Photo Essay: USS Freedom Commissioning Ceremony

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Sea Cadets stand in formation as the crew of the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) mans the rails during her commissioning ceremony at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katherine Boeder.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Hundreds of spectators attend the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katherine Boeder.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) The crew of the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) mans the rails during her commissioning ceremony at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katherine Boeder.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) A sailor assigned to the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) hoists the First Navy Jack during her commissioning ceremony at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katherine Boeder.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead records a "spirit spot" for the upcoming Army-Navy football game with the newly commissioned littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) in the background. Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter challenge threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, middle, speaks with WWII Navy WAVES at the conclusion of the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead watches as the crew sets the first watch and "brings the ship to life" during the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead participates in the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead participates in the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 8, 2008) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, left, former Chief of Naval Operations retired Adm. Vern Clark and current Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead speak before the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones.)

Focus on Defense:

MILWAUKEE, Wisc., Nov. 8, 2008 -- The crew of USS Freedom (LCS 1) ushered in a new era in naval warfare, Nov. 8 as the ship was brought to life at Milwaukee's Veterans Park before a crowd of nearly 10,000.

The ship was officially placed in commission by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, who remarked the Navy was commissioning not just Freedom but a new class of naval war ships.

"In this platform we are making the right investments in our future security and in our prosperity," Winter said. "For those of you who will have the privilege of serving in Freedom you will play a leading role in protecting our nation's interest and in ensuring stability of the global economy. You will also be called upon to serve in a ship whose namesake defines the very aspirations of the American people and of people the world over."

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, said Freedom will never have a more important crew than its first one, for they are the ones that set the tone and standards that will endure.

Freedom also represents a new concept in how and where the Navy is going to operate in executing the Maritime Strategy.

"USS Freedom will sail as an instrument of that strategy. Hers will be the march of the mind, with the spear and the shield, she will proclaim and insure the freedom of the seas and the freedom of the nation," Roughead said.

Freedom is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft.

Following the Secretary's commissioning, the ship's two commanding officers, Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson, Blue Crew and Cmdr. Michael Doran, Gold Crew, took command, set the first watch and raised the ensign.

The first ensign flown over the ship had previously been flown over Baghdad. After its ceremonial unfurling, it was hauled down and presented to the ship's sponsor, Birgit Smith, in honor of her late husband's sacrifice in defense of freedom. Smith is the wife of Army Sgt. First Class Paul Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the first in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Clutching the American flag and flanked by the ship's two commanding officers and two senior enlisted leaders, Smith tearfully gave the order to the crew of Freedom, "man our ship and bring her to life."

For the crew, the commissioning was the culmination of three years of hard work.

"It is great to be part of a first of class new ship that is outfitted with 21st century technology," said Mineman 1st Class (SW) Jeff Steele, who has been with the crew since July 2006. "We have worked long and hard for this day and to bring her to life and go out and operate."

A fast, agile, and high-technology surface combatant, Freedom will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles.

Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis.

The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.

Freedom is the first of two LCS sea frames being produced. Freedom will be manned by one of two rotational crews, blue and gold, similar to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines. The crews will be augmented by one of three mission package crews during focused mission assignments.

The 378-foot Freedom was constructed at Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, Wisc., and was the first naval vessel to be built and commissioned on the Great Lakes since World War II. She will be home ported at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., as part of the Pacific Fleet.

(Report by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Rhonda Burke.)

Related Articles:
USS Freedom Crew Preps for Commissioning in Milwaukee
Photo Essay: USS Freedom; First US Navy Littoral Combat Ship Begins Trials

Recent Military Imagery on THE TENSION

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US Airpower Summary; Nov. 8, 2008: C-17s Sustain Operations

Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's aerial port flight prepare to push a pallet onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, at an air base in the Persian Gulf Region. The aerial port flight handles all loading and unloading of military and coalition partners' aircraft departing and arriving the base and is responsible for processing all originating, through load, and terminating cargo. This flight is U.S. Central Command's largest passenger operation, handling more than 65,000 passengers a month in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 8, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Nov. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and a coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and a GBU-38 against anti-Afghan forces who were firing mortar and rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. Furthermore, coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and facilitate the extraction of coalition forces in the area. The missions were confirmed a success by joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft dropped a GBU-12 onto a building where anti-Afghan forces were firing at coalition forces near Sangin. In addition coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the same area. JTACs reported the missions successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force and conducted search operations of a possible weapons point of origin in the vicinity of Moqor. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

F-15Es performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition convoy conducting operations in the vicinity of Orgun E. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

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

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 47 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Thirty-two Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force 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 147 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 590 tons of cargo delivered and more than 3,600 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 6, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 278 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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USS Freedom Crew Preps for Commissioning in Milwaukee

The USS Freedom (LCS 1) berths in Milwaukee harbor preparing for her commissioning on Nov. 8. The USS Freedom (LCS 1) is the first of two littoral combat ships being produced for the Navy. Freedom is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in costal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. (U.S. Navy photo by John Sheppard.)

Focus on Defense:

MILWAUKEE, Wisc., Nov. 8, 2008 -- Sailors from the USS Freedom (LCS 1) have spent the week getting to know the city of Milwaukee and its citizens in preparation from the commissioning of Freedom Nov. 8 at Milwaukee's Veteran's Park.

Sailors have welcomed hundreds on board the ship for special tours and visited with veterans at the VA Medical Center. Additionally, they have been hosted by several civic groups around the city for luncheons, tours and dinner and even attended a Milwaukee Bucks basketball game. The ship arrived in Milwaukee, Nov. 2.

"Milwaukee was our first choice of cities to do our commissioning in and it is absolutely the right place to do it," said Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson, commanding officer of USS Freedom, Blue Crew. "It is an opportunity us to bring her to life and put her into service with the people who built her and have supported this program from the beginning."

Milwaukee's Midwest hospitality has made an impression on the crew of Freedom as they have traveled around the city visiting veterans, attending the Milwaukee Bucks game and getting to know the people of Milwaukee.

"The people are great. This is going to be a great city to do our commissioning in," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Robert Holguin, who is in charge of the ship's combat information center.

Holguin was one of several crew members who spent Tuesday afternoon visiting with veterans at the Clement J. Zablocki Veteran's Medical Center in Milwaukee.

"This has been terrific, they tell us some stories, we tell them some stories and we are just having a blast with them," Holguin said.

The crew thanked each of the veterans for their service and presented them with a commissioning coin in honor of Freedom being brought to life in their city. The coin was designed by Operations Specialist Second Class (SW) Nicholas Shelton, who was among the Sailors visiting.

"We can do what we do in the military because of what you each have done," Chief Damage Controlman (SW/FMF) Joseph Dennis, of Bridgeport, Texas, told the veterans.

"It is great to have these Sailors come and visit us," said Robert Zdrojewksi, a Navy Seabee veteran. "It is very exciting to have a Navy ship in town."

Freedom will be commissioned Saturday, Nov. 8 at Milwaukee's Veteran's Park. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Freedom is the first of two LCS seaframes being produced. Freedom is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. The LCS is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep.

Freedom will be manned by one of two rotational crews, blue and gold, similar to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines. The crews will be augmented by one of three mission package crews during focused mission assignments.

Freedom was built at the Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisc., and is the first Navy ship to be built on the Great Lakes since World War II. Freedom is the first Navy ship to be commissioned in the City of Milwaukee.

(Report by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Rhonda Burke, Commander, Navy Region Midwest/Naval Station Great Lakes Public Affairs.)

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South Dakota Guard Preps for Blizzard Response

Vehicles stuck in the snow litter eight street Thursday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2008, near downtown Rapid City, S.D. (News wirephoto.)

On the Home Front:

RAPID CITY, S.D. , Nov. 7, 2008 -- Leaders of the South Dakota National Guard began preparing personnel and equipment last night to support the state's emergency response in the wake of a fall blizzard that began two days ago in the western part of the state.

During a conference call, senior Army and Air National Guard leaders across the state placed into action a plan to prepare soldiers and airmen to respond to five possible missions that the Guard may receive from the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management over the next few days.

Guard officials are preparing for search-and-rescue missions, support missions for snow removal and power restoration, requests for power generator equipment and aerial observation missions.

"Our soldiers and airmen will be there when called," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven R. Doohen, South Dakota’s adjutant general. "Our Guard members are getting ready to hit the road and support our state's emergency management agencies, save lives, and ease suffering."

National Guard support is based on needs and requirements vetted though the Office of Emergency Management, which is the lead agency for all state emergency response.

The Guard has numerous pieces of snow removal equipment such as snow blowers, loaders, bulldozers, road graders and dump trucks throughout the state to support the potential emergency response.

"Our greatest resource is our people and their ability to respond," Doohen said. "Our team is standing by."

The South Dakota National Guard has more than 4,000 soldiers and airmen available to respond to state emergencies, natural disasters and homeland defense.

(Report from a South Dakota National Guard news release.)

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Combined Op Kills al-Qaida in Iraq Leader

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Nov. 7, 2008 -- A senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader was killed yesterday during a combined cache-clearing operation by Iraqi security forces and a “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group, supported by coalition forces, military officials reported.

Abu Ghazwan, a key link in the network operations for al-Qaida in Iraq, was killed during the cache-site raid in the Tarmiyah area, north of Baghdad, officials said.

Coalition officials said Ghazwan commanded numerous terrorist cells in the Taji and Tarmiyah areas, and advised and financed other terrorist cells throughout northern Iraq and was responsible for building and facilitating vehicle bombs in the Baghdad area.

Additionally, officials said, he was responsible for other terrorist groups that recruit and train children and females to conduct suicide attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces.

Based on tips from local citizens about possible enemy activities and caches at three locations, the combined forces moved to the areas to investigate. They found nothing at the first location and moved on to the second location, where they detained a suspected Ghazwan associate who was wanted on an Iraqi warrant. The patrol also found a cache consisting of various ammunition rounds, knives, gun powder and a small amount of plastic explosives.

The patrol then moved to a house in a third location. An explosion detonated behind it, followed by small-arms fire. The patrol returned fire. Two Sons of Iraq members were wounded in the explosion, officials said.

While searching the area, a Sons of Iraq member found a trail booby-trapped with grenades and an unidentified man hiding in grass. The man showed no movement or response to the patrol's commands, and it was later determined he was Ghazwan and that he was killed by Sons of Iraq and Iraqi army small-arms fire, officials said.

Coalition forces positively identified Ghazwan, and his body was turned over to the Iraqi army.

“[The combined force’s efforts] show the strategic partnership and commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people," Army Col. Bill Buckner, a Multinational Corps Iraq spokesman, said. "This terrorist and those who work for him have no regard for human lives and don't care about the welfare of Iraq or its people."

(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)

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US Air Force Completes Investigation Into Death of General Thomas L.Tinsley

Pictured in this undated file photo is Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Tinsley. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

News in Balance:

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska, Nov. 7, 2008 -- A thorough investigation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigation recently, found that forensic evidence was consistent with the initial assessment that Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Tinsley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

Autopsy results coupled with toxicology findings indicated a presence of alcohol in his system but were negative for other substances.

Investigators did not find a suicide note or any other indication this was pre-planned. The investigation did not reveal any financial troubles or other issues that indicate a motive or state of mind leading to his death.

"Pugs Tinsley was a remarkable officer with a reputation for excellence and tremendous love for his Airmen and his family" said Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander. "One of the many tragic aspects of this event is that we are unlikely to ever fully understand his actions that evening."

According to a statement released by the family: "The Tinsley family still has no better understanding of this life altering event in their lives. Tom was the father that most only hope for and the husband that any of us would be privileged to have. To lose him as a leader is immense; to lose him as a husband, father, brother and son is immeasurable."

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

Related: Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Tinsley bio

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OIF Summary; Nov. 7, 2008: Troops in Iraq Round Up 24 Terror Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2008 -- Coalition troops captured 24 suspected terrorists throughout Iraq today and yesterday, dealing a blow to al-Qaida in Iraq in multiple locations, military officials reported.

• In Tikrit, forces captured an alleged terrorist finance administrator and detained a man assessed to be his associate.

• In three synchronized operations in Kirkuk, coalition and Iraqi forces captured two suspected terrorists and detained seven others for questioning.

• About 60 miles south of Kirkuk, another coalition operation targeted and captured a suspected weapons facilitator for al-Qaida in Iraq in the Tigris River Valley. Four more suspects also were detained.

• In Baghdad, coalition forces captured a man suspected of being an al-Qaida in Iraq administrative operative in the city.

• Near Tarmiyah, about 25 miles north of Baghdad, forces detained seven suspects believed to be associates of a long-time terrorist operative in Anbar province.

• In Mosul, forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to have links to international al-Qaida networks, officials said. The man, who is also believed to be a financial administrator, was detained with three additional suspects.

• Iraqi security forces captured five suspected terrorists in separate operations Nov. 4 and 5 throughout central Iraq. They include a man in Baghdad believed responsible for a rocket attack on Forward Operating Base Warhorse in June, two suspected criminal leaders in Hashimiyah, another man in Baghdad suspected of kidnappings and killings in Karkh, and a man in Amarah suspected of attacks on troops.

• Iraqi police prevented a vehicle-borne explosion when they discovered the wired car in eastern Mosul yesterday.

• Iraqi forces and soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 27 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, dismantled a concrete block encasing a 125 mm rocket. They also seized two weapons caches containing a land mine, ammunition, propaganda, cell phones, circuit boards and body armor at a suspected terrorist safe house.

• Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, seized four weapons caches Nov. 4 in the Hawijah area of Kirkuk province. The cache included rocket-propelled grenade launchers, more than 200 mortar rounds, artillery and rocket rounds and bomb-making materials.

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

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OEF Summary; Nov. 7, 2008: Troops Disrupt Terrorist Networks in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2008 -- Afghan and coalition forces detained four insurgents during operations yesterday targeting the Haqqani and Taliban bombing and foreign fighter networks in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

In the Tirzaye district of Khowst province along the country’s eastern border, Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents during an operation that targeted a suspected terrorist from the Haqqani network, officials said.

The men are suspected of being in direct contact with senior Haqqani leaders and assisting the network with the movement of foreign fighters into the region. They also are believed to coordinate and direct bomb attacks in the area, officials said.

Coalition forces captured two suspects during a second operation in the Waghez district of Ghazni province, aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s bombing and foreign fighter networks, they said.

In operations Nov. 4, Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents and killed one in the western province of Herat, officials reported.

Afghan army commandos were raiding a suspected safe house of Taliban commander Nangali Khan in Zer-e-koh Valley of the Shindand district when an insurgent fired at them with an AK-47 assault rifle, officials said. The commandos returned fire, killing the insurgent.

Commandos encountered no further resistance during the operation, and detained two other insurgents for questioning, officials said.

During the search of the compound, commandos recovered multiple Taliban-related documents, an AK-47 assault rifle, ammunition and multiple bags of opium, which was destroyed, they said.

No Afghan, coalition or civilian casualties were reported.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)

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US Airpower Summary; Nov. 7, 2008: F-15Es Conduct Show of Force

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 7, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper dropped guided bomb unit-12s and used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces in the vicinity of Bolocan. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Musa Qaleh, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and to provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces who had been following two teams who were emplacing improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Sheykhabad. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In total, 75 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 47 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Thirty Air Force and Navy ISR 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 480 tons of cargo delivered and more than 4,200 passengers were transported. This included approximately 118,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 5, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 259 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Ground Broken on New Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum

This undated photo is an artist's rendering of new Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum looking southwest toward the USS Arizona Memorial . (Courtesy photo.)

Living History:

PEARL HARBOR, Nov. 7, 2008 -- The National Park Service, Navy Region Hawaii and the USS Arizona Memorial Museum Association officially broke ground on a new Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum and Visitor Center Nov. 5 during a groundbreaking ceremony on the back lawn of the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center in Pearl Harbor.

The new $58 million facility will replace the current USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center shore-side facility.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye served as the keynote speaker.

"I can think of very few other places that so symbolically represent our nation's resilient spirit than Pearl Harbor and this memorial," said Inouye. "I want to thank all of you and the hundreds of thousands of others for your collective efforts, for now we will be able to remind our young citizens of the pain and sacrifice that made those who came before them, so that they in turn, may enjoy the fruits of freedom."

Other guest speakers included Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle; John Jarvis, pacific west region director for the National Park Service; Rear Adm. Charles W. Martoglio, director for operations at U.S. Pacific Command; Paul Deprey, superintendent for the National Park Service at the USS Arizona Memorial; Mal Middlesworth, national president of the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association; retired Capt. George Sullivan, board chairman of the USS Arizona Memorial Museum Association; retired Adm. Tom Fargo, national vice chairman of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund; retired Rear Adm. Ron Tucker, chairman of the USS Arizona Coordinating Committee of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund; and Denny Watts, president and CEO for Watts Constructors, LLC.

Kahu Kamaki Kanahele and Kahu Herbert Kalena Hew Len conducted the traditional Hawaiian blessing during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The new visitor center will include an additional six acres of land, bringing the total land area to approximately 17.4 acres. The new museum and visitor center, at 23,600 square feet, nearly doubles the size of the current museum allowing for a greatly expanded and comprehensive interpretation of the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific.

Construction of the new visitor center will be done in phases during the next two years enabling the center and tours to the USS Arizona Memorial to remain open throughout the entire construction period. Construction is expected to begin within the next few months with completion scheduled for September 2010. The facility is expected to open officially December 2010.

(Report from the U.S. National Park Service.)

Related: Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund Web site

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OEF Summary; Nov. 6, 2008: Troops Kill Insurgents Throughout Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 -- Coalition forces killed an insurgent associated with the Haqqani foreign fighter facilitator network and one of his associates during an operation in Afghanistan’s Khowst province today, military officials reported.

In the province’s Jaji Maidan district, coalition forces targeted an extremist known to assist the Haqqani terrorist network with the movement of insurgents into Afghanistan. These fighters have carried out numerous suicide and roadside-bomb attacks in the region, officials said.

The targeted insurgents did not follow the instructions of the force and displayed hostile intent. The force engaged the insurgents with small-arms fire, killing both, officials said.

Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents during an extended patrol in the Shah Wali Kott district of Kandahar province, Nov. 3-5.

Insurgents ambushed a coalition security patrol using rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. Afghan and coalition forces responded with a variety of weapons fire.

Witnesses reported seeing insurgents firing machine guns, rockets and RPGs from the rooftops of buildings in the area, as well as mortar teams firing around the ambush site. Civilians reportedly attempted to leave the area, but the insurgents forced them to remain as they continued to fire on the Afghan and coalition forces along the highway.

Kandahar Chief of Police Matulla said he received reports of several civilians being injured while attempting to leave the area. It is unclear if they were the victims of the high volume of insurgent direct and indirect fire. The causes of their injuries are being investigated.

Coalition reports confirm nine insurgents were killed.

On Nov. 4, Afghan and coalition forces killed eight insurgents during a combat patrol in the Khas Oruzgan district of Oruzgan province.

The patrol was headed toward a village to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to villagers when insurgents attacked the patrol with small-arms fire, machine-gun fire and RPGs from fighting positions near the road. Afghan and coalition forces returned fire, killing eight insurgents.

After the attack, Afghan and coalition forces continued on with their scheduled mission and reached the village, where they provided medical treatment to 90 villagers and distributed cold-weather items, including blankets and jackets.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)

Tags: DOD, Military, War, United States, U.S., Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, al Qaeda, al Qaida, GWOT, terrorism, Taliban, Open Thread, Wire, Headlines, Dispatches from the Front
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OIF Summary; Nov. 6, 2008: Troops Target al-Qaida in Iraq Networks, Nab 17

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 -- Coalition forces killed one enemy fighter and detained 17 terrorism suspects in operations throughout Iraq yesterday and today, military officials reported.

Coalition forces in Mosul conducted multiple operations in the city today, capturing nine individuals with alleged ties to al-Qaida’s senior leader, weapons and communications networks.

Two suspects were detained during three coordinated operations targeting the city's terrorist networks. Mosul al-Qaida leadership networks were dealt another blow when four men were detained during an operation targeting an al-Qaida operative with links to the city's terrorist leaders.

Coalition forces also targeted an alleged weapons smuggler for northern al-Qaida networks in Mosul today. Three men believed to be associates of the suspected terrorist were detained without incident.

One tenemy fighter was killed and one suspect was detained today during an operation targeting an al-Qaida regional leader near Hawijah, southwest of Kirkuk. When coalition forces arrived at the residence believed to house the suspect, they called for the occupants to surrender. As forces questioned two of the men who came out, one of them began acting in a threatening manner toward the ground forces, officials said. Perceiving hostile intent, the force engaged the man, killing him. It was later determined that he was the targeted suspect. The second man was detained by coalition forces for further questioning.

Coalition forces continued to derail terrorist car bomb operations in Baghdad today. Forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be an al-Qaida car bomb operative who reports suggest was actively planning an attack. One additional suspect was detained during the operation.

In Beiji today, forces detained a man believed to be an associate of an alleged member of the city's foreign terrorist facilitation and bombing networks.

Yesterday near Samarra, northwest of Baghdad, coalition forces captured an alleged regional leader of a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida. Three other men believed to be his associates were detained during the operation.

In other operations yesterday:

• Iraqi National Police stopped a car bomb as an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist attempted to transport it through a checkpoint in the West Rashid area of Baghdad. Using established security measures, police stopped a vehicle loaded with an estimated 200 pounds of explosive material and three mortar rounds. While stopped in the search lane, the vehicle detonated, killing the terrorist. The blast also killed two national policemen and wounded another.

• Coalition forces captured a man believed to be an al-Qaida bomb and weapons facilitator in Baghdad. The suspected terrorist, who reports suggest has connections to al-Qaida leadership south of Baghdad, was detained with two other men.

• A separate operation in Baghdad targeted a suspected terrorist believed to coordinate attacks against coalition forces. An alleged associate of the suspected terrorist was detained for further questioning.

• Northeast of Baghdad in Sadiyah, coalition forces detained two men while targeting a suspected Diyala weapon and foreign terrorist facilitator.

• One suspected terrorist alleged to have connections to al-Qaida's communication and leadership networks and one additional suspect were apprehended in Mosul.

• Another operation targeting Mosul al-Qaida communication and leadership networks resulted in the detention of four suspected terrorists. During the operation, coalition forces found several pounds of explosive materials associated with roadside-bomb construction. The cache was safely destroyed by ground forces.

• A third operation in Mosul targeted a suspected terrorist believed to target attacks against Iraqi civilians who cooperate with coalition forces. Three men believed to be associates of the suspected terrorist were detained during the operation.

• Coalition forces targeting Mosul's al-Qaida in Iraq facilitator and senior leadership networks killed two terrorists. During the operation near Bariyah, northwest of Mosul, a coalition forces helicopter came under fire as it approached a vehicle occupied by a suspected terrorist. The helicopter crew returned fire, killing the targeted individual and another man in the car.

In operations Nov. 4:

• Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained two suspected criminals for disrupting the peace with small arms in southern Baghdad’s Abu Tshir neighborhood. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained two men for allegedly shooting small-arms fire in a local community. After finding shell casings in an automobile that matched eye-witness descriptions, the soldiers detained the individuals for further questioning.

• Iraqi special operations forces and coalition forces killed an al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader and captured two suspected terrorists during an operation in East Mosul. The individual was a cell leader in the village of Muhallabiyah responsible for the kidnappings and killing of wealthy local nationals, officials said. His cell also is believed to be responsible for the kidnapping and murder of the local mayor's family in June.

• Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspected criminal responsible for sectarian murders and arson in Baghdad’s Aamel community.

• In Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested a suspected criminal company commander on a local warrant. The individual's cell allegedly is responsible for conducting assassinations against coalition and Iraqi forces in Kifl.

In operations Nov. 3:

• Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, attached to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspected kidnapper in the Saha community.

• The Hillah special weapons and tactics team, operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Iraqi Interior Ministry, arrested a suspected criminal leader. The individual is allegedly responsible for bomb attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces. During the operation, one other suspected criminal was detained.

• The Iraqi army detained three suspected insurgents during two operations in Mosul.

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

Tags: DOD, War, Military, GWOT, terrorism, al Qaeda, al Qaida, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, U.S., coalition, Iraq, Dispatches from the Front, Multinational Force
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Bush Urges Support to Incoming Administration So Terrorists Can’t Exploit Transition Period

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 -- President Bush warned today that terrorists could use the government transition under way as an opportunity to attack, and urged his staff to give the incoming administration the support it needs to “hit the ground running.”

Bush addressed members of his Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, and executive office staffers on the South Lawn of the White House.

Terrorists might be tempted to take advantage of the first U.S. wartime presidential transition in four decades, he warned. “We're in a struggle against violent extremists determined to attack us, and they would like nothing more than to exploit this period of change to harm the American people,” he said.

“So for the next 75 days,” the president said, “all of us must ensure that the next president and his team can hit the ground running.”

Bush noted that U.S. departments and agencies have been laying groundwork for a smooth transition for more than a year.

At the Defense Department, for example, Gates launched early preparations to minimize disruptions as the administrations change, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman reported earlier this week.

“One of the important components of this is ensuring that we’ve identified and highlighted some of the key department events, actions [and] milestones that a new administration will face in its first 90 days,” he said.

Gates created a transition task force Whitman said is operating under five guiding principles:

• Maintaining continuity of operations;

• Assuring efficient and effective transition of outgoing leadership;

• Assuring the efficient and effective in-processing of the incoming leaders;

• Facilitating the transfer of information to the new administration; and

• Sustaining focus on existing programs and processes while allowing the incoming administration to focus on its governing processes.

Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said today on Fox News Channel that his staff is working through the offices of both Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to prepare their briefings for the president-elect and his staff.

“We will work very hard to make this one smooth for the president-elect and his Cabinet,” Keating said. “We will make it as smooth and effective and as efficient as we can.”

Meanwhile, Bush said, officers in the White House are preparing extensive transition materials for the next administration, and career employees throughout the administration will take on added responsibilities to ensure no essential functions are disrupted.

The president said he looks forward to discussing a full range of ongoing policy issues, including the war in Iraq, with the president-elect beginning next week.

(Report by Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service.)

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US Army 'Screaming Eagles' to Head Home Early, Leaving 14 Brigades in Iraq

2nd Brigade Combat Team Crest
News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 -- About 3,000 soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team will leave Iraq nearly two months earlier than planned, reducing the total number of U.S. brigades in Iraq to 14, military officials said.

Improved security and decreased violence across the unit’s area of operations in northwestern Baghdad is enabling the early redeployment of the soldiers back to Fort Campbell, Ky., Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today.

The unit is commencing pack-up operations, Whitman said, and its return window is around the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, U.S. Central Command chief, and Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, recommended the early departure of the unit based upon conditions on the ground, Whitman said. Another U.S. brigade that was earmarked for deployment to Iraq recently was diverted for duty in Afghanistan.

Violence in Baghdad has drastically decreased, military officials said, compared to the level of violence experienced at the height of fighting in 2006, prior to the 2007 surge of forces. A total of 20 U.S. brigades were in Iraq during the surge.

The 2nd BCT, Whitman said, was scheduled to leave Iraq in January after serving 15 months of duty there.

In other Iraq news, Whitman said, senior U.S. officials have delivered to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki a draft document of the U.S.-Iraqi status of forces agreement that contains changes U.S. officials are suggesting. The draft in its present form, he said, contains legal protections for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. Whitman said he wouldn’t get into specifics of possible points of contention regarding the negotiations.

Whitman fielded another reporter’s question about new reports of civilian casualties in Afghanistan allegedly caused by U.S. military actions. The United States, Whitman said, always takes measures to prevent the killing or wounding of any civilians during all of its military operations.

Regarding the pending transition of presidential administration at the Defense Department, Whitman said DoD continues to “lean forward” in preparing to welcome and assist President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team. Whitman later led reporters on a tour of three newly renovated Pentagon offices that contain work space, telephones and other equipment suitable for the use of nearly 30 people.

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

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