OEF Update, Dec. 25, 2009: Forces in Afghanistan Kill, Detain Militants

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 25, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants while searching for a Taliban enabler in Wardak province today.

The joint security force searched a compound east of the village of Naskak in the Chak-e-Wardak district after intelligence assets pin-pointed militant activity nearby and detained the militants.

In an operation in Paktika, a joint security force killed a few armed militants and captured a small group of insurgents while searching for a Haqqani commander.

The Afghan-international security force moved to two compounds west of the town of Chowray, in the Deela district after intelligence confirmed Haqqani militant activities there. During the subsequent search, the security force captured several more militants and recovered weapons and IED components.

In other operations yesterday, ISAF forces in southern Afghanistan detained almost a dozen insurgents for possible connection to the manufacturing of IEDs. One of the insurgents was in the immediate proximity to a transmitter used to detonate a remote-controlled IED.

Patrolling service members in the south also found approximately 600 pounds of what is believed to be ammonium nitrate, a key ingredient of homemade explosives and they also found a Russian anti-tank mine. Lastly, a local resident led troops to an IED that had been placed under a bridge.

No civilians were harmed in any of these operations.

Kunar’s First Midwifery Program Dedicated:

The Kunar provincial governor, national government leaders and the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team dedicated the province’s first midwifery training center in Asadabad, Dec. 22, to decrease Afghan maternal and infant mortality rates.

"I’m sure this will reduce the mortality rates in the province. We have fewer facilities than in other provinces, so we are thankful for the ministry of public health and our international partners for working together to make this happen," said Fazlullah Wahidi, provincial governor. "This is directly for the benefit of the women of Kunar. For the sustainability of the program, we need private organizations and (international partners) to continue to support these projects."

Along with the ribbon cutting, there was a ceremony recognizing 24 women from around the province currently enrolled in the first midwife program. The women were selected from 42 candidates to attend the 18-month long course to learn prenatal and postpartum care for expectant mothers and their babies.

"In 2004, there were only 150 deliveries per year because people didn’t have access to services," said Dr. Isanullah Faxli, Asadabad hospital administrator. "Now we have 350 deliveries per month in Asadabad alone. That is because people trust there is a hospital and staff here to help them."

According to Navy Lt. Jed Juachon, PRT medical officer, because there is a lack of obstetricians in Kunar, the midwife program is essential for handling basic prenatal care, birthing and postpartum care.

"A problem in Kunar is a high maternal and infant mortality rate, which is preventable with early treatment and care that can be provided by these midwives," Juachon said. "The PRT provided modules to help train the students, which included human models and charts."

According to Dr. Mohammed Asif, midwifery program director, the women started the course in September and will go back to their districts when done with the training. Asif said the current program is only funded for this first course, but the provincial government is looking for more donors and assistance to extend the course beyond the initial cadre.

ISAF Casualties:

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

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

Wire: Al-Qaida Link in Domestic Plane Attack, White House Says Terrorism

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25, 2009 -- Newswire services this evening reported that a Northwest Airlines passenger from Nigeria, who said he was acting on al-Qaida's instructions, tried to blow up the plane Friday as it was landing in Detroit, law enforcement and national security officials said.

The Associated Press reported that passengers subdued the man and may have prevented him from detonating the explosives, the officials said.

"We believe this was an attempted act of terrorism," a White House official said.

Federal officials imposed stricter screening measures after the incident.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., ranking GOP member of the House Homeland Security Committee, identified the suspect as Abdul Mudallad, a Nigerian. King said the flight began in Nigeria and went through Amsterdam en route to Detroit. There were 278 passengers aboard the Airbus 330.

There was nothing out of the ordinary until the flight was on final approach to Detroit, said Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory. That is when the pilot declared an emergency and landed without incident shortly thereafter, Cory said in an e-mail message. The plane landed at 11:51 a.m. EST.

One of the U.S. intelligence officials said the explosive device was a mix of powder and liquid. It failed when the passenger tried to detonate it.

The passenger was being questioned Friday evening. An intelligence source said the Nigerian passenger was being held and treated in an Ann Arbor, Mich., hospital.

All the sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was continuing.

One law enforcement source said the man claimed to have been instructed by al-Qaida to detonate the plane over U.S. soil.

The official said an official determination of a terrorist act would have to come from the attorney general.

AP also reported that the official said the airline threat level was not being raised.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: AP sources: Al-Qaida link in failed plane attack

Merry Christmas

The 'panzer' Santa, with well-filled sack of radios, books, cookies, and other gifts dear to soldiers hearts, glides up to the door of the barracks in Camp Lee's Quartermaster Corps and it isn't hampered by lack of snow in Virginia. Camp Lee, Virginia, Quartermaster Replacement Center. December 1941. (U.S. Army photo.)

Pentagon Identifies Marine Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 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.

Lance Cpl. Omar G. Roebuck, 23, of Moreno Valley, Calif., died Dec. 22, as a result of a non-hostile incident in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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

OEF Update, Dec. 24, 2009: Militants Detained; Caches Discovered; ISAF Casualties

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Helmand while searching for a Taliban commander linked to a murder and intimidation campaign.

The joint security force went to a compound north of the village of Ser Banader in the Garmsir district after intelligence experts confirmed militant activity in the area. When the joint force approached the compound they came under hostile fire. Later, while searching the compound they detained the militants.

In an operation in Kandahar, a joint security force captured a suspected Taliban commander believed to be responsible for recent assassinations and detained a couple of other militants.

The security force searched a compound just south of Kandahar City after intelligence assets located militant activity there and took the Taliban commander and militants into custody.

In an operation in Khowst, an Afghan-international security force detained about a dozen suspected Haqqani militants and recovered illegal weapons.

The security force moved into a series of compounds in the Sabari district after intelligence sources found a concentration of militant activity. After an extensive search, the security force detained the militants. The joint force also found AK-47 rifles and pistols.

In other operations, international security forces discovered three weapons caches and drugs in the Helmand province yesterday while conducting a patrol.

The unit seized AK-47s, ammunition magazines, more than 200 7.62mm rounds and 40 pounds of black heroin tar in the Now Zad district.

The drugs were destroyed and the weapons were seized as evidence.

No civilians were harmed in any of these operations.

Afghan Police Receive Medical Training:

Afghan police officers from six districts recently attended a new medical training course in Ghazni province.

Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni corpsmen created the course at the request of Afghan police. The course trains attendees at a level above basic combat life saver, enabling them to take the knowledge back to fellow policemen in their own districts.

The chief of police for each district handpicked each officer to attend the two days of instruction on FOB Ghazni. The officers learned basic first aid, hemorrhage control, how to prepare patients for medical evacuation by helicopter, treating for tension pneumothorax, and starting IVs.

"They asked a lot of good questions and seemed really interested and eager to learn. They weren’t afraid of starting IVs and being hands on," said Lt. Joseph Baugh, naval physician’s assistant, Ghazni PRT.

As the ANSF across Afghanistan become further partnered with coalition forces, it becomes increasingly important to have them trained on similar equipment. Giving ANP officers basic first aid skills and the ability to treat combat injuries will enable them to apply these skills to the civilian communities as well.

Future plans include training Afghan police to perform more advanced medical life-saving techniques.

ISAF Casualties:

An ISAF servicemember from United Kingdom was killed in an IED attack in southern Afghanistan Tuesday. An ISAF servicemember from Canada was killed by an IED in southern Afghanistan Wednesday.

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

Photo Essay: Christmas Warships 2009

USS Russell (DDG 59). (U.S. Navy photo.)

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy Photo By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Brian L. Short.)

Commander, Navy Region Hawaii barge. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl.)

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac. )

USS Russell (DDG 59). (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Theresa Donnelly.)

USS Lassen and USS McCampbell. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer Bryan Reckard.)

The guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark A. Leonesio.)

The guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark A. Leonesio.)

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Reckard.)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor.)

USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Stethem (DDG 63), and USS Howard (DDG 83). (U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.)

USS Elliot (DD 967), USS Olendorf (DD 972), USS Fitzgerald (DD 62), and the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). (U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.)

USS Olendorf (DD-972). (U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.)

USS Pinckney (DDG 91). (U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jo A. Wilbourn Sims.)

USS Crommelin (FFG 37). (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Ryan C. McGinley.)

USS Peleliu (LHA 5). (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf.)

USS Milius (DDG 69). (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf .)

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (U.S. Navy photograph by Photographer's Mate Airman Thomas J. Holt.)

USS Peleliu (LHA 5). (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf.)

USS Russell (DDG 59). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.)

The forward hangar bay tunnel aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arturo Chavez.)

USS Russell (DDG 59). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.)

USS Russell (DDG 59). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.)

USS Chosin (CG 65). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.)

The Sea Wolf-class attack submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23). (U.S. Navy photo by Master Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jerry McLain.)

The guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) displays a spectacle of holiday lights during the 2008 Afloat Holiday Lighting Contest on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor Dec. 18, 2008. Hawaii area commanders toured the harbor and judged ships based on best lighting scheme, most creative display and energy conservation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Hight.)

Santa waives to friends and family of the crew of the Los Angeles class submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) as the submarine returns home to Submarine Base New London in time for the holidays. Providence is returning from a scheduled six-month deployment, which included a stop at the North Pole in July to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first submarine polar transit, completed by USS Nautilus (SSN 571) in 1958. (U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski.)

NOTE: Host for hi-res imagery is offline.

More Military Imagery on THE TENSION

OIF Summary, Dec. 23, 2009: Forces in Iraq Arrest 7 Terrorism Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2009 -- Iraqi security forces working with U.S. advisors arrested seven terrorism suspects today during two security operations, military officials reported.

Four suspects were arrested in Rashidiyah, north of Mosul, during an operation conducted to arrest a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member believed responsible for suicide-vest attacks in Balad and Muqdadiyah.

Evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi forces to arrest four suspected criminal associates of the al-Qaida in Iraq member without incident.

In southern Baghdad, Iraqi forces arrested a suspected member of a Kataib Hezbollah explosives cell believed to be responsible for mortar attacks conducted in September against security forces and civilians in the Basra region and two suspected accomplices.

After conducting preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, Iraqi forces arrested the alleged Kataib Hezbollah member and his accomplices without incident.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

OEF Update, Dec. 23, 2009: Joint Force Captures Kabul Criminal Group; Militants Killed, Detained; UK Casualty

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 23, 2009 -- In an Afghan General Directorate of Special Operations-led operation this morning several known instigators of a kidnapping criminal group were detained.

The Afghan force supported by ISAF forces, searched Police District 5 in Kabul City and detained the individuals who are linked to the facilitation and coordination of kidnappings in and around the city.

In other operations, an Afghan-international security force in Patkya killed several militants today, including a Taliban commander responsible for several IED attacks. The joint force also detained a couple of other militants.

The joint force moved to a compound west of the village of Goldad Kheyl in the Zurmat district after intelligence confirmed militant activity in the area. The security force encountered resistance and killed the Taliban commander and the militants.

In an operation in the Zabul province, a joint security force killed a militant, wounded another and captured a third today, after intelligence sources indicated a Taliban target on was in the Jeldak district near the village of Fuladgay.

In an operation in Nangarhar today, another Afghan-international security force captured a couple of suspected militants including a Taliban weapons facilitator responsible for several attacks.

The security force searched a compound north of the village of Dag Kalay in the Acheen district after intelligence detected militant activities. After an extensive search, the joint force found rocket-propelled grenade propellant. The security force then detained the militants.

In an operation in Wardak, a joint security force apprehended a handful of suspected militants today.

The joint force went to a compound in the village of Zamooch, in the Sayed Abad district, after intelligence sources discovered militant activities. While searching the compound the security force detained the suspected militants.

No civilians were harmed in these operations.

ISAF Casualty:

An ISAF servicemember from United Kingdom was killed by small arms fire in southern Afghanistan Monday.

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

Navy Takes Delivery of 2nd Littoral Combat Ship, Future USS Independence

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a key element of the Navy's plan to address asymmetric threats. Intended to operate in coastal areas of the globe, the ship will be fast, highly maneuverable and geared to supporting mine detection/elimination, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare, particularly against small surface craft. (Video courtesy Jason Kello, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (File photo, July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- The Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS Independence (LCS 2) Dec. 18 during a short ceremony in Mobile, Ala. Independence is the second littoral combat ship delivered to the Navy, and the first LCS of the General Dynamics variant. LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship with versatile warfighting capabilities, capable of open-ocean operation, but optimized for littoral, or coastal, missions.

"Today marks a critical milestone in the life of the LCS 2," said Rear Adm. James Murdoch, the LCS program manager in the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The Navy and our industry partners have worked diligently to deliver a much-needed capability."

Prior to delivery, the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) conducted Acceptance Trials aboard LCS 2 on Nov. 13-19, and found the ship's propulsion plant, sea-keeping and self-defense performance to be "commendable," and recommended that the chief of naval operations authorize delivery of the ship following the correction or waiver of cited material deficiencies.

Between now and sail away in February 2010, the contractor will correct most of the trial cards received during trials. Any remaining cards will be corrected during scheduled post-delivery maintenance availabilities including the post-shakedown availability scheduled for completion in 2011.

Delivery is the last shipbuilding milestone before commissioning, scheduled for Jan. 16 in Mobile, Ala.

The LCS class is designed from the keel up to deliver efficient capability, capacity, and flexibility to the warfighter. Independence, a high-speed aluminum trimaran, is designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The 417-foot Independence will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called mission packages, which can be changed out quickly. These mission packages focus on three mission areas: mine counter measures, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and has delivered eight major surface ships to the fleet since the beginning of 2009. PEO Ships is working in conjunction with its industry partners to achieve steady production for all programs to increase production efficiencies and leverage cost savings. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets ¯ while balancing affordability and capability ¯ is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy and building the Navy's 313-ship force structure. PEO Ships is committed to delivering quality ships at an affordable price.

(Report from a Team Ships Public Affairs news release.)

Recent Military Imagery on THE TENSION

Pentagon Discuses Reasons for Pregnancy Provision in Iraq

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- An Army general in Iraq is going beyond the typical protocol to ensure every able-bodied soldier in his unit stays fit to fight, even if it means punishing troops for engaging in sexual activities while deployed.

Through the Multinational Division North command’s General Order No. 1, Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Cucolo III formally prohibits deployed soldiers under his command from becoming pregnant or impregnating a soldier.

Defense Department regulations call for any servicemember who becomes pregnant in a combat theater or learns she’s pregnant after deploying to a combat theater to immediately redeploy to their home duty station for medical care.

“Anyone who leaves this fight early because they made a personal choice that changed their medical status or contributed to making someone no longer deployable is not in keeping with a key element of the Army's warrior ethos – ‘I will always place the mission first,’” Cucolo said. “I believe there should be professional consequences for making a choice like that.”

Although Cucolo, who commands Multinational Division North and 3rd Infantry Division, said he believes disciplinary action should be taken against violators of his policy, he added that courts-martial and legal action are too harsh. The cases he’s dealt with since his division headquarters arrived to Iraq’s Salahuddin province in October have resulted in letters of reprimand.

So far, eight female soldiers have redeployed from their expected yearlong deployment due to pregnancy. Four of the soldiers learned they were pregnant only after arriving to Iraq, and four others conceived while deployed, he said.

The soldiers who conceived after they deployed were punished with local letters of reprimand, which is a minimal punishment that Cucolo explained won’t damage their military careers. Two of the male soldiers also received local reprimands, he said.

“I consider the male soldier as responsible for taking a soldier out of the fight -- just as responsible as the female soldier that I lose,” he said.

Also, one male soldier received a more severe letter of reprimand that will be in his permanent record, due to his senior rank and because he was married. The fourth male soldier wasn’t punished, because the female soldier didn’t disclose his identity, the general added.

The general order Cucolo issued to his troops is stricter than that of his predecessors, the 25th Infantry Division, as well as his higher command at Multinational Corps Iraq, which bans soldiers from entering, residing or spending the night in living quarters with members of the opposite sex between specified hours. However, the previous and current provision doesn’t apply to legally married soldiers, provided that “adequate” and private living quarters are available.

Cucolo credited previous deployments and military experiences for the order’s provision explicitly banning sexual contact, and said the decision to add to the previous policy was made with support from his division’s senior leadership. He stressed the importance of maintaining sufficient manpower during his deployment as “mission-critical.”

“Since I'm responsible and accountable for the fighting ability of this outfit, I'm going to do everything I can to keep my combat power,” he said. “And in the Army, combat power is the individual soldier.”

Cucolo said he doesn’t believe his policy is too strict, and that the disciplinary actions aren’t the provision’s intent. Rather, he said, his goal in writing the provision over the summer before the deployment was to promote “thoughtful thinking and responsible behavior.”

“I wanted all my soldiers to think before they act -- before they make a personal choice that has consequences,” he said. “That would be the consequence of leaving your team shorthanded in combat, not the consequence of punishment.”

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

Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- The following news release made available Tuesday 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. Albert D. Ware, 27, of Chicago, Ill., died Dec. 18 in Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 782nd Combat Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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

Pentagon Identifies Marine Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- The following news release made available Tuesday 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.

Pfc. Serge Kropov, 21, of Hawley, Pa., died Dec. 20 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

This incident is under investigation.

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

US Navy: Construction Commences on First Joint High Speed Vessel

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- Workers at the Austal USA shipyard started fabrication of the first Joint High Speed Vessel Dec. 17 in Mobile, Ala.

"This is an important milestone for our program which brings us one step closer to delivering this critical asset to both the Army and the Navy," said Capt. George Sutton, the Strategic and Theater Sealift Office program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "Considerable investments in the Austal shipyard, coupled with the implementation of proven commercial technology, gives me high levels of confidence in the shipyard's ability to execute the program."

To pave the way for the start of fabrication, the JHSV program completed an extensive Production Readiness Review on Oct. 20. The ship's design maturity and readiness, the availability of materials and components, and the shipbuilder's ability to successfully start fabrication were all closely evaluated. Following the review, the Navy granted authorization for the company to begin construction.

Austal's recently constructed Modular Manufacturing Facility will eventually provide a five-fold increase in the company's existing construction capacity. This facility will have the ability to build both the Littoral Combat Ship and JHSV.

The JHSV program is procuring high-speed transport vessels for the Army and the Navy. These vessels will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment. The ship's large volume, high transport speed and inherent flexibility makes it a key asset for humanitarian and disaster relief, allied partnership and other outreach efforts.

The JHSV program merges the previous Army Theater Support Vessel and the Navy High Speed Connector, taking advantage of the inherent commonality between the two programs. To leverage the Navy's extensive experience in surface ship acquisition, PEO Ships has taken the lead on acquisition of both the Army and Navy high speed transport vessels.

The first JHSV, an Army vessel, is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2012.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships, and is currently managing the design and construction of 11 major ship classes and a wide range of small boats and craft. These platforms range from major warships such as frontline surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to air-cushioned landing craft, oceanographic research ships and special warfare craft. Since its creation in November 2002, PEO Ships has delivered more than 35 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 20 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.

(Report from a Team Ships Public Affairs news release.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 22, 2009: Forces in Iraq Arrest Terrorism Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 -- Iraq security forces, working with U.S. advisors, arrested 15 terrorism suspects, some of them cell leaders, in Iraq in recent days, military officials reported.

Iraqi forces arrested eight suspected terrorists today in three combined operations conducted to arrest terrorism suspects wanted on warrants in northern Iraq.

In western Mosul, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member who coordinates funding, weapons and equipment for a bombing cell in the region. After examining evidence at the scene, Iraqi forces arrested three suspected criminal associates of the warranted al-Qaida in Iraq member without incident.

In Beiji, southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors conducted traffic stops of two vehicles to arrest a wanted al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of staging deadly bombing and rocket attacks in Mosul and participating in kidnappings of Iraqi civilians.

Security forces stopped two minibuses in southern Beiji based on credible reports that the wanted man was a passenger on one of the buses. Following preliminary questioning and examination of evidence at the scene, Iraqi police arrested four suspected criminal associates of the wanted man without incident.

Also in Beiji today, an Iraqi emergency services unit arrested a man during an operation targeting a suspected member of an al-Qaida in Iraq cell. Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings with a warrant for the alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member, who is believed to be responsible for multiple kidnappings and bombing attacks in the region. Following a preliminary examination of evidence at the scene, Iraqi police arrested a suspected criminal associate of the warranted al-Qaida in Iraq member.

In northeastern Baghdad today, Iraqi forces arrested four suspected terrorists during a combined operation to arrest a suspected member of the Kataib Hezbollah terrorist network. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several homes for the wanted suspect, who acquires and distributes weapons and bombs to terrorist members who conduct attacks in the Iraqi capital.

In other recent operations in Iraq:

• Iraqi forces and U.S. soldiers arrested a man Dec. 19 on charges of being involved with terrorist groups in the Baghdad area. Based on a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge in Bayaa, U.S. troops of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Bayaa police apprehended Sayf Ali Abbas, believed to be responsible for kidnapping and planting roadside bombs.

• Elements of a northern Iraq emergency response battalion, working with U.S. forces, arrested Aqil Jabar al-Tamimi on terrorism charges Dec. 17 near Tikrit by the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh. Aqil, a suspected Jaysh al-Madhi insurgent force cell leader, allegedly is responsible for the kidnapping of Iraqi civilians. He also is a suspected bombing cell leader believed to be responsible for multiple attacks on Iraqi security forces and other terrorist activities throughout Diyala province through financing and recruiting new members.

• Iraqi and U.S. forces arrested Ali Hussein Hassan Farhat on a warrant for terrorism in northern Iraq, Dec. 15. Farhat, a member of the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist group, was wanted by authorities for his alleged role in multiple assassinations and vehicle-borne bomb attacks in Mosul and throughout Ninevah province.

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

Pentagon Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 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 Afghanistan rotations and deployment:

The Department of Defense (DoD) today announced the deployment of approximately 6,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, part of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Barack Obama on Nov. 30. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., will deploy approximately 3,400 soldiers during early summer 2010.

The deployment of this brigade will increase the capabilities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Secretary of Defense Robert Gates also approved the deployment of approximately 2,600 support forces, which will deploy at various times through spring 2010.

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

OEF Update, Dec. 22, 2009: Militants Killed, Detained in Kandahar, Wardak, Khowst; UK Casualty

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 22, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force killed a few militants and detained another militant in Ghazni province Monday night.

The joint force went to a series of compounds in the Andar district near the village of Zara Gerda after intelligence sources confirmed militant activities. The security force encountered armed enemy fighters who resisted and were subsequently killed.

Several weapons were found including AK-47 rifles, grenades, 40mm rounds and an anti-personnel mine.

Eight women and 16 children were protected during the operation. The compound sustained minor damage.

In an operation in Kandahar province today, a joint security force killed a couple of militants and detained additional militants while pursuing a Taliban commander.

The joint force searched a series of compounds east of the village of Khaneh Gerdad in the Shah Wali Kot district after intelligence sources reported militant activity.

In another operation in Kandahar province today, a joint Afghan-international security force killed a few militants and detained a couple of others while searching for a Taliban commander.

The joint force approached a compound in the Zhari district after intelligence sources confirmed militant activities in the area. As the security force moved toward a compound, several militants departed the area. Later, the security force received hostile fire and while returning fire, killed the militants and detained a couple of militants.

In an operation in Wardak province, a joint security force detained a handful of suspected militants including a Taliban facilitator today.

The security force moved to the Sayyidabad district after intelligence sources suspected militant activity in a compound near the village of Haft Asiab. After searching the compound, a group of suspected militants was detained, including the targeted facilitator.

In an operation in Khowst province today, an Afghan-international security force detained a group of suspected militants while searching for a Haqqani commander.

The joint security force closed in on a rural area of the Sabari district after intelligence indicated militant activity in a compound. After an extensive search the militants were detained.

No civilians were harmed during any of these operations.

Weapon Caches Found:

In other operations, two Afghan citizens from the Paktika province led Afghan National Police to a 107mm rocket that the police then diffused. In Ghazni province, coalition forces found another 107mm rocket that Polish engineers helped destroy. In Helmand province, a joint force found a cache of IED-making materials that contained six 60mm mortar rounds and other components. In Herat province, coalition forces found unexploded ordnance in two locations, including a 107mm rocket, three 82mm mortars, an 81mm mortar and a hand grenade.

ISAF Casualty:

An ISAF servicemember from United Kingdom was killed by small arms fire in southern Afghanistan Sunday.

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