Saturday, September 12, 2009

US Navy Carrier Strike Group Deployment Schedules to Change

Focus on Defense
News from the U.S. Navy.

Focus on Defense:

NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 12, 2009 -- The Navy announced Sept. 11 the decision to shift near-term carrier strike group (CSG) deployment schedules to address a delay in the completion of USS Enterprise's (CVN 65) maintenance availability at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News.

Navy leaders have been closely monitoring the progress of Enterprise's maintenance availability and evaluating the upcoming carrier schedules in order to meet combatant commander requirements and minimize impacts to pre-deployment training cycles.

By extending the current USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the upcoming USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group deployments to just under eight months each, the Navy will meet the near-term operational requirements generated by the Enterprise maintenance availability extension. The Navy remains committed to its general policy of maintaining deployment lengths to manage personnel tempo as essential components of force readiness. No new deployments result from this schedule change; all the affected carrier strike groups were scheduled to be deployed in 2010, the only changes are to the timing and lengths of those deployments.

"Adjusting these carrier deployment schedules was the best solution of available options," said Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "We recognize this decision has operational and personnel impacts, such as training cycle changes and family uncertainty. Our Sailors and families also are ready to step up when necessary to meet the continued demands of a nation at war."

U.S. Fleet Forces and U.S. Pacific Fleet conducted a careful, in-depth analysis to ensure the Navy maintains continued support for the Maritime Strategy while minimizing the impact of schedule changes on crews and ships.

"We have been engaged in reducing the stress of lengthy deployments, and we remain committed to that goal for our Sailors and their families," said Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "I know changes in deployment length affect everyone. Part of our Sailors' readiness and well-being is knowing their families are being cared for regardless of deployment length. We will continue to invest in family support and readiness programs to try to reduce the stress of lengthy deployments -- we owe it to them, and I am committed to it."

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

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Wire: 5 US Troops Among 50 Killed in Afghan Violence

Off the Wire

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 2009 -- Newswire services this afternoon reported that around 50 civilians, security force members, and militants were killed in a wave of violence around Afghanistan, including a bomb attack that left 14 Afghan travelers dead. Five American soldiers died in two attacks using roadside bombs.

The attacks Friday and Saturday reached across the country, demonstrating the spread of a resurgent Taliban.

The Associated Press said half of those killed in the most recent attacks were civilians, who often find themselves caught in the fighting between the Taliban and U.S. and NATO forces.

Bombs caused most of the casualties, AP said, including homemade blasts in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar and a neighboring province that together killed 20 civilians.

A roadside bomb and gunfire attack in western Afghanistan killed three Americans, while another roadside bomb killed two Americans in the east, said Chief Petty Officer Brian Naranjo, a spokesman for the U.S. military command in Kabul. No other details were available.

(Report from newswire sources.)

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Combat Camera Video: Afghan Insurgents Accidentally Blow Themselves Up


NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2009 -- Embedded above is a gun camera video. A group of insurgents emplacing a makeshift bomb in a dirt road in southern Afghanistan inadvertently blow themselves up while U.S. Apaches from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade look on. (Video courtesy of U.S. Forces - Afghanistan.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Wire: Obama Admin Capitulates to North Korea, Abandons 6-Party Talks

Off the Wire

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2009 -- Newswire services today reported that the U.S shifted policy Friday and said it is prepared to meet one-on-one with North Korea in an effort to bring Pyongyang back to negotiations over its nuclear program.

The decision follows a round of contacts by the U.S. envoy for North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, with other participants in the Chinese-sponsored six-party talks.

The State Department says it is now willing to hold a meeting without conditions to encourage the communist state to live up to previous disarmament commitments.

"It's designed to convince North Korea to come back to the six- party process and to take affirmative steps towards denuclearization," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said of the decision to meet.

North Korea has recently said it will never return to the nuke talks.

See links below for details.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Sources:
US Ready for Bilateral Meeting With North Korea
US Shifts Policy, Willing to Meet 1-on-1 With North Korea

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Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 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 Enduring Freedom.

1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten, 24, of Arkansas, died Sept. 10 in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Pentagon: Gates Urges Civilian Leaders to Gain Appreciation for Troops

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates welcomed a group of 50 civilian community leaders, scholars and professionals to the Pentagon here today as they begin a seven-day tour of America's armed forces in Central and South America.

The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) participants are scheduled to tour military sites in the U.S. Southern Command's sector of the world. The group will spend time in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Columbia, Panama and Miami, Fl., where they'll meet with U.S. servicemembers and learn first-hand about military capabilities, equipment and training.

"Our goal is to give all of you, who are influential members of your communities, an up-close look and personal experience with our military, our mission, our methods and our people," Gates said.

Gates encouraged the group to focus their attention on the individual servicemembers to learn their personal counts of dedication, heroism and selfless service. He declared today's all-volunteer military the best the country has to offer. Every man and woman in the military today enlisted and re-enlisted voluntarily, knowing that it was very likely they'd deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, he said.

"I hope you have the opportunity to talk to as many of these kids as you possibly can and discover just how extraordinary they are," he said. "I believe they are the best the country has to offer, and their mission is vital to our national security."

The group was interested in Gates' perception of today's potential national security threats. He acknowledged that potential threat are apparent in various regions of the world as he took their. Mainly, he conceded that continued partnerships with Middle Eastern countries and the continued development of unmanned aerial systems are increasingly vital to U.S.

He explained his perception of China as a threat and why stability in Pakistan is among his biggest concerns. Iran, he said, is the world's biggest long-term threat.

China has the potential to be an enemy, he said, but they're not. The country is an important economic partner with the U.S., and they share many areas of common interest.

"China is not an enemy or an adversary, but we can make them into one, and they can make them selves into one," he said, noting their military capabilities and increasing developments in cyber warfare.

Gates acknowledged that if conflict between the U.S. and China ever developed, it would be on a cyber and space battle field. "They're not going to come at us and match us ship for ship, plane for plane, tank for tank. That's not the way it would work."

"They're working very hard on anti-satellite capabilities, because they know our dependence on space for communications, intelligence, command and control," he said. "They're developing capabilities that if there ever were a conflict with us could be a real problem."

Despite China's advances, they lack strategic clarity, he said, but noted the U.S. Defense Department is equally involved in counter measures of its own.

Gates told the group he worries about Pakistan and Iran more than any two countries. He's grown increasingly encouraged by Pakistan's partnership and the involvement of its military against the Taliban along the country's border with Afghanistan.

"The actions of the Pakistani army are very encouraging, and what's even more encouraging is the political consensus that's developed in support of their operations," he said. "Pakistan is still a very fragile country, but I've been very encouraged by them over the past few months."

Iran, however, is one of the toughest problems the world has faced in a long time, he said. Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons could possibly spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and an even more aggressive Iranian government. Still, military efforts against to quell their progression isn't the answer. Continued negotiations are the best method, he said.

"There's a lot of talk about a military effort to take out their nuclear capabilities, but it's in my view that it would only be a temporary solution," Gates said. "You could buy one to three years by doing that, but they would simply go deeper and more covert, and it would unify the country and their commitment."

Gates added that the only long-term solution is to persuade the Iranian government that "their long-term security interest are diminished by having nuclear weapons, rather than enhanced."

The group was also interested in the U.S. exit strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gates noted that the timeline has already been set in Iraq, and that continued progress by its security forces and government could lead to a draw down of forces sooner than anticipated. But he explained that according to the current agreement between the two governments that the U.S. be completely withdrawn by Dec.31, 2011.

In Afghanistan, forces are making similar progress, he said. Continued growth of the Afghan army and security forces is key to ending the war there as well. He added that the Defense Department and White House owe the American people a progress report in a year, and if the administration isn't content, they'll develop a new approach.

"Our exit strategy in Afghanistan is exactly the same as our exact strategy in Iraq," he said. "And that is building the capacity of the Afghans in the security arena, so they can keep al-Qaida and other extremist out of there territory or keep them under control in the way most other countries do.

"As we train up their forces, they will take more and more of the lead, then we will recede into the background and then we will leave all together, and this is pretty much the scenario we used in Iraq."

Gates said he expects the groups' trip to be exhausting and exhilarating. And despite the security threats and economic issues in the world, he hopes the group understands and broadens their appreciations for the servicemembers behind the scenes and on the front lines of all the issue the group addressed.

"I'm sure many of you know men and women in uniform," the secretary said. "But I think this week will give you a different perspective on what they do in the field day in and day out, and above all, the awesome responsibilities they have at a very young age."

JCOC is sponsored by the Defense Department for civilian public leaders to grow their knowledge of the military and national defense issues. James V. Forrestal, the first U.S. defense secretary, started JCOC, the oldest Pentagon outreach program, started in 1948.

Participants attend briefings by military officials and observe training to enhance their understanding of the military's mission, its personnel, facilities, equipment and programs. The program rotates among the U.S. combatant commands to showcase operations around the world.

JCOC participants are selected from hundreds of candidates nominated by military commands worldwide, and they pay their own expenses throughout the conference.

(Report by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service.)

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Wire: Ranking Defense Lawmaker Complicates Obama's Afghan Strategy

Off the Wire

Off the Wire:

The good war suddenly goes bad....

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2009 -- Newswire services today reported that the debate whether to send more combat troops to Afghanistan took a twist reminiscent of the Iraq conflict when the head of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday advised not sending any more U.S. combat troops to Afghanistan beyond those already approved by President Obama until more Afghan security forces are trained.

FOX News reported that, speaking on the eighth anniversary of the date the United States was attacked by terrorists trained in Afghanistan, Chairman Carl Levin, D-Mich., called for a shift in U.S. efforts toward more trainers, who could, in part, be supplied by NATO allies. He said he would like a plan for Afghanistan that would replicate the "Sons of Iraq" strategy to separate low and mid-level Taliban fighters in Afghanistan from the leadership of that terrorist group.

If the shift is not made, "I think it's less likely we'll succeed in Afghanistan," Levin said.

Republicans immediately described Levin's remarks as the same sound of surrender by Democrats during the dark days of the Iraq war, FOX said.

FOX News noted the following details:
"Many of the Democrats raising questions about our efforts in Afghanistan are the same voices who declared General Petraeus a failure in Iraq before his new strategy even had a chance to succeed. They were wrong then. They are wrong now," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services panel, said he "could not disagree more profoundly" with Levin on the call to limit troop deployments.

"If we await the day when the Afghan National Army is increased in size and capable of carrying out all of these operations fully on its own, it may well be too late," McCain warned.

Last month, McCain traveled to Afghanistan and recommended doubling the number of Marines in Helmand province -- a southern part of the country and largest region for opium poppy farming. Currently 9,000 Marines are in Helmand.
Levin said military commanders are currently developing a plan to speed up the training of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP), and McChrystal is planning to call for an increase of the ANA to 240,000 and ANP to 160,000 by 2013.

Levin would not say what might happen if McChrystal recommends more U.S. troops be deployed to Afghanistan.

Levin's remarks follow House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's comment that she sees little support for sending additional troops to Afghanistan. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., previously has called for a timeline for withdrawing U.S. forces, FOX News said.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: Senate Armed Services Chairman: No More U.S. Troops to Afghanistan

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Combat Camera: A 9/11 Retrospective, Part 5

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New York, N.Y. (Sep. 14, 2001) -- Cars and motorcycles lay motionless among the wreckage of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed during the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sep. 14, 2001) – Personal effects were hastily abandoned when buildings were evacuated in the wake of the Sep. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sep. 14, 2001) – A New York City firefighter attempts to clear his eyes of soot during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. The building was destroyed during a Sep. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sep. 14, 2001) -- While working around the clock to find survivors, a rescue worker takes a moment to reflect on the impact of the devastating terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. It was an emotional time for the rescue workers because many of them had lost co-workers and friends in the day’s devastation. The World Trade Center was destroyed during a Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sept. 14, 2001) -- Days after a Sep. 11 terrorist attack, fires still burn amidst the rubble of the World Trade Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sept. 14, 2001) -- A "bucket brigade" works to clear rubble and debris, hoping to find survivors of the deadly terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (WTC). The WTC was destroyed during a Sep. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sept. 13, 2001) -- A symbol of freedom flaps in the wind, contrasted by a soot-covered building. Patriotism was widespread throughout New York city, as well as the country, as rescue workers labored to save lives. The World Trade Center was destroyed during a September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, N.Y. (Sept. 13, 2001) -- A weary New York City firefighter surveys the destruction as he departs the area. Most of the emergency personnel worked tirelessly for more than 24-hours immediately following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack that brought down the World Trade Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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New York, NY (Sept. 13, 2001) – A rescuer takes a break from the toil of the recovery efforts surrounded by the eerie reminder of what once was a bustling area of world commerce. The World Trade Center was destroyed during a September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson.)

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WASHINGTON -- Firefighters struggle to contain a spreading fire after a hijacked commercial jetliner crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The Pentagon crash followed an attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City in one of the worst terrorist attacks in history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jim Varhegyi.)

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WASHINGTON -- Police helicopters and emergency ambulance crews stand by to aid injured workers following the crash of a hijacked commercial airliner into a section of the Pentagon. Military and civilians helped transport injured people on litters to ambulances for treatment and transportation to hospitals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Coppage.)

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The "Tribute in Light" memorial is in remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The two towers of light are composed of two banks of high wattage spotlights that point straight up from a lot next to Ground Zero. This photo was taken from Liberty State Park, N.J., Sept. 11, the five-year anniversary of 9/11. (U.S. Air Force photo/Denise Gould.)

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On the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 184 beams of light rise from the courtyard of the Pentagon. The lights are to remember the 184 lives lost when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo/Col. Walter Gordon.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Pentagon Identifies Marine Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 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 Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C., died Sept. 10 from wounds sustained Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Wire: Taliban Control Spreads in Afghanistan

Off the Wire

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 2009 -- Newswire services this afternoon reported that eight long years after the terror strike on the United States, which prompted an invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban, there are indications that the insurgents are continuing to widen their reach inside the country. Meanwhile, some high-ranking British and American officials are expressing mounting concern about Afghanistan's fraud-tainted election process.

A respected international think tank has released a new map (pdf download) showing, for the first time, the Taliban have a "permanent presence" in 80 percent of Afghanistan, VOA News reported. "Permanent presence" in a province is defined as one or more insurgent attacks -- lethal and non-lethal -- per week.

Alexander Jackson, a policy analyst at the International Council on Security and Development in London, says "We're now seeing Taliban control across the country. And one of the most significant things that we're seeing in this latest map is the increased level of Taliban presence in the north of the country. Provinces such as Kunduz and Balkh, which previously were relatively stable, are now seeing very high levels of Taliban activity."

Jackson says that has resulted in a drastic increase of insurgent attacks against Afghan government, international and civilian targets in those areas.

In the eastern Afghanistan, two ISAF troops were killed today. This year has become the deadliest for the foreign troops in Afghanistan since start of the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Download: International Council on Security and Development Afghanistan map (pdf)

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US Airpower Summary, Sept. 11, 2009: B-1Bs Provide Show of Force in Afghanistan

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An Air Force B-1B Lancer awaits its next mission at a base in Southwest Asia. B-1Bs fly close-air-support missions for both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 11, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly force's convoy near Shurakian. When the convoy started receiving enemy small-arms fire and encountered an improvised explosive device a request for air support was made. The show of force was successful.

Near Asmar, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided overwatch for a friendly force's convoy when they reported receiving sporadic small-arms fire from an anti-coalition force's position. A show of force was requested to curtail the enemy action in the compound. There was a show of force conducted followed by several precision-guided munitions, ending the enemy aggression.

F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft were in the vicinity of Asmar, providing armed overwatch for friendly forces when they reported receiving sniper fire from two enemy positions. Air support was requested when the points of origin for the enemy sniper fire were confirmed and precision-guided munitions were released on the targets. The enemy positions were destroyed.

There were Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft at Chahar Bagh providing armed overwatch for coalition forces taking enemy fire from a treeline position. A show of force was requested and performed to deter enemy action and was considered successful.

At Asadabad, F-15E aircraft were overhead providing overwatch when assistance was requested. A crowd of insurgents was gathering in the vicinity of a friendly position. A precision-guided munition was released on the enemy coordinates eliminating the threat.

In the vicinity of Shurakian, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets were providing overwatch of insurgents possibly emplacing an improvised explosive device and were requested to provide a show of force to stop the enemy action. The show of force was successful when the insurgents ceased digging and fled the area.

Coalition aircraft were supporting friendly forces at Surkhabad when they started receiving sniper fire from an enemy compound. Once the point of origin was confirmed, a precision-guided munition was deployed and the sniper fire ceased.

Navy Hornets were airborne over Qalat providing support for coalition forces conducting a security operation when they started taking small-arms fire. A show of force was requested to deter the enemy fire and after completion was considered successful as the small-arms fire had ceased.

In total, 90 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In total, 20 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities

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

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

Air Force airlift crews flew 148 airlift sorties; 568 short tons of cargo were delivered; and about 3,000 passengers were transported. This included about 102,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 9, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported seven patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawks transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.

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

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Pentagon Commentary: Revisiting Afghanistan on 9/11

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WASHINGTON -- Aftermath from terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Robert Houlihan.)

Commentary:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2009 -- On this eighth anniversary of the worst attacks on U.S. soil in nearly 200 years, and with some Americans skeptical of the ongoing war in Afghanistan, it is helpful to remember how the U.S. military commitment there evolved.

Asked by reporters at a Sept. 3 press briefing about the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was unequivocal: “I absolutely do not think it is time to get out of Afghanistan.”

“The fact is that 9/11 represented the first foreign-based attack on the continental United States, with significant casualties, since the War of 1812,” Gates said. “That attack emanated from Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The Taliban did not just provide a safe haven for al-Qaida. They actively cooperated and collaborated with al-Qaida. They provided a worldwide base of operations for al-Qaida.”

If some Americans have forgotten the connection between Afghanistan’s dusty terrorist training camps and the tragedy that was 9/11, the connection is not lost on the countless servicemembers who say they enlisted because of the terrorist attacks. It also isn’t lost on those servicemembers, mostly Special Operations forces, who arrived first in Afghanistan.

Among those early U.S. servicemembers in the Afghan theater, one group stands out. On Dec. 2, 2001, soldiers with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) raised the American flag at the U.S. embassy in Kabul. It was the culminating moment in a whirlwind campaign that toppled the Taliban and sent al-Qaida terrorists scurrying for their lives.

The Green Berets placed rubble from the Twin Towers at the flagpole. Later, they placed a plaque at the site, which says: “In honor of the victims of 11 September 2001, the men and women who have given their lives in the war against terrorism, and the enduring freedom that will survive.”

The soldiers understood that the reason they were in Afghanistan was because of terrorists in that country who killed 3,000 American men, women and children back home. The terrorists used the ungoverned areas of Afghanistan to plan, stage, train for and finance the 9/11 attacks.

Rise of the Taliban

Intricately tied to the terrorism in Afghanistan is the country’s abject poverty and lack of resources. It became apparent early on that it was going to take more than military power to defeat al-Qaida and the Taliban. Afghanistan needed government institutions and economic help to wrestle control – and hold it – from extremists.

A crossroads between Central and South Asia, Afghanistan has few resources. Thirty years of war devastated the economy and government. The Soviet Union invaded and occupied Afghanistan in 1979, and set up a puppet communist government. The United States helped the Afghan mujaheddin in their fight against the Soviets. The Soviets admitted defeat and the last Soviet soldier left in 1989.

After the Soviet retreat, the United States lost interest in the region and turned elsewhere. The struggle among rival warlords devastated the nation even more than the Soviet occupation. All government institutions died, and generations of Afghans came of age with no idea how a government should work. With an average per capita income of $300 per year, Afghans had become desperate.

While the warlords fought each other, the Taliban took control, initially gained favor among Afghans by efforts to suppress local warring factions and to stamp out corruption.

At the same time, the Taliban imposed an extreme interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law, imposing public executions and amputations. It became illegal for girls to be educated, for women to work outside the home, or to even leave their homes without being fully covered in a burka and with a male family member. It was illegal to watch TV programs not cleared by the Taliban, listen to music, dance or sing. Ancient art and artifacts were destroyed.

Driving Out Terrorists

The Taliban-ruled Afghanistan sheltered Osama bin Laden, the man at the center of the attacks. Following 9/11, the United States made no distinction between the terrorists and the nations that harbored them. The United States gave the Taliban leaders of Afghanistan time to turn over the terrorists, close the terrorist training camps and open the camps to United Nations inspection. They did not.

On Oct. 7, 2001, the United States struck back at the terrorists. Air Force and Navy aircraft struck at al-Qaida and Taliban targets throughout Afghanistan. Later in the month, U.S. special operations forces joined with the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance and used U.S. airpower to rout the Taliban. A small number of Americans using 21st century technology, but riding on horses, made the difference.

While driven from power, al-Qaida was not eliminated. They looked for other havens and the Taliban exploited the border with Pakistan as a bolt-hole. The United States began building an international coalition to confront the terrorists in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Information gleaned in the country led to terrorist arrests in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Building Toward Peace

In 2001, there was no functioning government at any level in the nation. Agriculture is the major industry, but much of it has been in the form of illegal poppy crops, which produce much of the world’s heroin and funds terrorist networks.

The road network has been improved by international forces, but remains largely broken and is still non-existent in many areas. One U.S. patrol in the early days, followed what they thought was a road, only to discover it was a dry river bed. The soldiers considered the river bed, by far, the best “road” they had seen in the country.

The United States and its allies introduced the idea of provincial reconstruction teams to Afghanistan to try to stimulate governance and economic progress. A combination of military and civilians now make up 26 teams that work with local governments and village elders to build roads, bridges, schools, government buildings and anything to stimulate the economy, often using local contractors.

NATO, too, has emerged as a force in Afghanistan. In 2003, NATO took command of the International Security Assistance Force established by the United Nations the year before.

Originally limited to Kabul and its environs, ISAF now commands security forces throughout the country. The force started with 5,000 and now number 64,500. There are 42 nations contributing forces to the effort, with the United States being the largest contributor with 30,000. There are 9,000 British soldiers in Afghanistan. Other leading contributors are Germany, Canada, France, Australia and Poland.

Switching Gears to Iraq and Back Again

Defense officials admitted that once Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003, Afghanistan became a secondary theater. “In Afghanistan, we do what we can. In Iraq we do what we must,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in December 2007.

The focus on Iraq allowed the Taliban to regroup and mis-steps by Pakistan allowed the extremist group to find sanctuary there. Conditions in Afghanistan have deteriorated, and a new strategy put in place in March aims to reverse the decline.

The new strategy calls for a regional approach to include Pakistan, and increased training for Afghan security forces. There are more American and NATO troops in country heading into areas that were Taliban strongholds. The forces hold areas and stop Taliban re-infiltration, allowing localities to flourish in peace.

Military leaders have said that Afghanistan will be a long, tough fight. There are numerous obstacles to peace in the nation, including widespread illiteracy, tribal and ethnic divisions, a lack of infrastructure and corruption. Lack of money is a problem. In comparison to Iraq, which has a similar population and a national budget of about $66 billion per year, Afghanistan’s budget is about $600 million.

But despite the difficult road ahead, it is not hard to understand the secretary’s conviction as Americans recall the devastation of eight years ago today.

(Report by Jim Garamone, with contributions by Lisa Daniel American Forces Press Service.)

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Combat Camera: A 9/11 Retrospective, Part 4

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WASHINGTON (Sept. 11, 2007) - A memorial flag is illuminated near the spot where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is scheduled to host the Pentagon Sept. 11 Memorial observance for family members of those who were killed in the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandan W. Schulze.)

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Retired fire chief Joseph Curry barks orders to rescue teams as they clear through debris that was once the World Trade Center Sept. 14, 2001, in New York. (Photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Preston Keres, USN.)

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A New York City firefighter looks up at what remains of the World Trade Center Sept. 13, 2001, after its collapse following the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. (Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson, USN.)

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A rescue dog is transported with rescue gear out of the debris of the World Trade Center Sept. 15, 2001, in New York. The twin towers of the center were destroyed in the Sept. 11 terror attack. (Photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Preston Keres, USN.)

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A fire fighter emerges from smoke and debris of the World Trade Center Sept. 14, 2001, in New York. The twin towers of the center were destroyed in the Sept. 11th terror attack. (Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson, USN.)

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A solitary firefighter stands amidst the rubble and smoke in New York City, Sept. 14, 2001. Days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, fires still burn at the site of the World Trade Center. (Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson, USN.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Combat Camera: A 9/11 Retrospective, Part 3

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New York, N.Y. (Sept. 15, 2001) -- The American flag is a prominent icon in the heart of what was once the World Trade Center in New York City, Sept. 15, 2001. (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Preston Keres.)

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New York, New York (Sep. 19, 2001) -- "Ground Zero" at the World Trade Center disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Peterson.)

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New York, New York (Sep. 19, 2001) -- "Ground Zero" at the World Trade Center disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Peterson.)

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Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (Sept. 30, 2001) -- Captain Stephen Voestch, Commander of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1), Rear Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, Commander of Carrier Group Eight (CCG 8), Captain Richard J. O'Hanlon, Commanding Officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) are assisted by Damage Controlmen as they fold the first American flag to be raised above "ground zero" at the site of the attack on New York's World Trade Center. The flag was presented to the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and will be flown with pride during their current deployment. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Eric A. Clement.)

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Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 15, 2001) -- An Air crewman aboard a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Five (VAW-125) E-2C "Hawkeye" embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) tracks all air and surface contacts off the east coast of the United States. The Norfolk, Va.- based aircraft and squadron are participating in Operation Noble Eagle to provide additional air defense to New York City following the 11 Sept. terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate J. Scott Campbell.)

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(October 5, 2001) -- An F-14 "Tomcat” and an F/A-18 "Hornet" aircraft assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) complete air-to-air refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 "Extender" from the 763rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. The refueling squadron supports Navy jets conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy Photo by Commander Brian G. Gawne.)

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(October 7, 2001) -- Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced that two U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft air dropped enough daily rations for 37,500 people in regions of Afghanistan where the displaced people are at risk of starvation. This photo shows Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDR), which was transported from bases in the U.S. earlier in the week. (U.S. Navy Photo by Tina M. Ackerman.)

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Aboard USS John Paul Jones (Oct. 8, 2001) -- A "Tomahawk" land attack missile (TLAM) is launched from aboard the guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in a strike against al Qaida terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan on Oct. 8, 2001. The carefully targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a base for terrorist operations and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime. The John Paul Jones is steaming at sea as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Ted Banks.)

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Aboard USS Carl Vinson (October 7, 2001) -- Aviation Ordnancemen move a 1,000-pound bomb onto the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The bombs will be used during strikes against al Qaida terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The carefully targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a base for terrorist operations and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime. The Carl Vinson is operating in the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Greg Messier.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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