US Airpower Summary, Dec. 12, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 12, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations December 11 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Bagram
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were requested to deter potential enemy action. The shows of force were considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Mata Khan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action when enemy personnel were reported firing on the friendly convoy. The show of force (with numerous flares expended) was considered successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Asadabad
F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. When suspicious enemy activity was noted at an enemy fighting position, precision guided munitions were released on the target coordinates and on enemy reinforcements arriving at the enemy fighting position. The action deterred any potential enemy action as the convoy passed by.

Qarah Bagh
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were requested to deter enemy action when enemy personnel were observed gathering in force at known enemy fighting positions. The shows of force were considered successful when the enemy forces dispersed and no further enemy action was noted.

Air Operations in Iraq:

No significant action to report in the last 24 hours.

Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 142
Short tons of delivered cargo: 568
Passengers: nearly 3,400
Airdropped cargo: nearly 200,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 54
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 18

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 25
Sorties flown in Iraq: 25
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 10, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 7 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 42
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.5 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 155

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

Pentagon: Volunteers Place 16,000 Wreaths at Arlington

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2009 -- The Arlington Wreath Project, an unofficial national tradition, prompted about 6,000 volunteers to wake up extra early this morning to help place 16,000 wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

"It's really nice that America still remembers our troops," said Nikki Bunting, the widow of Army Capt. Brian Bunting, who died in Afghanistan in February 2009. She visited her husband's grave with their children, 2-year-old Connor and 5-week-old Cooper.

"It's a sad sight, but it's really beautiful. It reminds us that people care," she said.

Morrill Worcester, president of Maine-based Worcester Wreath Company, started the tradition in 1992, although the seeds for the idea had been planted 30 years earlier. The cemetery's hallowed ground first impressed Worcester in 1962, when the 12-year-old Bangor [Maine] Daily News paper boy had won a paper-sponsored contest and a trip to Washington.

"It struck me and I just never forgot it," Worcester recently said about the cemetery. "It was just such a big place and the stones are all nice and straight. I saw the Tomb of the Unknown [Soldier] and the changing of the guard."

Fast forward to 1992, when Worcester discovered his company had 5,000 surplus wreaths near the end of the season. He made arrangements to place the wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

"The first 13 or 14 years of the Arlington Wreath Project I just did it because I wanted to do it and it was kind of a private thing," Worcester said. "We didn't want any publicity or anything else. We just did it."

For more than a decade, he sponsored the Arlington Wreath Project, with the mission to "Remember, Honor, and Teach," and managed to keep it small and relatively anonymous.

That is until 2005 when an Air Force photographer happened to capture an image of the annual honor. "Things just totally changed," Worcester said.

After the photo hit the Internet and made its way around the world, the tradition grew exponentially. This year 151,000 wreaths were placed in more than 400 cemeteries across the country by 60,000 volunteers as part of Wreaths Across America Day. Individuals and companies sponsored all but 25,000 of the 151,000 wreaths, Worcester said.

"I love seeing the participation," he said. "I'm very proud of the fact that I started it, but it's certainly not me anymore."

Worcester may love seeing the huge numbers of volunteers, but it presents interesting challenges for Wayne Hanson, who volunteers through the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., to coordinate the Arlington Wreath Project. The Vietnam veteran also sits on the board of Wreaths Across America.

"We started off with just a handful of people helping Mr. Worcester put the wreaths down. It would take us the better part of a good day," Hanson said. "People would hear about it and want to help, so we would end up with 2[00] or 300 volunteers as the years progressed."

Though the mercury started out below 20 degrees and only climbed to the low 40s this year, it didn't deter those wanting to honor the nation's fallen heroes at the holidays.

"The community of surviving families and TAPS [Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors] are very grateful to Wreaths Across America, the USO, and other organizations for their support," said Ami Neiberger-Miller, public affairs officer for TAPS. Her brother, Army Spc. Christopher Neiberger, was killed in action in Iraq in August 2007. "Our families know that their loved ones are not forgotten.

"Many families who bury their loved ones at Arlington National Cemetery do not live nearby, and so it means a great deal to them to know that America cares and is honoring the resting place of their loved ones," she added.

Though Hanson asks for a moment of silence for those who died in recent conflicts and are buried in Section 60, wreaths are not typically placed on those graves. This year, however, the USO asked to sponsor 1,000 wreaths specifically for that section, which is set aside for U.S. military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly 300 volunteers, including 125 military family members, helped place the wreaths in less than an hour.

The organization's president noted that the gesture is meant to highlight the sacrifices made by all servicemembers, however.

"This effort is not about just Arlington National Cemetery," said Sloan Gibson, president of the USO. "The USO hopes to encourage Americans to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans who are interred at veterans cemeteries across the country."

While the day concluded with 16,000 wreaths placed in under two hours, it actually began yesterday at the Pentagon, when Wreaths Across America expanded its mission again.

"We're doing something, which is in addition to what we've done in the past," Worcester said in an earlier interview. "We're placing a wreath for every victim of 9/11 for the first time.

"There's going to be a big decorated area at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, and there's going to be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon and another one at the field in Pennsylvania," he added.

Those wreaths were being placed during ceremonies this weekend.

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

Related: Wreaths Across America Web Site

Wire: Gates Says US Air Force May Remain in Iraq, Afghanistan Past Drawdown Deadlines

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2009 -- Newswire services today reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the U.S. Air Force will likely continue to have a role in Iraq after all U.S. troops are currently scheduled to leave at the end of 2011, under a U.S.-Iraqi agreement signed last year. Gates spoke to U.S. troops at Forward Operating Base Warrior, near Kirkuk, northern Iraq.

U.S. officials say they are on track to end the U.S. ground combat role and reduce from 120,000 troops to 50,000 by next October, and to have all U.S. troops out of Iraq by the end of 2011. But Secretary Gates said that might not include the U.S. Air Force, in a story published by VOA News yesterday.

"I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see agreements between ourselves and the Iraqis that continues a train, equip and advise role beyond the end of 2011. They realize that they're probably not going to be ready," he said.

Gates was answering a question from a member of the U.S. Air Force during a 45-minute Town Hall-style meeting with several hundred troops at this base near Kirkuk. He came here from Baghdad, where he met early Friday with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

"I talked to the prime minister this morning about their equipment purchases, training and so on as they look at 2012 and beyond, and they clearly have some concerns," he said.

Secretary Gates said there has been no agreement to keep Air Force units in Iraq beyond 2011, nor even any formal discussion. But he indicated that while the Iraqi Army and Police are taking more and more responsibility for security around the country, Iraq's air capability lags well behind.

VOA News said Gates also predicted that the U.S. Air Force will have a long-term role in Afghanistan, beyond the five years or more that allied ground forces are expected to be operating there.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Pentagon Identifies Marine Casualty (OIF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 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 Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Ralph Anthony Webb Frietas, 23, of Detroit, Mich., died Dec 8. as a result of unknown causes in Baghdad. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

The incident is under investigation.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

OEF Update, Dec. 12, 2009: Forces in Afghanistan Interdict Militants

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 12, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant and detained another in the Paktya province while pursuing a Taliban commander responsible for several attacks in the area today.

The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Sar Mast Kheyl in the Zormat district where intelligence reported militant activity to be located. One enemy militant was killed when he threatened the force with hostile intent. The joint force searched the compound without further incident and detained a suspected militant. No Afghan civilians were harmed during this operation.

Another Afghan-International security force detained a suspected militant yesterday in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban commander.

The joint security force searched a vehicle near the village of Khak-e-Shirin in Shah Wali Kot district after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the vehicle without incident and detained one suspected militant.

No one was killed or injured during the operation.

Women's Police Corps Training Center Established in Nangarhar

The first exclusive Afghan National Police Women's Police Corps Training Center was established in the heart of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province, Dec. 5.

The opening ceremony for the center was held in honor of ANP Lt. Col. Malalai Kakar, who some say was a martyr for the Afghan Women's rights movement when she was assassinated by the Taliban as she left her home to go to her job as Kandahar's deputy police commander.

The ceremony celebrated the bravery of Kakar and applauded the women who answered the call to do and be more in rebuilding Afghanistan.

ISAF Casualties:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

OEF Update, Dec. 11, 2009: Forces Nab Haqqani Facilitator in Khowst

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force detained a couple of militants in Khowst province today, one of whom was a sought-after Haqqani facilitator. The facilitator is responsible for the shipment and distribution of weapons to other militant elements in the area.

The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Badal Kalay in the Nader Shakhot district where intelligence sources indicated the facilitator was located. The facilitator identified himself and surrendered without incident. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

Farah Sets Sights on Security, Stability:

Provincial leaders and ISAF representatives met with the Farah province governor Dec. 10 at his compound inside Farah City to discuss the current state of affairs.

Representatives of the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police and National Directorate of Security also attended the meeting and discussed numerous issues including joint operations.

"I am very proud of our ANA and ANP who are risking their lives trying to protect us and our country from the violent insurgents," said Governor Rahool Amin.

In addition to combat operations, the council discussed the recent border disputes and smuggling issues.

"We man our posts 24-hours a day and have constant communications," said Farah district ANP Deputy Chief Abdul Lattif. "We hear the problems of the people and we are trying to fix them, unlike the enemy who only wants to create more problems and more bloodshed for our people."

The ANP and ANA commanders at the meeting shared a sole concern - the safety of the local Afghan people.

"Everything we do is intended with the best interests of the people," said ANA Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akram Sameh. "We are set on stopping the destructive activity of the enemy and we will continue to fight alongside our counterparts wherever we are needed."

ISAF members in the province added their concerns and recommendations for operations, including reconstruction projects in Farah, similar to the projects the provincial reconstruction team executed in Rigi and Kadanak villages.

The security council plans to meet regularly to discuss current issues and to work in the best interests of the province and in support of the Afghan government.

ISAF Casualty:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- The following news release made available Thursday 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.

Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Hansen, 31, of Panama City, Fla., died Dec. 7 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit Dec. 3 with an improvised explosive device in Logar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 10, 2009: Forces in Iraq Arrest Suspected Terrorists

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- Iraqi security forces arrested two terrorism suspects in operations over the last two days, military officials reported.

In western Baghdad, Iraqi forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to be a recruiter for foreign fighters and to have ties to high-level members of the terror organization who stage vehicle-bomb attacks across central Iraq.

Intelligence gathered by U.S. and Iraqi sources led ae combined security team to a building where the suspect was believed to be. Iraqi forces questioned several people, and they identified and arrested the suspect without incident.

In Iraq's Salahuddin province yesterday, an Iraqi special weapons and tactics team, observed by U.S. forces, arrested Hussein Salih Sabum, a suspected member of al-Qaida in Iraq.

Hussein is the suspected leader of a cell responsible for planning and facilitating bombing attacks against Iraqi security forces, including a suicide-bomber attack that killed 11 people and injured 15 others in Tikrit.

He also is believed to be responsible for the assassination of Lt. Col. Ahmad Fahal, the Tirkit riot-dispersal unit commander.

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

Wire: US Servicemember Dies in Iraq

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- Newswire services this morning reported that the U.S. military says an American soldier in Iraq has died of injuries unrelated to combat.

The military says the Multi-National Division-Baghdad soldier died Thursday.

The Associated Press reported that a military statement says the name of the soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. It says the incident is under investigation. No further details have been released.

The death raises to at least 4,368 the number of U.S. military personnel who have died in Iraq since the war began in March 2003, according to an AP count.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Pentagon Discuses McChrystal Capitol Hill Hearings on Afghanistan

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- The commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan today wrapped up a round of hearings on Capitol Hill regarding the new U.S. approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The themes Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal touched on in appearances before members of both chambers of Congress this week were consistent: he embraced the plan that sends 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and sets a flexible date for beginning a withdrawal, and expressed measured optimism in its potential to reverse insurgents’ momentum.

“The president's decision rapidly resources our strategy, recognizing that the next 18 months will likely be decisive and ultimately enable success,” he told the House Foreign Affairs Committee today. “I fully support the president's decision.”

President Barack Obama last week announced a U.S. strategy for Afghanistan that will bring the number of forces there to roughly 100,000 over the next six months, with the nonbinding goal of beginning to withdraw troops starting July 2011. The Dec. 1 unveiling of the new U.S. approach culminated months of deliberations the president held with senior advisors.

McChyrstal today said he participated fully in the president's assessment and decision-making process, providing his recommendations and best military advice throughout the discussion.

“Combined with insights and policy considerations from across our government, I believe the decisions that came from that process reflect a realistic and effective approach,” he said.

This strategy, he added, requires reversing the current momentum of the Taliban while creating “the time and space to develop Afghan security and governance capacity.” Among the crucial tasks necessary to achieving success is the training of tens of thousands of Afghan soldiers and police, he added.

The Defense Department this week identified roughly half of the forces to be deployed to Afghanistan, including some 1,500 Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., who will deploy later this month, and 6,200 Marines of Regimental Combat Team 2 at Camp Lejeune alerted for deployment early in the spring.

The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif., also will deploy 800 Marines in the spring, along with an influx of 3,400 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., department officials said.

Six months into his tenure as the top commander in Afghanistan, McChyrstal said today he expects to return to the war zone with a greater sense of the mission at hand.

“I believe that, with the president's decision and ongoing reforms I outlined in our initial assessment, our efforts are now empowered with a greater sense of clarity, capability, commitment and confidence,” he said.

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

Wire: 5 Americans Nabbed in Pakistan Linked to al-Qaida

Off the Wire:

The men used Facebook and YouTube to connect with extremist groups in Pakistan.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- Newswire services this afternoon reported that five American Muslims arrested in Pakistan met with representatives of an al-Qaida linked group, a Pakistani law enforcement official said Thursday.

The Associated Press said U.S. officials in Pakistan have now visited the men in custody, after their disappearance late last month prompted a search and an investigation by counterterrorism officials.

"We have had access to the five detainees," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told reporters Thursday at an unrelated news conference. She called the move "part of the usual outreach" of the U.S. government and declined further comment.

Javed Islam, a regional police chief in Pakistan, said the men wanted to join militants in the country's tribal area before crossing into Afghanistan and said they met with a banned military organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed in Hyderabad, and with representatives of a related group, Jamat-ud-Dawa, in Lahore.

Another law enforcement official, Usman Anwar, the local police chief in Sargodha, told The Associated Press that the five are "directly connected" to the al-Qaida terrorist network.

"They are proudly saying they are here for jihad" or holy war, Anwar said.

The men used the social networking site Facebook and the Internet video site YouTube to try to connect with extremist groups in Pakistan, said S.M. Imran Gardezi, the press minister at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington. When they arrived in Pakistan, they took that effort to the street.

See links below for additional details.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Sources:
5 Americans were in Pakistan for jihad, officials say
Pakistani police: 5 Americans have al-Qaida link

Pentagon Identifies Marine Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- The following news release made available Thursday 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.

Cpl. Xhacob Latorre, 21, of Waterbury, Conn., died Dec. 8 of wounds sustained while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

Combat Camera Video: Marines Combat Outpost B-Roll (OEF)

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- Embedded above is a b-roll video of U.S. Marines in southern Afghanistan routinely patrolling the area around their outposts in an effort to further secure the region and win the trust of Afghans. Scenes include footage of the area being patrolled and secured and Soldiers conducting the patrol. (Produced by Gunnery Sgt. Jimmy Stare, American Forces Network Afghanistan. Length: 00:04:32.)

More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

National Guard in 2 States Respond to Winter Storm

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Mannarino of the Wisconsin National Guard hooks up a chain to pull snowplow from a snow bank, Dec. 9, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn R. Larson.)

On the Home Front:

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 10, 2009 -- As the first major winter storm of the season continues to drop snow and ice throughout the Midwest, elements of the Iowa and Wisconsin National Guard are ready to assist state and local authorities in responding to emergency calls.

More than 40 Iowa Guard members have been on duty since Dec. 8 in preparation for the storm, said Army Maj. Michael Wunn, public affairs officer for the Iowa National Guard. Though the storm wasn’t expected to hit until the early morning hours, Guard members were called in early to be in place when the storm hit.

“It can take awhile to put people on duty,” Wunn said yesterday, “so rather than wait until the middle of the night to start calling people in, … we went ahead and called those people up and pre-staged them so that they were in position this morning … [to] assist when the calls came in.”

Most of those calls have been focused on assisting stranded motorists. “[The] primary mission is to work with state and local authorities to assist stranded motorists and help close primary roads to traffic if the need arises,” Wunn explained.

The Iowa Guard is ready for other contingencies as well. “In this situation, it’s all been focused on highways and motorists,” Wunn said. “In previous years, when we’ve had an ice storm, we’ve sent those teams out when there have been downed power lines and a need to go check on homes and that sort of thing.”

Planning for the storm response started several months ago.

“We started more than two months ago, reviewing our winter storm plan, and we pre-staged some vehicles and we put cots and blankets at various locations across the state that could be used in the event that we needed to assist communities with warming centers, which we haven’t had to do in this situation,” Wunn said, noting that being prepared is one of the reasons why the Iowa Guard has been able to assist local authorities easily.

“Preparedness is the key,” he said, “and getting units identified to provide that capability, and getting the vehicles staged, and having chains on the tires so that they’re ready to go.”

The Iowa Guard has sent a few teams out to help with stranded motorists, Wunn said, but the streets have been largely empty.

“People had quite a bit of notice about this storm and a lot of information was out there, and I think, for the most part, people have heeded the advice from the local authorities and have stayed off the roads,” he said.

Meanwhile, about 100 Wisconsin Guard members are on standby orders in case local authorities need assistance.

“Currently, the Wisconsin National Guard has not been called out to assist local authorities,” said Army Lt. Col. Jacqueline Guthrie, public affairs officer for the Wisconsin Guard. “But we stand ready should we be needed.”

If called upon, the Wisconsin Guard would perform similar missions as the Iowa Guard and assist with responding to stranded motorists, traffic control and health and welfare checks.

Guthrie added that the Wisconsin National Guard has resources available across the state to respond if civilian authorities request assistance.

Army Maj. David May, the Wisconsin National Guard's deputy director of operations for domestic support, said a number of tactical vehicles equipped for blizzard conditions – Humvees, 5-ton trucks and heavy expanded mobility tactical trucks, along with operators – are available to respond to this storm.

If called upon, Guard members might assist the state patrol in searching for stranded motorists along snow-clogged highways or deliver food and water to motorists and other displaced citizens at emergency collection sites.

National Guard armories and other facilities could be opened as collection sites if the need arises, May added.

In addition, the Wisconsin National Guard's two Army aviation units have flight crews available, once the weather improves, to conduct air searches along highways for traffic accidents or blockages, as well as stranded motorists.

May explained that because the Wisconsin Guard is monitoring the events as they unfold in the state emergency operations center, it can be proactive in its response. As various agencies identify needs, appropriate resources can also be identified within the EOC and directed as needed.

The storm was expected to continue for much of the day yesterday before passing on. With the rest of the week expected to remain cloudy and cold, but with no additional snowfall, Guard members will start to be released from duty.

“I think the winds are supposed to die down this afternoon,” Wunn said yesterday. “We’ll continue doing recovery operations and then start bringing those teams back to their home armories. I think everyone should be off active duty in the next day or so.”

(Report by Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy, National Guard Bureau.)

US Airpower Summary, Dec. 10, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 10, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Asmar
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action when personnel were observed acting suspiciously along a road. The show of force was considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Air Operations in Iraq:

No significant action to report in the last 24 hours.

Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 116
Short tons of delivered cargo: 622
Passengers: nearly 3,300
Airdropped cargo: nearly 80,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 15
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 26

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 8
Sorties flown in Iraq: 27
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2 (USN)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 08, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 3 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 38
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.7 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 201

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

OEF Update, Dec. 10, 2009: Rebuilt Bridge Nears Completion in Nangahar

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 10, 2009 -- The reconstruction of a bridge destroyed in August is nearing completion due to the combined efforts of local government agencies, contractors and ISAF servicemembers.

Efforts to rebuild the Saracha Bridge along Highway 7 in Nangahar province began immediately after flash floods destroyed it and cut off all traffic from Torkham Gate to Jalalabad Aug. 31.

Rebuilding the bridge has been a good opportunity for local government and ISAF to come together to solve a problem, said Army Maj. Gerald S. Law, an engineer for TF Mountain Warrior and 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

"This bridge represents a combined effort and shows what we can accomplish together," said Major Law.

Within days, a complete reconstruction of the bridge began with Afghan contractors building dirt bypasses for vehicles. The Task Force Mountain Warrior's 1613th Engineer Company helped the contractors by completing the demolition of the former bridge and moving concrete footers and piers in place. The Task Force's 502nd Multi-Role Bridge Company positioned towers and constructed a temporary military bridge and launched it across the 142-meter gap.

"Everyone did a great job," said Major Law. "We expect the bridge to be open in late December."

Afghan National Army soldiers and Afghan National Police provided on-site traffic control and security.

ISAF Casualties:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

Pentagon: Majority of Afghan Surge Units Now Selected

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2009 -- The military component that coordinates the forces that fight America’s wars has allocated almost all of the troops that will take part in the Afghanistan surge.

U.S. Joint Forces Command, a support beam in the Defense Department’s policymaking structure, is formulating plans to carry out the influx of 30,000 U.S. forces that President Barack Obama has ordered into Afghanistan over roughly the next six months.

“We know the magnitude of the efforts,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Yates, director of operations, plans, logistics and engineering at Joint Forces Command, said yesterday. “We are getting final details on some of the requirements; we know most of them.”

Obama last week announced a U.S. strategy for Afghanistan that entails bringing the number of forces to about 100,000, with the flexible goal of beginning to withdraw troops in July 2011. Just over half of the surge forces have been identified and informed of their upcoming deployments.

The responsibility for coordinating such rotations falls to Joint Forces Command. Department officials announced this week that some 1,500 Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., will deploy later this month, and 6,200 Marines of Regimental Combat Team 2 at Camp Lejeune were alerted for deployment early in the spring.

The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif., also will deploy 800 Marines in the spring, along with an influx of 3,400 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., department officials said.

For its part, Joint Forces Command is putting together “courses of action” -- plans that detail a force composition based on troop availability, military specialties and other factors. Command officials will provide those plans to the Joint Staff, Yates told reporters on a conference call.

“The Joint Staff will then decide on [a plan], and those will be the forces that will be flowed into Afghanistan,” the general explained.

The unveiling of the new U.S. approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan culminates months of deliberations the president held with senior advisors. While Joint Forces Command officials generally are tight-lipped regarding specific requests it receives from commanders, the command’s chief of staff said previously that the command would be included in the decision-making process in relevant ways.

In an interview in Norfolk before the president’s announcement, Air Force Maj. Gen. David M. Edgington said Joint Forces Command was prepared to collaborate with each service branch in a process of finding the right units with the right combination of skills, training and availability to deploy.

“We’ve got to know what their training status is so that we can deploy a combat-capable unit,” he said in October. Invoking a mantra of the command’s commander, Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, Edgington added, “We will not deploy anybody who is not trained for the mission.”

The command’s goal is to anticipate such requests and have necessary personnel identified and accounted for 18 months in advance of commanders’ needs, but officials often must adapt quickly to changing demands on the ground.

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

Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2009 -- The following news release made available Wednesday 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.

Sgt. Elijah J. Rao, 26, of Lake Oswego, Ore., died Dec. 5 in Nuristan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 9, 2009: Forces in Iraq Nab 8, Including Terrorist Leader

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2009 -- A senior leader of the Promised Day Brigade terrorist group was among eight people Iraqi security forces arrested in three operations today, military officials reported.

Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched homes in northern Baghdad for the senior leader, a suspect in weapons distribution and funding to Promised Day Brigade groups for attacks on civilians and security forces throughout the Iraqi capital. The man is believed to have ties to Promised Day Brigade leaders operating from safe havens in Iran.

Following preliminary questioning and investigating evidence at the scene, Iraqi forces identified and arrested the senior leader without incident.

In another operation today, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched two homes in a rural area southwest of Baghdad for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to be assisting senior leaders of the terrorist network in staging vehicle-borne bomb attacks in the region.

Evidence collected at the scene led to the arrest of five suspected criminal associates of the wanted terrorist.

During a separate security operation in Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader. They arrested a suspected terrorist without incident after discovering incriminating evidence on the premises.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

US Airpower Summary, Dec 9, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 9, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Asadabad
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch and area reconnaissance for a friendly forces patrol. When insurgents were seen approaching the friendly patrol, a pre-emptive strike with precision guided munitions was authorized. The weapons were released on the enemy force eliminating the threat to the friendly patrol.

Chahar Bagh
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. The aircraft observed armed enemy forces approaching friendly forces, the enemy element suddenly turned and vanished into a crowd of civilians. Shortly thereafter, the insurgents broke from the crowd and approached the friendly forces again, with weapons visible. Strafing runs were made that eliminated the threat to friendly forces.

Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported receiving enemy fire, a request for aerial support in the form of a show of force was made. The show of force was considered successful when the enemy fire stopped.

Asmar
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. When anti-Afghan forces were reported firing on the convoy, a show of force was requested and successfully performed (with flares expended) to deter the enemy action. Afterwards, when enemy forces were observed approaching the convoy again, a precision guided munition was released on the enemy position that ended the threat to the friendly convoy. The convoy continued on without incident.

Chahar Bagh
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported receiving enemy small arms fire, a show of force was requested to deter the enemy action. The show of force was successful as the enemy fire ceased and further enemy action was deterred.

bAir Operations in Iraq:

No significant action to report in the last 24 hours.

Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 147
Short tons of delivered cargo: 748
Passengers: nearly 2,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 300,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 61
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 20

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 09
Sorties flown in Iraq: 25
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 07, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 4 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 46
Fuel delivered: nearly 3.0 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 241

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

OEF Update, Dec. 9, 2009: Forces in Afghanistan Strike Militants

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2009 -- An international security force conducted an air strike targeting a group of militants near a Taliban training camp in a remote section of the Watapur Valley in Konar province yesterday.

The air strike targeted the militants in an open area away from civilian structures. Assessment of the strike is ongoing.

The Taliban uses an extensive network of supply routes in eastern Afghanistan to arm, man and equip its militant elements within the country. Afghan and international security forces are working together to block these routes and ensure the safety and well being of the Afghan people.

Afghan equipment operators, mechanics learn maintenance techniques Khost provincial reconstruction team engineers provided maintenance training for nearly 20 equipment operators and mechanics at the Khost City Maintenance Yard in Matun district Dec. 5.

"We want to reinforce the idea that proper maintenance and care will extend the useful life of this equipment, which will ultimately extend the time between major road resurfacing projects," said Navy Lt. Stephen Gustafson, Khost PRT lead engineer. "The training is intended to improve the ability of the Afghans to properly operate and maintain their road and other construction equipment."

The maintenance yard has a variety of road equipment, but some vehicles are showing signs of wear and tear. Corrosion, improperly inflated tires, and dead batteries were a few of the basic issues addressed during training.

PRT engineers demonstrated the proper pre-operational checks and procedures on road graders, loaders, dump trucks and other construction equipment. The operators and mechanics also learned about scheduled maintenance and properly storing the vehicles which helps keep vehicles functioning at peak performance.

Khost Director of Public Works engineer Mamor Shah said he would like more training sessions which will HELP his employees sustain their operations without assistance.

ISAF Casualty:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

OEF Summary, Dec. 8, 2009: Forces in Afghanistan Kill Militants, Detain Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2009 -- Combined Afghan and international forces killed seven militants and detained several suspected insurgents in operations today in Afghanistan.

A combined force killed seven militants and detained four others in Laghman province while pursuing a Taliban bomb maker responsible for several suicide attacks in the region.

"We are aware of civilian casualty allegations, however there are no operational reports to substantiate those claims of harming civilians, including women and children, during this operation," said Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command spokeswoman.

The force targeted a compound near Armul village in the Mehtar Lam district after intelligence sources reported militant activity. During the operation, the joint force received hostile fire from multiple positions and returned fire. The force searched the compound without further incident and recovered multiple assault rifles.

In another operation today, an Afghan and international security force detained several suspected militants in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban commander responsible for several small-arms and homemade-bomb attacks in the area.

The suspects were detained without incident when the force searched compounds near Senjaray in Arghandab district where intelligence sources reported militant activity.

In other operations, international forces provided medical treatment to several civilians who were injured during two insurgent attacks against Afghan and international forces in Paktia province Dec. 5.

Insurgents aimed a mortar at an international-force installation that hit a bazaar in Chamkani, wounding many civilians. Among the wounded was the son of a local religious leader who was shopping for fruits and vegetables with his father when the mortar exploded near them.

The wounded man was taken to a military medical facility for treatment, where he died of his injuries.

Arrangements were made for the family to return to Chamkani. A hotline and reward have been set up for information leading to the militants responsible for the attack.

(From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news release.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 8, 2009: Forces Capture 5 After Balad Attack

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2009 -- U.S. forces today assisted Iraqi security forces in arresting five people after an indirect-fire attack on Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Pilots of AH-64 Apache helicopters responding to the mid-morning attack saw five people burying an improvised launch-rail system at the attack site. U.S. forces on the ground questioned and held them until local police arrived and arrested them on charges of suspected terrorism.

"What we've seen recently is irreconcilable criminals using these rail systems to launch rockets at the base,” said Army Lt. Col. Patrick Cooley, Task Force Marne operations chief. “The rockets are wildly inaccurate, so it's a matter of safety for the people who live near the base. It's good to see the [Iraqi police] stopping these guys."

Another aspect to recovering this rail system is the effect it will have on future attacks.

"By taking this rail out of the enemy's hands, it will degrade his ability to launch future attacks, and it lets them know we are aggressively pursuing them with all available means," said Army Col. Jeff Finley, Task Force Marne effects coordinator.

There were no casualties or damage to equipment from the attack. Iraqi security forces are leading the investigation.

In other news from Iraq, U.S. forces advised the Baqubah Regional Commando Battalion in carrying out warrants for the arrest of five suspected terrorists in Diyala province Dec. 5.

The men are suspected of kidnapping, smuggling lethal weapons, conducting bomb attacks and extorting local people.

They are linked to Harith Sadun Dawud al-Rubayi, who was arrested in November for suspicion of murder, kidnapping and bombing attacks against civilians and Iraqi forces. The regional commando battalion arrested the men in their homes and collected evidence, including weapons and sensitive materials.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

Pentagon Announces Replacement Unit for Iraq Rotation

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2009 -- The following news release made available Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement announcing units for upcoming Iraq rotations and deployment:

The Department of Defense announced today the alert for mobilization of a replacement unit scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Approximately 2,600 soldiers from the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered at Edgewood, Md., will begin deploying in the summer of 2011.

This rotation announcement reflects the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the Iraqi people.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

OEF Update, Dec. 8, 2009: ISAF Denies Civilian Casualty Claim in Lagham; UK Casualty

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force killed seven militants and detained four others in Laghman province early today while pursuing a Taliban IED facilitator responsible for several suicide attacks in the region.

"We are aware of civilian casualty allegations, however there are no operational reports to substantiate those claims of harming civilians, including women and children during this operation," said Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, IJC spokesperson.

The joint force targeted a compound near the village of Armul in the Mehtar Lam district after intelligence sources reported militant activity. During the operation, the joint force received hostile fire from multiple positions and returned fire. The joint force searched the compound without further incident and recovered multiple AK-47 rifles.

In another operation today, an Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban commander responsible for several small arms and IED attacks in the area.

The suspects were detained without incident when the joint force searched compounds near the town of Senjaray in Arghandab district where intelligence sources reported militant activity to be located.

ISAF provides medical care to civilians injured in insurgent attack International forces provided medical treatment to several civilians who were injured during two insurgent attacks against Afghan National Security Force and international forces in Paktya province Dec. 5.

Insurgents aimed a mortar at an international force installation that hit a bazaar in Chamkani, wounding many civilians. Among the wounded was the son of a local mullah who was shopping for fruits and vegetables with his father when the mortar exploded near them.

The wounded civilian was taken to a military medical treatment facility for treatment, but he died of his injuries.

Arrangements were made for the family to return to Chamkani. ISAF established a hotline and a reward for any information leading to the militants responsible for the attack.

The next day, forces provided aid to two children injured from another insurgent mortar attack. One of the children died of his wounds despite medical treatment.

ISAF Casualty:

An ISAF servicemember from the United Kingdom was killed yesterday after his unit was attacked by insurgent small arms fire in southern Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

Wire: Coordinated Attacks in Baghdad Kill 103, Wound 197

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2009 -- Newswire services this morning reported that a series of coordinated attacks struck Baghdad Tuesday, including three car bombs that blew up near government sites. At least 103 were killed and 197 wounded, authorities said.

The Associated Press reported that a total of four attacks, which also included a suicide car bomb on a police patrol, showed the ability of insurgents to strike high-profile targets in the heart of Baghdad and marked the third time since August that government buildings were targeted with multiple attacks that brought massive bloodshed.

It also was another embarrassment to Iraqi forces in their expanding role as front-line security as U.S. forces plan their withdrawal. The U.S. military has sent some troops and forensic equipment to assist the Iraqis in the aftermath, said Army Master Sgt. Nicholas Conner, a military spokesman.

Overall violence has dropped sharply around Iraq in the past year, though insurgents have stepped up attacks at government sites in recent months. The bombings marked the most serious spate of violence in Baghdad since twin car bombs on Oct. 25 struck outside Baghdad administration offices, killing at least 155. In August, suicide bombers hit the finance and foreign ministries, killing more than 100.

Iraqi officials blamed the October attacks on loyalists to Saddam Hussein's banned Baathist Party — even bringing out three suspects on national television who gave what officials termed confessions.

Iraqi officials blamed the October attacks on loyalists to Saddam Hussein's banned Baathist Party — even bringing out three suspects on national television who gave what officials termed confessions.

But there are questions whether leaders are trying to shift attention away from a possible resurgence of Sunni insurgents led by al-Qaida in Iraq. A rise in insurgent power could be a serious blow to the government's credibility before national elections, which are now expected to be held in late February. A decision on the final election date — originally scheduled for Jan. 16 — was possible as early as Tuesday.

Security forces worry the lead-up to the election date could bring an escalation in attacks seeking to discredit the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

See link below for additional details.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: Coordinated blasts hit Baghdad; kill at least 103

News Video: Military Draft Document Outlines Detailed Afghanistan Exit Strategy

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2009 -- Embedded above is a short video package from Fox News about a military draft document they obtained that outlines a detailed Afghanistan exit strategy.

This is a developing story with more to follow as warrants.

(From newswire sources.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 7, 2009: Forces Arrest Suspects in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2009 -- Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested several terrorism suspects over the past three days, military officials reported.

Iraqi security forces arrested seven people today near Baghdad and Mosul during operations conducted to find and arrest members of the al-Qaida in Iraq network.

Near Mahawil, south of Baghdad, Iraqi police captured a wanted al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of facilitating terrorist activities, including homemade-bomb attacks, in the region.

Combined security team intelligence led Iraqi police and U.S. advisors to search homes where the al-Qaida in Iraq suspect may have been located. Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered on the premises, Iraqi police identified and arrested the al-Qaida in Iraq suspect and an alleged criminal associate.

During a separate security operation in northeastern Mosul, Iraqi security forces and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for an al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to be leading a homemade-bomb cell suspected of staging deadly attacks in the area. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, five people believed to be associates of the al-Qaida in Iraq suspect were arrested without incident.

Meanwhile, Iraqi soldiers arrested two people today in northeastern Baghdad while conducting a security operation to find and arrest a "Promised Day Brigade" terrorist group member.

Based on combined security team intelligence, Iraqi soldiers and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the suspected Promised Day Brigade member, who is believed to be a leader for a Sadr City-based terrorist cell. He was not located, but preliminary questioning and evidence collected on the premises led to the arrest of two other suspect.

Elsewhere, Iraqi security forces arrested a Jaysh al-Mahdi terrorist group leader and three suspected criminal accomplices yesterday in southeastern Baghdad during a combined operation.

Acting on combined security team intelligence, Iraqi security forces and U.S. advisors searched a building in Sadr City where the suspect was located. He is suspected of transporting explosives and weapons from Iran into Baghdad. The man is believed to have been staging multiple attacks on security forces in Iraq.

Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found on the premises, Iraqi police identified and arrested the suspect and three criminal accomplices without incident.

Northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested two people yesterday while conducting a combined operation to locate and arrest a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member near Bahiyah. Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for an al-Qaida in Iraq suspect who is believed to have close criminal ties to the terror group's leaders in Diyala province. Following preliminary questioning and investigation on the premises, Iraqi police arrested two criminal suspects.

In northern Iraq, Iraqi security forces arrested seven people Dec. 5 during two combined operations conducted to find and arrest several suspected terrorists.

In southwestern Mosul, Iraqi security forces arrested four suspected criminal associates of an al-Qaida in Iraq member who allegedly has close ties with senior leaders of the terrorist group.

As Iraqi security forces and U.S. advisors approached the building where the al-Qaida in Iraq member was suspected to be located, three men ran out. The security team pursued them and captured two without incident. The third man ran into a nearby building, where he also was captured.

After preliminary questioning and investigation conducted at the scene, Iraqi security forces arrested four suspected criminal accomplices of the wanted man.

In a separate operation in a rural area northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected terrorist who helped to stage bomb attacks against security forces in Iraq. Based on evidence found at the scene, Iraqi police arrested three criminal suspects.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

Pentagon Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2009 -- The following news release made available Monday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement announcing units for upcoming Afghanistan rotations and deployment:

The Department of Defense today announced the deployment of approximately 16,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, the initial elements of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Obama on Nov. 30. An infantry battalion task force, with approximately 1,500 Marines, from Camp Lejeune, N.C., will deploy later this month. Regimental Combat Team-2, headquartered at Camp Lejuene, N.C., will deploy approximately 6,200 Marines in early spring 2010. A Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) headquarters from I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif., will deploy approximately 800 Marines in spring 2010.

A Brigade Combat Team (BCT), with approximately 3,400 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. will deploy in early spring 2010 to conduct a training mission.

Secretary Gates also approved the deployment of approximately 4,100 support forces, which will deploy at various times into spring 2010.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

Pentagon Announces First Afghanistan 'Surge' Units

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2009 -- About 16,000 Marines and soldiers have been notified they will deploy to Afghanistan as part of President Barack Obama's new strategy.

Obama announced his decision to deploy 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan in the first half of 2010 on Dec. 1.

The troops in today's announcement primarily will come from Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Fort Drum, N.Y.; and Camp Pendleton, Calif., Pentagon officials said today. More notifications will be made in the weeks and months ahead, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

These initial deployments will join the 68,000 American troops already in the country. At the end of the effort, about 100,000 U.S. troops will be deployed to Afghanistan.

About 1,500 Marines from Camp Lejeune will deploy later this month. In addition, 6,200 Marines of Regimental Combat Team 2 at Camp Lejeune were alerted for deployment early in the spring, Whitman said.

The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton will deploy 800 Marines in the spring, Whitman said.

The 1st Brigade Combat Team from the Army's 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum will deploy 3,400 soldiers in early spring to train Afghan forces.

Additionally, 4,100 support personnel will deploy at various times through the spring, Whitman said. Military officials call these personnel "enablers" who do essential missions and bring extra value to the counterinsurgency effort. These include military police personnel, engineers, civil affairs personnel, route-clearance teams, explosive ordnance demolition personnel and experts in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

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

Video: Operation Cobra's Anger Continues in Afghanistan

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2009 -- Embedded above is a short video package about International Security Forces and Afghanistan security forces striking against insurgent communication routes and supply lines. (Produced by Marine Staff Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook, American Forces Network Afghanistan. Length: 00:01:01.)

More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

Combat Camera Video: Decorated for Christmas in Afghanistan

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2009 -- Embedded above is a b-roll video of various holiday decorations servicemembers have put up in Afghanistan. (Produced by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter, American Forces Network Afghanistan. Length: 00:02:14.)

More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

OEF Update, Dec. 7, 2009: Air Strike Hits Stronghold in Kunar

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2009 -- An international security force conducted an air strike today and destroyed a known Taliban stronghold consisting of bunkers and prepared defensive positions in Kunar province.

The security force targeted the stronghold near the village of Tsangar Darah in the mountainous Watapur district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity at the location.

In other operations today, an Afghan-international security force in Khowst province detained a Haqqani IED cell leader and several other militants after searching a compound. The IED cell leader is responsible for constructing and emplacing IEDs and for several attacks in the area.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Kuzah Kala in the Terayzai district where intelligence sources reported the cell leader to be located. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained several militants, including the cell leader. The force also recovered a number of AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and bomb-making materials.

In another operation, an Afghan-international security force killed several enemy militants and wounded another in northern Paktika province while pursuing a Taliban commander. The militant commander is responsible for weapons facilitation, kidnapping Afghan citizens and planning several suicide bomb and IED attacks in the area.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Tawdobay Kalay in the Sar Hawza district where intelligence reported militant activity. During the operation, the joint force received hostile fire and returned fire. A security element of the force searched the enemy fighting position and recovered several AK-47 rifles and chest racks loaded with AK-47 magazines. The joint force then provided medical attention to the wounded enemy militant and later transported him to a military medical treatment facility.

Another Afghan-international security force detained a few suspected militants in Zabul province while pursuing a Taliban commander responsible for several small arms and IED attacks in the area.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Nowkhiz in the Qalat district after intelligence sources reported militant activity at the location. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained the militants.

No civilians were injured in any of the operations.

ISAF Casualties:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Attack Remembered on 68th Anniversary

"A date which will live in infamy"
Living History:

U.S. DoD Pearl Harbor 65th Anniversary Special
In this excellent Defense Department special from 2006, the Pentagon says the Pearl Harbor attack presents parallels and lessons for the war on terror.

Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December 1941
Overview and Special Image Selection
(DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY) -- The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant.

Pearl Harbor Attack, Index of Action Reports

Pearl Harbor Attack, Additional Action Reports

Remembering Pearl Harbor
(National Geographic) -- Multimedia Map and Time Line: Photos, footage, firsthand accounts, and narration bring the attack on Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, to life—moment by moment, target by target.

USS Arizona Memorial
(National Park Service) -- Oil droplets bubble to the surface of Pearl Harbor above the USS Arizona, creating a vivid link to the past. On a quiet Sunday morning December 7, 1941 a Japanese surprise air attack left the Pacific Fleet in smoldering heaps of broken, twisted steel. Here, peace was interrupted and paradise lost. In hours, 2,390 futures were stolen, half of these casualties from the battleship Arizona.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Panorama

Attack At Pearl Harbor, 1941
(EyeWitness to History) -- The surprise was complete. The attacking planes came in two waves; the first hit its target at 7:53 AM, the second at 8:55. By 9:55 it was all over. By 1:00 PM the carriers that launched the planes from 274 miles off the coast of Oahu were heading back to Japan.

National Museum of the Pacific War

Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund

Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor

National World War II Memorial

National Park Service: National World War II Memorial

Video: Pearl Harbor Memories

Video link.

US Navy Christens Newest Virginia-Class Submarine Missouri

GROTON, Conn. (Dec. 5, 2009) The Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780) is christened during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. The 7,800-ton Missouri is the seventh submarine of the Virginia class and the fifth U.S. warship to be named after the Show-Me state. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers.)

Focus on Defense:

GROTON, Conn., Dec. 6, 2009 -- With the spray of bubbly from a champagne bottle, PCU Missouri (SSN 780), the Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, was christened during a late morning ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn., Dec. 5.

Missouri, the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State," is "a link in the honored chain of ships to bear the name; another chapter in the storied history of the Naval service," said Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus.

SECNAV and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates were among the many dignitaries and guests who attended the ceremony.

"We gather for this christening with the knowledge that Missouri's service builds upon a proud lineage of her namesake," said U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, the principal speaker for the event. "We gather in the belief that her service to our country – silent as it may be – will keep Americans safe by deterring would-be aggressors. We also gather today to confidently set the tone for the character of this submarine, which will sail with one foot in her proud past, but with an eye toward the future and all the potential that it holds."

Becky Gates, wife of the secretary of defense, serves as ship's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year's keel laying ceremony.

"I am humbled that in some way, I will go wherever the submarine sails," said Becky Gates. "As this, the latest Missouri, moves on to active duty, my thoughts will always be with the dedicated patriots who sail aboard her, and the loved ones who wait for their safe return."

The christening marks another milestone for the submarine, which is "now 90 percent complete with construction and is on track to finish $72 million under budget and well ahead of scheduled," according to director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Adm. Kirkland H. Donald.

"This accomplishment is a testament of the leadership on this project. It's a tribute to each individual tradesman and sailor represented by this crew that did their job right the first time and kept the environment of success and ownership on track and ever stronger," said Donald.

The last Missouri, a legendary battleship, saw action in World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, and was also the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II Sept. 2, 1945.

"This new Missouri will continue the proud history of ships before her. We in Missouri are proud of this ship, we are proud of her crew, we are proud of the ship builders who constructed it," said U.S. Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

The seventh Virginia-class submarine, Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode of Spencer, W.Va., the ship's commanding officer, leads a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

Missouri is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2010 and begin her missions.

"She may patrol the waters of the Western Pacific or the North Atlantic. She may work with the Coast Guard and our international partners to stem the flow of illegal narcotics into our country. She may support our strike groups. And she will deploy to answer whatever the unknown challenges of the future, wherever they may be in support of our Maritime Strategy and our national objectives," said Mabus.

The 7,800-ton Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.

(Report by Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs.)

OEF Update, Dec. 6, 2009: Operations conducted in Laghman, Kandahar and Ghanzi Provinces; US Casualty

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2009 -- An international security force carried out an air strike early this morning and killed a group of enemy militants in Laghman province who placed IEDs along a road near the village of Hakimabad in the Arlingar district.

After the air strike, Afghan-international security forces cleared the site, found the IEDs and destroyed them.

Also today, an Afghan-international security force detained a Taliban commander and another militant after searching a compound in Kandahar province. The commander is responsible for several IED and suicide bomb attacks and for distributing arms and IED materials to insurgents in the area.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Rigwai Sofla in the Panjawi district where reliable intelligence sources said the Taliban commander was located. The compound was searched without incident and two militants were detained, including the Taliban commander.

In Ghanzi province, another Afghan-international security force searched a compound near the village of Mian Kheyl in Wali Mohammad Shaheed district without incident. The security force detained one suspected militant.

In a separate operation late yesterday, an Afghan-international security force detained a group of militants while searching for a senior Taliban commander in northern Kandahar province. The commander is responsible for several attacks and distributing weapons and IED materials to other militant forces in the area.

Several militants were killed when they attacked the joint force while searching a compound near the village of Shotor Gardan in the Khakriz district where the commander was believed to be located.

No civilians were harmed during any of these operations.

ISAF Casualty:

An ISAF servicemember from the United States was killed when his unit encountered an IED in eastern Afghanistan yesterday.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

US Navy Divers Recover Soldier's Body From Afghanistan River

FORWARD OPERATING BASE TODD, Afghanistan (Nov. 29, 2009) - Members of a U.S. Navy dive team from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 drag a Zodiac inflatable boat up the Murghab river in northern Afghanistan during Operation Hero Recovery. MDSU 2, along with members of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, recovered the body of U.S. Army Sgt Brandon Islip Nov. 29 after four days of searching the Murghab river. The Navy divers, who are attached to Commander Task Force (CTF) 56, deployed from Bahrain to support the recovery operation. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash.)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE TODD, Afghanistan (Nov. 29, 2009) - Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Keith Boise attempts to steer from the bow of a Zodiac inflatable boat while Navy Diver 1st Class Daniel Muhlbach drives the two up the Murghab river in northern Afghanistan during Operation Hero Recovery. MDSU 2, along with members of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, recovered the body of U.S. Army Sgt Brandon Islip Nov. 29 after four days of searching the Murghab river. The Navy divers, who are attached to Commander Task Force (CTF) 56, deployed from Bahrain to support the recovery operation. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash.)

Dispatches from the Front:

FORWARD OPERATING BASE TODD, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2009 -- A team of U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Two, Company 2-3, helped recover the body of U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Islip from the Murghab river in northern Afghanistan.

The MDSU divers, who are attached to Commander Task Force (CTF) 56, deployed from Bahrain to support Operation Hero Recovery. After four days of searching the Murghab river in waters flowing around 12 knots and as low as 42 degrees, the divers located Sgt. Islip Nov. 29.

“We were tasked to enhance the search efforts in the rapids near the initial entry point,” said Chief Warrant Officer James Dertilis, the team’s diving warrant officer. “We expected very challenging dive conditions, but everyone was prepared mentally and we were determined to complete the mission successfully.”

“The bottom was rough and uneven and our visibility was at six inches or less,” said Navy Diver 1st Class William Stetson. “We worked through it and by the second day we were able to crawl along the bottom searching and covering large areas.”

The MDSU team had help from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Senior Chief Eric Brooks who went in advance of the team to handle logistics. Brooks set up berthing and a supply chain for the team in Afghanistan where they had never dove before and had no pre-existing logistics set up.

Throughout the job the team also worked closely with Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. The two teams quickly adapted to one another and were working in unison before the end of the first day. “In addition to the security they provided, the 82nd Airborne Soldiers were eager to help us out,” said Navy Diver 2nd Class Alfred Pintor. “Whether it was helping to tend the lines for our divers in the water or just cooking us a good steak for breakfast, they were there for us and with us.”

The entire MDSU team took the job to heart and considered finding the lost Soldier to be their most important mission of their Navy careers.

“The team laid everything on the line for mission success,” said Master Diver Billy Gilbert. “The personnel braved rapids with currents exceeding ten knots and applied all their expeditionary and salvage experience performing dives in a hostile environment.”

CTF 56 is a U.S. 5th Fleet task force that plays a vital role in the region by providing operational oversight for all naval expeditionary combat forces. CTF-56 supports nine different task groups including expeditionary combat, logistical support and combat service support forces.

(Report by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash.)