Saturday, June 20, 2009

Pentagon: Farah Air Strike Probe Yields Recommendations

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2009 -- Though U.S. Central Command investigators found a May 4 air strike that caused civilian casualties in Afghanistan’s Farah province was within the rules of armed conflict, they recommended that coalition forces alter tactics, techniques and procedures to safeguard innocent civilians.

In their report, released yesterday, investigators said the bombing outside the village of Gerani killed 78 Taliban fighters and at least 26 Afghan civilians. “The investigation does not discount the possibility that more than 26 civilians were killed in this engagement,” the report says.

The report does not recommend curtailing close-air support, “especially in direct and indirect fire situations that imperil friendly forces.” Still, absent a direct threat, the report does recommend tactical approaches that minimize the chances of civilian deaths, noting that the Afghan government and coalition mission in the country is to protect the people.

The incident unrolled after Afghan forces entered the region in pursuit of Taliban fighters. The security forces came under attack and called for U.S. back-up. A Marine quick-reaction force reinforced the Afghans, and close-air support assets arrived overhead. The report said that FA-18F assault aircraft did not inflict casualties, but that bombs dropped by a B-1 bomber did.

The action lasted for hours, and ground forces were under constant direct fire, according to the report.

The report recommends a reassessment of operational objectives and tactical procedures when using force. “This guidance must apply to planned operations and troops in contact/self-defense operations and must be stand-alone documents,” the report says. Once the guidance is published, all troops – including those not based in Afghanistan – must undergo re-training.

The report calls for better strategic communications between coalition and Afghan officials. It also calls for better communications with nongovernmental organizations such as the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.

The report recommends an on-call investigative team led by a general officer that can be at the site of an incident within two hours.

Finally, the report calls for a reassessment of close-air support aircraft.

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

Download: U.S. Central Command Investigation into Civilian Casualties in Farah Province (pdf)

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Wire: Iraq Declares "Great Victory" as US Troops Withdraw

Off the Wire

Off the Wire:
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said the start of the U.S. withdrawal was a "great victory" for Iraq over foreign occupation.
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2009 -- Newswire services this afternoon reported that police said a suicide truck bomb killed at least 55 and wounded nearly 200 people leaving a mosque on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged Iraqis not to lose faith if a U.S. military pullback resulted in more insurgent attacks.

Almost all U.S. soldiers will leave urban centers by June 30 under a security pact signed by Baghdad and Washington last year, and the whole force that invaded the country in 2003 must be gone by 2012, the Reuters news service reported.

Reuters noted the following details:
Don't lose heart if a breach of security occurs here or there," Maliki told leaders from the ethnic Turkmen community, reiterating a warning that insurgents were likely to try to take advantage of the U.S. pullback to launch more attacks.

Analysts warn there may also be a spike in violence by mainly Sunni Islamist insurgents, including al Qaeda, and other violent groups ahead of a parliamentary election next January.

Hours after Maliki spoke, a suicide bomber detonated a truck filled with explosives as worshippers left a Shi'ite Muslim mosque near the northern city of Kirkuk, a city contested by Arabs, Turkmen and Kurds and which sits over vast oil reserves.

Thirty-four people were killed, including women and children and about 150 civilians were wounded as dozens of clay homes in the area were flattened. Many people were feared trapped under the rubble, and the death toll was expected to rise.
The attacks, including a string of devastating bomb blasts in April, have cast doubt on the ability of Iraqi security forces to take over after U.S. troops leave, Reuters said.

Iraq Interior Ministry spokesman Major General Abdul-Karim Khalaf said al-Qaeda was resorting to paying people to fight. It had also turned to criminal activities to raise funds.

Baghdad has continued to see a steady stream of bombings and shootings and Kirkuk is viewed as a potential flashpoint.

Maliki, a Shi'ite, said the start of the U.S. withdrawal was a "great victory" for Iraq over foreign occupation.

"I, and you, are sure that many don't want us to succeed and celebrate this victory," he said. "They are getting themselves ready to move in the dark to destabilize the situation, but we will be ready for them, God willing."

(Report from newswire sources.)

Sources:
Suicide truck bomb kills 34 in northern Iraq
Truck bomb kills at least 55 in northern Iraq

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Wire: US Releases Report on Civilian Deaths in Farah Province

Off the Wire

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2009 -- Newswire services this morning reported that in an official report on the deaths of dozens of Afghan civilians during U.S. airstrikes in western Afghanistan last month, the U.S. military acknowledges that a bomber crew dropped thousands of pounds of bombs on buildings that may have contained innocent civilians, along with Taliban fighters.

VOA News reported that a summary of the report issued late Friday says a bomber called in to help U.S. and Afghan ground forces during a battle with a strong Taliban unit "did not adhere to all of the specific guidance" required, and the violations "likely resulted in civilian casualties."

The 13-page executive summary -- available for download below -- describes an incident during which several U.S. aircraft struck Taliban forces moving through a village in Farah Province.

During bombing runs made after dark the report says enemy fighters fled into buildings and the aircrews did not know whether there were also civilians inside when they dropped their bombs.

"The inability to discern the presence of civilians and assess the potential collateral damage of those strikes is inconsistent with the U.S. government's objective of providing security and safety for the Afghan people," the report prepared by U.S. Central Command said.

The report recommends changes to training and procedures for operations with the potential to kill civilians.

(Report from newswire and CENTOM sources.)

Download: U.S. Central Command Investigation into Civilian Casualties in Farah Province (pdf)

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Friday, June 19, 2009

Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OIF)

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2009 -- The following news release made available Friday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Joshua W. Soto, 25, of San Angelo, Texas, died June 16 in Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss Texas.
(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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OIF Update, June 19 2009: US Soldier Dies in Non-Combat Related Incident

Dispatches from the Front
News from Multi-National Force - Iraq.

Dispatches from the Front:

CAMP STRYKER, BAGHDAD, June 19, 2009 -- A Multi-National Corps - Iraq soldier died as the result of a non-combat related incident June 19.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

(From a Multi-National Corps - Iraq news release.)

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US Navy Updates Confirmed Cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) to 304

News in Balance
News from the U.S. Navy.

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2009 -- The U.S. Navy updated its confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza June 19 to 304 sailors, of which 213 have returned to duty.

"Although the cases of H1N1 continue to increase, the effects of this illness are rather mild," said Cmdr. Steven Jeffs, chief of the BUMED Medical Operations Center. "Due to the relatively short duration of the illness, the vast majority of our sailors have already returned to duty."

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), the headquarters for Navy medicine, continues to monitor the health of the force to ensure necessary precautions are being taken to educate and safeguard Sailors, civilian personnel and family members.

Additional information on the H1N1 influenza is available at:

(Report from a U.S. Navy news release.)

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Pentagon: McChrystal Says Next 18 Months Critical in Afghanistan

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2009 -- The next 18 months will be crucial in Afghanistan, the new commander of NATO and U.S. forces there said today.

“I think that the next 18 months are probably a period in which this effort will be decided,” Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal told Tom Bowman in a National Public Radio interview. “I don't think it will be over. But I think that not only the American people, I think the Afghan people are looking and deciding which way this will go.”

McChrystal took command of coalition and U.S. efforts in Afghanistan on June 15. His job is to carry out the new strategy for the region.

The general said the conflict should not be viewed solely as a military struggle. It is not a question of whether the United States is winning, he said, but whether the Afghan people are winning. The Afghan government is the ultimate deciding factor, and while the government is not winning the war on extremists, “I don't say they’re losing,” McChrystal said.

“That’s an old axiom in counterinsurgency: If you’re not winning, you’re losing,” he said. “And the danger there is that that is true. So we see it as very, very important, probably over about the next 12 to 24 months, that we absolutely get a trend where we are clearly winning.”

McChrystal has spent much of his career in special operations, hunting down and killing or capturing terrorists. “What I learned is that much of the terrorism we fought years ago was very small groups that were finite. They were fanatical, and they could be attacked that way,” he said. “Nowadays, we have to fight the cause of terrorism, because terror is a tactic. You win by taking away from the enemy the one thing the insurgent absolutely has to have, and that’s access to the population.”

Hunting terrorists still has a place in the war in Afghanistan, McChrystal said, but the overall effort requires a mix of aggression and rebuilding. “I very much lean toward the importance of the building side,” he said.

The population needs to be safe so they can build an economy, build good governance and develop an infrastructure, the general explained. That gives the people something they want to continue and something they want to protect, so “the insurgent, then, becomes a troublemaker,” he said.

“The opposite could be perceived, even with good intentions,” he continued. “If we are just hunting Taliban, we can be perceived as coming into areas and being someone who upsets the neighborhood. But we do need to be able to keep a pressure on the enemy as we push them away. So there's always a balance.”

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

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Photo Essay: Recent Imagery Aboard USS John S McCain

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PHILLIPINE SEA (May 27, 2009) The guided-missile destroyers USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy ships BRP Rajah Humabon (PF 11) and BRP Bienvenido Salting (PG 112) are underway in formation during exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2009. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian Brannon.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (April, 11, 2009) Sen. John McCain administers the oath of enlistment to sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is leading a congressional visit to the western Pacific Ocean and took the opportunity to visit the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer which is named for his father and grandfather. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Vernon.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 17, 2009) An SH-60B helicopter stands by on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) after making an emergency landing due to poor visibility. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is permanently forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 18, 2009) Line handlers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) stand by as the ship approaches the Republic of Korea oiler ROKS Hwachon (AOE 59) for an underway replenishment. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is underway supporting Exercise Foal Eagle 09. Foal Eagle is a joint exercise involving U.S. and Republic of Korea naval forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 18, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) receives a fuel line from the Republic of Korea oiler ROKS Hwachon (AOE 59), during an underway replenishment. McCain, one of seven Arleigh Burke destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is underway in support of Exercise Foal Eagle 09, a joint exercise between the U.S. and ROK naval services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 4, 2009) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) maneuver a recovered training torpedo after completing a torpedo exercise. McCain, one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is permanently forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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In this file photo, the guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approaches the Kitty Hawk during a replenishment at sea RAS). (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom.)

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In this 2008 file photo, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) operates with ships from the Indian navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in formation in Tokyo Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist John L. Beeman.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) fires its MK-45 five-inch gun system during a gunnery exercise. McCain, one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is currently serving as the flagship for exercise MultiSail. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 2, 2009) A large harbor tugboat assists the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) as it moors abreast of the guided-missile USS Hopper (DDG 70) as McCain returns to Fleet Activities Yokosuka from a scheduled underway. McCain is one of seven guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry Hirayama.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (April 1, 2009) Search-and-Rescue Swimmer Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Antonio Rodriguez, from Los Angeles, signals he is ready to be lowered to line handlers during a forecastle recovery exercise aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is one of seven guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 27, 2008) Line handlers assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) heave on the aft mooring lines as large harbor tugs assist the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) as it moors at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. McCain and Stethem are two of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 28, 2008) Sailors assigned to the visit, board, search and seizure team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approach Australian Navy ship AORH Sirius (O 266) during a cross-training exercise with Sirius and HMAS Darwin. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 28, 2008) Australian Navy ship AORH Sirius (O 266) sends a fuel line to guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) during an underway replenishment. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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MELBOURNE, Australia (Sept. 2, 2008) Cryptologic Technician (Collections) 3rd Class Brittany Gonzales, from Corpus Christi, Texas, delivers a posy bunch to a Royal Melbourne Hospital patient during a community outreach project conducted by Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). The ship's port visit to Melbourne is part of the Great White Fleet centennial anniversary celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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SYDNEY, Australia (Aug. 20, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approaches the Sydney Opera House as the ship prepares to enter Sydney Harbor for a scheduled port visit celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Great White Fleet. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (August 27, 2008) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approach the ship in an Australian Navy rigid hull inflatable boat during a cross-training exercise. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (July 29, 2008) A rigid hull inflatable boat crew from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) returns to the ship after successfully transferring personnel to the Fijian Coastal Patrol boat Levouka during an emergency medical evacuation. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (July 23, 2008) Hull Technician Fireman Branden Schmidt of Riverside, Calif., advances a hose during a flight deck firefighting evolution aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2008) Sailors assigned to the visit, board, search and seizure team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approach the ship in a rigid hull inflatable boat during a training evolution. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 14, 2008) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Brent Johnson hoses down the forward close-in weapons system (CIWS) aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is deployed with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 13, 2008) Hull Technician 2nd Class Brian Yonkovich uses a naval firefighting thermal imager to search a space for hot spots during a main space fire drill aboard guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is deployed with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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FILE PHOTO - The guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) performs divisional tactics (DIVTACS) with the guided-missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). DIVTACS are tactical maneuvers practiced by multiple ships in unison. Currently underway in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, Cowpens is a multi-mission, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine, long-range strike and anti-surface warfare combatant. (U.S. navy photo by Lt. Jeffery Jenkins.)

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FILE PHOTO - Guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63), foreground, followed by guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and Military Sealift Command (MSC) underway replenishment oilier USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) shown in formation during the photo portion of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Nicholas A. Galladora.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 9, 2008) Electrician Mate 1st Class Randy Flowe paints around shore power receptacles during Arleigh Burke-class-guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain's (DDG 56) upkeep period at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. McCain is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and permanently forward deployed to Yokosuka. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb 13, 2008) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Fireman Jong Shin and Hull Technician 2nd Class Brian Yonkovich look for damage and use a naval firefighting thermal imager to find hot spots during a main space fire drill aboard the guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is deployed with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)

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FILE PHOTO - A Sailor watches water burst up from the propellers of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) during a full-power run. John S. McCain can reach speeds of more than 30 knots. John S. McCain is forward deployed and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Reckard.)

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FILE PHOTO - The sun sets as Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) sails along side the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) during a replenishment at sea (RAS). McCain is on a scheduled underway and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan.( U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Reckard.)

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SYDNEY, Australia (Aug. 22, 2008) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jim Rahmaan, from Fayetteville, N.C., tips-off the start of a basketball game with the Royal Australian Navy during the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain's (DDG 56) port visit to Sydney. McCain, one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, is in Sydney to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Great White Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder.)
EDITOR'S NOTE: USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) is named after John S. McCain, Jr. and John S. McCain, Sr., both Admirals in the United States Navy. They are respectively the father and grandfather of John S. McCain III, U.S. Senator representing Arizona and former Naval aviator Captain who endured five and a half years as a POW in the Vietnam War.
COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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US Airpower Summary, June 19, 2009: C-17s Help Sustain Ops in Theater

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The C-17 Globemaster III is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. (U.S. Air Force photo/ by Senior Airman Clay Lancaster.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 19, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle executed strikes near Lashkar Gah releasing guided bomb unit-38s into a grove containing a line of anti-Afghan forces fighting positions. Enemy personnel were firing rocket-propelled grenades and peppering a friendly convoy with small-arms fire, using the trees for cover, when the airstrike took them out.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier provided backup for an Afghan and coalition unit under fire in Tarin Kowt. Friendly ground troops taking cover called in the strike as bullets ricocheted around them. The Harrier responded, locking in and dropping a Paveway munition on advancing anti-Afghan gunmen. The aircraft then scouted the area for additional enemy forces as the friendly unit regrouped and pushed on with the mission. In the same area, a B-1B Lancer carried out a show of force to prevent additional anti-Afghan forces aggression.

In the vicinity of Kandahar, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets dived into a firefight, putting Vulcan cannon strafes onto anti-Afghan positions in a treeline. Enemy fire was reduced but not stopped, prompting the Joint terminal attack controller to call for follow-up strikes with GBU-38s and additional gun passes. The jets cleared the treeline then stopped a second enemy force along a ridgeline before they could launch a counterattack. Coalition ground troops confirmed the Taliban force's commander was killed during the engagement.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II carried out a show of force over the Asmar area. An Afghan and coalition forces foot patrol was walking through a village when enemy forces hiding in civilian buildings started firing RPGs and automatic weapons into the streets without regard for local residents. The A-10's appearance over town prompted the shooters to break off the attack.

In Oruzgan, a B-1B flew a show of force, expending several flares over the area to provide emphasis, stopping enemy personnel from firing RPGs and machine guns at an approaching friendly unit. The large bomber's flyover led the hostile gunmen to stop shooting and flee the area.

In Ghazni, enemy personnel set up an improvised explosive device to attack a coalition convoy, shot at Afghan National Army personnel, then occupied a school and continued firing in a clear attempt to draw return fire onto civilians. Coalition personnel discovered the IED before it was detonated and were disarming it when the enemy started shooting, leading them to radio for a show of force to deter the enemy. An A-10 responded, flying a low pass over the school and expending flares. The maneuver caused anti-Afghan forces to stop firing and disperse from the village, ending their hostile action.

A-10s carried out shows of force over Orgun and Sheykhabad to deter enemy fire against coalition and Afghan security forces. Their attacks were stopped without further incident.

Additional Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft used shows of force in the Kabul, Lashkar Gah and Kandahar regions to prevent enemy attacks while combined Afghan and coalition missions went forward. This use of the aircraft ultimately prevented the enemy from being able to attack at all in those places, allowing operations to continue without interference and avoiding danger for Afghan civilians.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 83 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-two Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 15 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.

Eighteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown, 320 tons of cargo were delivered, and about 2,200 passengers were transported.

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

On June 17, HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 14 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan.

Aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 179 receiving aircraft.

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

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Wire: Destroyer USS John S McCain to Intercept North Korean Ship

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In this 2008 file photo, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) operates with ships from the Indian navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in formation in Tokyo Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist John L. Beeman.)

Off the Wire:
EDITOR'S NOTE: USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) is named after John S. McCain, Jr. and John S. McCain, Sr., both Admirals in the United States Navy. They are respectively the father and grandfather of John S. McCain III, U.S. Senator representing Arizona and former Naval aviator Captain who endured five and a half years as a POW in the Vietnam War.
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2009 -- Newswire services reported this morning that the U.S. military is planning to intercept a flagged North Korean ship suspected of proliferating weapons material in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution passed last Friday, according to FOX News.

Fox News noted the following details:
The USS John McCain, a navy destroyer, will intercept the ship Kang Nam as soon as it leaves the vicinity off the coast of China, according to a senior U.S. defense official. The order to inderdict has not been given yet, but the ship is getting into position.

The ship left a port in North Korea Wednesday and appears to be heading toward Singapore, according to a senior U.S. military source. The vessel, which the military has been tracking since its departure, could be carrying weaponry, missile parts or nuclear materials, a violation of U.N. Resolution 1874, which put sanctions in place against Pyongyang.
McCain was involved in an incident with a Chinese sub last Friday -- near Subic Bay off the Philippines

This is a developing story.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Related: USS John S McCain news, images on THE TENSION

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Combat Camera: Aboard USS George Washington, June 19, 2009

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 18, 2009) Chief Warrant Officer James Edwards, air department training team coordinator, briefs Sailors on proper fire fighting methods on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 10, 2009) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship departs on her first summer deployment since arriving at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 18, 2009) Sailors assigned to the air department aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) simulate fighting an aircraft fire during a general quarters drill. George Washington is underway on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 10, 2009) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship departs on her first summer deployment since arriving at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton.)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 10, 2009) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship departs on her first summer deployment since arriving at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 17, 2009) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 flies with an Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 525th Fighter Squadron. VFA-192 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 11, 2009) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participate in a general quarters drill in the ship's hangar bay. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her first summer deployment since becoming the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 12, 2009) Lt. Marc Henderson, a Shooter aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), gives the signal to launch an F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 off the bow catapult during flight operations. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific ocean, while on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry Hirayama.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 13, 2009) Sailors assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 perform maintenance on an HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her first summer deployment since becoming the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 13, 2009) The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a replenishment-at-sea. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her first summer deployment since becoming the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John J. Mike.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 13, 2009) Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Jeremy Fortaleza, left, and Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman John Sexton pressure wash the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her first summer deployment since becoming the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 13, 2009) The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a replenishment-at-sea. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her first summer deployment since becoming the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 3, 2009) Sailors battle a simulated helicopter fire in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a general quarters drill. George Washington successfully completed a Combat Operations Efficiency evaluation in preparation for its first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K.Thomas.)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 3, 2009) Marines from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) participate in a live-fire exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington completed a Combat Operations Efficiency evaluation in preparation for its first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas.)

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