Saturday, October 4, 2008

Polish Army Completes Mission in Iraq

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In this 2008 file photo, a Polish soldier walks down the road to greet contractors at a hospital who are there to look at a supply unit in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq. (Photographer: Spc. Alan Moos, Joint Combat Camera Center.)

Dispatches from the Front:

CAMP ECHO, Iraq, Oct 4, 2008 -- The Polish army declared a successful mission complete during a ceremony Oct. 4 at Camp Echo, Qadasiyah Province.

“Our mission in Iraq is coming to an end. We can say the goals of the mission have been largely accomplished. Over the past five years, we have fulfilled our commitment,” said Bogdan Klich, Polish Defense Minister.

The Polish army commanded Multi-National Division – Center South, which operated throughout the Qadasiyah Province. Polish forces completed 10 rotations in Iraq, which ended Oct. 1, and had 10 national contingents under its command including Armenia, Latvia, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Gen. Ray Odierno, commander, Multi-National Force – Iraq, attended the ceremony and spoke to the soldiers.

“You should be enormously proud of all that you have accomplished. You came not to conquer, but to liberate. You sought not personal gain, but liberty. And, you build not an empire, but a sovereign nation. You created hope where terror reigned, and you have made history,” Gen. Ordierno said.

During their rotation, MND-CS soldiers destroyed more than 18 million pieces of various munitions, manned 42,000 checkpoints and conducted more than 70,000 patrols and convoys.

MND-CS conducted more than 22,000 humanitarian and civil assistance projects to purify water, improve electrical power stations, re-establish the educational infrastructure, rebuild and remodel medical facilities and administrative buildings.

Polish forces transferred the operating area to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)

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Roosevelt Carrier Group Arrives in Cape Town, South Africa

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 4, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) approaches the Cape Town, South Africa. This is the first port visit by an American aircraft carrier since 1967. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird.)

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Oct. 4, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) approaches the Cape Town, South Africa. This is the first port visit by an American aircraft carrier since 1967. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird.)

Focus on Defense:

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Oct. 4, 2008 -- Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of an on-going effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) anchored off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 4. The cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) is pier side in Cape Town after arriving Oct. 3.

The TR CSG ships are scheduled to host formal visits, regional security cooperative activities, military-to-military exchanges, and participate in a variety of community relations activities. Senior officers from the ships will also conduct office calls with South African government and military leaders to discuss maritime safety and security.

"The South African government has invited us to visit Cape Town, and we are grateful for the opportunity," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "We look forward to strengthening the relationship with the South African Navy."

During the port visit, crewmembers will have the chance to enjoy the culture and beauty of Cape Town, participate in a wide variety of community relations projects and tour some of the surrounding areas. In total, more than 4,600 Sailors will visit Cape Town.

"We appreciate the opportunity to be here in Cape Town as representatives of the American people," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt. "Getting the chance to learn about and interact with different militaries and cultures is an invaluable experience for our Sailors."

The TR visit to Cape Town marks the first time a carrier has visited South Africa in more than 40 years. The last carrier to visit South Africa was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967.

Sailors aboard TR are looking forward to the new experiences they will get to enjoy during visit to Cape Town.

"I'm really excited to be able to get off the boat and see things I haven't seen before and eat something exotic," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Cherry Ravnell, a member of the V-2 division of TR's air department.

Other Sailors are highly anticipating the opportunities they will have to interact with a different culture and increase their knowledge about another part of the world.

"I'm very fortunate for the opportunity to see different cultures, including the way they live and their customs and traditions. This is my third cruise, but this is definitely something new. It adds another piece to my puzzle of the world, and I'm glad that I've been blessed with the chance to experience it," said Culinary Specialist Second Class John Davis, one of the many chefs that make up S-2 division of TR's supply department.

The Sailors of Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group who are currently visiting Cape Town are grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime experience they are getting during this historic port visit in Cape Town, South Africa.

(Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Monique K. Hilley.)

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US Marines See USS San Antonio as Force Multiplier

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In this file photo, the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) transits through the Suez Canal. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky.)

Focus on Defense:

ABOARD USS SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 4, 2008 -- “One Team, One Fight." It is a mantra repeated on almost every ship of the Navy that plays host to Marines. But perhaps no other ship in the Navy can claim this mantra as accurately as the new USS San Antonio (LPD-17), a first-in-its-class amphibious transport dock on its maiden deployment as part of the Iwo Jima Strike Group.

From the beginning, San Antonio was designed with input from Marine Corps representatives who advocated a number of innovations, ranging from sweeping changes in the tactical lift capacity to seemingly trivial design aspects such as making passageways larger and ladderwells less steep. Marines embarked aboard the new ship would soon find changes better than they had expected.

Ready for the Big League

San Antonio now carries elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Having successfully endured the rigors of the 6-month Predeployment Training Period with the MEU, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, cruised the Mediterranean, and transited the Suez Canal, the San Antonio has proven to be everything it was designed to be, according to the Marines aboard.

"For the Marines, this ship has been a very impressive [amphibious assault ship]. During the PTP and Operational Evalution, she has successfully supported every Marine mission in which her and her crew had a part,” said Col. Mark J. Desens, commanding officer of the 26th MEU. “She has provided us numerous opportunities to exercise our core competency of expeditionary operations,"

For her crew, the new ship has not disappointed.

"I couldn’t be happier,” said Cmdr. Kurt A. Kastner, captain of the San Antonio. “To this point the ship has performed better than anyone has expected.”

For an amphibious assault ship, though, no opinion is more telling than that of the Marines who will spend the next six to seven months aboard.

"It’s as least as capable as we thought it would be if not more; it’s capacity and load is impressive," said Lt. Col. Jonathan R. Giltz, commanding officer of the 26th MEU’s Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion-26.

"The thing with San Antonio is that it is exactly as advertised. We have every square inch stuffed with Marine Corps gear," he said.

Those square inches add up to considerable space, and consequently, a lot of equipment and vehicles. San Antonio boasts 5,000 sq. ft. more cargo space than the previous class of LPDs, and the MEU has taken advantage of the extra space to take along weapons and equipment it may have been forced to leave behind if embarked on another class of ship.

"This MEU has the benefit of bringing a substantial amount of combat power; arguably the most in the last 15 years," said Giltz.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Tony L. Scott, combat cargo officer for San Antonio, is the Marine who ultimately decides the amount of vehicles and equipment which can be "stuffed" into her cargo areas.

"This ship has allowed the MEU commander to leave Camp Lejeune with every piece of equipment; nothing on standby," he said. "In addition, the commander is no longer limited to putting certain equipment on different classes of ships."

Scott explained the extra cargo space aboard translates into more warfighting equipment the Marines can take wherever they go. The space provides the ability to carry 5 extra M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, which previous LPDs couldn’t carry at all.

"We are carrying an extra six [Medium Tactical Replacement Vehicles] compared to an old LPD, and two [Landing Craft Air Cushioned] instead of one," said Scott.

All of these improvements enhance the actual combat power and effective reach of the 26th MEU while supported by the San Antonio, according to Desens.

"The extra real estate and how it is configured is one of the most significant aspects of the LPD-17. The spaces on the San Antonio give us the ability to put more gear, tactical equipment and Marines into a smaller space while at the same time, the improved tactical lift capability helps us deploy our Marines faster, farther, more efficiently and in more environments than ever before in history," he said.

That is especially important for a unit which, by design, must be able to operate inside hostile environments without any external support for weeks.

"The nature of expeditionary operations is ambiguous, and because of that you want all your tools. It’s critical because you don’t want to wish for something you left behind, and also, you know instantly you are capable for any mission you may be tasked with," said Giltz.

Kastner spoke to this point as well. "ESGs that sail with the LPD-17 class will have to make no compromises; it translates into more combat power."

MEU Multi-tasking

The ability to conduct separate, but concurrent missions apart from the other ships of the ESG goes hand-in-hand with the new characteristics of the ship.

"Throughout the PTP, the San Antonio has proven herself more than capable of Disaggregate Operations. The fact that we can set multiple complete [Marine Air Ground Task Force] loose on the enemy or for humanitarian operations bodes well for the MEU. In a sense, the San Antonio enables the 26th MEU to be in two places at once," said Desens.

That capacity effectively multiplies the abilities of a MEU and theatre to carry out the full spectrum of expeditionary missions, not just one at a time, but at the same time.

"That theatre commander also has more options. We could, with our capabilities, do a pretty significant split-[Expeditionary Strike Group], providing more flexibility," said Kastner.

"It is a unique design, which includes a hangar bay to accommodate all the Corps' helicopters, an enlarged flight deck and an enlarged well deck that carries both LCACs and eventually the [Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle]. This facilitates a quicker and more versatile force deployment," Desens said.

All of this potential power would be for naught without the symbiotic relationship present between the crew and embarked Marines. For the Sailors and Marines aboard San Antonio, the personal and professional relationships that began with the Operation Evaluation have grown, increasing combat readiness.

One Team, One Fight

"The design and function of this ship is a direct translation of Navy and Marine integration. It takes all the best the Navy has to offer for transport and operational maneuver near the coastline and combines it with the MEU – the Corps’ most lethal and versatile air/ground task force. You won’t find this type of relationship anywhere else in the US military," explained Desens.

That relationship starts at the highest levels of command and continues down to the privates and seaman recruits.

"This ship is meant to embark Marines and I expect the crew to treat embarked Marines as shipmates," said Kastner.

Both services have seen the benefits from working hard together during the PTP.

"In the last 6 months this is my fifth time aboard; I would argue that the ship is even more capable than it is supposed to be because of the Navy Marine Corps team aboard," said Giltz. "Overall there is a professional and friendly relationship that is very healthy and based on mutual respect and trust."

Giltz stressed that it was truly a team, not just two sister services putting up with each other.

"Integration is the key; not just deconfliction," said Giltz, careful to point out the difference between the two. "I see an integrated and coordinated team."

Breathing Room in the Berthing Space

By design, the ship also affords improvements to day-to-day life for those aboard, while at the same time enhancing combat readiness.

The ship’s passageways are wider, allowing Marines with combat loads, crew served weapons, or bulky equipment to move about with ease. The hatches are larger and ladderwells are constructed at a different angle, less steep than those traditionally seen on warships.

One of the first things troops embarked aboard often mention is the new style of racks installed in the berthing areas of San Antonio. Whereas on ships of other classes, Marines and Sailors are normally berthed in what are commonly called "coffin" racks due to their size and shape, those aboard the San Antonio enjoy a new, L-shaped rack which allows them to sit up for reading or computer work. This, coupled with a bevy of storage spaces in the berthing for Marines’ combat equipment makes for happy warfighters.

"Designers have taken embarkation, debarkation and Marines into mind. Six or seven months afloat is hard on the body; the Navy and Marine Corps ask a lot," said Kastner.

The ship’s command has also implemented changes like continuous chow hours, which all but eliminates the lines with which anyone who has embarked on a warship is familiar.

"While it certainly is nice to be more comfortable while embarked aboard naval vessels, these 'comforts' actually satisfy tactical requirements for the Marines," explained Desens. "The wider passageways, larger ladderwells and bigger zebra hatches are all things which allow combat-loaded Marines to move about the ship with less difficulty, creating less friction and thus completing day-to-day operations more efficiently."

(Story by Cpl. Aaron J. Rock, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.)

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US Navy Deploys New Submarine Rescue System

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In this file photo, the pressurized rescue module (PRM) is recovered from the water after performing a submarine rescue exercise with the Chilean submarine CS Simpson (SSK 21) off the coast of San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia M. Riveracorrea.)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2008 -- The Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System's (SRDRS) Rescue Capable System (RCS) replaced the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Mystic (DSRV-1) as the U.S. Navy's deep-submergence submarine rescue asset on Sept. 30. Mystic and the DSRV program began deactivation on Oct. 1.

SRDRS is a rapidly deployable rescue asset that can be delivered by air or ground, installed on pre-screened military or commercial vessels of opportunity (VOO) via a ship interface template, and mated to a distressed submarine within a 72-hour time to first rescue period.

Mystic is a small rescue submarine capable of deploying via air or ground to a port where it is mated to a specially-configured submarine which serves as the host platform for the voyage to the disabled submarine.

"Mystic has served the United States and the international submarine community admirably for the last 31 years," said Steve Schulze, executive director, Undersea Warfare, Naval Sea Systems Command.

"Mystic brought new capabilities to the fleet when she entered service in 1977; now SRDRS builds upon those innovations, delivering even greater capabilities to the international submarine community."

SRDRS is a three-phased acquisition program that will deliver advanced submarine rescue and treatment assets to the fleet. The first phase of the program was the Atmospheric Dive System 2000 (ADS2000) which was delivered to the Navy in 2006. ADS2000 is a manned, one-atmosphere dive suit capable of inspecting disabled submarines and clearing debris from escape hatches. The RCS constitutes SRDRS' second phase.

SRDRS-RCS consists of Falcon, the tethered, remotely-operated Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM), its launch and recovery system, and its support equipment; all of which are controlled from a VOO.

The final phase of the SRDRS program is the Submarine Decompression System (SDS), scheduled for delivery in late 2012. SDS will allow rescued submariners to remain under pressure during the transfer from the PRM to hyperbaric treatment chambers aboard the VOO.

Unlike Mystic, which could only be transported to the disabled submarine via modified submarines, SRDRS is a "fly-away" system that can quickly and easily be mobilized via large military or civilian transport aircraft and installed aboard a variety of VOOs within hours of notification of a submarine in distress.

Falcon can conduct rescue operations to a depth of 2,000 feet, can mate to a disabled submarine at a list and trim of up to 45 degrees, and can transfer up to 16 personnel at a time. Mystic required its own power source – necessitating a two-hour battery charge between cycles. Because SRDRS-RCS receives its power from a VOO via an umbilical, it can operate around the clock without pause.

"SRDRS has been a tremendously successful program to date," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines. "We took this platform and exercised it in some difficult conditions on the world stage and it performed up to our very high expectations."

SRDRS underwent a unique test and operational evaluation during the international submarine rescue exercise Bold Monarch in May-June 2008. During Bold Monarch, SRDRS demonstrated its ability to mate and transfer personnel from three participating submarines, one each from Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland. Personnel from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Russia, Pakistan, India, Norway, Italy, Israel, Sweden, Spain, Singapore, the Netherlands, France, and China spent time aboard SRDRS. More recently, SRDRS demonstrated its capabilities during an exercise with the Chilean submarine CS Simpson (SS-21) Sept. 17-18.

"From a testing and certification standpoint, SRDRS has delivered on all of its initial expectations," said Capt. Gary Dunlap, program manager for Advanced Undersea Systems. "This system provides not only the U.S. Navy, but all navies, with a flexible, capable, and – most importantly – rapidly deployable rescue asset."

SRDRS will be based out of San Diego, and operated by the Navy's Deep Submergence Unit.

(Story from Team Submarine Public Affairs.)

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$1 Million Prize Offered for New Military Wearable Power System

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Team leader Nathan Ernst and team member Mike Gorski of Adaptive Materials Inc., prepare their prototype power system for connection to a power draw computer system for the 2008 Director Defense Research and Engineering Wearable Power Prize competition at Del Valle Field aboard the Combat Center Sept. 28. (Photo by Cpl. Nicole A. LaVine.)

Focus on Defense:

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., Oct. 4, 2008 -- The Marine Corps Combat Center is hosting the first-ever Wearable Power Prize competition at Del Valle Field from Sept. 23 through Oct. 4 in support of Defense Research and Engineering.

The competition, dubbed the 2008 Director Defense Research and Engineering Wearable Power Prize, is hosted by Dr. William S. Rees Jr., Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Laboratories and Basic Science.

“This competition is a large-scale public method to develop and test power systems for the equipment that our warfighters carry,” wrote Rees in a sponsorship message brochure about the competition. “These participants have produced a wide variety of technical ways to generate power for a sustained period of time in a small package.”

The intent of the competition is to grant a first place prize of $1 million to the individual or team who creates a wearable power system that meets the requirements to be used by modern warfighters. Second and third place winners will receive prizes of $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.

The events began Sept. 22 with the staff check-in and orientation period, and the hour bench testing began Sept. 28.

Initially, 169 competitors registered for the competition in November, but only 20 teams underwent the 92-hour bench test here, said Sandra Wright, WPP team liaison.

The bench test worked by taking a power draw from each prototype to simulate use of a variety of power systems ranging from GPS to night vision equipment, said David Edwards, special assistant to the DUSDLABS.

Cables that connect to the wearable power system to a computer-controlled power rigging system reads voltage and energy emitted from the system, explained Edwards.

“The prototype is connected to a channel with a load profile that will vary over time,” he said. “Each prototype is given the exact same load profile to keep it fair for all the contestants.”

In order to make it to the finals, a prototype system had to not only sustain power throughout the draw load, but also maintain safe temperatures, be able to provide both 14 and 28 volts of energy and be a reasonable weight, said Edwards.

For some contestants like Scott Schoeffel, European business development manager with Ultralife Corporation, this was their first enrollment in this type of competition.

Schoeffel said he believes the competition is a way to further technology that can have a great impact on the lifestyles of deployed service members.

“We have worked with the military for years,” said Schoeffel, a Virginia Beach, Va., native. “We’re always looking to improve operations and help military members. This competition fits our normal business plans and works with previous programs we’ve done. I think this will be the next evolutionary step for us.”

Contestants who passed the 92-hour bench test Thursday will continue in the competition and perform a four-hour field test Saturday. The field test requires individual contestants or teams to wear their own prototypes while varied levels of load power tests the voltage, amplitude and endurance of the prototype, said Edwards.

“We want to offer soldiers and troops flexibility to power different devices,” said Dan Ross, event coordinator. “This is almost like a wish list for what soldiers want. They know better than others what kind of equipment is demanded of them in the field.”

Edwards explained that once all requirements are met, the winning prototype will be determined by which system weighs the least.

The finalists for the field test were certified Thursday, and the winner will be announced tomorrow after the final field test Oct. 4 at 3 p.m., said Edwards.

(Story by Cpl. Nicole A. LaVine, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.)

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Iraqi Police Station to be Built in Remaining Enemy Hot Spot

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An Iraqi National Policeman stands guard at a checkpoint outside the Al Akad Iraqi police station build site, Sept. 27, 2008. (Photo by Sgt. Daniel Blottenberger, 18th Military Police Brigade.)

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Oct. 4, 2008 -- A black kite rises to the sky off in the distance as a convoy of military police soldiers travel down one of the most dangerous routes in Baghdad.

“They know we are here,” said Staff Sgt. Darrell Bamberg, a squad leader Multi-National Division – Baghdad, as his eyes scanned through his Humvee window, Sept. 27, at the black kites with the assumption criminal groups were signaling the arrival of Coalition forces along the route as they entered the Al Akad neighborhood.

“The guys over here don’t like us at all,” said Bamberg, referring to the criminal groups in the area of the proposed building site of a new Iraqi Police (IP) station.

The surveying of a new IP station in the Akad neighborhood was the squad’s mission for the day, as well as escorting an Iraqi Police general and several contractors to a new station build site in northeast Baghdad to conduct a site survey.

As the squad traveled the route, more black kites popped up parallel to their position and went down as they passed by en route to their destination. The squad is part of the 340th MP Co., and is an Army Reserve unit based out of New York.

“There are a lot of reports of criminal groups in the area,” said Bamberg, a native of the Bronx, N.Y., referring to an area that borders Sadr City where much of the violence that was once contained in Sadr City has crept into.

Upon arriving at the future build site, the soldiers were met by many children – some asking for water and candy. Soldiers, with comforting smiles, handed out as much as they had available.

“Our goal is to make this area secure for the citizens of Al Akad,” said Maj. Lawrence Clossum, commander, 340th MP Co., who is a native of St. Louis. “We are beginning the process of rebuilding a new station in Al Akad that will provide rule of law for the citizens of Al Akad.”

The Al Akad station existed at one point but was destroyed by criminal group attacks on the station in earlier months.

“We will have to level what’s left of the place and rebuild the station from scratch,” said Clossum, looking at the remains of the perimeter of the former IP station.

The station would be a symbol of perseverance to the criminals in the area, he added, and will demonstrate that the IP forces have the capability to protect its citizens and not back down to anyone as they rebuild their nation.

“We cannot let the criminals think they have won the fight here,” said Clossum. “It will take some time, but we will rebuild this station.”

(Story by Sgt. Daniel Blottenberger, 18th Military Police.)

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US Airpower Summary; Oct. 4, 2008: F-15Es Provide Close Air Support

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An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel. F-15Es continue to be vigilant in deterring enemy activities in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 4, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces near Kandahar. Additionally, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was reported successful by a joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Oruzgan, a B-1B dropped a GBU-31 onto an anti-Afghan fighting position. Furthermore, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-12 and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, F-15Es dropped a GBU-12 and GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A-10s performed shows of force near Kandahar and in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by JTACs.

F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter insurgent activities near Khowst and in the vicinity of Soltan. JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 46 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen Air Force and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 51 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 135 airlift sorties were flown; 550 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,064 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 2, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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US Army to Field New Lightweight .50-Caliber Machine Gun

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A soldier at Fort Hood, Texas, test fires the LW50 lightweight .50-caliber machine gun. (Photo by PEO-Soldier.)

Focus on Defense:

Lethality at Half the Weight

FORT BELVOIR, Va., Oct. 3, 2008 -- As Soldiers training for combat look to lighten their load, they can look forward to the Lightweight .50-Caliber Machine Gun.

The LW50, an addition to the Army's arsenal of machine guns at one-half the weight of the M2 .50-Caliber Machine Gun and with 60 percent less recoil, does not require the setting of headspace and timing. The LW50 provides Soldiers with the punch of a .50-caliber machine gun in the footprint of a 7.62mm weapon system, allowing them to bring .50 caliber lethality to the fight in situations where using a light to medium machine gun is the only available option.

The LW50 is still in the early stages of system design and development and officials at the Program Executive Office Soldier at Fort Belvoir said they expect the weapon to be fielded in 2011. They said a limited two-part Early User Assessment for the weapon was conducted with Special Operations Command personnel in March and May.

The LW50, a technological spinout from the 25mm XM307 Advanced Crew Served Weapon program, is capable of firing all current .50-caliber ammunition in the inventory, including the standard M33 ball; the M8 armor-piercing incendiary; the M903 saboted light armor penetrator; and the MK211 multipurpose round that combines armor-piercing, explosive, and incendiary effects.

"A major benefit of the LW50 is the weight and recoil savings and no requirement to adjust the headspace and timing," said Shailesh Parmar, a product director for Product Manager Crew Served Weapons in the office of Project Manager Soldier Weapons. "The LW50 is expected to weigh less than 65 pounds, including tripod and traversing and elevation mechanism, compared with the M2 system's weight of 128 pounds, a savings of 63 pounds or more," said Parmar. He also noted that the LW50 can be set up faster than an M2 because it does not need ballast to weigh down the tripod due to less recoil.

The LW50's greatly reduced recoil enables Soldiers to use weapon-magnified optics and maintain sight picture of the target, which was unthinkable and potentially painful with the M2. "Lower recoil also means less dispersion of rounds and better accuracy," Parmar said. "That, in turn, makes it easier to qualify with the LW50, allows Soldiers to use rounds more economically, and reduces the logistical burden."

Staff Sgt. James Tyus of the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery was quick to notice the improvements while training on the weapon at Fort Hood, Texas. "It absorbs more recoil now. Given that, it makes the weapon more accurate. I like it for its accuracy," Tyus said.

The LW50's weight savings, reduced recoil, and increased accuracy allow for its use in places that were not feasible for an M2, such as in light infantry operations.

Once the LW50 is deployed, all vehicles that mount the M2 will be able to mount the new system. Tests have been successfully conducted mounting the system to the Stryker Combat Vehicle and the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station.

Other benefits of the LW50 include safety and training applications. The LW50 eliminates the need for the operator to adjust the headspace and timing and for any special maintenance tools, reducing the amount of training required. The current LW50 has 131 parts, compared with 244 for the M2.

"It's a very unique weapon. You don't have to worry about timing," said Pvt. Michael Zinns with 1-82 Field Artillery, who, like Tyus, was introduced to the LW50 at Fort Hood. The teardown, too, "is actually a lot easier, and the barrels are much more easily interchangeable," Zinns said.

The Army recently issued a requirement for a lightweight .50 caliber machine gun. Furthermore, Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is developing lightweight vehicles that will need armament. SOCOM recognizes that a lightweight, low-recoil weapon suitable for these vehicles could see expanded use within dismounted units. The LW50 has the potential to satisfy those three needs in one package.

According to the current program cycle, the LW50 could be fielded at the end of FY11. Light units, such as the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 10th Mountain Division, 25th Infantry Division, and SOCOM forces, are expected to benefit most from the new weapon.

"I think that's what a lot of us look for, a lighter weapon," said Tyus. "I'm really excited about it."

Seeing what PEO-Soldier is bringing to bear in the Global War on Terrorism "inspires and sustains our young Soldiers" as they prepare to deploy to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, said Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola of III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas. "Many of our first-term troopers and even our veterans who have one tour can look at that and go: 'That's what's waiting for me.' "

(Story by Debi Dawson, PEO-Soldier Strategic Communications Officer.)

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Pentagon Adds Forces to US Northern Command

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announces the assignment of an enhanced military capability to U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) to assist civil authorities in the response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) incidents in the U.S. homeland.

"The stand-up of the first of three CBRNE Consequence Management Forces (CCMRF) represents a force of 4,000 to 6,000 personnel that can be quickly tailored to support a coordinated national response to a specific CBRNE incident. This is a fundamental change in military culture and capability," said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs Paul McHale.

CCMRFs are Title 10, U.S. Code, joint forces capable of responding to a wide range of CBRNE attacks against the American people with a wide range of services, including: radiological assessment, decontamination and security of a contaminated site or area; medical triage, treatment, and care; and transportation and logistical support.

This first CCMRF will fall under the operational control of USNORTHCOM's Joint Force Land Component Command, U.S. Army North, located in San Antonio, Texas.

(From a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Friday, October 3, 2008

US Airpower Summary; Oct. 3, 2008: C-17s Provide Airlift Support

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A C-17 Globemaster III takes off from a base in Southwest Asia. Coalition C-17s provide intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 3, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto an improvised explosive device compound in the vicinity of Oruzgan. Furthermore, an Air Force Reaper MQ-9 fired a hellfire rocket onto an IED compound. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general-purpose 500-pound bombs and fired cannon rounds and rockets onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-38 and GBU-31 onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces with RPGs and small-arms fire in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A-10s performed shows of force near Sheykhabad and in the vicinity of Ali Kheyl to deter insurgent activities. The missions were declared successful by JTACs.

Coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Sangin, Balocan and Surkhabad. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 48 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-eight Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 137 airlift sorties were flown; 304 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,798 passengers were transported. This included approximately 88,580 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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US Air Force Orders Inspections of A-10 Aircraft

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, provides close-air-support near Balad, Iraq. Air Force officials have called for an immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks for a portion of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert Wieland.)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2008 -- The Air Force has issued a TCTO (time compliance technical order) requiring immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks for a portion of the A-10 fleet. This action impacts approximately 130 A-10 aircraft with thin-skin wings installed during original manufacture and is being taken to ensure the continued operational safety of the aircraft.

Such action has become necessary due to an increase in fatigue-related wing cracks currently occurring in aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Materiel Command.

The inspections are a necessary step in addressing the risk associated with A-10 wing cracking - specifically with thin-skin wings. This risk is of great concern to the Air Force and is representative of a systemic problem for our aging Air Force fleet.

Taking immediate action is necessary for the safety of our aircrews and to bring our A-10 fleet back to health. Accordingly, AFMC is working closely with ACC and the other Combat Air Force major commands to address all of the thin-skinned winged A-10s with a priority focus being on the A-10s we currently have in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The A-10 is a valuable asset to joint warfighters because of its unique capabilities. It can deliver precision guided weapons at high altitudes, as well as surgical close air support at low altitudes. The inspections, however, will not impact on-going or future operational combat missions.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Charges Referred Against Guantanamo Detainee Ghailani

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

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2008 -- The U.S. Defense Department announced today that charges against Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani have been referred to trial by military commission. Ghailani is alleged to have been involved in the planning and preparation of the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Aug 7, 1998.

In accordance with the Military Commissions Act of 2006, the convening authority has the sole discretion to determine what charges will be referred to trial. In exercising her independent judgment, the convening authority, Susan Crawford, referred nine charges against Ghailani. The case was referred as non-capital, meaning the maximum possible punishment is life in prison.

Ghailani is charged with the following substantive offenses: murder in violation of the Law of War, murder of protected persons, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, destruction of property in violation of the Law of War and Terrorism. In addition, he is charged with conspiracy to commit all of the above offenses. Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism.

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

(From a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Militants Kill Civilian in Eastern Afghanistan Fighting

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2008 -- An Afghan civilian was killed and four were wounded this morning when militants attacked a village in eastern Afghanistan where coalition and Afghan troops were on patrol, military officials reported.

The firefight started when militants engaged the joint forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Matin, a village in the Pech district of Konar province, officials said.

While returning fire, Afghan soldiers also provided immediate medical care to the wounded and transported them to a medical facility for treatment, officials said. The body of the civilian was recovered and returned to his village, they said.

No servicemembers were wounded in the attack, and the incident is under investigation, they said.

The incident followed several days of fighting along the Pakistan border.

Coalition forces yesterday captured four insurgents during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province, military officials said. The operation targeted a foreign terrorist in the Sabari district who is believed to coordinate and direct militant activities against local residents there, as well as Afghan and coalition forces, they said.

The suspect, who was detained, is believed to be in direct contact with other Haqqani sub-commanders, coordinating terrorist activities intended to destabilize the region, officials said. Coalition forces searched the compound, finding weapons and related items, which were destroyed to prevent future use.

In other news, coalition forces killed three militants Sept. 30 in the Arghandab district of Zabol province in southeast Afghanistan.

Coalition forces were conducting a patrol in a densely vegetated area when they were fired on by militants using small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a remote position. The troops responded with small-arms, heavy weapons and indirect fire, killing three militants.

No Afghan or coalition forces or civilian casualties were reported.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

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Photo Essay: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Transits to Manhattan Homeport

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The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is escorted to its homeport at Pier 86 on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Oct. 2, 2008. The Intrepid was brought from the Navy Homeport Pier on Staten Island, N.Y., by a fleet of McAllister tugboats and surrounded by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure safety to the historic vessel and its passengers. (Photographer: Petty Officer 3rd Class Annie Berlin, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.)

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Three mariners were assisted by members of U.S. Coast Guard Station New York after their vessel became disabled and began to drift into the security zone surrounding the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum, Oct. 2, 2008. Security vessels and aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard, New York City Police Department and New York Fire Department escorted the Intrepid as it transited from Staten Island, N.Y. to Pier 86 in New York City. The Coast Guard continued to maintain a vigilant watch and to assist mariners in distress. (Photographer: U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.)

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Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Ted Fox, a machinery technician at Coast Guard Station New York on Staten Island, N.Y., provides security for the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, a decommissioned Essex-class Navy aircraft carrier, as it is returned to its berth in Manhattan, Oct. 2, 2008. Security vessels and aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard, New York City Police Department and New York Fire Department surrounded the Intrepid as it transited to Pier 86 in New York City. (Photographer: U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.)

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Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Dana Rocque, a Sailor at Coast Guard Station New York on Staten Island, N.Y., maintains a vigilant watch during a surge in security for the transit of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum, a decommissioned Essex-class Navy aircraft carrier, Oct. 2, 2008. Security vessels and aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard, New York City Police Department and New York Fire Department surrounded the Intrepid as it transited to Pier 86 in New York City. (Photographer: U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.)

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The Intrepid Air & Space Museum is escorted by the Coast Guard to its new home at Pier 86 on Manhattans Upper West Side, Oct. 2, 2008. The Intrepid was brought from the Navy Homeport Pier on Staten Island, N.Y., powered by a fleet of McAllister tug boats and surrounded by the Coast Guard to ensure safety to the Intrepid and mariners. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Seth Johnson.)

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The Coast Guard Cutter Seneca leads the way as the Intrepid Air and Space Museum is brought to its original home at Pier 86, on Manhattans Upper West Side, Oct. 2, 2008. The Seneca, a 270-Foot cutter home ported in Boston, Mass., headed the procession as the Intrepid was brought from the Navy Homeport on Staten Island, N.Y. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Seth Johnson.)

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The Coast Guard Cutter Seneca leads the way as the Intrepid Air and Space Museum is brought to its original home at Pier 86, on Manhattans Upper West Side, Oct. 2, 2008. The Seneca, a 270-Foot cutter home ported in Boston, Mass., headed the procession as the Intrepid was brought from the Navy Homeport on Staten Island, N.Y. (Photographer: U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.)

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The Intrepid Air & Space Museum is escorted by the Coast Guard to its new home at Pier 86 on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Oct. 2, 2008. The Intrepid was brought from the Navy Homeport Pier on Staten Island, N.Y., powered by a fleet of McAllister tug boats and surrounded by the Coast Guard to ensure safety to the Intrepid and mariners. (Photographer: U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.)

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Decommissioned aircraft carrier Intrepid (CV 11) sits at Bayonne Dry Dock and Repair Corp. to have her hull water-blasted, primed and repainted. Intrepid is scheduled to return to the brand-new, state-of-the-art Pier 86 on Manhattan's west side in the fall of 2008. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth R. Hendrix.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Military Imagery on THE TENSION

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