Newly Christened Navy Ship 'New York' Symbolizes US Resiliency

AVONDALE, La. (Mar. 1, 2008) Mrs. Dottty England, wife of Deputy Secretary of Defense The Hon. Gordon England, christens the amphibious transport dock Pre-Commissioning Unit New York (LPD 21) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding New Orleans. The bow of the New York is built with metal recovered from the World Trade Center site. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

FILE PHOTO - Tugboats assigned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor assist San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) to the pier at Fleet and Industrial Supply Center. The future USS New York (LPD 21) under construction at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems’ shipyard in Avondale, LA, will be the fifth amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio class. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael A. Lantron.)

AVONDALE, La. (Mar. 1, 2008) Deputy Secretary of Defense The Hon. Gordon England speaks during the christening ceremony for the amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding New Orleans. The bow of the New York is built with metal recovered from the World Trade Center site. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Poe.)

AVONDALE, La. (Mar. 1, 2008) Retired New York City firefighter Ron Parker takes a photograph of the audience with the amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) in the background during the christening ceremony for the New York at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding New Orleans. The bow of the New York is built with metal recovered from the World Trade Center site. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Poe.)

Focus on Defense:

The bow of the New York is built with metal recovered from the World Trade Center site.

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2008 (AFPS) -- On what was described as a “fine Navy, Marine Corps day,” in New Orleans, Defense Department officials, servicemembers and distinguished guests gathered today to christen a tangible symbol of America’s mettle.

“This is a special day for a magnificent ship that has a special place in the heart of every American,” Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said during the christening ceremony for USS New York.

Everyone in the country, he said, has felt a special connection with New York since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “On the day the towers fell, all Americans were New Yorkers,” he said. It also is true then, England said, that the USS New York, with its bow stem forged from nearly 8 tons of steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center, is America’s ship.

Sailing under the motto, “Never Forget,” the ship and its sister ships, the Arlington and Somerset, are living tributes to those killed on Sept. 11, England said. By virtue of its name, he added, New York also carries with it a reminder of the U.S. commitment to freedom.

According to naval tradition, the christening of a ship conveys the spirit of the vessel’s namesake. In this case, the christening may have been a formality, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead said.

“This timeless tradition that is essential in imbuing the spirit of a namesake into a ship may not even be required, because this ship is already imbued,” the admiral said. “It is forged. It is instilled with that identity already.

“(USS) New York will forever conjure the valor, the sacrifice, the heroism and the tenacity of that city, that state, and our nation,” he added.

The christening also is said to convey the spirit of the ship’s sponsor -- in this case, Dotty H. England, wife of the deputy defense secretary. The tradition goes a step further with the New York, she said.

“With this unique ship, we are also going to give it the spirit of the 9/11 heroes, the spirit of New Yorkers and the indomitable spirit of Americans,” she said. “We will keep that same spirit in our hearts and minds forever.”

The fifth San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock will transport Marines and their equipment. It also will support amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary missions.

Though the USS New York has yet to welcome its first crew aboard, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps began writing its storied legacy today.

“In the long years of this warship’s service life, she will help defend America and our allies and friends. Through (that) service, future generations will proudly honor … all of the fallen angels of 9/11,” Gen. Robert Magnus said.

“As sure as day follows the night, good follows evil,” he added. “As you’ve heard (it said), ‘If it takes those who guard the streets of heaven - and it does – to follow evil into the gates of hell, they will come from ships like New York.”

When New York is officially commissioned into the Navy’s fleet in New York City next year, it will carry with it a reminder for all future crews why it’s more than just another new ship.

On Sept. 11, 2006, Boy Scout Troop 40 from Hopewell Junction presented the Navy with a flag flown above Ground Zero.

“Faded, frayed, still bearing the dust and debris from its silent watch, it was an extraordinary gift that will grace the ship forever,” said Navy Rear Adm. Charles H. Goddard, Program Executive Office, Ships. “I can think of no more fitting reminder that freedom is not free.”

Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. built the 684-foot ship, which can accommodate 800 Marines in addition to its crew. The corporation has a long history building ships for the Navy that includes building many of the ships in President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet.”

It’s a tradition Northrop Grumman’s chairman and chief executive officer said his company is proud to continue with USS New York.

“No matter how many times she carries young Americans into battle, we can be confident that like her namesake, New York, she may know damage, but she’ll never know defeat,” said Ronald Sugar.

And the ship already has proven to be tough, as it took Dotty England two swings to break the bottle of champagne on its bow.

(Report by Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service.)

Related: USS New York Fact Sheet

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Baqouba 'Sons of Iraq' Agree to Return to Duty

Dispatches from the Front:

DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq, March 1, 2008 -- Citizens who had been assisting with security efforts in Baqouba as “Sons of Iraq” agreed to return to their duties following a meeting among Sons of Iraq representatives, provincial officials and coalition and Iraqi military leaders yesterday at the Diyala provincial governance center.

"We discussed the situation in detail, … and all parties agreed that the Sons of Iraq and their leaders would return to work," Army Lt. Col. John Steele, deputy commander of the 2nd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, said after the meeting.

Media reports of thousands of Diyala security volunteers refusing to stand their duties were inaccurate, according to a Multinational Corps Iraq statement. The statement acknowledged that “a small number” of Sons of Iraq in East Baqouba temporarily refused to work while disputes were being worked out, but said a decreased level of security in Baqouba never resulted.

An estimated 11,000 citizens serve with the Sons of Iraq in Diyala province, 3,000 to 5,000 of them in Baqouba. All work closely with the more than 18,000 Iraqi police throughout the province, officials said.

"This was an Iraqi issue that required an Iraqi political solution. They worked out an equitable solution, and the coalition is appreciative of their dedication and continued service to Iraq," said Maj. Mike Garcia, spokesman for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)

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Bush, NATO Chief Meet Ahead of Bucharest Summit

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and U.S. President George W. Bush with reporters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Feb. 29, 2008.

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Mar. 1, 2008 – President Bush Friday welcomed NATO’s secretary general at the White House, where the two met ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania.

The president praised Jaap de Hoop Scheffer’s strong leadership and thanked the NATO chief for helping transform the multinational organization to deal with 21st-century security threats.

“You've done your job with great dignity and clarity of thought,” Bush told de Hoop Scheffer. “And I'm looking forward to coming to Bucharest to support your efforts to make sure NATO is a relevant organization aimed at bringing security and peace to the world.”

The 20th NATO summit will bring together representatives from 24 member states and allied nations April 2-4 in the Romanian capital to discuss NATO’s role in Afghanistan and the prospect of enlarging the alliance.

“The United States is committed to the NATO mission in Afghanistan,” Bush said. “We're committed to a comprehensive strategy that helps folks in Afghanistan realize security, at the same time, economic prosperity and political process.”

On NATO enlargement, the president encouraged prospective member states -- which include Albania, Macedonia and Croatia -- to continue to meet terms outlined by the alliance’s Membership Action Plan. Current member states at the summit will vote on whether to invite the nations.

“We’re looking forward to getting an assessment (from you) of the progress that these three nations have made … before we take the vote on enlargement,” Bush told de Hoop Scheffer.

Georgia, Montenegro and Ukraine have expressed interest in pursuing Membership Action Plans.

The president expressed appreciation for NATO's role in helping provide “some sense of stability” in the Balkans and for undertaking a training mission in Iraq. “Overall, thanks for being a force for good,” he said.

(Story by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)

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Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in South Korea for Port Visits

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Feb. 28, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is moored near the Republic of Korean submarine Sohn Won-il (SSK 072) at Busan Naval Base. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is taking part in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008, an annual joint exercise involving forces from the U.S. and the ROK. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lou Rosales (Released)

Focus on Defense:

BUSAN, Republic of Korea, Mar. 1, 2008 (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) arrived in Busan, Feb. 28, for a scheduled port visit in conjunction with exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 (KR/FE 08).

Additionally, the guided-missile destroyer USS Chaffee (DDG 90) arrived in Donghae and the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) pulled into Pohang Feb. 28. During these port visits, Sailors will participate in friendship building activities, meet local citizens, experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy the many recreational activities offered in Busan, Donghae and Pohang, Republic of Korea (ROK).

The deployment of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz to backfill USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) while the Kitty Hawk undergoes maintenance exemplifies U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific Region.

While in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, the Nimitz Strike Group will participate in KR/FE 08, which was formerly known as the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration Exercise or RSOI. Key Resolve reflects the transition to a Republic of Korea-led exercise program.

The joint and combined field training exercise referred to as Foal Eagle will be linked with Key Resolve, as it has been linked with RSOI for the past several years. KR/FE 08, like all other Combined Forces Command exercises is designed to improve the command's ability to defend ROK.

The Nimitz CSG is commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake.

"Our goal is to maintain and strengthen our alliances and friendships in the region," said Blake.

The Nimitz CSG is comprised of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz; its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11; embarked Destroyer Squadron 23; 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); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 "Scorpions," HSL 37 "Easy Riders"; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11.

CVW-11's squadrons 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 Electronic Warfare Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6.

Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, the 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

(From a Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs press release.)

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U.S. and China Sign POW/MIA Arrangement

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 -- U.S. and Chinese officials signed a document Friday morning in Shanghai, China to formalize research in Chinese archives on Korean War POW/MIA matters.

Ambassador Charles A. Ray, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs, signed the arrangement with Maj. Gen. Qian Li Hua, of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.

The arrangement outlines expected cooperation between the U.S. and China in researching the archives, which may shed light on Americans who were missing in action or held as prisoners of war in camps managed by the Chinese.

In seeking to account for the approximately 8,100 servicemen missing from the Korean War, the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office has sought access to these archives for more than a decade.

The cooperation of the Chinese people and government has led to the recovery of the remains of Americans lost in the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Korean War and World War II. This joint archival effort is expected to open more avenues of research to enable U.S. analysts to narrow their searches for the specific locations where American remains may be buried.

The signing ceremony took place in the same Shanghai hotel where President Richard Nixon and Premier Cho En-lai signed their historic communiqué in 1972.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site.

(From a U.S. Department of Defense press release.)

Relates Site: Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office

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Charges Referred on Guantanamo Detainee al Darbi

FILE PHOTO - Commissions building courtroom at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Aug. 13, 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Christopher Mobley (RELEASED)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 -- The Defense Department announced today that charges have been referred against Guantanamo detainee Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al Darbi of Saudi Arabia.

The accused, al Darbi, is the brother-in-law of the Flight 77 hijacker al Mihdhar. Flight 77 is the plane that hit the Pentagon on Sept. 11. The two charges are: Conspiring with others to attack civilians, commit murder in violation of the law of war, destroy property in violation of the law of war, hazard a vessel and commit terrorism; and providing material support to terrorism. Al Darbi was allegedly involved in planning and procuring equipment for attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of Yemen. The charges authorize a maximum sentence of confinement for life.

It is alleged that al Darbi traveled to Jalalabad and met with Usama bin Laden, trained at al Qaeda's Jihad Wahl training camp and later served as a weapons instructor at another al Qaeda training camp. From 2001 through 2002, it is also alleged that al Darbi moved money from al Qaeda into financial institutions for expenses related to a plot to attack a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz or off the coast of Yemen.

The charge sheet further alleges that al Darbi joined in preparations for an al Qaeda terrorist operation by traveling to several countries to purchase a GPS device, a boat, and other equipment in late 2000 or early 2001. The boat, named "Adnan" would be loaded with explosives for future terrorist operations. The accused ultimately registered the boat in his name as the "al Rahal" under the Sao Tome flag and purchased a smaller boat to instruct Yemenis how to swim and pilot the boat. He is also alleged, in the spring of 2002, to have departed the United Arab Emirates on board the "al Rahal" destined for Yemen, diverted the boat to Somalia due to concerns with his own passport and to have discussed plans by satellite phone with high level al Qaeda operatives.

In accordance with the Military Commissions Act of 2006, al Darbi and his detailed defense counsel will be served a copy of the charges in English and Arabic. Additionally, a military judge will be detailed to the case. The Manual for Military Commissions requires the accused to be arraigned within 30 days of the service of charges and the military judge to assemble the military commission within 120 days of the service of charges. Assembly is the procedural step that usually occurs when all parties, including the jury, are present and sworn. The military trial judge will contact attorneys in the case to set an initial trial schedule.

The military commissions guarantee the following rights recognized: the right to remain silent and to have no adverse inference drawn from it; the right to be represented by detailed military counsel, as well as civilian counsel of his own selection and at no expense to the government; the right to examine all evidence presented to a jury by the prosecution; the right to obtain evidence and to call witnesses on his own behalf including expert witnesses; the right to cross-examine every witness called by the prosecution; the right to be present during the presentation of evidence; the right to prevent admission of statements obtained by torture; the right to have a military commission panel of at least five military members determine his guilt by a 2/3 majority; and the right to an appeal to the Court of Military Commission Review, then through the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The charges are only allegations that the accused has committed offenses under the Military Commissions Act, and the accused is innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

(From a U.S. Department of Defense press release.)

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Air Force Tanker Contract Awarded to Northrop Grumman

Pictured above is a KC-135 Stratotanker, which will be replaced by the new KC-45A.
Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 (AFPS) -- The Air Force announced today it has selected Northrop Grumman Corp. to build its next-generation air-refueling tanker aircraft.

The contract calls for up to 179 new KC-45A tankers to be built over the next decade or so at a cost of around $35 billion. Tanker aircraft are used to refuel other aircraft while in flight.

"This initial contract for the newly named KC-45A will provide significantly greater air refueling capabilities than our current fleet of Eisenhower-era KC-135s," Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.

The new tanker "will be able to refuel U.S. and allied aircraft in every area of responsibility, worldwide, 24 hours a day, in adverse weather and be equipped with defensive systems," Wynne said.

The new planes eventually will replace hundreds of aging KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft that were introduced in the late 1950s.

"Today's tanker decision is a major step in the Air Force's critical recapitalizing and modernization that is going to be required to defend the United States and to support our international partners in the 21st century," Wynne said.

The new aircraft also will used to carry cargo, passengers, and medical patients, the Air Force secretary said.

"The KC-45, built by Northrop Grumman, will provide our nation and partners the critical ability to reach across the globe and project our combat capability or our humanitarian friendship rapidly and effectively," Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force's vice chief of staff, said.

The new tankers, McNabb continued, will "ensure our bombers and our fighters can deliver global power and give our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms the ability to provide global vigilance."

The Airbus-Northrop Grumman partnership had competed against the Boeing Co. for the tanker contract, said Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition. Payton cited the transparency of the contracting competition, noting both enterprises had received regular feedback from the Air Force on how they were performing throughout the process.

"Northrop Grumman clearly provided the best value to the government," Payton said, noting the Airbus-allied group's plane earned superior marks for mission capability, past performance and in several other categories.

"I would tell you, that, overall, Northrop Grumman did have strong areas in aerial refueling and in airlift," Payton said. There was "no bias" involved in the awarding of the contract, she emphasized.

Both competitors will be debriefed in coming weeks, Payton said, noting there is an appeal process.

If everything goes well, the first test aircraft should be flying by 2010, said Air Force Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Air Mobility Command provides the U.S. military with passenger, cargo, tanker and other aircraft support.

The Air Force should receive the first group of operational KC-45A aircraft around 2013, Lichte said.

Citing his role as Air Mobility Command's chief, Lichte expressed relief that the process to deliver a new air refueling tanker to his service is moving forward.

"We know that in the future years we will have a new tanker," Lichte said. "Tankers are what really enable the fight."

(Story by Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service.)

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National Guard Plays Key Role in Ricin Response

Two members of the 92nd Civil Support Team take a sample of a simulated hazardous substance in a Sparks, Nev., shopping mall during training Nov. 25, 2005. The Nevada National Guard’s civil support team was called to assist Las Vegas Metro Police on Feb. 28, 2008, with a suspicious substance that was later identified as deadly ricin. The team is one of 52 certified units nationwide to support local and state authorities at domestic incident sites by identifying hazardous agents and substances. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, USA

On the Home Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 (AFPS) -- A National Guard civil support team was on scene within an hour last night after Las Vegas authorities sought help with a suspicious substance that later turned out to be deadly ricin.

The incident happened at an Extended Stay America hotel on Valley View Boulevard in west Las Vegas, said Army Capt. April Conway, the Nevada National Guard’s public affairs officer.

The Nevada National Guard’s 92nd Civil Support Team provided support with identifying the suspicious substance and assisting with decontamination, Conway said.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department asked for support from the Nevada National Guard’s 92nd CST about 5 p.m. Within 30 minutes, a 19-member team and half a dozen vehicles from the 92nd CST were out the door, and they were on scene less than 60 minutes from the initial request, Conway said.

The vehicles provide communications, laboratory and other on-scene support for the team.

“They worked in conjunction with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County fire and hazardous materials teams to collect samples and analyze samples on site,” Conway said. “Initial tests came back indicating that the substance that they were testing was ricin. More samples were sent to the Nevada public health laboratory for additional testing.”

Because CST members regularly train side by side with civilian responders, they already know each other and don’t have to exchange business cards during a crisis, Conway said.

“The role of the Nevada National Guard in this incident was very significant,” Conway said. “We work very well with Las Vegas Metro police and very well with other Clark County first responders. They have a very good relationship, and it’s very easy for our folks to go in there and be of use.”

The Nevada National Guard’s CST is one of 52 certified units nationwide mandated by Congress to support local and state authorities at domestic incidents by identifying agents and substances, assessing current and projected consequences and advising on response measures, Conway said.

CSTs can respond rapidly to assist local first responders in determining the nature of an attack and to provide medical and technical advice. They provide initial advice on what agents may be present and assist first responders in the detection and assessment process.

They generally are the first military responders on the ground.

“They can test air; they can test water; they can test powder substances and help first responders right off the bat know (that), ‘Hey this might be a more dangerous situation than you initially thought.’ That’s really the asset that the CST brings to the table,” Conway said.

The 95th CST of California and that state’s chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high explosive response force package also stood by in case additional assistance was needed, Conway and National Guard Bureau officials said.

(Story by Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill, National Guard Bureau, with contributions by Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Rotherham.)

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Marines Halt Purchase of New Armored Vests

Marines fielding the new modular tactical vest.
News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 (AFPS) -- Marine Commandant Gen. James T. Conway halted purchases of the Marine Corps' new modular tactical vest (MTV) after Marines complained about the equipment's design.

Marines said the new vests are heavier and more impractical than the outer tactical vests they had been wearing.

"The feedback on the vests is that the Marines don't like the pullover design," said Lt. Col. T.V. Johnson, the commandant's spokesman. "A lot of the guys get scraped about the ears and face when they put them on.

"The commandant wore it during a trip over there for Thanksgiving, and he absolutely did not like it," Johnson said. "He made the call to not buy more until perhaps they find a way to mitigate the issues the troops are raising. That's typical of our commandant. He listens to the Marines, and where it makes sense, he executes based on their feedback."

The tactical vests have saved many lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are stories of Marines getting struck by 7.62 mm rounds and walking away with just bruises. Johnson said most of the casualties in Iraq are Marines struck in the extremities.

Both the old and new vests are built around small-arms protective inserts, ceramic plates that fit in pockets in the vests.

"I would trust my life to either one of these pieces of gear," Johnson said. "Safety has never been an issue. If anything, the MTV is a refined edition of the OTV. It doesn't open in the front, but it provides refined protection around the shoulders.

"The ceramic plates are integrated into the vest," he continued. "You don't have to strap those on and adjust them like you do in the OTV."

Weight, however, is a problem. The basic load of a Marine is anywhere between 40 and 60 pounds, and that doesn't include crew gear.

The Marine Corps ordered 84,000 of the new vests in 2006. The service has received 76,000. All Marines deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan are wearing the new vests, Johnson said. "Some very senior discussions are going to take place on what the way ahead is going to be," the colonel said.

Among options are adding features to the MTV to mitigate the annoying features or for the Corps to jump to the next-generation vest, Johnson said. Marine Corps Systems Command continually looks at and suggests ways to improve gear.

(Story by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service.)

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Forces in Iraq Kill Five, Detain 23, Seize Weapons

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 (AFPS) -- Coalition and Iraqi forces killed five suspected terrorists, captured 23 others and uncovered scores of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

In Iraq today:

• Coalition forces east of Khan Bani Sad captured nine suspected terrorists, including an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq associate with ties to a member of an improvised-explosive-device and suicide-bombing network in Baqouba. Acting in self-defense, troops engaged enemies on site, killing five suspected terrorists. Military officials said an Iraqi child was wounded in the operation.

• With coalition assistance, Iraqi forces entered a Baghdad mosque, where they detained two suspected terrorists, including an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitator, and seized a cache of potential bomb-making materials. To respect cultural sensitivities, coalition troops did not enter the Muslim holy site, military officials said.

• Coalition forces conducted a series of raids targeting foreign terrorists and an associate of senior-level terrorist smugglers in northern Iraq. Troops detained four suspected terrorists southeast of Mosul near Salamiyah and two others northwest of Biaj, military officials said.

• Troops nabbed four suspects, including an alleged terrorist associate, during a raid southeast of Samarra. Reports indicate the primary suspect is associated with the leader of the al Qaeda in Iraq network in Jalam who was detained this month for his involvement in kidnappings and terrorist financing.

North of Samarra yesterday, coalition troops detained one suspected terrorist allegedly associated with IED attacks and providing aid to foreign terrorists.

In the Iraqi capital Feb. 27, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured a suspected Iranian-supported special groups network senior leader. After learning the suspect was in Baghdad's Beida neighborhood, 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers with the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, located and detained him. Military officials said the suspect has played a key role in weapons smuggling through Baghdad and has been involved in kidnapping, torturing and killing Iraqi citizens.

"The network is cornered in Sadr City, and every member of the criminal group who sets foot outside is being captured rapidly," said Army Maj. Trey Rutherford, executive officer for the unit. "Even more importantly, the special groups element is being recognized by locals for what it is -- a criminal force focused on instilling fear, for monetary profit, in the people they claim to protect."

Northwest of the Iraqi capital Feb. 27, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers, Iraqi security forces and local Iraqis discovered caches of weapons and ammunition.

Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, discovered a 68 mm mortar round, a French-made rocket and a 68 mm mortar tube during a morning combat patrol.

During a joint combat patrol later that day, Iraqi soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, with soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, discovered three 82 mm mortar rounds, three 155 mm artillery rounds and four mortar tubes.

Meanwhile, a local resident arrived at a joint security station and turned in a rocket-propelled grenade, a separate grenade and two IEDs. In separate operations, troops with Iraqi citizens' assistance, seized scores of munitions.

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

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U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program Builds in Iraq

Bloggers' Roundtable:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2008 (AFPS) -- The U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program continues to grow in Iraq, where the Defense Ministry is buying vehicles, equipment, and other goods and services for its military, a senior military official said yesterday.

In a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers," U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Keith Muschalek, security assistance program manager for Iraq's Defense Ministry, said the Foreign Military Sales program in Iraq is large and is maturing quickly.

Muschalek attributed the program's growth and success to its invulnerability to corruption. "All the procurement is done by the U.S government," he explained. "They have no contracts, (and) they do not negotiate; the FMS does that for them, and so this precludes any corruption whatsoever."

Security assurance officers ensure merchandise is transferred to the appropriate Iraqi official and is signed for on a receipt form, said Muschalek, noting that in a recent sale of tens of thousands of M-16 rifles, 100 percent of the rifles were accounted for.

"With FMS, there is no chance of corruption, and this is precisely why they have chosen to put all this money into the FMS program," he added.

Muschalek said that the Foreign Military Sales procurement process time is extremely fast, which makes it highly attractive to the Iraqis.

"If I receive a signed letter of request, I can expect a letter of offer acceptance ... in about 120 days," Muschalek said.

Then, depending on the product and the urgency of the request, it can take from two weeks to eight months to get a signature accepting the offer from the Iraqi defense minister. Muschalek added that, on average, it takes about a year after the letter offer of acceptance is signed to receive the merchandise.

Muschalek acknowledged that while the program has had great success so far, some minor problems need to be addressed.

"FMS has had its challenges, and one of the biggest problems is (Iraqi officials) understanding the FMS system and program," Muschalek said. "What makes it hard in Iraq is the translation. It is very important that the Iraqi officials and the Ministry of Defense understand the FMS program."

To assist the Iraqis, the Security Assistance Office has brought in mobile training teams to train them on the program, Muschalek said. Once Iraqi officials understand FMS, he predicted, the process will move much faster.

Another problem is that some Iraqi officials are skeptical about the FMS program, Muschalek said. "There are some individuals that do not favor FMS," he said. "There's basically a pro-FMS tribe and there is a counter-tribe that doesn't want FMS fully implemented," he said.

But despite the bureaucratic hurdles, Muschalek said, the program has the Iraqi government's support. "The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has fully embraced FMS," he said. "The momentum has shifted, and it will soon, if (it's) not already, become the largest FMS program in the world."

(Story by Navy Seaman William Selby, New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)

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Combat Camera: Task Force Rogue Troops Patrol Khadra, Iraq

Pfc. Eduardo Garcia, a Phoenix native pulls security in Khadra, Feb. 27. The Soldiers of Task Force Rogue patrol daily through Khadra alongside Iraqi security forces, ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi local citizens. Garcia serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (Photographer: Sgt. James Hunter, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

Sgt. Carlos Santos, a Livermore, Calif., native, pulls security in Khadra, Feb. 27. The Soldiers of Task Force Rogue patrol daily through Khadra alongside Iraqi security forces, ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi local citizens. Santos serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (Photographer: Sgt. James Hunter, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

Pfc. Brandon Overholt, a St. Francisville, La., native, pulls security in Khadra, Feb. 27. The soldiers of Task Force Rogue patrol daily through Khadra alongside Iraqi security forces, ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi local citizens. Overholt serves with Company C, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (Photographer: Sgt. James Hunter, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

Sgt. Carlos Santos, a Livermore, Calif., native, pulls security in Khadra, Feb. 27. The soldiers of Task Force Rogue patrol daily through Khadra alongside Iraqi security forces, ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi local citizens. Santos serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). (Photographer: Sgt. James Hunter, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

Sgt. Carlos Santos, a Livermore, Calif., native, pulls security in Khadra Feb. 27. The soldiers of Task Force Rogue patrol daily through Khadra alongside Iraqi security forces, ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi local citizens. Santos serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). (Photographer: Sgt. James Hunter, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

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Head of Joint Chiefs Says Military Must Adopt Wartime Attitude

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2008 (AFPS) -- In a broad-ranging all-hands meeting with Joint Staff members here today, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen discussed the stand-up of U.S. Africa Command, the challenges of leadership in a changing world, and the increased speed of war.

Military officials need to adopt a wartime attitude, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Mullen said he believes that, more than six years into the war on terror, people still follow a peacetime frame of mind. “There are things that we’re still doing that’s under peacetime rules,” he said. “We’re in a couple of wars, and too often we get caught up in what I call peacetime responses or adapting peacetime rules, policies, regulations to what we need to do in responding very rapidly.”

Changing that attitude is important because the nation must respond quickly to an adaptive and creative enemy. “We have a responsibility to lead, and being as lean and fast and focused and as precise (as we can be) to answer some of the mail that we have to answer routinely is really important,” he said. “We need to adapt to what the future is going to be, and we need to develop policies and procedures and structures” to meet it.”

The admiral said no one can predict what will happen in the world. Just in the past two months there has been crisis after crisis, he said, citing the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, elections in Pakistan, election troubles in Kenya, and war in Chad as just a few recent worldwide events of significance. The military needs to be ready for any eventuality, he said.

Changes in the world have convinced the chairman that U.S. conventional forces are going to have to take on some of the attributes of special operations forces. Conventional forces are going to have to be more culturally aware; they are going to have to build relationships with other peoples and make quick decisions under constant and extreme pressure, he said.

The only constant will be change, Mullen said. Military recruiting, education, training, promotions and retention will all change to meet the new realities of the 21st century, he said.

All of this is driven by the increase in the speed of war. “We are up against a quick and adaptive enemy,” the chairman said. “We’re not going to win until we get ahead of the enemy, and that takes some creative thinking. We’ve made a lot of progress, but we’ve got a long way to go.

“We need to be adaptable, flexible, lethal and do it in a way that gets well inside the enemy’s decision loop,” he said. Mullen said the military has done that in some areas, such as against al Qaeda in Iraq; it has not done that in others.

He told the Joint Staff members that the absolute top priority for U.S. national security is preventing the nexus of terrorism and nuclear weapons.

The chairman also talked about how a concentration on events in the Central Command area has increased risks elsewhere. Troops that would ordinarily be involved in building relationships in other parts of the world -- such as U.S. Pacific and Southern commands -– are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the short-term, this can continue, the chairman said. But, if allowed to go on for any length of time, it could become dangerous, he added.

The chairman also talked about political change in the United States. He told the Joint Staff members that they “need to continue to be the solid foundation, totally apolitical in our view, totally supportive of the president of the United States -- whoever he or she might be in the future.”

“As is the case right now, we take our orders and march on,” he said, adding that civilian control of the military is his bedrock principle.

No matter who becomes president on Jan. 20, 2009, the change in administrations will be a significant challenge for the military.

Changing the subject, a Joint Staffer asked the chairman for a status report on U.S. Africa Command, the new combatant command that reached initial operational capability Oct. 1. “What is unique about AFRICOM is its structure and goals,” Mullen said. “It is not a normal combatant command.”

The command’s deputy is a Foreign Service officer. The driving force behind the command is not fighting wars, but “developing relationships, providing support, being engaged and doing that where we are invited,” Mullen said.

The admiral said he realizes there are great sensitivities against U.S. involvement on the continent, but that the command is “not about footprint and headquarters and lots of troops on the ground” in any country in Africa. It is about economic, political, humanitarian and medical engagement to help the continent handle the scourges of famine, AIDS, war and extremism.

Overall, Mullen said, the war on terror “will be won by the strength of these long-term relationships.”

“This is full-spectrum engagement: It’s training; it’s education; it’s assistance; it’s listening to what the needs are rather than imposing solutions. That’s why security is just a part of this.”

(Story by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service.)

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