achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of past conflicts. There are an estimated 35,000 missing persons from World War II alone, not counting those deemed lost at sea or entombed in sunken vessels.

Wake Island was the site of a fierce World War II battle, coinciding with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. American forces surrendered the island on Dec. 23, 1941, and the Japanese held it until September 1945, when a Marine detachment regained control for America.

The remains may be those of 98 American civilian contractors, who were held as prisoners of war to perform forced labor for the Japanese and then executed in 1943.

"We're looking to see if we have found any little bits of human bone or even possibly artifacts that might be related to the incident," he said. "So I'm looking for anything from shells to rounds to buttons, any sort of personal effects, coins, and they really stand out against the background of shell debris."

The job is tantamount to looking for a needle in a haystack, only you're not sure there is a needle in the haystack. It's a tedious process that takes time -- and on this overnight trip, time is the one thing this team doesn't have much of.

"We've got five hours of daylight today and maybe three tomorrow," Mr. Berg said. "We're moving at max speed to get this done. We sent out two anthropologists to tackle this because we knew we had such a short period of time."

And after hours of digging and sifting, the team's efforts paid off. After excavating only a one meter square section of earth, they've bagged-and-tagged the lower quarter of the skeleton. They suspect there is more to be found in the area.

They'll fly the remains back to Hickam AFB, where scientists will analyze the remains.

(Story by Tech. Sgt. Chris Vadnais, Air Force News Agency.)

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Marine 'Chopper' Storms into New Orleans

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NEW ORLEANS (Jan. 15, 2008) Lawrence Tremblay, center, stands with Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Sundae A. Lewis (Released)

On the Home Front:

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 17, 2008 (NNS) -- Jet noise gave way to the roar of a motorcycle engine Jan. 15 during a visit by the Marine Bike Tribute-Memorial held on board Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans.

Larry Tremblay, the father of fallen Marine Cpl. Joseph Tremblay not only built the bike as a tribute to his son, but to all those service members lost during the ongoing global war on terrorism.

The Marine Bike has images of Tremblay and three other Marines that were killed in action with his son. It also features numerous Marine Corps paraphernalia, most noticeably the sword issued to all Marine non-commissioned officers.

Tremblay was saddened by the loss of his son but has tried to turn this event into something positive by building this bike.

"I want everyone to be reminded that these soldiers are fighting for a reason and doing great things in Iraq," said Tremblay. "When people see this bike, Joey and all of the other fallen soldiers will be remembered."

Tremblay remembered watching people build motorcycles throughout his childhood. This inspired him to build the bike to his son as a tribute. He now owns Crossroads Custom Rides, the second largest bike shop in Orange County, New Jersey.

"This is awesome," said Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) William Townsend. "It's always saddening for a fellow service member to die, but to know how he lived is special. I give him respect by visiting this memorial."

Tremblay, gives advice to all who visit: "Be proud and never give up on yourself, just keep moving forward."

Tremblay funds the tours himself, selling merchandise at rallies. All proceeds from the merchandise he sells goes to a scholarship named after his son.

(Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans Public Affairs.)

Related: 'American Chopper' TV Program to Feature National Guard’s 'Patriot Chopper'

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Forces Continue to Disrupt Al Qaeda in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2008 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 17 suspects today during operations targeting al Qaeda networks in northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an al Qaeda leader in the western region of Mosul. Reports indicate the wanted individual is a direct associate of numerous terrorist leaders, to include the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The suspect allegedly has a history of terrorist activity that originated in Baghdad and is believed to have been recently appointed to a leadership position in the region after the previous terrorist leader was killed.

As coalition forces arrived in the target area, an armed terrorist ran at their position and repeatedly was directed to stop, but did not comply. The ground force engaged and killed the man. As forces continued to clear the area, they were engaged by small-arms fire north of their position. A supporting aircraft was called to suppress enemy fire, killing the armed terrorist. Three suspected terrorists were also detained during the operation without further incident.

During two coordinated operations in Mosul, coalition forces targeted senior leaders involved in the al Qaeda network in the city.

In one location, coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist who was allegedly operating as a judge of an illegal court system. Reports indicate the suspect is involved in the interrogation of people who have been kidnapped by al Qaeda networks and is responsible for the facilitation and maintenance of weapons caches in the area. The suspect also is allegedly a subordinate of an al Qaeda leader for the Mosul network, who was detained Jan. 6 for his role in terrorist attacks, abductions and executions.

Intelligence reports led coalition forces to a follow-on operation where they detained five suspected terrorists while targeting the al Qaeda senior leader for Mosul.

Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of Samarra targeting associates of the al Qaeda network in the city. Information gained from previous operations in the area led the ground force to a location where al Qaeda members were believed to be operating. Eight suspected terrorists were detained.
"The results of these operations represent another step forward in disrupting the al Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "As the terrorists try to re-establish themselves in new locations, we will follow and drive them from their hiding places."
In other operations today, coalition forces captured a suspected criminal-network facilitator to disrupt criminal networks in the Baghdad area.

The suspect reportedly trained criminals to perform attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces. He allegedly facilitated the training of numerous criminals in guerilla warfare. The wanted individual also was reported to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal leaders who were involved in attacks on coalition forces.

"There has been substantial progress in the fight for a stable Iraq, but there is still a great deal of work ahead," said Army Lt. Patrick Evans, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

In operations yesterday:
  • Coalition forces northeast of Samarra detained four suspected terrorists believed to be associated with individuals detained during operations the day before.

  • Coalition forces northwest of Taji captured a suspect wanted for his ties to the al Qaeda senior leader west of Baghdad. The suspect and his brother reportedly are involved in facilitating foreign terrorists and weapons, as well as participating in attacks against coalition forces. The suspect identified himself and was detained along with two additional suspects. Coalition forces also discovered a vehicle in the target area that was assessed to contain explosive materials, and it was safely destroyed on site.

  • U.S. soldiers detained two suspected terrorists west of Qayyarah while targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be a close associate to several senior foreign-terrorist facilitators.

  • Coalition forces targeted a known al Qaeda meeting location in the northeastern Diyala River Valley region. As the ground force arrived, an armed terrorist engaged them from a building rooftop. Coalition forces engaged and killed him. Forces engaged and killed another perceived hostile threat while continuing to clear the buildings. Inside the building, the ground force discovered a weapons cache that included several machine guns and magazines, grenades, a mortar, and military-style assault vests. The troops assessed the building to be structurally unsafe and destroyed it, along with the weapons inside, to prevent further use for terrorist activities. Two suspected terrorists also were detained during the course of operations.

  • Forces captured a suspected terrorist in Baghdad who is reportedly an associate of the al Qaeda car bomb-cell leader in Karkh. The cell leader allegedly was involved in manufacturing a car bomb that was used in an attack in Baghdad on Dec. 20 that resulted in two Iraqi civilians being killed. During the operation, the wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was detained.

  • Coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda member believed to be associated with senior leaders of the terrorist network in eastern Mosul. Several of the suspect's associates reportedly have direct ties to Masri, the al Qaeda senior leader.

  • While on patrol, Multinational Division Center soldiers attached to 3rd Infantry Division discovered a pressure-plate improvised explosive device on a roadside in Adwaniyah. The device consisted of two 80 mm mortars and three 3-liter bottles of unknown bulk explosives. While investigating the device, the team discovered two additional pressure-plate explosives. Those were linked to a total of four 57 mm mortar rounds. All the explosives and components were detonated in a controlled detonation by an explosives ordnance disposal team.

"We will continue to find the terrorist networks that threaten the security and safety of the Iraqi people and take them apart," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will not allow al Qaeda in Iraq and other extremists to take back the hard fought gains Iraqi and coalition forces have achieved."
In operations earlier this week:
  • Intelligence reports led coalition forces to conduct an operation Jan. 15 east of Samarra targeting alleged associates of an al Qaeda cell leader involved in foreign-terrorist facilitation and carrying out attacks against coalition forces. Three terrorists were killed during the operation, including the wanted individuals.

  • Seven extremists were killed Jan. 15 after they attacked Iraqi security forces in Mosul. Multinational Division North soldiers in support of the Iraqi forces observed the extremists load a vehicle with weapons and then attack the security force with small arms. The U.S. soldiers engaged the vehicle, destroying it and killing an extremist. The coalition forces cordoned off the area and moved in to search a house the remaining individual ran into. There they came under attack by small-arms fire and hand grenades. After an air weapons team engaged the house, soldiers searched the building and recovered the bodies of three more extremists.

  • U.S. and Iraqi soldiers were directed to a weapons cache by a tribal sheik leader in Tarmiya on Jan. 14. Contents of the cache included a car bomb, 44 blocks of TNT, four 122 mm mortars, and seven large containers of homemade explosives. The sheik turned in another large cache Jan. 6 consisting of 100 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines, 12 rockets, and 12 155 mm artillery rounds.

In other news, a female suicide bomber detonated a suicide vest at a traffic circle in Khan Bani Saad, Iraq, Jan. 16 killing seven civilians and wounding 15. Soldiers from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, evacuated the wounded by ground to a medical facility at Joint Combat Outpost Key West and air-evacuated the seriously injured to a coalition medical hospital in Balad.
"This type of attack is very tragic, but it is no surprise that al Qaeda in Iraq chose to attack at this time by using a suicide bomber against civilians," said Army Lt. Col. James Brown, 4-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team executive officer. "Our recent operations in the area have resulted in the death of several key (al Qaeda in Iraq) leaders and have helped bring reconciliation between the area's tribal leaders. In addition, in conjunction with our Iraqi army partners, we are currently opening up a key route between Baghdad and Baqouba, all of which is putting extreme pressure on (al Qaeda) in the area."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Five Brigades Should Return Home from Iraq by July

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2008 (AFPS) -- Five brigade combat teams, equal to 2007's troop surge, should be home by July, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

"All the evidence available to me now suggests that we will be able to complete the drawdown of the five brigade combat teams ... by the end of July," the secretary said at a briefing with the Pentagon press corps.

The first brigade has already left the country, but no specific timeline has been released for the redeployment of the others. Beyond that, additional troop movements will be based on assessments by military commanders in March and, ultimately, the president's decision, Gates said.

But, Gates said, he hopes that the pace of the drawdown can continue after July, which would mean five more brigade combat teams would leave the country by the end of the year.

Gates said that Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of forces in Iraq, will submit his recommendations based on conditions and needs in theater. Simultaneously, U.S. Central Command officials and the Joint Chiefs of Staff also will submit independent recommendations based on their respective responsibilities, taking into account stress on the force and regional and global requirements. The president will hear all three proposals.

This is the same process that happened in September, when Petraeus first recommended the five brigades begin leaving Iraq, Gates said.

"As it happened last September, each of them came at the problem with a different perspective and a little different emphasis," Gates said. "I want to make sure that the president has the opportunity to hear from these different perspectives and to ensure that his senior military advisors and commanders have the opportunity to present their views directly and unvarnished to the president."

Gates said the departure of the first brigade already has signaled the transition of the mission in Iraq to that of a "strategic overwatch."

Ultimately, Iraqi troops will be operationally in the lead, with U.S. soldiers providing only support such as training and equipping. Right now it is a mix across Iraq, with some provinces under Iraqi control and others still heavily reliant on coalition forces.

"This is a dynamic process that, if you're doing a graphic, Iraq is not going to change from one color to another all at once. It's going to change a province at a time, a local area at a time, and I think that's what we're seeing," Gates said.

(Story by Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press Service.)

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Pentagon Mulls U.S. Military Aid to Pakistan

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2008 (AFPS) -- Defense Department officials are assessing what help, if any, the department could extend to the government of Pakistan.

Pakistan has become increasingly volatile due to political instability after the Dec. 27 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and stepped-up extremist activity in the ungoverned areas near the Afghanistan border.

“The character of the fight in Pakistan has changed to some extent, and it is more focused inward, and we're watching that very carefully,” Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright said in a news briefing at the Pentagon today.

“Is it a threat that the (Pakistanis) are ready to handle? Do they need help? Do they need training help? Do they need other types of help? That's what we're trying to assess right now,” he said.

Taliban and al Qaeda militants have taken refuge in Pakistan's remote tribal regions along the Afghan border since the United States ousted the Taliban government in Afghanistan in 2001. They have repeatedly targeted Pakistani soldiers with suicide attacks, roadside bombs and kidnappings.

“We're assessing what value we could have, or any other ally could have, in contributing to their security. But they're a sovereign nation. They have to make those decisions. And we will stand by and be available, particularly for those things that we might do in the way of training or in helping them in shortfalls, …” Cartwright said.

This week, U.S. commanders in the region said the Pakistani government has become open to the idea of U.S. military help. So far, though, no official request has reached the Defense Department, Cartwright said.

“We have not gotten those reports back yet,” Cartwright said. “We're trying to make sure we understand ground truth before we take any action so that it not misperceived, but contributes to their stability.”

Cartwright said this could be an opportunity for the Pakistani and U.S. governments to work together in the interests of both.

(Story by Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press Service.)

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Marine Deployment to Afghanistan is Supportive of NATO

News in Balance

News in Balance:

Some reports in the mainstream media, not known for complete objectivity when covering the U.S. military, have made a total mess of a recent story about Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' concerns regarding NATO counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan and prompted clarification from the Pentagon.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2008 (AFPS) -- The Pentagon’s decision to deploy 3,200 Marines to Afghanistan by spring was intended to reinforce the U.S. commitment there and is not intended as a criticism of the efforts of NATO allies in the region, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

“This deployment of Marines does not reflect dissatisfaction about the military performance in Afghanistan of allied forces from other nations,” Gates said in a briefing at the Pentagon. “It reflects the fact that NATO and U.S. commanders believe they need more troops to take advantage of last year’s military successes, to keep pressure on the Taliban and to accelerate the training of the Afghanistan national security forces.”

Gates came out with the comments today after a firestorm of international criticism over quotes appearing this week in a Los Angeles Times article in which it appeared he singled out NATO countries for performing poorly in the country’s counterinsurgency fight.

Gates said any comments referred to NATO as an institution, stating that it still has shortcomings as it transitions from a Cold War orientation to a more global expeditionary posture. The secretary also conceded that the U.S. military and government have had a difficult time adapting to the protracted counterinsurgency campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Gates said the media reports do not reflect “reality.” He said several countries have “stepped up to the plate” and are playing a significant role in Afghanistan.

“They have rolled back the Taliban from previous strongholds in the south. They are taking the fight to the enemy in some of the most grueling conditions imaginable,” he said. “As the result of the valor and sacrifice of these allies, the Taliban has suffered significant losses and no longer holds real estate of any consequence.”

Comments in which Gates was quoted as saying that some troops were “not properly trained” and that some military forces don’t know counterinsurgency operations came from conversations with commanders in theater that specifically addressed operational mentoring and liaison teams. The teams are embedded with Afghan National Army forces and train and mentor these forces. The teams also provide a liaison between the ANA and other forces.

“We're trying to significantly increase the number of these operational mentoring and liaison teams. And my concern -- what I've heard out of the theater, and it's not just from Americans -- is that some of these groups are not fully trained,” Gates said.

Gates said he expressed to NATO that more troops could be trained at the Combat Maneuver Training Center, in Hohenfels, Germany.

“I just want to make sure that, as we ramp up the number of these … mentoring teams, that they are fully trained when they go into the theater. And that's true of every country, including the United States,” Gates said.

Gates had spoken with several allied officials this week prior to the announcement of the U.S. Marine deployment. Since then, he has spoken personally only to the Canadian defense minister, he said. A Canadian soldier was killed by a roadside bomb near Kandahar on Jan. 15.

“I wanted to make sure that they understood our respect for their contribution and how much of an impact they are making,” Gates said.

About 2,200 Marines from 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and about 1,000 troops from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, based at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, at Twentynine Palms, Calif., will deploy.

The Marines will serve in Afghanistan for seven months. The deployment will boost the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan to about 30,000.

About 1,000 of the Marines will deploy as trainers. That battalion-sized element will be tailored to the needs of the training mission there, Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright said in the same briefing. Its ranks will be filled with older, more senior Marines with combat experience. The others will be deployed to the southern region of Afghanistan to help secure gains made there last year.

(Story by Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press Service.)

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Restrictions Placed on Military Political Activities

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2008 (AFPS) -- As U.S. servicemembers and Defense Department civilians ponder candidates during the election season, they should realize there are limits placed upon their involvement in certain political activities.

Political-related “dos and don’ts” pertaining to military members of all service branches are proscribed within Defense Department Directive 1344.10, titled: Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty.

The federal Hatch Act delineates what federal civilians, including those working for the Defense Department, may or may not do in the political realm.

For example, servicemembers and government civilians may attend political events like meetings and rallies, but military members must only be spectators and not wear their uniforms.

In addition, troops aren’t permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity within political groups, or take part in partisan political campaigns or conventions.

Under Hatch Act rules, government civilians may be active in and speak before political gatherings or serve as officers of political parties or partisan groups. They’re also allowed to manage political campaigns, distribute literature (except at work), write political articles, or serve as spokespersons for political parties or candidates.

Military members generally aren’t allowed to campaign for political office. Civilians can campaign for office in non-partisan elections. Partisan political activity is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party or candidate for a partisan political office or partisan political group.

Yet, basic rules apply to both military members and government civilians. Neither can use their position in the military or the government to influence or interfere with elections. Servicemembers and federal civilians never can engage in political activity on the job, in a government vehicle, or while wearing an official uniform.

For example, servicemembers and government civilians are not to distribute political literature at work. This also applies to politically partisan electronic mail messages forwarded over the Internet.

Servicemembers and government civilians are encouraged to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. But, they should know there are rules in place that govern the extent of their involvement in political activities, officials said.

(From a DoD news release.)

Related:
DoD Directive 1344.10
Hatch Act for Federal Employees

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