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• National Guard Bureau Guard News Update
• DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation
• Fort Riley Current News Update - CALFEX Dec. 3-14
• Fort Riley Advisories Update - Noise & Training Advisory Nov. 30 - Dec. 14
• Today in the Department of Defense, 12/3/2012
• Contracts for November 30, 2012
• Today in the Department of Defense, 12/1/2012
• Today in the Department of Defense, 12/2/2012
• Air Force Offers Cultural Guides for Overseas-deployed Troops
• General Officer Assignment
• Fort Riley Current News Update - Cedar and pine boughs available
• Face of Defense: Crouching Sailor, Hidden Airman
• South Carolina Info Intrusions Traced to Overseas Hacker
• DOD, Lockheed Martin Agree to More F-35s
• VA News Releases Update
• Combined Force Arrests 2 Haqqani Insurgents
• Johnson Gives Legal Background for War Against al-Qaida
• Oregon National Guard, Vietnam Sign Partnership Pact
• Pentagon Honors 'Best in Show' Photography Winners
• Carter Outlines U.S. Security Strategy in Tight-budget Era
• Propwash

National Guard Bureau Guard News Update Posted: 30 Nov 2012 04:11 PM PST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to Guard News for National Guard Bureau. Officials offer guidance for GI Bill recipients activated for Hurricane Sandy operations 11/30/2012 11:52 AM EST After the activation of more than 12,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen along the East Coast in response to Hurricane Sandy, officials want to make Guard members aware of the steps they need to take to ensure they don't lose their education benefits...   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by the National Guard Bureau. SOCIAL MEDIA: http://www.flickr.com/photos/TheNationalGuard http://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNationalGuard http://www.twitter.com/USNationalGuard This email was sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: National Guard Bureau · AHS 2 · 111 South George Mason Drive · Arlington, VA 22204 · 800-439-1420

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation Posted: 30 Nov 2012 03:01 PM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation 11/30/2012 04:49 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 935-12 November 30, 2012 DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation             The Department of Defense today identified three major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.  The scheduled rotation involves two infantry brigade combat teams – one with roughly 1,400 personnel, the other with roughly 2,800 personnel – and one division headquarters with roughly 620 personnel to rotate in winter 2012 and spring 2013. The deploying units include:               Brigade Combat Teams:              1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.              4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.              Division Headquarters:             101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.              DoD will continue to announce major deployments as they are approved.  For information on these respective deployments, contact the following:  1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, contact the 10th Mountain Division public affairs officer at 315-772-7634; 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division Headquarters, contact the 101stAirborne Division public affairs officer at 270-798-9962.      U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Fort Riley Current News Update - CALFEX Dec. 3-14 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:34 PM PST You are subscribed to Current News for Fort Riley. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.  Soldiers to participate in large live-fire exercise – Dec. 3-14 The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division will be conducting a company level combined arms live fire exercise, or CALFEX, from Dec. 3 to 14 at Fort Riley. FULL STORY - http://www.riley.army.mil/NewsViewer.aspx?id=6873 Current News page - http://www.riley.army.mil/OurPost/CurrentNews.aspx       Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit https://service.govdelivery.com/service/help.html or contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Fort Riley. This email was sent by GovDelivery, Inc. on behalf of Fort Riley - 408 St. Peter Street, Suite 600 Saint Paul, MN 55102 - 1-800-439-1420

Fort Riley Advisories Update - Noise & Training Advisory Nov. 30 - Dec. 14 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:30 PM PST You are subscribed to Advisories for Fort Riley. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.   Noise and Training Advisory for November 30 - December 14, 2012. Due to the increased need for training 1st ID Soldiers, training scheduled throughout the period from November 30 - December 14, 2012 will likely yield the potential for noise in surrounding areas. This potential will extend around the clock. Residents are advised that impact noise is possible during all hours of the day and night. Road/Area Closures: None. Range Control and Public Affairs Office wishes our Central Flint Hills Region neighbors Happy Holidays! http://www.riley.army.mil/NewsViewer.aspx?id=1785       Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit https://service.govdelivery.com/service/help.html or contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Fort Riley. This email was sent by GovDelivery, Inc. on behalf of Fort Riley - 408 St. Peter Street, Suite 600 Saint Paul, MN 55102 - 1-800-439-1420

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/3/2012 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:20 PM PST You are subscribed to Today in DoD for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Today in the Department of Defense, 12/3/2012 11/30/2012 04:10 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, December 03, 2012   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta will deliver remarks at 4 p.m. EST and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter deliver remarks at 2:15 p.m. EST at the Nunn Lugar 20th Anniversary Symposium at National Defense University, Fort McNair, Va. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Contracts for November 30, 2012 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:18 PM PST You are subscribed to Contract Announcements for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Contracts for November 30, 2012 11/30/2012 04:01 PM CST FOR RELEASE AT 5 p.m. ET No. 933-12 November 30, 2012 CONTRACTS TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY             Delta Dental, San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a fixed-price contract to provide TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) coverage to all eligible personnel retired from the uniformed services, un-remarried surviving spouses, eligible dependents, former members of the armed forces who are Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible dependents.  Enrollment in the TRDP is voluntary and all premium costs are paid by the enrollee, therefore, there are no Government funds obligated on this contract.  The total estimated contract value, including the approximate 12-month base period and five one-year option periods for dental care, plus a transition-out period, is estimated at $2,551,743,226.  The program offers worldwide coverage for dental services.  The work to be performed includes management of provider networks, enrollment, claims processing, and customer service.  This contract was competitively procured using the Best Value Tradeoff Source Selection process with three offers received.  The TRICARE Management Activity, Aurora, Colo., is the contracting activity (HT9402-13-C-0006).  NAVY          The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $687,611,825 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N00019-09-C-0019) for the production and delivery of 15 fiscal 2013 (LOT 37) F/A-18E aircraft in accordance with the aircraft variation in quantity clause.  Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo.(45.2 percent); El Segundo, Calif.(44.6 percent); Hazelwood, Mo.(3.4 percent); Cleveland, Ohio (1.7 percent); Torrance, Calif. (1.4 percent); Vandalia, Ohio (1.0 percent); Ajax, Canada (1.0 percent), and various other sites within the continental U. S. (1.7 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $645,495,600 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.               General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $197,495,928 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-11-C-0045) to exercise an option for the procurement of 52 Lot 17 F414-GE-400 install engines and devices for the F/A-18E/F aircraft.  Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass. (59 percent); Hooksett, N.H. (18 percent); Rutland, Vt. (12 percent); and Madisonville, Ky. (11 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $197,495,928 will be obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.              Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $108,784,917 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-5300) for fiscal 2011 Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) production, section level components and spares, shipping containers and associated data.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (43.5 percent); Camden, Ark. (22 percent); Andover, Mass. (16.7 percent); Netherlands (5.3 percent); Anniston, Ala. (2.6 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2.4 percent); Lebanon, N.H. (2.1 percent); San Jose, Calif. (1.9 percent); Joplin, Mo. (1.8 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (1.6 percent); and is expected to be completed by March 2014.  This contract will support foreign military sales to Australia (39.8 percent), Korea (19.8 percent), Japan (17.5 percent), Canada (3.2 percent), Germany (0.4 percent), Taiwan (0.2 percent) and the Netherlands (0.1 percent).  Contract funds in the amount of $8,525,429 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.               BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $76,599,316 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for organizational, intermediate, depot level maintenance to support to support T-34 and T-44 aircraft.  In addition this contract provides logistics support including labor, services, facilities, equipment, tools, related support equipment, and direct and indirect material to support 124 T-34, 55 T-44, 42 T-6A, and 141 T-6B aircraft based primarily at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas, NAS Whiting Field, Fla., and NAS Pensacola, Fla.  Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas (50 percent), Whiting Field, Fla. (39 percent), Pensacola, Fla. (8 percent), and various sites within the continental U. S. (3 percent) including:  NAS Lemoore, Calif.; Strike Fighter Weapons School, NAS Oceana, Va.; Marine Corp Air Station Miramar, Calif.; Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; and NAS Fallon, Nev.  Work is expected to be completed in September 2013.  Contract funds will not be obligated at time of award.  Funding will be obligated upon issuance of task orders.  This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposals, with three offers received.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-D-0003).              Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $54,366,842 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of The Basic School Student Officer Quarters Phases five and six at Marine Corps Base Quantico.  The work to be performed provides for design and construction of four new facilities which will support billeting for Marine officers undergoing initial training at the basic school.  This contract contains three options, which if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $112,543,303.  Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2016.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 28 proposals received.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Wash., Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-13-C-0001).              The Navy originally awarded a contract under solicitation N40080-11-R-0004 (contract number N40080-12-C-0002) to Hensel Phelps Construction Co.  On July 23, 2012, Harper Construction Co., Inc., (Harper) filed a Bid Protest with the Government Accountability Office(GAO), protesting the Department of Navy's award to Hensel Phelps.  A suspension of performance was issued to Hensel Phelps on July 24, 2012.  GAO dismissed the protest from Harper on Aug. 16, 2012, as the Navy takes corrective action.  As a result of the re-evaluation, the Source Selection Authority has determined that award be made to Harper Construction Co., Inc., and that the contract previously awarded to Hensel Phelps will be Terminated for Convenience.              Kings Bay Support Services L.L.C., Baton Rouge, La., , is being awarded a $34,000,576 modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N69450-11-D-7578) to exercise option one for base operations support services at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.  The work to be performed provides for base operations support services including public safety, harbor security, security operations, supply, personnel support, facilities support, facility management/facility investment, other (swimming pools), pavement clearance, utilities, chiller, electrical, wastewater, steam, water, telecommunications, compressed air, base support vehicles and equipment, environmental, and vertical transportation equipment.  The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $69,702,968.  Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Ga., (99 percent), and Shellman Bluff, Ga., (1 percent) and work is expected to be completed November 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $2,379,321 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.              Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $9,088,594 firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement modification to a previously issued delivery order placed against Basic Ordering Agreement N00019-09-G-0005 for additional Airborne Mine Countermeasures test support and system development efforts in support of the MH-60S aircraft.  Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in May 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $2,080,998 will be obligated at time of award, $1,327,000 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.              Adaptive Methods Inc.*, Centreville, Va., is being awarded a $7,477,445 cost-plus-fixed-fee Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract under topic N02-152, entitled "Environmental Mission Planner."  This effort shall upgrade the existing fleet product, FORCEnet ASPECT, from its current capabilities for the Improved Extended Echo Ranging  System and the emerging Multistatic Active Coherent  System.  Work will be performed in Centreville, Va., and is expected to be completed in November 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-13-C-0106).              Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $7,442,121 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0005) to exercise an option in support of the Program Executive Office, unmanned aviation and strike weapons, Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Program Office.  This effort procures HARM AGM-88B/C guidance sections for a quantity of: Navy (30), Air Force (85), Government of Germany (10), Government of Turkey (5), and Government of South Korea (2); HARM AGM-88B/C control sections for a quantity of Air Force (15), Government of Germany (2), and Government of Turkey (1); and support technical data for the HARM AGM-88B/C Guidance Sections and AGM-88B/C control sections for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, Government of Germany, Government of Turkey, and the Government of South Korea under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in May 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $4,948,885 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($4,948,885; 67 percent); the U.S. Navy ($1,480,170; 20 percent); the Government of Germany ($608,044; 8 percent); the Government of Turkey ($304,022; 4 percent); and the Government of South Korea ($101,000; 1 percent).  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.  AIR FORCE             General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, Calif., (FA8620-10-G-3038, DO 0013 02) is being awarded a $12,583,958 option exercise for the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft fiscal 2010/2011 retrofits.  The location of the performance is Poway, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2015.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WIIK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.              CCI Group L.L.C., Shalimar, Fla., (FA2823-10-D-0001) is being awarded a $10,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for simplified acquisition of base engineering requirements-maintenance, repair and minor construction efforts.  The location of the performance is Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.  Work is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2013.  The contracting activity is AFTC/PZIO, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.              Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Ga., (FA8625-07-C-6471, P00184) is being awarded a $9,046,477 contract modification for the C-5 reliability enhancement and re-engining program.  The location of the performance is Marietta, Ga.  Work is expected to be completed by July 31, 2015.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WLSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.              L-3 National Security Solutions Inc., Reston, Va. (FA8723-13-D-0001), is being awarded a $63,100,000 indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery contract for sustainment and modernization of the Mobile Consolidated Command Center.  The locations of the performance is Colorado Springs, Colo.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Cheyenne, Wyo.  Work is expected to be completed by July 31, 2018.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/HBQK, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.  DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY             TW Metals, Carol Stream, Ill., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8E5-10-D-0005/P00028.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic- price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $78,988,148 for various carbon steel bar, sheet and plate materials.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were three responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is March 1, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Metals USA, Fort Washington, Pa., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8E5-10-D-0004/P00023.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $71,229,055 for various carbon steel bar, sheet and plate materials.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were three responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Mar. 3, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Sopakco Packaging * Mullins, S.C., was awarded contract SPM3S1-12-D-Z108.  The award is a firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $59,202,500 for meal, ready-to-eat.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were three solicitations with three responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013, Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              AmeriQual Group L.L.C., Evansville, Ind., was awarded contract SPM3S1-12-D-Z107.  The award is a firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $59,106,250 for meal, ready-to-eat.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were three solicitations with three responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              The Wornick Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded contract SPM3S1-12-D-Z109.  The award is a firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $52,477,500 for meal, ready-to-eat.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were three solicitations with three responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Admiral Metals Servicenter Inc.*, Woburn, Mass., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8E5-10-D-0001/P00026.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $47,853,764 for various stainless steel and alloy steel bar, sheet and plate materials.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were four responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013, Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is March 2, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Metals USA, Fort Washington, Pa., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8E5-10-D-0002/P00022.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $46,948,606 for various stainless steel and alloy steel bar, sheet, and plate materials.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were four responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is March 2, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              TW Metals, Carol Stream, Ill., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8E5-10-D-0003/P00027.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $44,557,633 for various stainless steel and alloy steel bar, sheet, and plate materials.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were five responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is March 3, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Charleston Aluminum L.L.C.*, Gaston, S.C., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8E5-10-D-0006/P00014.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $36,635,308 for various aluminum sheet and plate materials.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were three responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is March 7, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              KPMG L.L.P., Mclean, Va., was awarded contract SP4703-11-A-0017-0022.  The award is a firm-fixed price contract with a minimum $17,646,215 for management services.  Other location of performance is Fort Belvoir, Va.  Using service is federal civilian agencies.  There were six responses to the solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 2, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office, Richmond, Va.              Patterson Dental Supply Inc., Saint Paul, Minn., was issued a modification exercising the third option year on contract SPM2DE-10-D-7447/P00007.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $15,041,348 for distribution of a wide range of general dental supplies.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were ten responses to the DLA Internet Bid Board solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 13, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.  U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND             International Development and Resources, Centreville, Va., is being awarded a $250,000,000, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract to provide special operations aviation specialized support services in support of the U. S. Special Operations Command, Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO).  The resulting contract will provide specialized support services to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.  Services will be performed primarily at Fort Campbell, Ky; however, other duty locations may be needed.  Maximum contract period of performance will end Dec. 31, 2022.  Task Order 0001 is anticipated to be effective Jan. 1, 2013 and will be awarded in the amount of $952,395.  The contracting authority is U. S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., (H92241-13-D-0001).  *Small Business     U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Contracts/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/1/2012 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:15 PM PST You are subscribed to Today in DoD for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Today in the Department of Defense, 12/1/2012 11/30/2012 04:09 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, December 01, 2012   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/2/2012 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:13 PM PST You are subscribed to Today in DoD for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Today in the Department of Defense, 12/2/2012 11/30/2012 04:09 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, December 02, 2012   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Air Force Offers Cultural Guides for Overseas-deployed Troops Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:04 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Air Force Offers Cultural Guides for Overseas-deployed Troops 11/30/2012 03:38 PM CST Air Force Offers CulturAL Guides for Overseas-deployed Troops Air Force Culture and Language Center MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala., Nov. 30, 2012 - The Air Force Culture and Language Center here released its Philippines Expeditionary Culture Field Guide today. What you need to know about a place and its people -- that's what the AFCLC-produced cultural guidebooks provide for deploying military members. The Philippines guidebook is the first to focus on a country in the Asia-Pacific region. The pocket-sized, laminated and spiral-bound booklet contains the essential elements needed to work effectively with host-nation counterparts in the Philippines. Topics include the history of the Philippines, religious traditions, and basic language familiarization. AFCLC's social science and cultural experts developed the booklet in collaboration with active-duty and retired military members. The center initially developed guides for Iraq and Afghanistan, said Mary Newbern, AFCLC's Region Branch chief. The success of those guides led to a request from U.S. Africa Command for field guides on other countries. The center then published guides for 14 African countries. Ten more are being developed and will be published in 2013, according to AFCLC officials. The launch of the Philippines field guide represents the growth of AFCLC services and program officials hope to continue assisting airmen performing the Air Force's global mission. "We have to make sure our military members have the information they need to operate effectively in any environment," said Jay Warwick, AFCLC director. "The ECFGs are just one way we deliver the skills and knowledge necessary for cross-cultural competence."   Related Sites: Air Force Culture and Language Center Cultural Guidebook Website   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

General Officer Assignment Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:01 PM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. General Officer Assignment 11/30/2012 02:39 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 934-12 November 30, 2012 General Officer Assignment             The chief of staff, U.S. Air Force announced today the following assignment:              Col. Sarah E. Zabel, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, commander, 75th Air Base Wing, Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to special assistant to the commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.     U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Fort Riley Current News Update - Cedar and pine boughs available Posted: 30 Nov 2012 01:47 PM PST You are subscribed to Current News for Fort Riley. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.  Units, housing occupants and activities desiring cedar and pine boughs to decorate the interior and exterior of their buildings can pick up this material at the Directorate of Public Works parking lot on Dickman Avenue across from Building 364 on Main Post. Boughs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from now until Dec. 23 or until supplies last. Extreme care should be taken in using these to avoid fire hazards. Frequent misting or sprinkling of boughs with water is recommended to prevent their drying out. All units, housing occupants and activities are reminded that cutting pine and cedar trees or branches anywhere on the installation is strictly prohibited. For more information, call 785-239-3908.       Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit https://service.govdelivery.com/service/help.html or contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Fort Riley. This email was sent by GovDelivery, Inc. on behalf of Fort Riley - 408 St. Peter Street, Suite 600 Saint Paul, MN 55102 - 1-800-439-1420

Face of Defense: Crouching Sailor, Hidden Airman Posted: 30 Nov 2012 01:37 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Face of Defense: Crouching Sailor, Hidden Airman 11/30/2012 02:49 PM CST Face of Defense: Crouching Sailor, Hidden Airman By Air Force Airman 1st Class Tom Brading Joint Base Charleston CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 30, 2012 - Tim Boykin, Space and Naval Warfare Systems operations research analyst and retired U.S. Navy commander, has dedicated his life to not only serving his country but also martial arts. Tim Boykin, Space and Naval Warfare Systems operations research analyst and retired Navy commander, trains service members and civilians in martial arts Nov. 26, 2012, at Joint Base Charleston's fitness center. Before practicing striking moves, Boykin conducts cardio exercises and warm-ups with the group. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tom Brading (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. He has excelled in the Isshin-ryu style of karate, becoming an 8th degree Master Isshin-ryu black belt, as well as a black belt in ju-jitsu and the first Navy officer to receive the Marine Corps black belt. Isshin-ryu, Boykin's first martial arts love, is an Okinawan karate style founded in Japan after World War II. Military members, especially Marines stationed at Okinawa, were almost immediately drawn to the striking arts and stand-up fighting style Isshin-ryu offered. Today, it remains a popular style of karate throughout the United States, and Boykin volunteers his time to train service members at Joint Base Charleston. According to Boykin, volunteering time to teach others is his duty as a master black belt. It's a duty that began years ago, thousands of miles away on the Far East corner of the globe. It's the late 1970s and inside a large dojo somewhere in the Japanese countryside, the red sun rises over the snowy mountain tops and countryside, light radiates through translucent paper walls of the dojo and golden beams from the misty dawn illuminate the sacred training ground. Meanwhile, more than 30 Japanese natives have already dedicated countless hours toward training on the same hallowed ground as their ancestors. Tradition and honor are just as important to them as the precision which they practice their martial arts. Boykin, a young naval officer and martial arts brown belt at the time, is an outsider as he cautiously enters the dojo. He began his martial arts training outside of Charlotte, N.C., but has never trained inside a traditional Japanese dojo. The locals were often weary of outsiders. However, instead of being banished by the disciplined locals inside, the master trainer requests him to stay. "They didn't understand a word I said, and I couldn't understand them," Boykin said. "But, what we lacked in communication, we made up through martial arts." Throughout that day, Boykin took part in more than 25 fights, including a kumite tournament. For hours, he fought through the pain and sweat and with every advancing round in the tournament he gained a little more respect from his opponents. The kumite is a sparring style tournament, where individuals face off against an adversary in a combat style fight judged by Master-level black belts. "After the tournament, the dojo Master offered me a drink," said Boykin. "Being accepted into a traditional Japanese dojo was one of my greatest achievements." Years of crafting his martial arts artistry has garnished Boykin many successes over the years, including an induction into the Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame in 2010, IHOF Instructor of the Year in 2009, Spirit of Isshin-ryu in 1996 and many other recognitions. However, according to Boykin, some of the greatest achievements he's experienced in martial arts haven't come from earning trophies. It's always came from earning respect, from his early days in the military in Yokosuka, Japan, to his years in the Cajun country of Louisiana with the U.S. Marines. For three years, Boykin trained Marines in hand-to-hand combat in New Orleans. Wooden planks weren't the only thing Boykin broke as he trained Marines preparing for deployment. He also broke barriers by becoming the first naval officer to receive the Marine Corps black belt. Traditionally, Marines wear their martial arts belt color as their webbed rigger's belt earned through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program on their Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform. "It was very difficult for me to receive the black belt from the Marines," Boykin said. "But, I trained all the judges that were qualifying me, so it was hard for them to consistently deny my ability. And I'll be honest; it felt great to be an old Navy officer wearing that black belt with my blue uniform." To this day, his times spent with the Marines are some of his proudest moments. Boykin challenges airmen and sailors here to challenge themselves and step into his dojo and learn the basics of martial arts. "Nobody expects new members to run across bamboo sticks like a kung-fu movie their first night," Boykin said. "But if anyone wants to better themselves, maybe build self-confidence or just want to get a good workout, then attending one of my classes is a great way to do that."     Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. 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South Carolina Info Intrusions Traced to Overseas Hacker Posted: 30 Nov 2012 01:37 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. South Carolina Info Intrusions Traced to Overseas Hacker 11/30/2012 02:12 PM CST South Carolina Info Intrusions Traced to Overseas Hacker By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2012 - South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said an international hacker is responsible for illegally obtaining 4 million social security numbers from electronically filed state tax returns dating back to 1998. Defense Department and South Carolina officials are notifying U.S. service members of the recently discovered cyber intrusions, Haley said today in an interview with The Pentagon Channel. Defense officials said the intrusions also involve several hundred thousand credit and debit card numbers and other information. "We know an international hacker came into our system and got an employee to click on something that allowed him to get his password," Haley said. "From there, he was able to take that password and gather information." The cyber intrusions likely took place in August and September, according to South Carolina officials. The system, officials said, is now considered secure. Officials said they believe that the majority of personal data was protected by encryption, but some 16,000 accounts were not. Emphasizing the state government is doing everything possible to protect civilian and military who live, or once lived, in South Carolina, Haley said anyone who has electronically filed state taxes since 1998 should contact the credit agency Experian through the state's Department of Revenue website to sign up for a security system provided free of charge. Through Experian, taxpayers will "immediately get $1 million worth of fraud insurance, fraud monitoring and fraud solutions," Haley noted. "Whether retroactive or going forward [you're protected], if you've been compromised from this or anything else." The governor said DOD, the state, a bankers' association and LexisNexis are all tracking down service members and their families to advise them that their information might have been compromised. "It is our responsibility to make sure we reach out to them or advise anybody who is a South Carolina resident to sign up for this fraud protection," Haley said. "Regardless of whether you're a part of the breach or not, it's a good thing to do." Today's a different era, the governor said, "where bad people try to get access to private information in different ways, and people need to be diligent about protecting their private information. Not just because there's a breach but because we need to watch our checking accounts, credit cards and all of the things we have, because hacking is becoming a part of life." South Carolina is "a strong military state, which always thinks of military members first, whether it's hacking or taking care of family members while [service members] are overseas, and that we're honoring them the way we're supposed to," the governor said. "While this has been an unfortunate incident in South Carolina," she said, "we'll make sure we responsibly take care of them the way they've always taken care of the people of our country." Haley, a military spouse, says it's "a necessity" to locate military members and notify them of the cyber intrusions.   Related Sites: South Carolina Department of Revenue Related Articles: DOD Notifies Troops of South Carolina Cyber Intrusions   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

DOD, Lockheed Martin Agree to More F-35s Posted: 30 Nov 2012 01:21 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DOD, Lockheed Martin Agree to More F-35s 11/30/2012 03:15 PM CST DOD, Lockheed Martin Agree to More F-35s By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2012 - DOD and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement in principle to manufacture 32 F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter jets, Pentagon Press Secretary George E. Little said today. The jets are part of Low-Rate Initial Production batch 5 -- the fifth production lot of the aircraft. Unit-cost data will be made available once the contracts are finalized and signed, Little said. "Production costs are decreasing and I appreciate everyone's commitment to this important negotiation process," said Navy Vice Adm. Dave Venlet, the F-35 program executive officer. The agreement also covers the costs of manufacturing support equipment, flight test instrumentation and additional mission equipment, he added. "It was a tough negotiation," Little said, "and we're pleased that we've reached an agreement." According to a news release from the F-35 program office, Lockheed Martin will produce 22 F-35A conventional take-off and landing variants for the Air Force, three F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variants for the Marine Corps and seven F-35C carrier variants for the Navy. Aircraft production was started in December 2011 under a previously authorized undefinitized contract action, the release said. Undefinitized contract actions authorize contractors to begin work before reaching a final agreement on contract terms. The agreement sets the program to move forward according to improved business timelines, Little said. "It's good for all nations that are partnered with us in this important effort for our future national security." The United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Turkey, Israel and Singapore are partners or participants in the aircraft's development program, and the Japanese government announced in December 2011 it will buy 42 of the fighters. Related Sites: F-35 Lightning II Program   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

VA News Releases Update Posted: 30 Nov 2012 01:02 PM PST Veterans Health Administration Update VA News Releases Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. 42 VA Employees Earn Health Care Analytics Certificates 11/30/2012 12:00 AM EST Department of Veterans Affairs employees were recently certified in health care analytics for the first time through a VA program aimed at creating a culture to identify patterns in data and translate it into improvements for Veteran health care. Million Veteran Program Enrolls 100,000th Volunteer 11/30/2012 12:00 AM EST The Department of Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program (MVP) recently enrolled its 100,000th volunteer research participant, and now stands at more than 110,000 enrollees, marking a major milestone in the nearly 90-year history of VA research.  Connect With Us        You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Health.  Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe.  Get this as a forward? Sign up to receive updates from Veterans Health.  Have questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.    Sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)

Combined Force Arrests 2 Haqqani Insurgents Posted: 30 Nov 2012 12:16 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Combined Force Arrests 2 Haqqani Insurgents 11/30/2012 01:34 PM CST Combined Force Arrests 2 Haqqani Insurgents From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader and a Haqqani facilitator in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported. The arrested insurgent leader acquired weapons for Haqqani fighters and directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province's Muhammad Aghah district, officials said. At the time of his arrest, the insurgent leader was overseeing the movement of improvised explosive devices and Haqqani fighters in preparation for an attack. The detained facilitator had planned and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces within the Muhammad Aghah district while managing the transfer of weapons and IEDs to Haqqani fighters. The security force also detained one other suspected insurgent and seized multiple firearms. In other Afghanistan operations today: -- In Helmand province, a combined force arrested a Taliban financier. The detained insurgent financier managed money for the Taliban in several districts within the province and was directly responsible for distributing funds to Taliban fighters for their use in planning and executing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one other suspect. -- A combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Kandahar province. The facilitator was responsible for distributing and coordinating the movement of weapons and ammunition for the Taliban in the area. And in Jowzjan province yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator who planned and directed IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one other suspect and seized a number of IED components.   Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Johnson Gives Legal Background for War Against al-Qaida Posted: 30 Nov 2012 11:13 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Johnson Gives Legal Background for War Against al-Qaida 11/30/2012 01:04 PM CST Johnson Gives Legal Background for War Against al-Qaida By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2012 - The United States remains in an armed conflict with al-Qaida, but it is important that the fight against the terrorist group is done in a lawful manner that does not compromise American values, Jeh C. Johnson told the Oxford Union in England today. The group invited Johnson, the Defense Department's general counsel, to discuss the implications of the fight against al-Qaida -- a conflict that Britain has been involved in as well since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Al-Qaida planned and executed the attacks that killed 3,000 people from their base in Afghanistan. The United States has taken the fight directly to the terrorists, "the result of which is that the core of al-Qaeda is today degraded, disorganized and on the run," Johnson said. "Osama bin Laden is dead. Many other leaders and terrorist operatives of al-Qaida are dead or captured; those left in al-Qaida's core struggle to communicate, issue orders, and recruit." But, the group remains a danger. While the international coalition has degraded al-Qaida's capabilities, it has decentralized, and relies much more on affiliates. The most dangerous of these are al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula based in Yemen and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which operates in northern and western Africa. In Yemen, the United States works with the government there in counterterrorism operations. But the question for some is whether all of these actions are legal. Taking on al-Qaida is not like declaring war on a sovereign nation. It is an amorphous terror group that operates worldwide. Some have asked what is the legal basis for armed conflict against such a group? "The United States government is in an armed conflict against al-Qaeda and associated forces, to which the laws of armed conflict apply," Johnson said. "One week after 9/11, our Congress authorized our President 'to use all necessary and appropriate force' against those nations, organizations and individuals responsible for 9/11." Then-President George W. Bush, and now President Barack Obama have acted militarily based on that authorization ever since. The Supreme Court also endorsed this justification in 2006. But, for the United States, this is a new kind of conflict. It is an unconventional fight against an unconventional enemy. "Given its unconventional nature, President Obama -- himself a lawyer and a good one -- has insisted that our efforts in pursuit of this enemy stay firmly rooted in conventional legal principles," Johnson said. "For, in our efforts to destroy and dismantle al-Qaida, we cannot dismantle our laws and our values, too." He added that the United States is "not at war with an idea, a religion or a tactic. We are at war with an organized, armed group -- a group determined to kill innocent civilians." The nation is also in conflict with groups that aid al-Qaida. "We have publicly stated that our goal in this conflict is to 'disrupt, dismantle, and ensure a lasting defeat of al-Qaeda and violent extremist affiliates," Johnson said. "Some legal scholars and commentators in our country brand the detention by the military of members of al-Qaida as 'indefinite detention without charges.' Some refer to targeted lethal force against known, identified individual members of al-Qaeda as 'extrajudicial killing.'" Johnson countered, by pointing out that "viewed within the context of conventional armed conflict -- as they should be -- capture, detention and lethal force are traditional practices as old as armies." He added, "We employ weapons of war against al-Qaida, but in a manner consistent with the law of war. We employ lethal force, but in a manner consistent with the law of war principles of proportionality, necessity and distinction." The armed conflict is now in its twelfth year. How will it end? "It is an unconventional conflict, against an unconventional enemy, and will not end in conventional terms," Johnson said. Every defense secretary since 9/11 has said the war against terrorism will not conclude with a formal surrender such as the ceremony that took place on the deck of the USS Missouri that ended World War II. "We cannot and should not expect al-Qaida and its associated forces to all surrender, all lay down their weapons in an open field or to sign a peace treaty with us," Johnson said. "They are terrorist organizations. Nor can we expect to capture or kill every last terrorist who claims an affiliation with al-Qaida." Al Qaida's "radical and absurd goals" include global domination through a violent Islamic caliphate, terrorizing the United States and other western nations so they retreat from the world stage as well as the destruction of Israel. "There is no compromise or political bargain that can be struck with those who pursue such aims," Johnson said. The general counsel believes there will come a tipping point when so many al-Qaida leaders and operatives have been killed or captured that the group and its affiliates can no longer attempt to launch a strategic attack against the United States. "At that point, we must be able to say to ourselves that our efforts should no longer be considered an 'armed conflict' against al-Qaida and its affiliates; rather, a counterterrorism effort against individuals who are the scattered remnants of al-Qaida," he said.   Biographies: Jeh C. Johnson   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Oregon National Guard, Vietnam Sign Partnership Pact Posted: 30 Nov 2012 11:13 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Oregon National Guard, Vietnam Sign Partnership Pact 11/30/2012 12:34 PM CST Oregon National Guard, Vietnam Sign Partnership Pact Oregon Army National Guard SALEM, Ore., Nov. 30, 2012 - The Oregon National Guard signed a pact with Vietnam as part of the State Partnership Program during a Nov. 27 ceremony in Hanoi. Army Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard, and Vietnam Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Khue, vice chairman of the National Committee for Search and Rescue, congratulate each other following the official signing ceremony for the State Partnership Program between Oregon and Vietnam on Nov. 27, 2012. Photo by U.S. Embassy in Hanoi (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard, signed the agreement with Vietnam Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Khue, vice chairman of the National Committee for Search and Rescue. U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear; Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Todd Plimpton, assistant adjutant general (Army); Oregon Air National Guard Col. Mark Crosby, Oregon's State Partnership Program director, and other officials were on hand for the signing at the Ministry of Defense Guest House. The agreement comes as the United States begins ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Events and commemorations to honor era veterans and casualties are scheduled in both countries through 2025. The State Partnership Program reflects an evolving international affairs mission for the National Guard, emphasizing its unique state-federal and civil-military characteristics to interact with both the active and reserve forces of foreign nations, interagency partners, and international non-governmental organizations. State partners participate in a broad range of security cooperation activities to include homeland defense/security, disaster response/mitigation, consequence/crisis management, interagency cooperation, border/port/aviation security, combat medical, fellowship-style internships, and bilateral familiarization events that lead to training and exercise opportunities. The State Partnership Program currently supports 65 partnerships between states and nations. The Oregon National Guard is also partnered with Bangladesh.   Biographies: Army Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees Related Sites: Oregon Military Department Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Observances State Partnership Program   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Pentagon Honors 'Best in Show' Photography Winners Posted: 30 Nov 2012 09:53 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Pentagon Honors 'Best in Show' Photography Winners 11/30/2012 11:24 AM CST Pentagon Honors 'Best in Show' Photography Winners By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2012 - Defense Department leaders today honored 12 photography winners, selected from over 3,000 submissions, for their participation in the Arts in Embassies Program. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Pentagon Press Secretary George Little recognized 12 "Best in Show" winners for the "Serving Abroad ... Through Their Eyes" category of the program. At a Pentagon ceremony where the exhibit is currently on display, the chairman quoted Aristotle in describing the purpose of art. "The importance of art is not to reveal the outward appearance of things, but the inward significance of things," Dempsey said. "This was really an easy [program] to get behind. It really was exciting." The Arts in Embassy program started during the Kennedy administration. "It is a true honor for all of us to be a part of the 50th anniversary," Little said, noting the defense secretary intently studied each image and read its accompanying caption. The 12 winners were selected from 161 finalists by a panel of distinguished judges from a pool of 3,267 photos submitted by troops and members of the foreign and civil service. Of the 12 photos selected, eight were taken by service members, including five who are graduates of the Defense Information School, at Fort Meade, Md. Little, who described the Arts in Embassies program as a "unique initiative," noted as the Pentagon press secretary he "attaches a lot of eloquence to spoken words." "[But] no words can capture the elegance of these images," he said. "The elite panel of judges [who selected these] included three former chairmen, two former secretaries of state and an NBC News [correspondent]." The 12 "Best in Show" finalists received a plaque engraved with the signatures of Panetta and Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton as well as their respective award winning photo. Biographies: Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey George Little Related Sites: U.S. State Department Arts in Embassies   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Carter Outlines U.S. Security Strategy in Tight-budget Era Posted: 30 Nov 2012 08:13 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Carter Outlines U.S. Security Strategy in Tight-budget Era 11/30/2012 08:26 AM CST Carter Outlines U.S. Security Strategy in Tight-budget Era By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 30, 2012 - In a speech at Duke University here yesterday, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter outlined new security strategies and challenges that he said will define the nation's future in a post-war era of fiscal constraint. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter delivers remarks at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy in Durham, N.C., Nov. 29, 2012. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Carter said the need to keep the department's "fiscal house in order" after more than a decade of war and under the threat of sequestration has spurred an approach of rebalancing and innovation as the Defense Department pivots to the Asia-Pacific region. "We in the Department of Defense ... are at a moment of great strategic consequence and great strategic transition; we're at the confluence of two great forces," Carter said. "After almost 12 years of unrelenting and uninterrupted war ... in two particular places, Iraq and Afghanistan -- that era is coming to an end." While Carter acknowledged the war in Afghanistan persists, he expressed confidence in the strategy's probability of success as U.S. forces draw down and Afghan security forces maintain stability. "... The principal requirement [is] to ensure the country is no longer a danger to the U.S.," he said. Looking forward, Carter said, military leadership determined that U.S. forces must be leaner, more agile, ready, and technologically advanced. "We wanted to take ... steps to make the most effective use of our force in the era after Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. The new concept of readiness, according to Carter, involves preserving and building on the strength of the all-volunteer active duty, Guard and Reserve force developed during the last decade. "We wanted to retain [the force] and we wanted to respect it [with] no sudden changes as the war came to an end," he said. Carter said he also aims to shift the weight of intellectual effort to future challenges by continuing to invest in special operations forces, electronic warfare, and space and cyber technology. These investment areas, he explained, will be best leveraged in the Asia-Pacific region, where a considerable amount of the U.S. future security and economic interests lie. Carter noted the unique history of the region that he said never had NATO nor "any structure to heal the wounds of World War II and yet it has had peace and stability for 70 years." Because he credits sustained American military presence in the region with the long span of peace, Carter said his goal as the U.S. pivots to the Pacific is simple. "We want to 'keep on keepin' on' with what that region has: an environment of peace and stability in which the countries of the region -- all of them -- can continue to enjoy economic prosperity," Carter said. As partnerships with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Australia continue to blossom, Carter said he urges broadening the U.S. military strategy to one of national strategy including economic engagement, long-standing principles of self-governance, and free, open access to commerce. "That environment is not a birthright," Carter said. "It's something that results in important measure from the continued pivotal presence of the U.S. military in that region." The U.S. will continue to work with new security partners such as India, Philippines, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations collective, and China while setting priorities for the kinds of capabilities that are relevant for the Asia-Pacific region, Carter said. "... We can enhance our Asia-Pacific region posture ... because of the end of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars which frees up capacity," he added. Therefore, Carter said, the U.S. will move more security assets into the region, such as the deployment of F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Japan and an expanding rotational bomber presence on Guam. Key defense investments that remain shielded from budget cuts include KC-46 tanker aircraft, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technology and the Virginia Class submarine, which Carter said maintains "unrivaled undersea dominance." New training infrastructure involves joint, multi-lateral exercises designed to strengthen partnerships with nations in the Asia-Pacific region, he added. "Partners are a force multiplier for us," Carter said. "We're not only emphasizing our existing alliances and partnerships, but [we're also] trying as hard as we can to build new ones." It is for these reasons, he said, that the U.S. can and will find the military capacity and intellectual resources to support the strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. But Carter shared a question he said is on the minds of many Americans: Can the U.S. accomplish these endeavors with the anticipated budget cuts? As the DOD's strategic juncture in history and the current era of fiscal belt-tightening overlap, Carter described the defense strategy as an "an unprecedented process" in terms of the depth of presidential involvement. Carter said President Barack Obama invested significant time and effort with defense leadership to develop strategic budgetary cuts. Still, Carter explained, absent swift Congressional approval for follow-on measures to the Budget Control Act, sequestration could be "disastrous" for national defense. "If it comes to pass, it will hollow out the force," he said. In the meantime, Carter said he and other DOD officials remain resolute in the task of providing U.S. national security while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. "We hope that by being good strategists and sound managers, we can continue to defend the country and enjoy the trust of the people it's our responsibility to defend," Carter said.   Biographies: Ashton B. Carter Related Sites: Duke University   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Propwash Posted: 30 Nov 2012 01:13 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 11.30.12 Issue 155/30 Aero-News.Net 'Propwash' Daily News Provided to registered subscribers, Daily: ISSN: 1530-9339 For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures: Manage Your Subscription here For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures and Privacy Statement, scroll to end. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to this day's ANN 'Propwash' Daily News Brief. We welcome and encourage your comments, criticism and suggestions... and hope that you'll become active members of the ANN community, though we'd like to ask you one big favor... PLEASE TELL EVERYONE ABOUT AERO-NEWS! NEWS SUMMARY: Remember... You Have to Go to www.aero-news.net to read the WHOLE story! There's much more! ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Daily Sponsor: 11.30.12 Edition: New Controversy Emerges Over 'AOPA Holding Corporation' Michael Skarzynski, Accused Of Lying To Congress in 2009-2010, To Advise/Lead AOPA Investment Scheme Just about the time that we thought/hoped that the worst of the recent AOPA scandals were behind us comes some puzzling information that confirms the prior ANN reports of AOPA's intent to get involved as an investment group, under a separate legal entity... but the latest details reveal that it will do so under the leadership of a man who allegedly had to resign a prior leadership position (CEO) after he was accused of lying to Congress. Documents transmitted to ANN revealed a perplexing series of statements made by AOPA President Craig Fuller as part of a Leadership Update he sent out during the Thanksgiving holiday. The documents confirm what AOPA has thus far refused to discuss with ANN as regards their interest and actions in establishing a new corporate entity (one assumes it will be 'For-Profit') that will serve as an investment program/group dedicated to investing in aviation businesses with AOPA's considerable cash reserves (estimated at the better part of $100 million bucks). In the update, AOPA President Craig Fuller describes a meeting in which, "I spent a considerable amount of time focused on efforts to advance our strategic investment initiatives through what we have now established as the AOPA Holding Corporation. With the entity created and a board formed which I chair, the important next step has been to recruit a president for the organization. In that regard, the Board was able to interview Michael Skarzynski who will join us immediately as a consultant to finalize our 2013 investment strategies and the work of AOPA Holdings. Our objective remains to find opportunities where we can build enterprises that will provide real benefits to our members while returning to AOPA revenue that will be used to further our mission." Skarzynski's involvement raises a number of red flags, and while everyone has had their share of problems over the course of their lifetimes, Skarzynski's are relatively recent and fairly serious. In early January of 2010, Skarzynski tendered his "voluntary" resignation from his position at Arbitron where he had served as President and CEO. The resignation followed revelations in which, according to the Wall Street Journal, "he admitted to a false statement made in his testimony before a U.S. congressional committee last month..." AOPA's Katie Pribyl dismissed ANN's questions and concerns about Mr. Skarzynski's previous action, denied us an opportunity to interview him, and stated that, "As you know, AOPA's board recently agreed to hire Michael Skarzynski as a consultant to AOPA on financial matters. Mr. Skarzynski has had a lengthy career with key leadership positions in business, government and the investment community. The Congressional testimony you refer to occurred three years ago -- Mr. Skarzynski made a misstatement which was corrected for the record. Congress did not take any action regarding the testimony. AOPA feels strongly that Mr. Skarzynski's skills in finance and management will be especially helpful to our future financial planning." The nonchalance expressed by AOPA seems to contrast sharply with both his former company's position as well as statements made by members of Congress. In a 2010 statement, Arbitron Executive Vice President Alton Adams noted that, "Mr. Skarzynski's actions were inconsistent with our corporate values—which state unambiguously that 'honesty and integrity come first,'" in a letter to two Congressmen, Rep. Edolphus Towns and Rep. Darrell Issa. In a separate statement authorized by Rep. Issa, the Congressman's office reported in January of 2010 that, "Anytime anyone gives inaccurate statements to Congress, we expect the highest degree of accountability and action to address it... To their credit, Arbitron has taken immediate and substantial action to address Mr. Skarzynski's inaccurate statement and have hired a new president and CEO." With such a negative pedigree of fairly recent note (three years is not a long time in the world of Washington politics, in particular), one wonders why AOPA would take a chance on a person who had the potential to embarrass the organization and via a project that could put him in charge of tens of millions of AOPA member-dollars. Fuller's update also admitted that Skarzynski was an "F.O.C." (Friend of Craig), explaining that, "I have known Michael for many years. He has effectively built successful businesses by creating strong teams of people around the enterprises with which he becomes involved. He has a diverse industry background with experience in government, consulting, global sales and executive leadership. He served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development in the President George H. W. Bush administration, has held several CEO positions in technology companies, and most recently was the founder and CEO of Red Lion Technologies, a consulting firm serving private equity and venture capital firms." Regardless of the respective arguments, it seems a strange time to make a controversial appointment, especially in light of recent "departures" of a number of Senior AOPA staffers... including a CFO who had barely moved in before having to move out. The ethical issues inherent in this series of events seem ponderous. There remains the central issue of how a pivotal industry organization, doing business as a non-profit legal entity can have any aspect connected to "For-Profit" operations. To those that may receive AOPA funding, this investment scheme may be manna from heaven... but for anyone who has to compete with AOPA (a familiar theme, of late) and/or with those projects they bless with their support and the aura of AOPA approval, it could not only be a nightmare but the kind of competition that could kill off even the most well-intentioned and managed operation. "Fighting a 600 pound gorilla like AOPA is not easy, and is often bad for your health, worse than that, it tends to annoy the gorilla, and lately AOPA is not being all that nice to its enemies," notes one concerned aero-business. Aero-Analysis: Either way, this move could give AOPA incredible power (to use or abuse) -- not only within the aviation community, but the aero-business community, in particular... and as folks who have opposed AOPA in the past can attest, those that displease AOPA may have much to fear from an emboldened and more powerful organization that wields the aura of industry advocate (and reportedly isn't afraid to do so to get its way)... while competing with and against some of those it supposedly represents across the nation (like we said... 'conflicts of interest' abound). With basic analysis, there seems to be a number of potential conflicts of interest... and more than a few ways in which AOPA could abuse the strong (and once deserved) rep it built up over a number of decades (especially under Phil Boyer's leadership)... a rep that seems to be sagging since Fuller took over. More info to follow... FMI: Here's What I Think About The Reports Of An 'AOPA Holding Corporation', www.aopa.org, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703672104574654392623606448.html For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=0c0659fd-fe9b-4875-8b4e-67f40f5848f4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Airborne 11.30.12: Riggs Loses Again, 406 ELTs, Flawless Legacy 500 First Flight Also: Bombardier Big Bucks, Huerta Unblocked, Cessna/CAIGA, Anti-EU-ETS Law, X47B Carrier Quals, Missing Moon Rocks Found David G Riggs, quickly assuming the aura of aviation's best known crook and con-man, has lost another battle with the Feds... this time, namely, the NTSB and the FAA. FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta recently issued an Emergency Order commanding Riggs to surrender his pilot certificate but Riggs filed an appeal with the NTSB claiming, among other things, that the flights questioned in the Emergency Order were legal as they were performed under a “Movie Waiver.” However the FAA has repeatedly ruled that the filming of ‘personal hero’ or ‘aviation thrill’ videos do not qualify under the conventional cinematic waivers. Ringing in the New Year could cost you serious dollars if your future plans include flying to the Bahamas or Mexico. That’s because those two countries, beginning February 1, 2013 and June 1, 2013 respectively, will require aircraft operating there to include an installed 406 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). All this... and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!! Airborne 11.30.12 is chock full of info about the half-week period ending Friday, November 30th, 2012... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom Patton, and Glen Moyer, this episode covers: 1) Riggs Loses Round One 2) 406 ELTs Required 3) Legacy is Flawless 4) Bombardier's BIG Order 5) Huerta Confirmation Unblocked 6) Cessna/CAIGA Joint Venture 7) Obama Signs Anti EU-ETS Law 8) Truman Hosts X47B 9) Barnstorming: The Next Year's Agenda 10) Missing Moon Rocks Found Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again next week for the next edition of "Airborne" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, in just a few days! © 2012, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved. FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews, The Full ANN/YouTube AIRBORNE Roster -- www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42E90078D99B1053&feature=view_all For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=faac7b17-f1bd-4643-afae-fdae16d01294 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Change At The Top Of The House Transportation Committee PA Representative Bill Shuster To Take Over As Committee Chair Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA) has been selected by the House Republican Conference to be the next Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Shuster (pictured) made the following statement after the announcement of his selection: “It is a great honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and I thank them for the confidence they have placed in me.” “Transportation issues are among the most critical that we face in Congress and as a nation. Our transportation infrastructure is the backbone that supports economic growth and global competitiveness. Working together in the 113th Congress, the Committee will focus on strengthening America’s transportation networks to make us more efficient, more competitive, and more prosperous.” “I look forward to continuing to work to reform programs, focus our resources where they are needed most, restore regulatory balance, and better manage our federal assets.” Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) said, “Bill Shuster is an experienced and well respected member of our Conference and as the incoming Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee his leadership will be critical to our important work next Congress.” Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) added, "In Bill Shuster, House Republicans have selected a strong conservative leader with a record of reform and a proven commitment to strengthening our nation's infrastructure." Shuster has served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since coming to Congress in 2001. He has previously served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. Shuster will be “Chairman-elect” until the start of the 113th Congress in January. According to House Republican Conference rules, members may serve as chair for six years before being term-limited out of office. Congressman John Mica (R-FL) has served for the past six years as chair of the committee, and this week dropped his request to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) for a waiver of the term limit and endorsed Shuster. Shuster has not yet named subcommittee chairs, so it is not known how many of those will change, if any. Currently, Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) chairs the Aviation Subcommittee. FMI: http://transportation.house.gov, http://shuster.house.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=d527ebad-bafb-46c9-93a5-d6aeba384591 ----------------------------------------------------------------- We're Accepting Resumes! ANN Puts Out 'Help Wanted' Sign ANN Is Seeking EXCEPTIONAL New Staffers The 2010-2011 time-frame has been about as challenging a time as we can recall... but we survive and look forward to 2012 and what we see as a very rewarding (and yes, still challenging) year for ANN. ANN continues to expand slowly but surely and we have some truly intriguing upgrades coming up in just a few months. In other words, we're about to grow again -- and in some novel directions. The much-appreciated debut of "AIRBORNE" and our announcement about the upcoming THIRD EDITION of the SportPlane Resource Guide is but the tip of the iceberg. We're about as excited about our future, as we've ever been, but we're concerned about finding good people -- the RIGHT people -- for a number of jobs we need to fill now and in the near future. We have major staff positions to fill in the near future. So... we're looking for a few (actually, not so few) good aviation professionals. Might one of them be YOU? Searching For ANN's Next Associate Editor We've added some new folks to the roster lately, but we will need a fair amount of additional editorial staff. These are pretty flexible gigs... needing several hours each day, on assigned duty days, on an adaptable schedule. You can work from anywhere so long as you have a good high-speed net connection and the appropriate tools to pursue the day's stories. The qualified respondent needs the following… SOLID aviation/aerospace writing and journalism credentials/abilities, SOLID photographic/graphic web smarts, proper working disciplines, Good basic web skills (light HTML know-how and some grasp of photo-editing) and E-Mail skills, a strong work/journalism ethic, and an ability to meet and adhere to tight deadlines;as well as RELIABLE full-time access to a fairly speedy Internet connection (DSL, ADSL, T1, T3, Pipeline to the Almighty, etc...), a computer with the ability to keep up with a number of graphic chores and editorial efforts, and the ability to work with a very strange crew of ANN weirdos. Since this job is computer based, it does not matter where you live and we are, of course, unconcerned about your workspace so long as the job gets done (and the less info we have about someone working in pink shorts and fuzzy bunny slippers, the better). We Need Web-Geeks! We’re also looking for the following… an experienced Web Designer/Programmer to help us with a great number of new projects. We're going to be dumping a huge amount of work on our normal web-geeks over the next few months, and it's high-time that we developed a solid gig for someone else with the skills to help us with a number of projects that are getting left by the wayside for lack of the staffing necessary to pursue them. We need someone with EXTENSIVE ColdFusion/SQL/Win2K/IMail/CMS experience and the ability to do a little bit of everything when the electrons hit the fan. Strong experience in NewMedia and Multi-Media applications is absolutely a must. Solid graphic design skills would also be a BIG plus. Work may be offered on a contract/fee basis OR term contract, depending on the qualifications and availability of the appropriate applicant. To the right person, this is an on-going gig as we have a LOT of projects in the offing and there is enough to provide a competent web-geek a long-term scenario. We’re also looking for the following… an experienced web/print-conversant graphic artist to help us with a number of small projects ranging from print ads and marketing documents, to book layout and cover designs. Experience with motion-graphics, animated GIFs and Flash formats are particularly valuable. Work will be offered on a contract/fee basis and requires no on-site work (which, of course, means you have to have all the requisite computer assets at your disposal). Video-Journalists We're looking for several bright, hard-working, disciplined and technically adept persons to help produce Aero-TV (and affiliated programming for our content partners) newscasts and features, webcast over a variety of broadband networks and outlets, under the ANN or Aero-TV banner (or that of our syndication partners). Applicant should be able to bring extensive expertise in Apple's Final Cut Studio 2, Adobe After Effects and related CS3-CS5.5 software to the mix. Strong knowledge of web production techniques (online compression technologies as well as Flash/QT/WMV conversions), and chromakey techniques, studio operations, and field operations, are a huge benefit to this position as is some experience as a camera operator (Canon XH-A1, XF305, XF105 HDV) for either studio or occasional field assignments. Of particular interest is another staffer willing to relocate to Northern Florida to augment the "Home-Team" here in Green Cove Springs, FL, but we will also be looking for personnel who prefer to stay where they are currently located. We're looking for someone with solid reporting or journalistic credentials -- while a strong technical aptitude, especially in aerospace or aviation is preferred. Some on-location travel, will be necessary on a regular basis. Reply with resume, clips, pix, etc... ANN/Aero-TV Marketing Department Since ANN started, we have enjoyed the amazing support of a group of sponsors who have, by and large, been generous and visionary. As a matter of fact, most of the sponsors you see on ANN called us first -- leaving us little to do but to finish some paperwork, and get them started. You have no idea how wonderful that has been for us... leaving us (mostly) to work on the editorial end of ANN and build it into what is generally recognized as the Aviation World's Most Widely Read Daily News Service. Thanks to them, we have served the aviation world aggressively and comprehensively for a decade... and our second decade is already well under way. We're looking for someone to take on the job of guiding and managing the marketing and promotional growth of ANN and Aero-TV. We're looking for a Marketing Professional... an aggressive, detail-oriented, ethical, honest, well-spoken, smart, web-savvy, marketing and promotions-oriented person who can help ANN introduce a whole new generation of aviation businesses as our partners in growing the Aviation World's Daily News Service, as well as to brainstorm and manage a number of promotional and industry programs. This is going to be a busy job and it requires a marketing professional who will do the job without shortcuts or any hint of less than proper conduct. It's going to require excellent sales skills, solid marketing smarts, a consistent work ethic, tremendous ingenuity, a keen insight into the aviation world, a great imagination and a TRUE communicator... someone who also GETS just how important ANN is becoming to the aviation world, and can be counted on to help us grow our services and abilities so that we can do EVEN MORE than we do already. But most of all, we need a TEAM player... ANN has never been about one person... it's been about an amazing team of people with great goals and (truly) amazing skills doing extraordinary things for the aviation world. If you think you have what it takes, get in touch with us... Got Audio Skills? Our Aero-Casting operations have gone over VERY well. So well, in fact, that we're looking for some additional staffers for new projects. If you have skills in the podcasting/radio genre, have the appropriate announcing/scripting skills, the ability to edit and produce audio files and work without a whole lot of supervision, we need to talk. Part-time opportunities are available now and full-time slots may become available very quickly. Interested? Please send your resume, an intro letter, and contact information to ANN right away... as these positions are ready and waiting for the right person, right now. And that's all you have to do! We'll be in touch! FMI: ANN Opportunities 2012 For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=8d830e00-c570-447a-a18c-cbe588045d11 ----------------------------------------------------------------- French Court Overturns Conviction In SST Accident Judgments Against Continental, Mechanic John Taylor Reversed A French appellate court has overturned involuntary manslaughter convictions against the former Continental Airlines and mechanic John Taylor stemming from a July 2000 accident involving an Air France Concorde SST. One-hundred-thirteen people were fatally injured when the plane caught fire on takeoff and went down in a residential area. A French court had found both the airline and the mechanic guilty of involuntary manslaughter when it determined that a metal strip which had fallen from a Continental DC-10 had caused one of the SST's tires to rupture during its takeoff roll. Pieces of the tire were said to have punctured the fuel tanks, causing the fire The New York Times reports that, while the appellate court did not challenge the lower courts findings, it said the manslaughter charge was unjustified. It upheld a payment of about $1.3 million to Air France for "damage to its image." Taylor had been named in the suit for fabricating and using a titanium wear strip on the DC-10 during maintenance rather than one made of a softer metal, and of attaching it improperly to the airplane. Olivier Metzner, an attorney representing UCA, said that the ruling "is the end of the Concorde affair." William Voss, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, said that the aviation community would view the verdict with a sense of relief. "It reminds us that human error, regardless of the tragic outcome, is different than a crime," he told the paper. (image from file) FMI: www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=7bc025d0-d6d1-4c63-b71e-8d6c964957d6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FADEC International Signs Joint Venture With GE Will Provide Digital Controls For LEAP Engines FADEC International, a BAE Systems and Sagem jointly-owned venture, has established a joint venture with GE to develop, produce, and support the full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for aircraft engines and related specialized technologies. A FADEC — a system consisting of a digital computer, called an engine control unit, and its related accessories — controls all aspects of aircraft engine performance, such as engine fuel flow and variable engine geometries. The joint venture, called FADEC Alliance, will be the exclusive FADEC supplier for CFM International’s next generation engine, LEAP, and GE’s Passport engine. As the sole provider, FADEC Alliance will be responsible for the design, manufacture and aftermarket support of the system. The partnership leverages FADEC International’s experience of supplying FADEC systems to GE since 1984. “The creation of the FADEC Alliance joint venture continues FADEC International’s business relationship with GE onto the next generation of aircraft,” said Dennis Slattery, president of FADEC Alliance and director of engine controls for BAE Systems. “The FADEC, utilizing fourth generation, proven engine controls, will be a technological discriminator for CFM International’s LEAP engine.” The LEAP engine is designed to power the next generation narrow body commercial aircraft. Designed by CFM International, a 50/50 partnership between GE and Snecma (Safran group), the LEAP engine has been selected for the Boeing 737Max, Airbus A320neo and the Comac C919. GE’s Passport engine, designed for ultra-long-range business jets, has been selected for the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 business aircraft. (LEAP engine image provided by GE) FMI: www.geaviation.com, www.fadecinternational.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=01e22bdd-a9d6-4db5-b918-6519fde6655b ----------------------------------------------------------------- First Global Aircraft Delivered To NetJets Company Has 670 Airplanes On Order For Its 'Signature Series' The first Bombardier Global aircraft has been delivered to Berkshire Hathaway's NetJets, the first of hundreds of airplanes the fractional management company has on order. The airplane is a Global 6000 aircraft, and is the first NetJets Signature Series aircraft to enter the marketplace. NetJets formally accepted the aircraft at a special ceremony in Montreal at Bombardier’s Global Completion Center, and then the aircraft flew to NetJets corporate headquarters in Columbus, OH, where it was welcomed into the fleet at a special “homecoming” event. “This is the first all-new aircraft of the 670 we have on order,” said NetJets Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell. “We have been successful in selling all the shares in this Global 6000 aircraft and we are excited about taking delivery because it kicks off the overall renewal of our fleet, beginning today. Our customers expect the very best from the worldwide leader in private aviation and we are confident that the Signature Series Global 6000 aircraft will exceed their exacting expectations.” “When we handed over the ceremonial keys to NetJets at NBAA just a few weeks ago it marked a momentous occasion that embodies the partnership we are building," said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "Today NetJets has unquestionably become part of the Bombardier Business Aircraft family. We strive for excellence, and our customers don’t just expect it, they demand it. And this Global 6000 jet is another demonstration of the excellence that our Global Completion Center is capable of.” The addition of the NetJets Signature Series Global 6000 aircraft to the NetJets worldwide fleet is part of NetJets’ plan to add up to 670 new aircraft with a total value of $17.6 billion over the next decade. In addition to the Global family of aircraft, the company will be adding, among others, the following aircraft over the next 10 years: Bombardier Challenger jets including the Challenger 300 and Challenger 605 Series jets, the Cessna Citation Latitude and the Embraer Phenom 300. (Global 6000 image provided by Bombardier) FMI: www.netjets.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=43a60caf-def5-4802-a81f-29d127d2516c ----------------------------------------------------------------- Klyde Morris 11.30.2012 Something For Which Mr. Huerta Can Be Thankful FMI: www.klydemorris.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=3efb9d1a-db0e-4783-8355-8435111845ee ----------------------------------------------------------------- AAR Corp Duluth Operation Welcomes First Aircraft First Air Canada Jet In Line For Maintenance At Former Northwest Airlines Facility Jet aircraft maintenance is once again being performed at the former Northwest Airlines facility in Duluth, MN. AAR Aircraft Services welcomed its first airplane into a refurbished hangar Monday ... an Air Canada A320 in for service. AAR and the City of Duluth announced in April that the company would be moving into the facilities vacated by Northwest Airlines in 2005. The Duluth News-Tribune reports that AAR's MRO operation will begin with a single line performing heavy maintenance on one airplane at a time ... a process that takes 15 to 45 days. As the operations ramps up over the next year, the company plans three additional maintenance lines and the addition of 135 jobs. The total employment is expected to reach 225 skilled workers. AAR signed a five-year contract with Air Canada for maintenance, which will keep the facility at full capacity without having to solicit additional business. In a related development, the paper reports that the Duluth Economic Development Authority has agreed to a reduction in AAR's rent for the facility of $360,190 through January 1, 2017. The company is operating rent-free until the end of the year. It will eventually pay nearly $34,000 per month, with increases possible. FMI: www.duluthmn.gov/development/deda/index.cfm, www.aarcorp.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=9a103930-2dfd-473e-8347-01e4baf1f59d ----------------------------------------------------------------- Senate Passes Udall Amendment On Military Biofuel Purchase Removes The Biofuel Restriction From 2013 National Defense Authorization Act The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill sponsored by Colorado Senator Mark Udall (D) removing provisions from the act that would have prevented the Department of Defense from using biofuels except in very limited circumstances. The vote, which passed by a 62-37 margin, followed a debate on the floor of the Senate and what Udall described as "months of behind-the-scenes work to build a coalition in support of his amendment." “Our military is on the cutting edge technologically, but much of our fighting capability relies on foreign fossil fuels and decades-old power systems. That dependence has very real human and economic costs,” Udall (pictured) said. “(Wednesday’s) strong bipartisan vote affirms that we should allow our military leaders to continue to develop and use advanced alternative fuels in order to bring down costs and improve mission capabilities.” Udall, who serves on both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has been the leading proponent of allowing the Defense Department to develop and use alternative fuels. Politico reports that Republican Senators James Inhofe (OK) and John McCain (AZ) had sought to block the biofuel purchase as "too expensive" with $500 billion in automatic defense cuts over the next 10 years looming on the horizon. They had each sponsored amendments to block the biofuel purchase during committee consideration of the bill, both of which passed the committee by a single vote. Inhofe said during Wednesday's debate that "This is something (the Department of Energy) should be doing if anybody is doing it." He argued that spending money on biofuels detracts from military readiness. Nine Republicans joined all but two Democrats in supporting the Udall amendment. Both the Air Force and the Navy have been conducting tests with biofuels powering their aircraft. FMI: www.senate.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=ff99b725-14e1-449e-b528-5babedb245a9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- School Counselors To Tour Greenville, SC, Downtown Airport Annual Visit Designed To Help Guide Students Who Might Be Interested In Aviation Careers School counselors from Greenville County Schools in South Carolina will tour the Greenville Downtown Airport Thursday morning in order to learn about jobs that are available in the aviation/aerospace industry. About 25 counselors are expected to participate. Each year, 8th graders across the State choose a “career cluster” of interest from a list of 16 choices while 10th graders identify a specific course of study, “career major”, as part of the Personal Pathways to Success program. Each career cluster identifies sample careers and suggested courses related to the students cluster and major choices. For example if a student chooses the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics cluster, future career interests might include Aerospace Engineer, Pilot, Aircraft Maintenance Tech or Air Traffic Controller and high school coursework would include academic foundation courses like math, science, along with problem solving and technical skills. Students have the option of changing their cluster and major choices. "Personal Pathways is in place to help students and parents understand the importance of relating educational experiences and career aspirations,” stated Marilyn Nasiatka, Career Specialist, Greenville County Schools. "As career educators, we must go out into our community and keep up with the current employment trends, in order to better assist our students as they consider possible career interests. The aviation industry is growing in our state and we need to be aware of employment trends and positions that companies struggle to fill," stated Nasiatka. The airport commission office has put together a wonderful program that includes visiting the control tower to see what air traffic controllers do; a flight school to learn about pilot training available; an aircraft maintenance shop to see the precision and an aircraft maintenance tech training school to learn about local training opportunities. We will also have a presentation about job opportunities in aerospace manufacturing from ADEX Machining Technologies, a Boeing supplier. It will be fast paced, given our two hour window, but I think we will all walk away with a better understanding of the industry and its employment needs," added Nasiatka. "The Greenville Downtown Airport is happy to assist our community in anyway we can," stated Joe Frasher, Airport Director of the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU). "Our industry has jobs that will need filling and we would love for our local youth to train to fill them!" added Frasher. (Photo provided by Greenville Downtown Airport) FMI: www.greenville.k12.sc.us For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=f720434e-366e-4784-b354-1f042b21be09 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 406 ELT Required By The Bahamas February 1, 2013 Mexico Will Follow Suit June 1, 2013 A 406 ELT will be required equipment for pilots flying in the Bahamas beginning February 1st of next year. The devices will be required in Mexico beginning June 1st. Caribbean Flying Adventures (CFA) had successfully collaborated with Civil Aviation authorities in the Dominican Republic and The Caymans Islands to obtain a waiver from the 406 ELT requirement. The Dominican Republic waiver is indefinite, and the Cayman Islands waiver is valid through December 1, 2013 but will almost certainly be extended. CFA says it will work to insure that this happens. However, the waiver for an installed 406 ELT for the Bahamas will expire February 1, 2013 and for Mexico June 1, 2013. In order to be legal, pilots who want to fly to the Bahamas or Mexico will must install a 406 ELT. CFA researched this issue and found that the U.S. Coast Guard continues to utilize the 121.5 frequency in their search and rescue operations. Thus, mandating the installation of the 406 ELT makes little sense for island flying. Additionally, ICAO experts have concluded than an installed ELT is useless once the aircraft sinks after the passengers have safely exited the aircraft. A hand held personal locator beacon then becomes the optimal search and rescue tool. CFA says the bottom line is that pilots do not need to spend thousands of dollars installing a 406 ELT in order to fly to the Dominican Republic, The Cayman Islands or Puerto Rico. But beginning Feb 1, 2013, they do need to spend the money in order to fly to the Bahamas. (Image provided by CFA) FMI: www.CaribbeanFlyingAdventures.com, http://forms.bahamas.gov.bs/dp_agency.asp?aid=CAD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=1a7e2407-fa11-4d59-8c3a-efa5cab10788 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Bahamas Issues Statement On Abacos Accident One Fatality, Four Injured When Helicopter Went Down Thanksgiving Day The Civil Aviation Ministry of the Bahamas has issued a statement resulting from its preliminary investigation of an accident which occurred Thanksgiving Day on Great Guana Cay, Abaco. The accident fatally injured a U.S. businessman, and resulted in the serious injury of four others on board the aircraft, including the pilot. According to the official statement: “On Thursday, November 22, 2012 at approximately 1:10PM EST, an AS355F1 Helicopter registration C6-APV, manufactured by Aerospatiale Eurocopter Group, departed Marsh Harbour International Airport with five [5] persons onboard. While attempting to land, control was lost, resulting in the helicopter crash-landing at Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club, Great Guana Cay, Abaco. "The crash took the life of one [1] passenger and left the remaining four [4] passengers with injuries of varying severity. The surviving passengers were rescued and stabilised prior to being transported to Marsh Harbour for further evaluations prior to being airlifted to South Florida [3 persons] and Nassau [1 person]. "On Friday, November 23, 2012 the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department dispatched a team of three [3] investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Prevention Unit to the accident scene. Upon arrival, members of the Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club and Royal Bahamas Police Force provided a detailed briefing to the Aircraft Accident Investigators, prior to handing over control of the scene. The Bahamas Police Force had responded shortly after the accident, taken control of the site and secured it up to that point. "The Air Accident Investigation Prevention Unit completed its on-site field investigations, recovered the wreckage and later relocated the wreckage to a secure location. In keeping with the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Bahamas Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, manufacturers of the airframe, engine and propeller and the State of Design have been notified of the accident. "The Air Accident Investigation Prevention Unit is presently coordinating plans for additional analysis and testing to determine the cause and contributing factors of this accident”. FMI: www.bahamas.gov.bs For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=2d899674-63db-4757-a284-8b0eee690756 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pilots Sought For Women's Aviation Event 'Women Of Aviation Week' Event In Fredrick, MD To Be Held In March The organizer of the annual "Women of Aviation Week" event in Fredrick, MD, is looking for a few good pilots. Aviatrix Victoria Neuville, who writes the blog "Toriaflies," puts on the event each year at Fredrick Municipal Airport in Fredrick, MD. On her blog, she has issued a call to pilots who would be willing to volunteer to take women flying for the first time during the event. Not that it's particularly difficult. "Last year, due to overwhelming demand to help, I actually had to put many pilots on a waiting list!," she writes. "So this year, I am reaching out to past pilots first, and then my dedicated blog readers!" According to Neuville's blog, only 6% of pilots are female. Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week celebrates the women of aviation past, present and future. "Over 400 ladies have been introduced to the aerospace industry over the past two years through Women Fly it Forward events thanks to volunteer pilots. Through theses efforts, Frederick earned the 'Most Female Pilot Friendly Airport Worldwide' award in 2011 and 'The Most Female Pilot Friendly Airport in the US' and 'The Most Female Pilot Friendly Airport Worldwide 1st Runner Up' awards in 2012." Women Of Aviation Week is March 4-9, 2013. "Pilots are invited to fly participants on weekdays and Sunday at a time convenient to you," Neuville says. "We can provide participants and you provide the flight and report. Saturday March 9th marks our third annual marathon event with a day full of flight volunteering as we celebrate 50 years of women in space and provide free flights to those affected by breast cancer. Pilots and volunteers are welcomed to stay after the event for a thank you cookout sponsored by Aviation Insurance Resources." FMI: Pilot Form, http://toriaflies.blogspot.com/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=d95530e2-6c10-4c44-bd12-388818378028 ----------------------------------------------------------------- RNAV RNP Approaches Approved For Denver International Airport Arrival Procedures Designed By Jeppesen In Conjunction With Airport Officials, FAA The FAA has approved RNAV RNP (area navigation with required navigation performance) based arrivals for Denver International Airport (KDEN) that were designed by a group that included the agency, airport officials, and Jeppesen. The approval will mean increased runway throughput; reductions in aircraft fuel burn, greenhouse gas emissions and minimized noise footprints, in the Denver area. Performance Based Navigation is the foundation of the FAA’s NextGen modernization program, Europe’s SESAR programs and other future air traffic management concepts, which will alleviate much of today’s delays on the ground and in the air. Working with DEN, the FAA, airlines and others, including authorities from Centennial Airport and Rocky Mountain Regional Airport, Jeppesen has designed new arrival procedures that will expedite the flow of traffic arriving at DEN. The new procedures reduce pilot and controller workload and increase aircraft operational efficiency, while at the same time make DEN more neighbor-friendly. RNAV differs from traditional navigation, whereby aircraft navigate from beacon to beacon or are given vectors (steered) by air traffic control, by allowing aircraft to fly a course within a network of navigation beacons or waypoints. RNP specifies a minimum level of onboard navigational performance monitoring and alerting. RNAV and RNP specifications facilitate more precise lateral and horizontal aircraft routing, and enable aircraft to descend from altitude without intermediate level offs, greatly reduce fuel consumption and aircraft noise emissions. All phases of flight operations stand to benefit from RNAV RNP through: 1) Reduced fuel burn through continuous descents. 2) Reductions in miles flown. 3) Reduced pilot / controller communications. 4) Increased lateral and vertical predictability of operations. RNAV and RNP also make it easier for the air traffic system to handle and recover from weather and other problems, which today can cause massive, system-wide disruptions. “Performance Based Navigation is one of the pillars upon which NextGen and SESAR will be built, but these future air traffic management systems cannot be implemented by government alone,” said Jeppesen president and CEO Mark Van Tine. “Successful implementation requires cooperation and collaboration by numerous stakeholders, as was the case with this project. I am proud that Jeppesen played a lead role in helping DEN continue to improve operational efficiency.” Each of the participants came to the project with specific objectives: KDEN’s primary desire was to increase its ability to efficiently handle arriving traffic, while at the same time minimizing environmental impacts of traffic growth. The FAA’s goal was to improve safety and efficiency and lessen controller/pilot workload, and airlines wanted to reduce the number of miles flown while operating in the Denver terminal area. “Denver International Airport is one of the least delayed, most efficient airports in the national Airspace System, and these evolutionary flight procedures enable us to meet increased demand in the future while minimizing aviation’s environmental impacts,” Kim Day, Aviation Manager for Denver International Airport said. “Through collaboration with Jeppesen, the FAA, airports, industry leaders and the public, Denver’s skies are opened to continued growth and increased performance.” Jeppesen helped bring all the parties together to ensure that the project accounted for all airspace users, RNP- and non-RNP capable alike, and delivered procedures controllers would willingly issue and pilots would willingly accept and fly. Draft procedures, created by Jeppesen’s staff, which includes both experienced procedure designers as well as veteran air traffic controllers, were then charted and coded for stakeholder evaluation, iteration and further refinement. These new RNAV RNP arrival procedures will be fully implemented December 3rd. From initiation to completion, the project was completed in less than 24 months. FMI: www.faa.gov, www.jeppesen.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=c827597f-7f82-41a5-b7d9-08ea4e248cc9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aviation Trade Mission To China Deemed A Success U.S. Delegation Included Representatives From Pan Am Academy The U.S. Department of Commerce declared their recent Aviation Trade Mission with the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), held the first two weeks of November, to be "successful on all fronts." The group met in five major Chinese cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Beijing, and Hong Kong. U.S. delegation members, including Pan Am International Flight Academy, held prescreened one-on-one meetings and networking sessions with Chinese partners and key aviation decision-makers from the Chinese government and industry with a common goal to promote business between U.S. commercial aviation and Chinese airlines and manufacturers struggling to keep pace with China's rapid growth. China is the world's fastest growing civil aviation sector and is expected to add 5,000 new aircraft valued at $600 billion over the next 20 years. The Chinese delegation consisted of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC); Air China, China's largest private airline; China Eastern Airlines; China Southern Airlines; OK Airlines; Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a state-owned aerospace and defense company employing over a half million people; COMAC, a Chinese aircraft manufacturer; and maintenance and repair companies AMECO and GAMECO. China's commercial aviation opportunities exist in multiple sectors, including tier-one suppliers, niche-parts manufacturing, airport design/construction, pilot and mechanic training and general aviation. "We've been in this business a long time and been involved in a lot of global business, starting with Pan Am's contributions in bringing international travel to the world in the early days...but to be asked by the U.S. Department of Commerce to represent the best in American aviation training and safety procedures was a real honor," said Gregory Darrow, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing of Pan Am International Flight Academy. "This opportunity, has in effect, solidified our relationship with many of the key decision-makers and airlines there. We see China as a tremendous opportunity for us and we were thrilled to have participated." A scheduled stop during the 12-day mission included the China Air Show in Zhuhai China, endorsed by the Chinese central government, with 600 companies from 35 countries worldwide and more than 100,000 visitors. Delegates were honored to attend a special reception held at the show for the trade mission by U.S. Ambassador to China, Gary Locke and U.S. Minister for Commercial Affairs to China, Mr. William Zarit. Pan Am was one of only ten U.S. companies invited to participate. The next scheduled cooperative aviation trade mission between the two countries is expected to be held sometime during the next year. (Pictured: Pan Am and US Aviation Trade Delegation meeting with the CEO of Air China as part of recent trade mission to China.) FMI: http://export.gov/china/news/eg_cn_051850.asp, www.PanAmAcademy.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=ee68e181-f213-4ab2-a853-f8ef17ed7cb9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Advanced Variable Speed Turbine For Army Rotorcraft In Development Pratt & Whitney Awarded R&D Contract For New Technology The U.S. Army has awarded a research and development contract to Pratt & Whitney for an Advanced Variable-Speed Power Turbine (AVSPOT) to meet the range and lift requirements for current and future force rotorcraft. The AVSPOT program is an initiative by the U.S. Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, in collaboration with NASA, to develop turbine technology that improves performance, efficiency, and affordability of rotorcraft engines, and to validate that technology in a laboratory environment by 2016. Although future mission requirements are still being considered, the program aims to develop a power turbine that would allow future medium as well as large rotorcraft to hover at up to 10,000 ft and cruise at up to 25,000 ft altitude while maintaining high operating efficiency. Whereas current state of the art power turbines operate in the 95-105 percent speed range, AVSPOT is intended to allow rotorcraft to optimize power turbine speed in the range of 55-105 percent while optimizing fuel consumption, cost, weight and durability. There are significant challenges to enabling the higher power and rotor speed needed for takeoff and climb, as well as slower optimized rotor speed at cruise. To address these challenges, Pratt & Whitney is pursuing a technological approach that reduces the speed of the power turbine while optimizing its efficiency. "Pratt & Whitney looks forward to participating in the AVSPOT program, and we're confident we will be able to meet the mission profile requirements needed for future rotorcraft engines," said Annette Jussaume, general manager, Small Military Engines. "We have the technology know-how that will allow us to develop an efficient high-power turbine that can operate over a wide range of engine speeds." FMI: www.pratt-whitney.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=daba6ef3-16ce-4658-8d4a-0c3ae9d6bb78 ----------------------------------------------------------------- AS365 N3+ Dauphin Helicopters Enter Service With The Bangladesh Army Aircraft Will Fly Humanitarian Missions And VIP Airlift The Bangladesh Army has marked its formal service introduction of two new Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters, which will be deployed on United Nations humanitarian missions and operated in multi-role transport duties for the republic. Supplied through the Eurocopter South East Asia subsidiary, these are the first Eurocopter-built rotorcraft to join the Bangladesh Army’s aviation fleet, and they were presented Tuesday during a ceremony at the military service’s Dhaka Cantonment headquarters. In preparation for the twin-engine Dauphin’s service introduction, an initial group of Bangladesh Army pilots attended ground school classes at Eurocopter South East Asia’s Singapore facility, and were trained in the subsidiary’s AS365 N3+ full-flight simulator. Additional crew members are to follow, including pilots who will be qualified as instructors. “These two Dauphins will significantly enhance our capabilities, as we continue to participate actively in world peacekeeping missions,” explained Brigadier General Abdullah Al Azhar, commander of the ad hoc army aviation group. “The provision of simulator training by Eurocopter South East Asia has greatly facilitated the service entry of the aircraft, allowing our pilots to operate them from the onset with confidence and ease.” To cater to the growing Dauphin fleet in Asia, Eurocopter South East Asia was designated earlier this year as the regional hub to provide training, major inspection and heavy structural repairs for the Dauphin family of helicopters. “We welcome the Bangladesh Army to Eurocopter’s global family of operators,” said Bernard Brenner, President & CEO of Eurocopter South East Asia. “Their confidence in our products stems not just from the Dauphin’s proven capabilities, but also from our ability to provide them with the full suite of support and services, which comes as a direct benefit from Eurocopter’s policy of being in close proximity to the customers.” Eurocopter’s AS365 N3+ is equipped with Arriel 2C turboshaft engines, an increased gross weight, a 4-axis autopilot and glass cockpit. (Photo by Kiw Hui Bin provided by Eurocopter South East Asia) FMI: www.eurocopter.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=3374784f-018f-4d97-a0a8-59695b15d990 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Judge To Hear Civil Lawsuit Stemming From 2008 AL Air Show Fatality Five-Year-Old Child Fatally Injured During Windstorm At The Airport A judge in Madison County, AL, will hold a summary judgement hearing January 4th in a case stemming from the death of a five-year-old boy at an air show in Huntsville in 2008. The civil suit was filed against the Airport Authority and a rental equipment company after the child was fatally injured by an air conditioning unit which fell on him after a microburst hit the airport grounds during the show. The family of Josiah Miller says the tents and equipment were not properly secured to the ground, and that the airport did not adequately warn about severe weather conditions. Television Station WAFF reports that The judge may make a decision concerning how the case will proceed at the hearing. The airport officials named in the suit said that they are immune from claims of liability associated with the performance of their official duties. They also say that there is not enough evidence that the accident occurred because of any act or omission that they should have known could cause an injury. Operations Director Doug Kreulen added that he depended on the National Weather Service for severe weather information, and had halted the show 12 minutes before the microburst hit. FMI: http://madisoncountyal.gov/courts For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=77933eb9-3971-4e51-9e36-e2438a40e6a1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TMZ: We Do Not Want A Drone Calls Media Reports That It Had Applied For A Permit 'Bogus' It was certainly plausible, but the celebrity news site TMZ insists that it has not applied for an FAA permit to operate a UAV. The site has a reputation for publishing less-than-flattering photographs and news stories about celebrities and others. According to The Blaze online, the San Francisco Chronicle first mentioned that TMZ had applied for a drone permit in a weekend article on privacy concerns related to the use of UAVs, particularly by organizations other than law enforcement. The article quoted "FAA officials" who said "TMZ "does not have a permit" yet." TMZ said in a statement posted on its website that the FAA released a statement saying "TMZ does not have FAA authorization to fly an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), and we have no record that TMZ ever requested or inquired about an authorization." They go on to say that the SF Chronicle story is "bogus," and that "we don't want a drone." To drive the point home, the statement says "Truth is ... while drones are, in fact, awesome ... it just ain't true." So for now, at least, there won't be a TMZ drone buzzing around celebrity compounds trying to catch a glimpse of a starlet sunbathing topless behind a high wall or privacy fence. And perhaps a recent story concerning what happened to an animal rights group's octocopter flying over a private Pennsylvania hunting club might serve as a cautionary tale to paparazzi who may be considering it. The origin of the TMZ story remains unclear. (Image from file UAV helicopter with camera) FMI: www.tmz.com, www.faa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=183be668-1306-412c-81b4-9b2fe8a452eb ----------------------------------------------------------------- Boeing Partner Orbital Completes MEXSAT Bicentenario Satellite Commsat Shipped To South American Launch Site Boeing and partner Orbital Sciences Corporation are a step closer to helping the government of Mexico provide advanced communications services throughout the country and surrounding maritime area with the completion of the MEXSAT Bicentenario communications satellite. Orbital designed, manufactured and tested MEXSAT Bicentenario before shipping the completed spacecraft to Kourou, French Guiana, where it is scheduled to be launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket on Dec. 19. Under a contract with Boeing, Orbital completed the work on MEXSAT Bicentenario (pictured in photo provided by Orbital) as part of a three-satellite order for the Federal Government of Mexico. As prime contractor for MEXSAT, Boeing is providing two larger satellites in the series that are scheduled for launch in 2013 and 2014. The Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes of Mexico will take over day-to-day operations of the satellites as they are launched and undergo on-orbit testing, verification and positioning. "MEXSAT Bicentenario is based on Orbital’s flight-proven GEOStar-2 platform, which enabled us to deliver the spacecraft on a short delivery schedule," said Christopher Richmond, Orbital senior vice president of Communications Satellite Programs. "We are looking forward to a successful launch and a smooth on-orbit checkout sequence." Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems is the overall integrator of the MEXSAT communications network, which will comprise three satellites, two ground telemetry and control sites, associated network operations systems, and reference user terminals. The second and third MEXSAT satellites will be Boeing 702HP geomobile satellites that will each supply 14 kilowatts of power and carry a 22-meter L-band reflector for mobile satellite services. FMI: www.boeing.com, www.orbital.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=1dc472cc-b85a-40a1-a01f-c787b2d837cc ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: Aero-Twitters Offer Instant Alerts For Breaking News Say Hello To Aero-Twitter! "We need an article ASAP," Jim said some time (and several thousand tweets) ago, "about our new Twitter-based instant alerting service." "Sounds cool," I replied. "So... what on Earth is Twitter?" I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most techno-savvy staffer at ANN. I'm typing this on a two-year old Dell desktop that's hardly state-of-the-art, but at least it can run Flight Simulator 2004 (but not FSX, too slow.) Heck, I didn't even buy my first computer until 2004... which makes my current line of work incredibly ironic, if nothing else. So, it was off to the Internet for me, to find out what Twitter was. As it turns out, it's pretty neat. Most ANN readers probably know already that Twitter is an online service that enables you to broadcast short messages to your friends or "followers" -- in this case, allowing us to share breaking news with ANN readers. Twitter is designed to work on a mobile phone as well as on a computer (and can be accessed via your IM clients). All Twitter messages (called "Tweets", naturally) are limited to 140 characters, so each message can be sent as a single SMS alert. Brevity is a virtue when using Twitter, since you can't say much in 140 characters (then again, the world would probably be a better place if people spent less time reading their cell-phones, anyway). A completely free service, Twitter is useful for close-knit groups, to quickly communicate group-related items. It's something of a mini-blogging tool -- 140 characters at a time. For example, on July 3rd, ANN used our Aero-Twitter application to update the status of the first flight of Cirrus Design's "The-Jet." Subscribers to ANN's Aero-Twitter were able to receive these notices instantly on their computers, or via their cell phones, hours before any other aero-reporting outfit could convey the news. We're not planning to go nuts with Aero-Twitter. It's meant to let you know of important programs or news alerts. Rest assured, we won't send instant alerts every time NATCA accuses the FAA of... well, anything... nor will we burden the service with such earthshaking news as a certain aircraft manufacturer making minor changes to its logo. But, if there's a major event in the aero-world -- first flights, significant product announcements, really cool new programs on Aero-TV, that sort of thing -- of course, we want the ANN audience to know about it, and know about it first. So... check it out... it's the latest in an aggressive series of upgrades that we'll be rolling out in the next few weeks! FMI: http://twitter.com/AeroNews For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=39b24181-d7ee-4732-a9cd-6fc0e936536b ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (11.30.12) Aero-News: Quote of the Day ANN's Quote of the Day usually derives from current news, though we reserve the right to pick quotes out of history that have a bearing on the day's events and issues. Sometimes, you'll find them timely and in keeping with the content of the day's news... and sometimes, they'll just be thought-provoking. Reader suggestions and comments are welcome... and if particularly intriguing, timely, or poignant, may themselves become future Quotes of the Day. Let us hear from you, folks! Aero-News Quote of the Day “Bill Shuster is an experienced and well respected member of our Conference and as the incoming Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee his leadership will be critical to our important work next Congress.” Source: Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). Shuster (R-PA) was named this week as the new chair of the House Transportation Committee. Congressman John Mica (R-FL) is term limited by House Republican Caucus rules. FMI: http://transportation.house.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=98377d86-cc20-4e7f-9394-d573189bc68d ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.30.12): Fixed Wing Aero-Terms! Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game. Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms. Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term. Fixed Wing Denotes a heavier than air aircraft that is supported in all phases of flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings. Fixed wing is an aircraft category. FMI: http://aviationglossary.com/fixed-wing-icao-definition For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=aff75f7a-1c76-4582-ba08-0b604b0731e1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (11.30.12) Aero-Linx! Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this is done on the Internet. The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile. Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well. Aero Linx: Ontario Seaplane Association From the site's homepage: "We are a group of people interested in, pilots of, or owners of seaplanes in Ontario, Canada. Our goal is to promote the social side of seaplane flying in Ontario. Through COPA, our province wide directors, and the use of this website and its features, we hope to create some new activity by making it easier for "seaplane minded" people to get together." FMI: www.dougronan.com/ontario For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=e99c2a40-dfe4-48b9-8ae6-84e286df1a44 ----------------------------------------------------------------- AD: The Boeing Company Airplanes (777) AD NUMBER: 2012-23-06 PRODUCT: Certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-23-06 ACTION: Final Rule SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports of failure of wire support clamps in the forward section of the aft pressure bulkhead. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the clamps on the power feeder cable of the auxiliary power unit (APU) to determine if certain clamps are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the clamp, which could result in wire chafing and potential arcing and consequent fire in section 48 (a flammable fluid leakage zone) or heat damage to the APU power feeder cable, insulation blankets, or pressure bulkhead. DATES: This AD is effective December 31, 2012. FMI: AD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=993dbf02-3c27-49cb-8e7a-d16a7593dc54 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Senior Staff Roster J.R. 'Zoom' Campbell CEO/Editor-In-Chief jim@aero-news.net Glen Moyer Aero-Cast Producer gmoyer@aero-news.net Tom Patton News Editor editor@aero-news.net Nathan Cremisino Ashley Hale Aero-TV Video Production Team Aero-TV HQ MKTG Inquiries Marketing Director mktg@aero-news.net Note: This newsletter is supported solely by sponsors like the one(s) listed herein. We stand 100% behind every ad that we run. If you ever have a problem with a company that advertises here please contact us and we will try to get it resolved. -- Aero-News Network Aero-News Network POB 305, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043. 863-299-8680, www.aero-news.net ANN Aero-Casts /podcasts Provided to registered subscribers, Daily. 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This Is His Address Get ANN's Free News Ticker We have designed a small "portable" News Ticker that will offer current ANN headlines about what is happening in the aviation world. It can be copied to virtually any Web site (including YOURS!) on the Internet by simply requesting the code and permissions from us. In addition to staying abreast of the latest headlines, you can click on any one of these News Tickers, no matter who's site it is on, and then go directly to ANN to read the news, in-depth, anytime you choose. You may request the code using our request form by logging on to www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm For those of you with web sites, be sure to drop us an e-mail at editor@aero-news.net and we'll be sure to check out your site for inclusion in our link sites, shortly. AND... don't forget to send your news and press releases to us via news@aero-news.net ! We want our coverage to include EVERY facet of aviation... so we need ALL the feedback we can get! Please Forward This Issue If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or business associates. Thanks so much! Copyright (c) 1998-2012: Please do NOT reprint, publish, or host on your Web site without our explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it (unmodified) to a business associate or a friend. Thank you. "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." Marion Wright Edelman

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