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• National Guard Bureau Guard News Update
• Partnerships, Innovation Provide Keys to Mission Success, Transcom Official Says
• Panetta Discusses Syria Situation, Sequestration
• Fort Riley Current News Update - 5 items
• President Proclaims National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• Contracts for December 06, 2012
• Today in the Department of Defense, 12/7/2012
• Secretaries Seek Integrated Military, Veteran Support System
• Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief
• DOD Clarifies Post-secondary Education Expectations
• Readout of Vice Chief of Naval Operations Meeting with Chinese Admiral
• U.S. Monitors Possible North Korean Rocket Launch
• Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief
• Revamped Program Aids Separating Service Members
• Secretary Panetta Statement on Intent to Nominate CENTCOM Commander
• DOD Releases Revised Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding
• Pacific Command Seeks Collaboration, Not Confrontation
• United States and Iraq Commit to Enduring Strategic Partnership
• Face of Defense: Marine Guitarist Enjoys Military Service
• VA News Releases Update
• Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader
• U.S., Iraq Sign Defense Cooperation Memo of Understanding
• Propwash

National Guard Bureau Guard News Update Posted: 06 Dec 2012 04:14 PM PST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to Guard News for National Guard Bureau. Guard members continue U.S.-Mexico border-security duties 12/06/2012 11:52 AM EST As many as 300 National Guard members will remain deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border for another year as part of a border security partnership between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, according to a statement released Wednesday by DHS.   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

Partnerships, Innovation Provide Keys to Mission Success, Transcom Official Says Posted: 06 Dec 2012 03:11 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. Partnerships, Innovation Provide Keys to Mission Success, Transcom Official Says 12/06/2012 05:04 PM CST Partnerships, Innovation Provide Keys to Mission Success, Transcom Official Says By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - The U.S. Transportation Command collaborates with industry and other agencies to find innovative, cost-effective solutions to logistics challenges, the unit's deputy commander said yesterday. Lt. Gen. Kathleen Gainey spoke during the Defense Logistics 2012 conference in Arlington, Va. She expressed concern about the possible impact of sequestration under the Budget Control Act, but said that shrinking resources are inevitable no matter what happens. "All of our apple carts have been upset and are about to be upset even more," Gainey said. "We still have to deal with the cuts that all of us are facing and the changes that we're going to have as a result of our new strategy." The new strategy, she said, was a methodical analysis of the most efficient ways to project power to combatant commands, specifically the movement of people, equipment and supplies and their sustainment. Whether for aeromedical evacuation, ammunition, equipment, dignified transfer of human remains, or even presidential movements, Gainey said the main mission focus is simple. "It's that warfighter, the [person] wearing the suit in the foxhole that we're doing this for," she said. As command leadership and missions changed over time, Gainey said transportation officials had to reassess how to best perform and streamline processes, while determining core business needs and facing dwindling assets. The officials canvassed industry, their own work force, COMCOMs, services, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to figure out where to concentrate efforts, and leaders determined that industry plays a vital role reserving readiness capability. "We do most of our business with commercial partners," Gainey said. "They are our backbone of capability both for day-to-day operations but also for surge capability." Gainey also emphasized the significance of information technology management and cybersecurity. "We're trying to figure out how [to] better collect data, making sure all agree on the source data and then portray it in a manner that's easily accessible by everybody," Gainey said. "How do we ensure that data is useable by others ... [and can] merge into their database?" The general noted that cyber is the organization's main threat.  "You have to go through a lot of wickets to get a password and to access our systems," Gainey said. "But anybody in the war fight wants to makes sure the data is protected and hasn't been tampered with." In addition to addressing cyber threats, Gainey said the command is aligning resources and people with mission requirements by standing up an enterprise readiness center from people within the organization. "We've already started with some structural changes to better organize to be responsive to the warfighter, to the services and look at how to better partner with industry," she said. The command has also turned its attention to providing customer-focused professionals. "People have to use our capability," Gainey said. "So if you don't have to be customer-focused, you can sometimes get into a rut where you can tell people that this is the way it is." Relationships, communication and offering options can enhance business and should change the paradigm of how Transcom conducts business, she said.  "We've got good people; we just need to think differently and be incentivized to change how we look at things," she said, noting core the organizations core values of collaboration, trust, empowerment and innovation. Reversing the "silo" effect and creating relationships with people, not electrons, will be part of Transcom's reformation, Gainey said. "When people also feel empowered, then the trust, the empowerment and collaboration can start to achieve innovation – real change," she added. Transcom leaders developed a methodology to assess actual costs and determine logistics options that would bring efficiencies and allow customers to make informed decisions about fuel costs, delivery dates and mode of transport.  Finding flexibility in those areas as well as seeking cost-avoidance solutions, such as identifying loads to do backhaul for cargo jets, helped analysts achieve the best value for limited assets, Gainey explained. The virtue of correcting data assumption errors was well worth the effort, according to the general. "We've been able to achieve $15 million a month savings by changing the math calculus," Gainey said. "[U.S. Central Command] obviously is thrilled; so is Army, who is paying that bill." As new missions around the world bring different needs and challenges, Gainey said collaboration will enable the command to overcome the obstacles. "Together we deliver, [we're] dependent on industry support and partnership to think differently," she said.     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

Panetta Discusses Syria Situation, Sequestration Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:56 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. Panetta Discusses Syria Situation, Sequestration 12/06/2012 04:52 PM CST Panetta Discusses Syria Situation, Sequestration By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today repeated the U.S. government's growing concern that Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar Assad may be preparing to use chemical weapons on their own people. Without getting into specific intelligence, Panetta told reporters at a news conference at the Department of Veterans Affairs there is no question that "as the opposition advances, in particular in Damascus, that the [Assad] regime might very well consider the use of chemical weapons." He added that what the U.S. knows "raises series concerns that this is being considered." Panetta's comments came three days after President Barack Obama warned the Assad regime that there would be consequences for such a move, and that Assad himself would be held accountable. Today, Panetta expanded on that warning. "The president has made very clear that the Assad regime ought not to make the mistake of thinking that somehow it can use chemical weapons on its own people and get away with that. The whole world is watching," the defense secretary said. Panetta said he would not comment on the consequences if Assad were to use weapons of mass destruction. "But I think it's fair enough to say that the use of those weapons would cross a red line for us," he added. The warnings to the Assad regime come as reports suggest opposition forces are closing in on Damascus and that the nearly two-year-old civil war is increasingly threatening Assad's inner circle. On another matter, Panetta was asked today about the impact of sequestration on defense programs, should it occur. "There is no question that if sequestration happens, it will impact those who are coming home [from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan]," he said. "It's going to impact on what we're going to be able to provide them." Panetta compared the automatic budget cuts triggered by sequestration to a "meat-axe approach." If implemented, sequestration would "have a serious impact in terms of those [service members] coming home, the programs that serve them, the support system that we have not only for them, but for their families," he added. "It's for that reason, obviously, that our continuing hope is that the leadership in this country comes together and finds an agreement that avoids this deficit cliff that we're hanging on," Panetta said.   Biographies: Leon E. Panetta   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

Fort Riley Current News Update - 5 items Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:52 PM PST You are subscribed to Current News for Fort Riley. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.  1.  The holiday season will kick off with the lighting of the holiday tree at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 6 on Ware Parade Field in front of Bldg. 500. Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie, senior commander, Fort Riley, will address the crowd along with the Family of The Year and help 'throw the switch' to light up the night. The 1st Inf. Div. Band will provide music before and after the ceremony and holiday carols will be sung. Santa will arrive in the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard’s Percheron drawn horse wagon. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.     2.  Trees for Troops, a program that provides holiday trees for free to active-duty military Families, will be at Fort Riley from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Dec. 7 and until all of the trees have been distributed. For more information, call 785-239-2363.     3.  The 1st Infantry Division Band is set to host its yearly holiday concerts Dec. 11 at Manhattan’s City Hall Auditorium and Dec. 14 at Junction City’s C.L. Hoover Opera House. This year’s performances will feature the brass quintet, Gunpowder and Lead and a 25- to 35-member concert band. The Junction City performance will feature 11 musicians from the Junction City Community Band. Each performance starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.                               4.  Irwin Army Community Hospital will host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the IACH flagpole courtyard. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 785-239-8414.     5.  The Operation Santa headquarters are now open at Building 261 on Main Post. Drop-off locations include: At Fort Riley – Armed Forces Bank, CAB headquarters, Garrison headquarters, 1st Infantry Division headquarters, 1st ABCT headquarters, 2nd ABCT headquarters, IACH, Main Post Exchange, Op. Santa headquarters and Picerne Neighborhood Housing centers. In Manhattan: Toys can be dropped off at American Family Insurance, 3320 W. Anderson Ave.; Caldwell Mortgage Company, 2630 Claflin Road; Gymnastics Plus, 2730 Amherst Ave.; Kmart, 401 E. Poyntz Ave.; Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, 501 Poyntz Ave., Navy Federal Credit Union, 4th Street, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods; Wal-Mart, 102 Bluemont Ave.; and Walgreens, 2719 Anderson Ave. and 325 Bluemont Ave. In Junction City: Wal-Mart, 521 E. Chestnut St. For monetary donations, cans are located at the following places: At Fort Riley: Habanero, Military Clothing and Sales and the Warrior Zone; In Junction City: Armed Forces Bank, 429 W. 18th St.; Daily Union, 222 W. Sixth St.; Meritrust Credit Union, 343 E. Chestnut St.; Quantico Tactical, 916 N. Washington St.; and Value Place, 331 E Ash. St.       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

President Proclaims National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:19 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. President Proclaims National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 12/06/2012 04:06 PM CST President Proclaims National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - "Today, we pay solemn tribute to America's sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice at Oahu. As we do, let us also reaffirm that their legacy will always burn bright -- whether in the memory of those who knew them, the spirit of service that guides our men and women in uniform today, or the heart of the country they kept strong and free," President Barak Obama said in his proclamation issued today declaring Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The proclamation reads: "On December 7, 1941, our Nation suffered one of the most devastating attacks ever to befall the American people. In less than 2 hours, the bombs that rained on Pearl Harbor robbed thousands of men, women, and children of their lives; in little more than a day, our country was thrust into the greatest conflict the world had ever known. We mark this anniversary by honoring the patriots who perished more than seven decades ago, extending our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones they left behind, and showing our gratitude to a generation of service members who carried our Nation through some of the 20th century's darkest moments. "In his address to the Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt affirmed that "with confidence in our Armed Forces -- with the unbounding determination of our people -- we will gain the inevitable triumph." Millions stood up and shipped out to meet that call to service, fighting heroically on Europe's distant shores and pressing island by island across the Pacific. Millions more carried out the fight in factories and shipyards here at home, building the arsenal of democracy that propelled America to the victory President Roosevelt foresaw. On every front, we faced down impossible odds -- and out of the ashes of conflict, America rose more prepared than ever to meet the challenges of the day, sure that there was no trial we could not overcome. "Today, we pay solemn tribute to America's sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice at Oahu. As we do, let us also reaffirm that their legacy will always burn bright -- whether in the memory of those who knew them, the spirit of service that guides our men and women in uniform today, or the heart of the country they kept strong and free. "The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. "NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2012, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor."   Related Sites: Presidential Proclamation   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

Contracts for December 06, 2012 Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:15 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 December 06, 2012 12/06/2012 04:00 PM CST FOR RELEASE AT 5 p.m. ET No. 953-12 December 06, 2012 CONTRACTS NAVY             Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $386,694,924 modification to the previously awarded F-35 Lightning II Program Air System Low Rate Initial Production Lot 6 Advance Acquisition Contract (N00019-11-C-0083) to provide sustainment support for delivered air systems.  This effort includes but is not limited to: ground maintenance activities; action request resolution; depot activation activities; Automatic Logistics Information System operations and maintenance; reliability, maintainability and health management implementation and support; supply chain management;  activities to provide and support pilot and maintainer initial training; and procurement of replenishment spares and depot level repairs in support of flight operations.  Work will be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Orlando, Fla. (35 percent); Ft. Worth, Texas (25 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (8 percent); Warton, United Kingdom (5 percent); and various locations throughout the United States (27 percent); and is expected to be completed in October 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $193,340,487 will be obligated at time of award, $58,378,517 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.              CCI Solutions Inc.*, Augusta, Maine (N40085-13-D-8005); J.C.N. Construction Co., Inc.*, Manchester, N.H. (N40085-13-D-8006); Monument Construction L.L.C.*, Nashua, N.H. (N40085-13-D-8007); Richard Brady and Associates Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va. (N40085-13-D-8008); and SMS Enterprises Inc.*, Lawrence, Mass. (N40085-13-D-8009), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build/design-bid-build construction contract for construction projects in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic Public Works Department Maine.  The maximum dollar value including the base period and two option years for all five contracts combined is $50,000,000.  No task orders are being issued at this time.  The work to be performed provides for new construction, renovation, alteration and repair, demolition and repair work by design-build or by design-bid-build for various types of facilities.  All work on these contracts will be performed primarily within the NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Public Works Department Maine area of responsibility which includes Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine (60 percent); Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Atlantic Detachment, Cutler, Maine (10 percent); Naval Satellite Operations Command, Detachment ALFA, Prospect Harbor, Maine (5 percent); and Naval Operational Support Centers in White River Junction, Vt. (5 percent); Plainville, Conn. (5 percent); Bangor, Maine (5 percent); Quincy, Mass. (5 percent); and Bronx, N.Y. (5 percent) .  The term of the contracts are not to exceed 36 months, with an expected completion date of December 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $25,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  These contracts were competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 11 proposals received.  These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.              Kellogg Brown and Root Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $35,883,635 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operating support services at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.  The work to be performed provides for public safety (security operations, emergency management, and fire/emergency services), air operations, ordnance, supply operations, laundry services, morale welfare and recreation, galley (food services), housing (Bachelor Quarters), facility support (facilities investment, janitorial services, grounds maintenance, pest control, refuse collection, and roads), utilities (electrical generation, wastewater treatment, and water operations), base support vehicles equipment, and environmental services.  The maximum dollar value including the base period and three option years is $127,582,035.  Work will be performed in Djibouti, Africa (95 percent) and Manda Bay, Kenya (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2013.  If all options are exercised, work will continue through February 2017.  Contract funds in the amount of $5,420,175 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 12 proposals received.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-13-D-3008).              Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded $35,129,214 for delivery order #0054 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-07-G-008D) for the repair of 16 weapons repairable assemblies and 15 shop replaceable assemblies of the APG 65/73 radar system used in support of the F/A 18 aircraft.  Work will be performed at Indianapolis, Ind. (62 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25.3 percent); Forest Miss. (11 percent); and Andover, Mass. (1.7 percent), and all work will be completed by Dec. 6, 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $17,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award.  The applicable 2013 Navy Working Capital funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1).  The NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.              Exelis Inc., Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a $10,985,800 firm-fixed-price contract for high performance image intensifier tube assembly, 18mm micro-channel wafer (MX-10160 Series) and data.  This equipment is used U.S. Special Operations Command for use in night vision devices.  Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2018.  Contract funds in the amount of $22,900 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year and will be obligated at contract award.  This contract was competitively procured and solicited via Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-13-D-JQ13).  AIR FORCE             Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, (FA8604-13-D-7951) is being awarded a $29,446,000 requirements contract for Engineering and Technical services for the F-16 and F-22 aircraft.  The location of the performance is Bahrain, Chile, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Taiwan and Turkey.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2014.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/PZIEB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  Contract involves Foreign Military Sales.               Vision Systems International L.L.C., Fort Worth, Texas, (FA8522-09-D-0012, P00012) is being awarded a $12,054,090 contract modification for F-15/16 sustainment.  The location of the performance is Wilsonville, Ore. and Talladega, Ala.  Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 29, 2015.  The contracting activity is AFSC/PZABA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.  Contract involves Foreign Military Sales.              Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, (FA8604-13-D-7950) is being awarded an $11,415,000 requirements contract for engineering and technical services for the F-16 and F-22 aircraft.  The location of the performance is Air Combat Command; Air Force Material Command; National Guard Bureau and Pacific Air Force bases.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2014.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/PZIEB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.              Intergraph Government Solutions, Madison, Ala., (FA8525-13-C-0002) is being awarded a $9,999,459 firm-fixed-price contract for C-5 engineering requirements review support.  The location of the performance is Robins Air Force Base, Ga.  Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 7, 2016.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WLKB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.   U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND             Miami Air Contractor Team, Miami, Fla., is being awarded a contract modification that increases the estimated value of the firm-fixed-price contract to $29,202,212, with a minimum guarantee of $596,095.  The contract provides for international airlift services.  Team members include: Alaska Airlines Inc., Seattle, Wash.; and Miami Air Inc., Miami, Fla.  Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2013.  Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  There were twenty-eight proposals received.  The contracting activity is U. S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., (HTC711-13-D-CC03).  DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY             BAE Systems, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded contract SPM8EG-13-D-0002.  The award is a firm-fixed-price, sole source contract with a maximum $13,840,389 for life preservers and component parts.  There are no other locations of performance.  There was one solicitation with one response.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 5, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. *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. 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Today in the Department of Defense, 12/7/2012 Posted: 06 Dec 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, 12/7/2012 12/06/2012 04:00 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, December 07, 2012   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Serbia's Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic to the Pentagon today at 1:45 p.m. EST. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Pedestrian Bridge only. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon. Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter has no public or media events on his schedule. 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

Secretaries Seek Integrated Military, Veteran Support System Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:10 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. Secretaries Seek Integrated Military, Veteran Support System 12/06/2012 03:47 PM CST Secretaries Seek Integrated Military, Veteran Support System By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - The secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs are partnering to build an integrated military and veteran support system, Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta said at a joint DOD-VA press conference at the Veterans Affairs Department here today. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, holds a joint press conference with Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki at the Veterans Affairs Building in Washington, D.C., Dec. 6, 2012. Panetta and Shinseki met before the press conference to discuss ways to help facilitate veteran disability claims and other issues. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Calling their departments' collaboration "a national security issue in many ways," Panetta said the agreements between DOD and VA "go to the heart of taking care of the people who fight for us, and ensure that we can recruit the very best force possible." He added that if service members, veterans and their families are to get the kind of "seamless experience they deserve," the jobs of the secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs are to "make clear that there has got to be good cooperation" at all levels. "Our close partnership has never been more important than it is today," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said of his meeting with Panetta. Based on guidance from President Barack Obama, the two departments are working on a revamped Transition Assistance Program, a joint electronic medical records system, joint acquisitions decisions, better access to mental health programs, and disability claims, among other issues, the secretaries said. "Today, our veterans wait too long for the benefits they deserve and that's why, together, we're streamlining our processes ... between our departments," Shinseki said. Overall, the DOD and VA collaboration for building an integrated support system is not about turf, but about serving the nation's veterans. "I'm very encouraged that the level of collaboration between our two departments is better than it ever has been in the past," Panetta said. "Yet we still have to reach much deeper," he said. "We owe it to [service members and veterans] to give them the tools to put their lives back together and pursue their goals, whether it's getting a good education, the best health care, excelling in a new career, serving in our government, or starting a business. "Today, we discussed a number of steps to try to get our departments to work together in a further enhanced DOD-VA collaboration," Panetta continued. "In particular, our discussion focused on a redesigned Transition Assistance Program. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 mandated that all service members participate in TAP to prepare them for life after the military." Shinseki said his department's support of DOD's revamped TAP, a presidential initiative, will create a "seamless and productive program that provides a warm hand-off from service member to new veteran status, to ensure all who have served are prepared to transition to civilian life and have access to the VA benefits and services they've earned." Panetta said the new TAP is progressing well. "We've got a large number of individuals in the military, and as we transition in these next few years in terms of our force structure we will have a lot of people going into this system," the defense secretary said. "I'm delighted to report we are very satisfied with the requirements of the VOW Act having been fully tested in terms of effectiveness at all 206 installations [it] is ready to go. We're on track to implement additional tracks for service members interested in education, technical training and entrepreneurship by October 2013." Disability claims will also become more streamlined as the two departments work together, Panetta said. "DOD has agreed in principle to conduct more detailed exit physicals for departing service members who are not immediately filing a VA disability claim," he said. "That helps expedite the process so that we don't have to go far back to their past to try to determine whether that claim is valid or not." With this information sharing, VA will have the health information it needs from DOD to more quickly process a claim, Panetta explained. "Today, Secretary Shinseki and I agreed to develop a joint DOD-VA plan for accelerating the program to try to integrate our health care systems. We want to meet or beat the schedule we've established as targets," the defense secretary said. "We've asked for the plan to be presented to us by early January. We've got to do everything we can to move this on a more expeditious path." Improved mental health service access is expected to be presented to the president as a joint recommendation by the two departments by the end of February 2013, he said. Panetta expressed his concern over the rate of suicide among military members and veterans. "It's a terrible challenge that we are dealing with, and we have got to do everything we can between DOD and the VA to ensure our systems are equipped to give our people the help they need to deal with these unique circumstances," he said. Panetta applauded the work of health care professionals who treat service members, veterans and families, and also recognized warfighters. "America's men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day to keep this country safe. We owe it to those who fight for us to fight for them," the defense secretary said. "Programs to help our warriors were developed out of the best intentions but too often they fall victim to red tape, bureaucracy and intransigence. "We, as secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, deeply believe that we can and we will do better," he continued, "and we will accept nothing less than the best services that we can provide for those who serve this country."   Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Eric K. Shinseki Related Sites: VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Related Articles: Revamped Program Aids Separating Service Members   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

Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief Posted: 06 Dec 2012 01:22 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. Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief 12/06/2012 03:00 PM CST Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today. President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III [pictured], who's currently serving as the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command. U.S. Army photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders," the secretary said, and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department." Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished Dec. 18, 2011. "During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said. Austin's previous commands include the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he earned a Silver Star for valor for actions in the early months of the war in Iraq. He also served as commander of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, and as commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq from February 2008 through April 2009. Mattis has commanded Centcom since Aug. 11, 2010, having previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command. "[Mattis] will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time," Panetta said. Austin's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.   Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Related Sites: U.S. Central Command DOD News Release   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 Clarifies Post-secondary Education Expectations Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:36 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 Clarifies Post-secondary Education Expectations 12/06/2012 02:09 PM CST DOD Clarifies Post-secondary Education Expectations By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - The Defense Department has issued new policy guidelines intended to provide better protection for members of the military and veterans who seek tuition assistance for post-secondary degrees. The department's revised voluntary education partnership policy specifies the expectations and agreements that colleges, universities and technical schools must adhere to in order to receive DOD underwriting, said Carolyn Baker, chief of voluntary education for DOD's military community family and policy office. The guidelines, part of a new memorandum of understanding, "ensure certain protections for military members [so] that they have a quality education," she added. Tuition assistance is a benefit available to Guardsmen, reservists, active duty members and veterans allowing a degree from a Department of Education-accredited college or university. To receive it, participating institutions must sign the MOU, and provide the student with clear information about financial procedures, course information and graduation rates. "[The MOU] protects service members in providing them with information so a service member can make a wise choice as to the institution [they attend]," Baker said. "We ask that all institutions provide service members with an education plan that states [course requirements] and evaluates credits earned at other schools [so] the service member can move forward and actually obtain their degree." The new guidelines clarify oversight, enforcement, and accountability for educational institutions receiving military tuition assistance, Baker said. Currently about 2,000 institutions participate in the tuition assistance program and Baker said she encourages more to do the same. The overall initiative supports the executive order establishing the President's "Principles of Excellence," Baker said. Those were issued in response to reports of aggressive and deceptive targeting of service members, veterans, and their families by some educational institutions after the Post-9/11 GI Bill became law. The guidelines pertain only to institutions accepting Title 4 funding, Baker said.   Related Sites: DOD News Release DOD Memorandum of Understanding Related Articles: DOD to Improve Voluntary Education Safeguards   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

Readout of Vice Chief of Naval Operations Meeting with Chinese Admiral Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:18 PM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Readout of Vice Chief of Naval Operations Meeting with Chinese Admiral 12/06/2012 02:01 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 952-12 December 06, 2012 Readout of Vice Chief of Naval Operations Meeting with Chinese Admiral             Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson, met today with Vice Commander-in Chief, People's Liberation Army (Navy) Vice Adm. Zhang Yongyi at the Pentagon.              Ferguson and Zhang discussed U.S.-China military to military relations, counter piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden, the upcoming Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC 2014), and future opportunities to work and train together.              "I enjoyed the opportunity to meet today with Adm. Zhang, and I believe our discussion helped foster better understanding and awareness between our two navies.  I am grateful for both Adm. Zhang's time and his candor," said Ferguson.  "There remains much work to do, but I am convinced that the leaders of both navies remain committed to that effort."     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

U.S. Monitors Possible North Korean Rocket Launch Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:19 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. U.S. Monitors Possible North Korean Rocket Launch 12/06/2012 01:41 PM CST U.S. Monitors Possible North Korean Rocket Launch By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - U.S. Pacific Command has moved ships into place to monitor a possible North Korean rocket launch, Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III said here today. North Korean officials have threatened to launch a satellite-tipped rocket into space sometime this month. Locklear, Pacom's commander, said such a move would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. "We encourage the leadership in North Korea to consider what they are doing here and the implications on the overall security environment on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in Asia," Locklear said during a Pentagon news conference. The move would be similar to what the nation would do to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea has been pursuing nuclear technology in defiance of the international community and has claimed to have carried out several tests of nuclear devices. Launching the rocket could show that North Korea has a delivery system for a nuclear weapon. "And this ... would be very destabilizing ... not only to the region but to the international security environment," Locklear said. The possible rocket launch would counter what has been a series of positive steps North Korea has made. "There have been ... a number of signs that might lead you to believe that the new regime leadership is going to take a more ... rational approach to how they deal with their own economy and how they deal with their own people, and how they deal internationally," Locklear said. "There's been a feeling that there might be some hope there." Locklear's priority -- like that of all U.S. commanders -- is the defense of the United States. As such, he is watching North Korean preparations carefully and talking with friends and allies in the region. The command has moved U.S. Navy ships in place to achieve optimal monitoring of the threatened launch. This is also important because Pacom has a homeland defense mission for Guam, the Marianas islands and other states in Oceana.   Biographies: Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III Related Sites: U.S. Pacific Command Related Articles: Pacific Command Seeks Collaboration, Not Confrontation   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

Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:17 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. Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief 12/06/2012 01:22 PM CST Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today. President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III [pictured], who's currently serving as the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command. U.S. Army photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders," the secretary said, and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department." Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished Dec. 18, 2011. "During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said. Austin's previous commands include the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he earned a Silver Star for valor for actions in the early months of the war in Iraq. He also served as commander of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, and as commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq from February 2008 through April 2009. Mattis has commanded Centcom since Aug. 11, 2010, having previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command. "[Mattis] will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time," Panetta said. Austin's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.   Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Related Sites: U.S. Central Command DOD News Release   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

Revamped Program Aids Separating Service Members Posted: 06 Dec 2012 10:58 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. Revamped Program Aids Separating Service Members 12/06/2012 12:46 PM CST Revamped Program Aids Separating Service Members By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - Major changes announced today to the Transition Assistance Program will revolutionize the way the military prepares people leaving the services, with mandatory participation in programs throughout their military careers to help set them up for a successful transition. The redesigned program, called Transition Goals Planning Success or Transition GPS, was unveiled by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. It is a multi-agency response to President Barack Obama's call to improve career readiness for separating service members, explained Susan S. Kelly, principal director of the Defense Department's Transition to Veterans Program Office. The president hinted at the most-sweeping change to the Transition Assistance Program in two decades during a speech this summer to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Obama called it the centerpiece to a broader federal effort to help service members transition to civilian life and to reduce veterans unemployment. During the three-phase rollout of the Transition GPS program that will continue through 2014, the many, but often disconnected, activities conducted across the U.S. government to support veterans and their families will be melded into one comprehensive effort, Kelly said. The Defense Department and departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor aligned their most successful programs to deliver better and more comprehensive services to help make service members "career ready" for civilian employment, officials said. They reached out to the Department of Education to integrate the latest teaching methods and tapped into the resources of the Office of Personnel Management and the Small Business Administration. One of the biggest changes in the new program is that participation is no longer voluntary. Based on a law that took effect Nov. 21, service members can no longer opt out of the transition assistance program. All, including reservists and Guardsmen demobilized after 180 days of active duty, must now attend specific training sessions and take concrete steps to prepare for separation. During phase one of the rollout, being implemented immediately, all separating service members will receive counseling about Department of Veterans benefits, Kelly said. In addition, most will be required to attend newly revamped employment workshops run by the Department of Labor. These workshops incorporate new curriculum such as how to explore career interests, use search tools to find job opportunities, write a resume, interview for a position and negotiate a salary, said John Moran, DOL's deputy assistant secretary for Veterans Employment and Training Service. While fulfilling the congressional mandate to reach out to all separating service members, the interagency team went a step beyond the law to further enhance the effort, Kelly said. Separating service members must now take financial planning training, and complete a 12-month budget that factors in the cost of where they decide to live after leaving the military. They must evaluate how their military-acquired education, training and experience translate into civilian career qualifications and prepare an individual transition plan. The task force ran a pilot program last summer at seven installations to evaluate this core curriculum, gathering assessments from about 950 military members who participated. "Many in the pilot programs found it eye-opening," Kelly said. The seven pilot sites continue to offer the DOL workshops, but the instruction will be available service-wide by January, Moran said. The program's second phase, to be tested during 2013 and implemented by the year's end, establishes requirements for separating service members who plan to go on to college or technical or career training or to start their own businesses. Those electing higher education or other training will be required to show an acceptance letter from that institution, or have an application filled out and ready to submit, Kelly said. They also will be required to establish a contact with a counselor to follow up with after leaving the military. Also during phase two, service members who hope to become entrepreneurs will be required to connect with the Small Business Administration for help in drafting and evaluating their small business plans. The final phase of the rollout to be implemented by the end of 2014 will integrate transition preparation throughout the service member's military career. The idea, Kelly explained, is to begin preparations for transition long before a service member prepares to leave the military. "The end state that we are shooting for is to embed this across the military lifecycle," she said. Each service will develop a plan designating points along a service member's career path for this training, Kelly said. Danny Pummill from the VA called the Transition GPS program an unprecedented interagency effort that ensures service members have the time and resources to prepare for a smooth transition from the military. It will help the nation's newest veterans live up to their destinies as "the next greatest generation," he said. "If we do this right, this is our opportunity to once again transform America," Pummill said.   Related Sites: Special Report: Veterans Employment   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

Secretary Panetta Statement on Intent to Nominate CENTCOM Commander Posted: 06 Dec 2012 10:53 AM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Panetta Statement on Intent to Nominate CENTCOM Commander 12/06/2012 12:15 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 951-12 December 06, 2012 Secretary Panetta Statement on Intent to Nominate CENTCOM Commander             "I am pleased to announce that President Obama intends to nominate Gen. Lloyd Austin as the next commander of U.S. Central Command.              "Lloyd Austin, who currently serves as vice chief of staff of the Army, is one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders - with extensive experience in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.  Gen. Austin led the 3rd Infantry Division from the front in the opening months of the Iraq war, earning a Silver Star for valor.  He later commanded the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, led Multi-National Corps-Iraq from February 2008 until April 2009, and then commanded U.S. Forces-Iraq from September 2010 through the completion of the mission in December 2011.              "During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves.  Lloyd would bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department.             "Gen. Austin is in the mold of the extraordinary CENTCOM commander he would succeed, Gen. James Mattis.  Jim has a distinguished record as a combatant commander, having also led the former Joint Forces Command from 2007-2010.  I will have much more to say about Jim Mattis, who I believe will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time.  He has been an exemplary leader of U.S. Central Command at a critical time for America's vital interests in the Middle East and South Asia.  He has helped build regional security cooperation, advanced the cause of security and stability, and ensured that our forces are postured and prepared for any contingency in the region.  I have relied on Jim every day I have served as secretary, and am profoundly grateful for his service to me and to the nation.              "Americans are safer because one of our nation's great warriors, Jim Mattis, is standing watch over this volatile and important part of the world.  I am grateful that we have found another warrior and patriot, Lloyd Austin, to carry his legacy forward and to command thousands of troops who are willing to fight and to die to defend our nation."     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

DOD Releases Revised Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding Posted: 06 Dec 2012 10:20 AM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DOD Releases Revised Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding 12/06/2012 12:05 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 950-12 December 06, 2012 DOD Releases Revised Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding             The Department of Defense (DoD) released a revised Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding (TA MOU) today, which includes input from universities and reflects many of the president's Principles of Excellence.              DoD will implement the policy March 1, 2013, requiring an institution to have a signed DoD MOU in order to be eligible to participate in the TA Program.  After March 1, 2013, schools without a signed DoD MOU will not be able to enroll service members under the TA program until they have signed the MOU.  Institutions with a currently signed DoD MOU can compare both versions and select to retain the original DoD MOU or sign the revised DoD MOU.              The current version of the MOU provides information, support, and increased protections to services members; strengthens oversight, enforcement and accountability; and provides guidelines for educational institutions receiving military TA funding.  The MOU ensures all service members participating in off-duty, postsecondary education programs receive quality education programs uniformly via the classroom or distance learning, on or off military installations.              During fiscal 2011, approximately 549,000 service members participated in voluntary education programs, which included tuition assistance, adult-based education, and counseling.  More than 325,000 service members were enrolled in postsecondary courses earning almost 45,000 college degrees and approximately 530 certifications and licenses.  DOD's voluntary education program consists of 245 education sites worldwide, including Afghanistan.              To view the MOU, go to http://www.dodmou.com .     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

Pacific Command Seeks Collaboration, Not Confrontation Posted: 06 Dec 2012 09:59 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. Pacific Command Seeks Collaboration, Not Confrontation 12/06/2012 11:45 AM CST Pacific Command Seeks Collaboration, not Confrontation By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - The United States would like China to be a constructive influence on the world stage, and the U.S. Pacific Command is stressing cooperation and collaboration, not confrontation, in the region, Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III said here today. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, briefs the media on Asia security issues at the Pentagon, Dec. 6, 2012. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The admiral, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said the command is moving forward on the U.S. move to rebalance forces to the Pacific. "The rebalance draws on the strengths of the entire U.S. government, including policy, diplomacy, trade and, of course, security," Locklear said during a Pentagon news conference. The rebalance is not aimed at any one nation or region, the admiral said. The strategy underscores that the United States is and will remain a Pacific power. Locklear stressed that rebalancing is not so much about equipment or troops -- although they play a part -- but about relationships. Rebalancing to the Pacific came from the defense strategic guidance released in January. Pacom's mission is to strengthen relationships in the region, adjust U.S. military posture and presence, and employ new concepts, capabilities and capacities. This will "ensure that we continue to effectively and efficiently contribute to the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific as we protect U.S. national interest," the admiral said. "The keys to success will be innovative access agreements, greatly increased exercises, rotational presence increases and efficient force posture initiatives that will maximize the dollars that we are given to spend." China is increasingly asserting itself in the region, but the admiral said he has good relations with Chinese leaders. China has undergone a power transfer and the Peoples' Liberation Army has new commanders. There are territorial disputes between China and other nations in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Locklear reiterated the U.S. position on these disputes. He said America does not take sides but does want to see issues resolved peacefully. "We call on all the parties there, including the Chinese, to ensure that, as they approach these problems, that they do so in a way that avoids conflict, that avoids miscalculation, that uses the vehicles available today through diplomacy and through those legal forums that allow them to get to reasonable solutions on these without resorting to coercion or conflict," the admiral said. In addition to asserting what it believes is its role in the region, China has also embarked on an effort to modernize its military. The latest indicator was the landing of a naval variant of the J-15 jet on Beijing's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. "If I were China and I was in the economic position that China is in and I was in a position of where I have to look after my global security interests, I would consider building an aircraft carrier, and I might consider building several aircraft carriers," Locklear said. It's not so much having such a military capability, but what China does with it that concerns the admiral. Aircraft carriers have a role in maintaining the peace. "If the issue is that [the Chinese] are not part of that global security environment, then I think we have to be concerned about [Chinese aircraft carriers]," Locklear said. India is another rising world power and Pacom is working closely with the government there to cement the military relationship between the world's two largest democracies. "We very much support India taking a leadership in the security issues in and around the Indian Ocean," the admiral said. "We are looking for opportunities to participate and interoperate with them where we can."   Biographies: Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III Related Sites: U.S. Pacific Command   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

United States and Iraq Commit to Enduring Strategic Partnership Posted: 06 Dec 2012 07:46 AM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States and Iraq Commit to Enduring Strategic Partnership 12/06/2012 09:26 AM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 949-12 December 06, 2012 United States and Iraq Commit to Enduring Strategic Partnership             Under the auspices of the Strategic Framework Agreement, the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to an enduring strategic partnership during the second meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordination Committee on December 5-6, 2012 in Baghdad.              The meetings held at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense were co-chaired by Iraqi Defense Minister Saadoun Al-Dlimi, the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller, and the Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller.             Defense and Security Cooperation is one of the cooperation areas that were agreed upon in the Strategic Framework Agreement signed in 2008 between the United States Government and the Government of the Republic of Iraq in order to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the two countries.             The United States and Iraq discussed efforts to continue strengthening their security cooperation, enhance Iraq's defense capabilities, modernize Iraq's military forces, and facilitate both countries' contributions to regional security.  The two delegations explored U.S.-Iraq training opportunities and Iraq's participation in regional exercises.              The United States and Iraq also discussed the strong and growing foreign military sales program, a symbol of the long-term security partnership envisioned by both countries.  The United States stated its support for Iraq's efforts to meet its defense and security needs.              Both delegations reviewed regional security issues.  They exchanged views on the conflict in Syria and its effects on regional stability, with both sides urging an end to the violence and support for a political transition that would represent the will of the Syrian people.  The two sides agreed to continue consulting closely on regional security matters.              The capstone event was the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Defense Minister Saadoun Al-Dlimi and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.  This agreement represents the enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, and provides mechanisms for increased defense cooperation in areas including defense planning, counterterrorism cooperation, and combined exercises.              Finally, the United States and the Republic of Iraq committed to convene a third recurring Defense and Security Cooperation Joint Coordination Committee meeting in Washington, D.C., during 2013 to continue discussions on the enduring security and military cooperation between the two countries.              View the Memorandum of Understanding at:  http://www.defense.gov/releases/US-IraqMOUDefenseCooperation.pdf     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

Face of Defense: Marine Guitarist Enjoys Military Service Posted: 06 Dec 2012 07:32 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. Face of Defense: Marine Guitarist Enjoys Military Service 12/06/2012 09:23 AM CST Face of Defense: Marine Guitarist Enjoys Military Service By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Glen Santy 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Dec. 6, 2012 - An accomplished guitarist who also enjoys serving in the military, Marine Corps Cpl. Mark A. Boughton said he gets amped up playing with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band here. Marine Corps Cpl. Mark A. Boughton, a guitarist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., enjoys making music and serving in the military. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Practice makes perfect, as Boughton spends many hours each week playing his electric guitar. Boughton said his mission in the Marine Corps enables him to mix his love of music with his love of physical fitness and serving his country. "Growing up, I always wanted to serve, not knowing that I could play in the Marine Corps. There's a part of me that wants to go out and be a famous rock star, but for right now, this a good gig," he said. Boughton added, "I get a steady paycheck, all the benefits of the military, and I get to play my guitar." Since he joined the military, Boughton said he's strived to excel both musically and as a Marine. Outside of work, Boughton said he usually spends no less than 30 hours-a-week playing his guitar. He also has earned a black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. "When I put the guitar down, I'm still a Marine," he said. "I constantly play and keep pushing myself to achieve."   Related Sites: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point   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: 06 Dec 2012 07:09 AM PST Veterans Health Administration Update VA News Releases Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. VA and Indian Health Service Announce National Reimbursement Agreement 12/06/2012 12:00 AM EST WASHINGTON -- American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans will soon have increased access to health care services closer to home following a recent Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service (IHS) joint national agreement.  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 Taliban Leader Posted: 06 Dec 2012 06:34 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. Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader 12/06/2012 08:02 AM CST Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader who was responsible for acquiring and distributing weapons and explosives to insurgents during an operation in the Dahanah-ye Ghori district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported. The combined force also detained several other suspects and seized a number of improvised explosive device-making components, officials said. In other Afghanistan operations today: -- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader directed the activities of a group of insurgents in Uruzgan province, and was involved in the planning and execution of direct-fire and improvised-explosive-device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained two other suspects. -- In the Maidan Shahr district of Wardak province, a combined force detained one suspect during a search for a district-level Taliban leader who oversees IED operations in Maidan Shahr. And yesterday, a combined force killed the Taliban leader, Akhbar, and several other insurgents in the Dara-e Pech district of Kunar province. Akhbar had coordinated the movement of insurgents and was responsible for supplying money and equipment to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.   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

U.S., Iraq Sign Defense Cooperation Memo of Understanding Posted: 06 Dec 2012 06:34 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. U.S., Iraq Sign Defense Cooperation Memo of Understanding 12/06/2012 08:16 AM CST U.S., Iraq Sign Defense Cooperation Memo of Understanding By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - American and Iraqi officials signed a memorandum of understanding today in Baghdad that will make it easier for the two countries to work together. The memo was one result of the Defense and Security Joint Coordination Committee that met yesterday and today in the Iraqi capital. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy James N. Miller, acting Iraqi Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dlimi and acting Undersecretary of State for International Security Rose Gottemoeller participated in the meeting. The committee discussed efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations, officials said. This includes enhancing Iraq's security capabilities and modernizing Iraqi forces. Officials looked at the U.S. foreign military sales program. Iraq is buying F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and M-1 Abrams tanks from the United States, among other programs. These procurements include spare parts, training, maintenance help and other considerations. The officials also discussed regional issues and the ongoing conflict in neighboring Syria, defense officials said. The memorandum of understanding -- signed by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Dlimi -- covers the range of U.S.-Iraqi defense cooperation and covers the next five years. This includes high-level military-to-military visits, professional military education cooperation, counterterrorism cooperation and the development of defense intelligence capabilities. The two nations committed to joint exercises including exchanges of information dealing with humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, officials said.   Biographies: James N. Miller   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: 06 Dec 2012 01:06 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 12.06.12 Issue 156/06 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: 12.06.12 Edition: Classic Aero-TV: A Good Year For Robinson -- Kurt Robinson Looks to the Future It Was A Bad Year For Airplanes, But A Surprisingly Good Year For Helos... Especially 'Robbies' It was a tough year for most of the airplane business... but the helo biz showed signs of growth and recovery... and Robinson helicopters, most of all. Even more impressive, after fielding their first turbine helicopter, the R66, it looks like RHC has a major hit on its hands. On 23 December 2011, R66 serial number 0100 rolled off Robinson's production line, just one year and two months after the R66 Turbine received FAA certification. The 5-place R66 is Robinson's largest and most powerful helicopter. The idea, conceived more than a decade ago, was to produce a reasonably priced, low maintenance, high performance turbine helicopter that would fill the emerging void in the turbine helicopter market. Worldwide response to the R66 has been very strong, surpassing Robinson's initial expectations. To date, the company has received over 380 R66 orders; more than 70% of those orders are from foreign countries. Foreign sales have consistently accounted for more than 60% of the company's overall aircraft sales. R66 S/N 0100 was delivered to National Airways Corp. (NAC), Robinson's longtime dealer in South Africa. Robinson is already looking to expand their market... with RHC Boss Kurt Robinson telling ANN that as the R66 market expands, Robinson will continue to develop new options, including a police version, and ENG version, a float version and an external cargo hook. FMI: www.robinsonheli.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=ecb50b09-6c15-43c8-baa5-3ec1abc2b422 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Issues AD For Dreamliner Fuel Leaks Requires Immediate Inspection Of Fuel Feed Manifold Couplings The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive for Boeing's new Dreamliner after receiving reports of fuel leaks on two different in-service airplanes, and the subsequent discovery of several improperly assembled engine fuel feed manifold couplings on in-service and production airplanes. The improper coupling installations, which occurred during production, have included couplings with missing or improperly installed lockwire, parts within the couplings installed in the wrong locations, incorrect parts installed in the couplings, and couplings that have extra parts installed. The FAA says these conditions, if not corrected, could result in fuel leaks, which could lead to fuel exhaustion, engine power loss or shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire. The AD (2012-24-07) requires ensuring that the lockwire is installed correctly on the engine fuel feed manifold couplings. This AD also requires inspecting the assembly of the engine fuel feed manifold rigid and full flexible couplings. The FAA estimate that this AD affects 3 airplanes of U.S. registry. The total cost of the repair is estimated at $2,712 per airplane. The AD is a final rule. The agency said that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. However, there is a comment period open through January 22, 2013. The effective date for the AD is December 5, 2012. In an unrelated development, CBS News reports that a United Airlines 787 made an emergency landing in New Orleans Tuesday after an unspecified problem arose during a flight from Houston to Newark. United officials said that the airplane landed safely in New Orleans Tuesday morning, and the 174 passengers on board continued on a different airplane to their destination. There were reports of an electrical problem with the airplane on the website NYCAviation.com, but United has not said specifically why the airplane was diverted. (United Airlines 787 photo from file) FMI: AD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=641bc564-7a78-4c6c-be0d-8471bc2bbfb5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Italian LSAs To Be Built In Kissimmee, FL Italico Aviation Will Open A Manufacturing Facility At Kissimmee Gateway Airport An Italian LSA manufacturer plans to set up shop in Kissimmee, FL. The City of Kissimmee’s Economic Development Office said in a news release Wednesday that Italico Aviation is opening an LSA manufacturing facility at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. When the facility is established, Italico Aviation USA will be the only original equipment manufacturer of Lights Sports Aircraft in the United States. At this headquarters location, Italico Aviation USA, a spin-off of the Italian ultralight builder Eruoala, plans to create 55 new positions over the next 4 years with more than a $3.2 million capital investment. In addition to manufacturing LSAs, Italico Aviation USA is expanding their research and development to this site as well as making this site the distribution center for all their sales in the western hemisphere. The aircraft to be built in Florida will be called the FX1. It will be based on the Euroala Jet Fox ultralight and powered by a Rotax ULS 100 hp engine. The airplane has so far been shown only in an amphibious (pictured) configuration, thought the Jet Fox is depicted with tricycle gear. Italico Aviation USA received approval from the state, county and city for a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund with a High Impact Sector Bonus whose total amounts to $550,000, which is awarded based on meeting contractual performance requirements including job goals. “We are excited to begin manufacturing in the United States,” said Eros Spinozzi, President of Italico Aviation and Italico Aviation USA. “The Kissimmee location is perfect as it offers us access to everything we need, from a great workforce, strategic location, a tremendous customer base and most importantly the Florida sunshine that enables us to showcase our planes year round.” City of Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan stated, “We share great pride in Italico’s decision to expand their operation here. It is a testament that Kissimmee and Osceola County are great places for international companies to start, expand and continue to prosper.” “Italico’s choice to locate in Florida reflects our ability to help international firms achieve their business goals through the partnerships, resources and talent the state offers,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization. “We welcome Italico to Florida’s business community and look forward to the new opportunities the company will bring to our citizens.” Partners in this project include the State of Florida, Enterprise Florida Inc., Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. (Image courtesy Italico Aviation USA) FMI: www.euroala.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=0f075ba2-291f-4ea3-8800-57f6f035e733 ----------------------------------------------------------------- EU Member Countries Miss Single European Sky Deadline EU's Transport Commissioner Threatens Legal Action Against States The European Union's Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas is threatening legal action against member nations after they failed to meet a key deadline for a "Single European Sky." The EU is working to redesign the Continent's air traffic system, currently a hodgepodge of 27 separate national airspaces, into nine "Functional Airspace Blocs" (FABs). The system was to have been fully operations by Tuesday. Kallas (pictured) is quoted by the French News Service AFP as saying "We will take every possible action to make the single European sky a reality. At a time of economic crisis we cannot afford to live with the status quo." The EU says that by creating the FABs, they could triple capacity for airliners flying in Europe. The airline industry in Europe estimates that the inefficiencies of the current system cost airlines over €5 billion ($6.54 billion) every year, and that it further causes an unnecessary 13 million tonnes (14.2 short tons) of CO2 to be emitted per year, equivalent to 10 percent of current aviation emissions in EU airspace. The European airline industry also blasted the missed deadline. In a joint news release, the Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA) said they are united in condemning EU Member States for their reluctance to properly implement Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs), a key ingredient for the successful delivery of Single European Sky II (SES II). According to the associations, the member states have had eight years to comply with the Regulation, yet they have not moved much further than the mere creation of FABs. The intent of the legislation with respect to FABs was to drive defragmentation of European airspace, enabling significantly enhanced efficiency, while delivering cost-effectiveness improvements. The current situation of individual Air Navigation Service Providers in the 27 Member States around Europe operating as independent service providers is extremely inefficient - “The current situation is scandalous," the statement from the airline associations said. "It is not enough to create Functional Airspace Blocks in name only. FABs must be demonstrably business-driven, generating tangible operational efficiencies, significant cost savings and environmental benefits. We are dismayed that lack of political will by Member States has stalled any hoped-for progress. We remind Member States that, together with the Parliament, they themselves signed up to the Single European Sky Regulation, admitting that the current highly inefficient situation is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.” We therefore urge Transport Commissioner Kallas to follow up on his warning to Member States at the EU Aviation Summit in Cyprus on 12 October 2012, and launch infringement procedures against defaulting states. “This would send a clear signal to Member States that they are no longer able to hide behind window-dressing exercises and defensive arguments re sovereignty. Instead political will is urgently needed to implement meaningful FABs to bring about a truly Single European Sky. Without these we will simply not achieve the vital elimination of unnecessary fuel burn with resultant emissions, to the benefit of the environment. Nor will we see elimination of excess cost, so urgently required by the economies of Europe and European consumers.” FMI: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/kallas/index_en.htm For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=d3a7c9fe-ab62-47c4-a893-683f1eb31460 ----------------------------------------------------------------- First CH-53K Prototype Heavy Lift Helicopter Delivered To Flight Test Team Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) Delivery First Step In Towards First Flight The team developing the Sikorsky CH-53K heavy lift helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps has delivered the first prototype aircraft -- the Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) -- from the assembly line to the flight test team. The move will enable Sikorsky to prepare and test the GTV aircraft for hundreds of hours of powered ground checks ahead of the four follow-on flight test helicopters that will take to the skies during 2014-15. "The primary purpose of the GTV is to shake out the CH-53K helicopter's dynamic systems by thoroughly testing and measuring the performance of the rotor blades, transmission, and engines while the aircraft is tied to the ground," said Michael Torok, Sikorsky's CH-53K Program Vice President. "Extensive ground-based flight checks with Sikorsky and NAVAIR test pilots at the cockpit controls will confirm whether these dynamic systems, as well as hydraulic, electrical, and avionics systems, can meet the requirements established by the Marines for their next-generation heavy lift helicopter." Though designed to the same footprint size as the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters they will begin to replace in 2019, CH-53K helicopters will triple the external load carrying capacity to more than 27,000 pounds over 110 nautical miles under "high hot" ambient conditions. Technology enablers for increased lift include 7,500-shaft-horsepower GE38-1B engines; a split torque transmission design that more efficiently distributes engine power to the main rotors; fourth-generation composite rotor blades for enhanced lift; and a composite airframe structure. Flight test engineers will spend the coming months performing preliminary acceptance tests that include calibrating the GTV's fuel system and attaching measuring devices at more than 1,300 test locations on the aircraft to record temperature, aerodynamic loads, pressure and vibrations. By mid 2013, the GTV will be attached to a specially built outdoor platform to hold the aircraft in place when its three engines are powered on -- a process known as a "light-off." Initial light-off test events will be performed without rotor blades, followed by more rigorous tests with the blades attached. "This is an important point of transition for the CH-53K program," said Col. Robert Pridgen, program manager for the heavy lift helicopters. "I am encouraged by the initial results of our testing at the component and subsystem level. Now we bring it all together. The GTV is our first dynamic system-level integration of those same components. We are looking forward to the sights and sounds these next heavy lifters will bring to the Marine Corps." Sikorsky is designing, building and testing the GTV and the four flight aircraft -- designated Engineering Development Models -- as part of a $3.5 billion System Development and Demonstration contract. Two additional ground test articles are undergoing airframe structural testing at Sikorsky's main manufacturing plant in Stratford, CT., as part of the same contract. The aircraft's major fuselage sections are supplied by Aurora Flight Sciences, ITT Excelis, GKN Aerospace and Spirit Aerosystems. The prototype assembly line is located at Sikorsky's Florida Assembly and Flight Operations facility in West Palm Beach. Ground and flight testing will occur at the Developmental Flight Center on the same Florida campus. (Images provided by Sikorsky) FMI: www.sikorsky.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=69677946-6a85-4289-bb4f-0ba9fe07d23f ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Approves Trig's ADS-B Out Transponder For Use With NexNav GPS Ongoing STC Program Underway For Type Certifications Trig Avionics, the ADS-B experts have announced another partner product compatible with their TT31 and TT22 transponders. The FAA recently approved a TT31 Trig transponder in conjunction with an Accord Technology NexNav Mini GPS unit. This follows a successful flight test program carried near Denver, CO, by Peregrine. This new addition to Trig’s STC program allows operators to fit a Trig TT31 transponder for a 2020 ADS-B ‘mandate ready’ solution. “We design and manufacture transponders that are smart, affordable and future proof," said Andy Davis, CEO at Trig. "An investment in ADS-B technology is not cheap but we can offer certified equipment that’s simple to install and provides first class performance and value.” The FAA requires individual installations in each aircraft type to be flight tested, these initial flight tests were conducted in a Mooney. Trig are running an ongoing STC program, demonstrating compatibility with third party avionics and encompassing further airplane types. “We already have an STC for Free Flight’s certified GPS equipment, adding the NexNav Mini GPS extends customer choice," Davis said. "Working with the FAA we expect to add various airplanes in the near future. This means customers will be able to base their certified ADS-B Out solution with our TT31 transponder, and our highly popular compact TT22 which is just going through the final stages of STC approval.” Trig’s TT31 conventional mount transponder is an ideal ‘plug and play’ retro-fit for the popular KT76A . A Trig transponder is often the simplest upgrade path for most airplane types, with a Trig tray fitted it becomes the hub of 2020 ADS-B compliant system. Configured for ADS-B, the TT31 provides a certified 1090ES ADS-B Out. Having a certified ‘Out’ is necessary to receive TIS-B ground transmissions. “We are delighted to partner with Trig Avionics," said Hal Adams of Accord Technology. "Their transponder technology is a great match for our certified WAAS/EGNOS - GPS equipment. This latest STC demonstrates how ADS-B technology is here today and can be fitted and operated with confidence.” FMI: www.trig-avionics.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=4a386291-37a4-4224-a847-3604d7db4197 ----------------------------------------------------------------- First Flyable A350 XWB 'MSN-001' Structurally Complete Aircraft Makes Its 1st Journey 'On Wheels' Airbus has successfully completed the main structural assembly and system connection of A350 XWB ‘MSN-001’ – the first flight-test aircraft. The aircraft is shown here on its wheels for the very first time moving out of the main assembly hall (Station 40) at the recently inaugurated “Roger Béteille” A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. It then entered the adjacent indoor ground test station (Station 30). The assembly work performed in Station 40 included the successful electrical power-on of the aircraft's entire fuselage and wings. Soon work in Station 30 will start by testing the aircraft's hydraulic system, followed by the full electric and hydraulic power-on of the aircraft which will be completed by around the end of the year. This will mark the start of several weeks of comprehensive functional system testing. After the A350 XWB MSN-001 exits station 30, the aircraft will go through a series of extensive production and certification / development tests, be painted and have its engines installed. It will then be delivered to the flight-line and be readied for its first flight in mid-2013. (Image provided by Airbus) FMI: www.airbus.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=97899093-1519-4687-a462-8b6be5a70ddc ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Delays Decision On Commercial Flights At Paine Field Agency Had Promised An Answer On Monday After receiving a letter from a county official last Friday, Snohomish County Council members were expecting that the FAA would give them a decision Monday about whether it would approve commercial flights from Paine Field in Everett, WA. No such decision was forthcoming. Peter Camp oversees the airport for the county executive's office. He had sent the letter indicating the FAA was to have released its decision on Monday. The Everett Herald website Herald.net reports that since first asking for permission to operate commercial flights from the airport that is the home to Boeing, one of the two airlines has decided it can't wait any longer. Horizon Airline, which is owned by Seattle's Alaska Airline made that decision in September after having first made the request to begin operations at Paine Field in 2008. But Allegiant Air is still interested in an initial schedule of four flights each week from the airport, ramping up to 20 per week over five years. Citizen's groups on both sides of the issue have weighed in on the matter. A pro-airline group called "Citizen's Right To Fly From Paine Field" says that the flights would bring convenience and jobs to the region, and that Paine Field is an under-utilized resource. The anti-airline faction is led by a group called "Save Our Communities", which argues that the flights would bring increased traffic and noise, decreasing the quality of life in the region. The FAA has not offered a revised timeline for making a decision in the matter. FMI: www.faa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=b0701167-6f1f-4692-9bb4-1e3de1207692 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Dassault Sees Demand For Business Jets Recovering Throughout The Middle East Upswing Spurred By Large Regional Operators And Increased Globalization Of Commerce Dassault Falcon sees demand for business jets recovering throughout the Middle East, spurred on by large regional operators and the increased globalization of commerce. Dassault says it plans to deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers over the next 18 months, growing its fleet by 10 percent. More than 60 Falcon business jets already operate in the region, according to the planemaker. "The Middle East business jet market and its infrastructure are continuing to mature," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "This is due, in part, to increased globalization but also to the development of larger operators and world class facilities such as the Al Maktoum International Airport." Dassault Falcon will present its range of business jet offerings at the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event, from 11-13 December 2012. Dassault Falcon continues to expand its Middle East sales and support network in order to serve the market. In addition to the Dubai office, the network includes Authorized Service Centers in Dubai and Jeddah, a spares distribution center in Dubai and a technical office in Jeddah. The Falcon 7X (pictured, above) is Dassault's best selling aircraft and accounts for about 40% of all Dassault Falcon's Middle East business jet sales. Two of the largest 7X operators in the world are based in the Middle East. Saudia Private Aviation, the business aviation arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines, flies four of the advanced trijets, making it the largest 7X operator in the region. Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group manages three Falcon 7Xs on behalf of owners. The 7X was the first business jet equipped with a fully digital flight control system, which greatly enhances flight safety and overall comfort. Its 5,950 nm range allows the 7X to serve more than 90 percent of the city pairs demanded by the typical business aviation traveler. The airplane can connect New York to Riyadh, Jeddah to Recife or Dubai to Darwin. The 3,350 nm Falcon 2000S was shown for the first time at the NBAA in Orlando in October. Set for certification in the first quarter of 2013, the 2000S (pictured) is fitted with inboard slats and winglets that allow it to land at airfields that normally can only be served by much smaller midsize jets. Flight test performance is better than figures announced when the aircraft was unveiled in May 2011.The Falcon 2000S can fly from Dubai to Paris or Riyadh to London City Airport. The 4,000 nm Falcon 2000LXS, introduced last October, is equipped with the same inboard slats and winglets as the 2000S. The 2000LXS will combine the short field performance of the 2000S and the climb and cruise capabilities of the 2000LX. The Falcon 2000LXS can fly from Dubai to London City or Hong Kong. FMI: www.dassaultfalcon.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=a24a75b5-8cb7-4f3c-8c83-ae0b1ad92456 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Student Pilot's Arm Severed By Propeller Was Near Finishing Work On His Private Certificate When The Accident Occurred A student pilot who was reportedly just about ready to go for his Private Pilot checkride has his arm severed above the elbow by the propeller of the Cessna 172 he had just landed Sunday afternoon. The pilot, Vineet Singh, had been taking instruction through Pressley Aviation at Goose Creek Airport (28A) in North Carolina's Union County. He had flown with his instructor Sunday to Stanly County Airport in Arbermarle, NC (KVUJ). FBO and flight school owner Leighton Pressley and his 16-year-old daughter had gone along on the flight. Television station WSOC reports that the instructor was at the controls when Singh exited the airplane and "ended up in the propeller," according to Stanly County Airport Manager David Griffin. Pressley reportedly used his belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from Singh's severed arm. He was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center's main hospital in Charlotte, NC, where he was listed in fair condition. Singh had nearly 60 hours in his logbook, and was near to taking his checkride for his Private Pilot certificate. The FAA told the station that it has not certified Pressley Aviation as a flight school, but that four of the five pilots listed on the company's website are CFIs. (Cessna 172 image from file. Not incident airplane) FMI: www.ntsb.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=6b33e062-afa8-48f2-9416-f630ebb693a3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- NASA Mars Rover Fully Analyzes First Martian Soil Samples Finds 'Complex Chemistry' Including Water NASA's Mars Curiosity rover has used its full array of instruments to analyze Martian soil for the first time, and found a complex chemistry within the Martian soil. Water and sulfur and chlorine-containing substances, among other ingredients, showed up in samples Curiosity's arm delivered to an analytical laboratory inside the rover. Detection of the substances during this early phase of the mission demonstrates the laboratory's capability to analyze diverse soil and rock samples over the next two years. Scientists also have been verifying the capabilities of the rover's instruments. The specific soil sample came from a drift of windblown dust and sand called "Rocknest." The site lies in a relatively flat part of Gale Crater still miles away from the rover's main destination on the slope of a mountain called Mount Sharp. The rover's laboratory includes the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) suite and the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument. SAM used three methods to analyze gases given off from the dusty sand when it was heated in a tiny oven. One class of substances SAM checks for is organic compounds -- carbon-containing chemicals that can be ingredients for life. "We have no definitive detection of Martian organics at this point, but we will keep looking in the diverse environments of Gale Crater," said SAM Principal Investigator Paul Mahaffy of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. Curiosity's APXS instrument and the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera on the rover's arm confirmed Rocknest has chemical-element composition and textural appearance similar to sites visited by earlier NASA Mars rovers Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity. Curiosity's team selected Rocknest as the first scooping site because it has fine sand particles suited for scrubbing interior surfaces of the arm's sample-handling chambers. Sand was vibrated inside the chambers to remove residue from Earth. MAHLI close-up images of Rocknest show a dust-coated crust one or two sand grains thick, covering dark, finer sand. "Active drifts on Mars look darker on the surface," said MAHLI Principal Investigator Ken Edgett of Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego."This is an older drift that has had time to be inactive, letting the crust form and dust accumulate on it." CheMin's examination of Rocknest samples found the composition is about half common volcanic minerals and half non-crystalline materials such as glass. SAM added information about ingredients present in much lower concentrations and about ratios of isotopes. Isotopes are different forms of the same element and can provide clues about environmental changes. The water seen by SAM does not mean the drift was wet. Water molecules bound to grains of sand or dust are not unusual, but the quantity seen was higher than anticipated. SAM tentatively identified the oxygen and chlorine compound perchlorate. This is a reactive chemical previously found in arctic Martian soil by NASA's Phoenix Lander. Reactions with other chemicals heated in SAM formed chlorinated methane compounds -- one-carbon organics that were detected by the instrument. The chlorine is of Martian origin, but it is possible the carbon may be of Earth origin, carried by Curiosity and detected by SAM's high sensitivity design. "We used almost every part of our science payload examining this drift," said Curiosity Project Scientist John Grotzinger of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. "The synergies of the instruments and richness of the data sets give us great promise for using them at the mission's main science destination on Mount Sharp." (Images provided by NASA) FMI: www.nasa.gov/mars For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=2fe4b4e0-d630-486c-8f97-96752e8a09d8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- BOEM Proposes Wind Farm Leases Of The Northeast Coast Would Open Nearly 278,000 Acres Off The Rhode Island, Massachusetts, And Virginia Coasts For Wind Energy Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Tommy P. Beaudreau announced competitive lease sales for renewable energy development in two wind energy areas (WEAs) in federal waters last week. Wind farms have often been questioned by the aviation community because of possible interference with radar used by air traffic control, as well as being a potential navigation hazard. “Wind energy along the Atlantic holds enormous potential, and today we are moving closer to tapping into this massive domestic energy resource to create jobs, increase our energy security and strengthen our nation’s competitiveness in this new energy frontier,” said Salazar. The lease sales, which will be held next year, will be the first-ever competitive sales on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for wind energy, and are major milestones in the Administration’s “Smart from the Start” wind energy program to facilitate the siting, leasing and construction of new projects. These lease sales cover two WEAs along the Atlantic coast that have high wind resource potential. The Interior Department says the announcement advances steps taken by the Obama Administration to develop the full range of energy resources available on the Outer Continental Shelf. Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 229 was held on November 28, 2012, in New Orleans, and built on two major Gulf of Mexico lease sales in the past year – a 21 million acre sale held last December and a 39 million acre sale held in June. “Holding competitive lease sales on the wind-rich east coast is ushering in a new chapter in America’s development of renewable energy,” said Deputy Secretary Hayes. “By working closely with Rhode Island and the other states to identify the best areas for offshore wind farms, winning bidders will have a clear pathway to successfully harness our world-class offshore wind resource.” BOEM announced the Proposed Sale Notices today to offer 277,550 acres in two “Wind Energy Areas” – one area offshore Virginia and the other area of mutual interest offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The areas proposed for leasing are expected to be able to support more than 4,000 megawatts (MW) of wind generation – enough electricity to power an estimated 1.4 million homes. “(The) announcement follows many months of hard work, stakeholder engagement and extensive collaboration with our federal, tribal, state and local government partners,” said Beaudreau. “We are realizing the promise of our ‘Smart from the Start’ strategy, which has involved identifying the areas along the Atlantic Coast best suited for commercial wind energy development, while working with key stakeholders to address potential conflicts with other uses, including commercial fishing and vessel traffic, early in the process.” The area of mutual interest proposed for leasing offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts covers approximately 164,750 acres and is located about 9.2 nautical miles south of the Rhode Island coastline. The area will be auctioned as two leases, referred to as the North Zone and South Zone. The North Zone lease will consist of about 97,500 acres and has the capacity to support more than 1,000 MW of wind generation. The South Zone lease will consist of about 67,250 acres and is capable of supporting a project of between 350 – 1,000 MW. Together, these zones could support enough electricity to power 700,000 homes. The proposed lease area offshore Virginia will be auctioned as a single lease and totals about 112,800 acres about 23.5 nautical miles off the southern Virginia coast. It is expected to support more than 2,000 MW of wind generation – also enough electricity to power 700,000 homes. BOEM identified the WEAs in conjunction with renewable energy task forces, which include federal, state, local and tribal government partners. BOEM has conducted environmental assessments to analyze the potential effects associated with issuing leases in these WEAs. In addition, BOEM will conduct comprehensive site-specific National Environmental Policy Act review, including opportunities for public comment, for the construction of any proposed wind power facility. The 60-day comment period for the Notices ends on February 1, 2013. (Maps provided by BOEM) FMI: www.boem.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=0e533641-d2d0-4e8e-b592-7325413d9bab ----------------------------------------------------------------- Iraqi Airways Takes Delivery Of Its First Airbus A330 First Airbus Widebody Aircraft To Be Delivered To Iraq On behalf of Iraqi Ministry of Transportation, Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 becoming a new operator for the type. This will be the first Airbus widebody aircraft to be operated by Iraqi Airways. The carrier already operates two A321 aircraft. Accommodating a two-class configuration of 24 business and 264 economy seats, the aircraft is powered by GE CF6-80 engines and will be deployed on European routes including Germany, Austria and the UK. “The A330-200 will allow us to grow our international routes while offering high quality of service and flight experience to our increasing number of passengers,” said Captain Saad Mahdi Saeed Al-Khafaji, Iraqi Airways General Manager, “The aircraft will service a number of international routes, namely to Europe, providing passengers a more comfortable journey with spacious seating.” “We are pleased to welcome Iraqi Airways as a new operator of the A330 family aircraft. Iraq has a big potential and we are seeing more flights being operated to several cities in the country,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With the A330-200, Iraqi Airways will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal.” FMI: www.airbus.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=1dd934ed-2939-4f18-bdbd-8b55a7215814 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pot Pilot Gets Probation Will Also Be Required To Pay A $10,000 Fine A Colorado Judge has sentenced a California pilot to two years probation and imposed a $10,000 fine for transporting 55 pounds of marijuana the pilot said was for medical use. Boulder District Judge Thomas Mulvihill thought that explanation was a little thin. "I think you were dealing," the judge said in imposing sentence. "I'm not convinced this was a benevolent transfer of medical marijuana to Colorado. I hear that explanation and my eyebrows go way up." The pilot, Carl Steven Gruber, is a professional pilot who sometimes performs at air shows and also flies for movies. The Boulder Daily Camera reports that Gruber's attorney said his flight was "inadvertently" tracked by TSA, putting his client in the middle of a drug smuggling investigation in which he was not initially a target. Attorney David Moorhead said Homeland Security "was tracking the wrong plane, and they got lucky." Moorhead admitted that his client knew the transport was probably illegal, but he didn't "think it was a big deal" to carry the cannabis to a medical marijuana facility in Colorado. Gruber has lost everything as a result of the arrest, including his house and his airplane, which was seized. The judge acknowledged the hardship and reduced the fine from $25,000 to $10,000. Judge Mulvihill will allow Gruber to serve out his probation in California, where he resides. (Boulder County Sheriff's photo) FMI: www.courts.state.co.us/Index.cfm For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=d99cc63e-b970-4750-ae69-3d7e2928aa83 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Kaan Air Signs For One More (Each) AW169 And AW139 Aircraft To Be Flown For VIP/Corporate Transport An additional preliminary order for one AW169 light intermediate twin-engine helicopter and a contract for one AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter for VIP/corporate missions have been placed by Kaan Air, based in Istanbul, Turkey. The contracts follow the one signed by the customer just two months ago for two AW169s and one AW139. AgustaWestland sees significant future prospects for the AW139 and AW169, as well as its other commercial products in Turkey, where there is strong market demand. AgustaWestland claims more than 60% market share of the turbine commercial helicopter market in recent years, achieved with a significant contribution from the distributor Kaan Air. Currently there are three AW139s operating in Turkey where the aircraft's high performance, cabin size and modern safety features are recognised as key advantages over the competition. A fourth AW139 will be delivered to a VIP customer soon. With three aircraft already in flight test with over 100 flight hours accomplished and a fourth prototype scheduled to join the program in early 2013, the AW169 is on schedule to achieve civil certification in 2014 with deliveries beginning in 2015. The AW169 cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers or up to seven passengers in VIP configuration. It is powered by two 1000 shp class PW210A turboshaft engines enabling the aircraft to cruise at more than 140 knots and provide vertical Cat.A/Class 1 capability as maximum all up weight, even in hot conditions. The AW169 is being certified in accordance with EASA CS-29 / FAR Part 29 latest Amendments and will be the only helicopter in its class to meet the very latest safety standards. More than 70 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered for a wide range of missions including, air ambulance, law enforcement, corporate transport, utility and offshore transport. There are more than 500 AW139 aircraft currently in service performing many roles including EMS/SAR, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement and military transport. (AgustaWestland images. Top: AW169. Bottom: AW139) FMI: www.agustawestland.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=357c9ee5-a07d-4282-8591-bc144265e908 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Erickson Air-Crane Explores Acquisition Of Brazilian Business Signs Non-Binding Letter Of Intent To Buy 14 Aircraft And Associated Assets Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated, an operator and the manufacturer of the powerful heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire 14 helicopters and associated personnel and assets from HRT Participacoes em Petroleo, S.A. (HRT). The letter of intent is non-binding and, for the acquisition to be completed, requires that EAC provide operational services to HRT in the Amazon, including both cargo and passenger transport, through a three-year, renewable contract. "We are very pleased to have identified what we believe is a strong future partner," said Udo Rieder, Chief Executive Officer of Erickson Air-Crane. "Were confident that this acquisition can be an excellent path to diversification and growth. Brazil is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing industrial markets in the world and we are uniquely suited to provide our expertise and leverage the full capabilities of this fleet and our investment." The Aircrane has a lift capacity of up to 25,000 pounds and is the only commercial aircraft built specifically as a flying crane without a fuselage for internal loads. The Aircrane is also the only commercial heavy-lift helicopter with a rear load-facing cockpit, combining an unobstructed view and complete aircraft control for precision lift and load placement capabilities. Erickson Air-Crane owns and operates a fleet of 18 Aircranes, which are used to support a wide variety of government and commercial customers worldwide across a broad range of aerial services, including firefighting, timber harvesting, infrastructure construction, and crewing. Erickson Air-Crane also manufactures Aircranes and related components for sale to government and commercial customers and provides aftermarket support and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the Aircrane and other aircraft. FMI: www.ericksonaircrane.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=181ac956-595e-4a9a-bb96-cb3a447123b3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- NGC's IL Aircraft Systems Repair Facility Achieves EASA Certification New Certification Allows The Repair Station To Service Equipment For Civil Aircraft Registered In Europe EASA has granted Part 145 certification to Northrop Grumman for its repair station in Rolling Meadows, IL. The company's repair station was established to meet regulatory requirements for customers operating aircraft under civil aviation rules. Opened in 2009, the station services Northrop Grumman's infrared countermeasures systems. EASA Part 145 Repair Station Certification regulates the standards for qualifying as a repair station and the maintenance requirements for aircraft. "We understand the importance of keeping critical systems in top condition and doing so affordably," said Carl Smith, vice president of infrared countermeasures for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems division. "This EASA Part 145 certification will allow us to extend our award-winning service to customers who operate aircraft registered in Europe." The repair station also holds Part 145 certification from the FAA, and has been awarded the FAA's Diamond Award for Excellence for two consecutive years. The station was also recognized by the National Air Transport Association with two consecutive Five Star Awards for its dedication to aviation maintenance technician training. FMI: www.northropgrumman.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=5c40529b-98c0-4d5a-be91-9b5b56cd7bc8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Iran Claims It Has Captured A U.S. Drone U.S. Responds That All Are Accounted For The U.S. Navy has responded to claims by the Iranian government that it has captured an unmanned aircraft by saying that all of its drones are accounted for. But they leave open the possibility that it may have been a ScanEagle (similar aircraft pictured) that had been lost previously and retrieved from the ocean by Iran. The Associated Press reports that there were no details as to time, date, or location of the supposed UAV capture. It may have been in their possession for some time and revealed now for its propaganda value. Cmdr. Jason Salata, a spokesman for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain, said there have been some ScanEagles lost over the water during the ongoing campaign, but of the current inventory, "The U.S. Navy has fully accounted for all unmanned air vehicles operating in the Middle East region. Our operations in the Gulf are confined to internationally recognized waters and airspace." A video released by Iranian state television shows two people in military uniforms examining what appears to be an intact ScanEagle UAV. In late 2011, Iran claimed to have brought down a RQ-170 Sentinel UAV operating in Iranian airspace, which was captured almost intact. The aircraft belonged to the CIA, and the Iranians claimed to have retrieved secret data from the aircraft. FMI: www.navy.mil For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=db6d8fbb-7de7-4c5c-bcf2-6889b54e9dc1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Smithsonian Spidernaut Has Died Nefertiti Had Spent 100 Days In Space Aboard The ISS It's not often that the death of a spider would make the news, but just about everyone would agree that this was a very special spider. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History said Monday that Nefertiti, the “Spidernaut,” which had spent 100 days in space as part of a student-initiated experiment aboard the ISS, had died. “Neffi” was introduced to the public Thursday, Nov. 29, after traveling in space on a 100-day, 42-million-mile expedition en route to and aboard the International Space Station. She had made the trip as part of an experiment conceived by a student to study how she would react to microgravity. In the early morning hours Monday, before the museum opened, a member of the Insect Zoo staff discovered Neffi had died of natural causes. Neffi lived for 10 months. The lifespan of the species, Phidippus johnsoni, can typically reach up to 1 year. In a news release, the museum said "The loss of this special animal that inspired so many imaginations will be felt throughout the museum community. The body of Neffi will be added to the museum’s collection of specimens where she will continue to contribute to the understanding of spiders." (Image provided by NASA) FMI: www.si.edu/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=a288837e-4962-4eb9-aa49-c4c733f32147 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: Disqus A Powerful New Tool For You To Use For Your Aero-Conversations Want to start a conversation about a story you've seen on Aero-News? It's even easier with Disqus, a powerful, web-based comment tool you can use to talk about stories on Aero-News with your friends. After you register with Disqus, a simple process that takes about five minutes, you'll have the ability to comment on the stories you see on ANN not only with those who are our readers, with with the broader Disqus community. When you click on a story, you'll see several options for adding a comment at the bottom of the page. If you're not alreayd logged in, clicking on the "Disqus" button will give you a login screen. All you have to do is put your Disqus user name and password in the box, and you're ready to comment. It's really that simple. You know we want to hear what you think about the stories published on Aero-News. Disqus gives you a powerful tool to start a conversation or keep one going. Let your voice be heard. FMI: www.disqus.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=9e773c8e-9d7b-4727-bae0-fcacb26d0632 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.06.12) 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 “We are excited to begin manufacturing in the United States. The Kissimmee location is perfect as it offers us access to everything we need, from a great workforce, strategic location, a tremendous customer base and most importantly the Florida sunshine that enables us to showcase our planes year round.” Source: Eros Spinozzi, President of Italico Aviation and Italico Aviation USA. FMI: www.euroala.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=b4c87849-c6a0-4ab1-9010-09312472262d ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.06.12): Layered Haze 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. Layered Haze Haze produced when air pollution from multiple line, area or point sources is transported long distances to form distinguishable layers of discoloration in a stable atmosphere. FMI: http://w1.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?letter=l For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=cb492cfa-7543-4bb2-bb08-4b0f4514c374 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.06.12) 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: Winter Flying Tips How did it get to be December already? For those who don't want to put their airplanes away for the winter, here are some helpful tips for winter flying from the FAA. FMI: www.faasafety.gov/gslac/alc/libview_normal.aspx?id=10520 For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=8ab2dc12-6e9d-4e76-856c-41e16b3fffe5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- AD: Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines AD NUMBER: 2012-24-03 PRODUCT: All Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A, 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E, 1E2, 1K, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-24-03 ACTION: Final Rule SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual inspections for erosion caused by dust ingestion and, if necessary, cleaning of the gas generator (module M03). This new AD requires determining the engine history; performing a one-time visual inspection of the axial compressor for erosion; performing initial and repetitive cleaning of the gas generator hollow shaft; and replacing the rear bearing if the amount of dust collected during cleaning exceeds 8 grams. This AD also includes an optional terminating action. This AD was prompted by in-service experience which has shown that dust inside the gas generator hollow shaft may be found when the axial compressor wheel has less erosion than initially assessed. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an unbalance of the gas generator rotating assembly, which may lead to gas generator rear bearing failure, and uncommanded engine shutdown. DATES: This AD is effective January 7, 2013. FMI: AD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=3a2675b0-4569-4960-aa33-2f40383f70f3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- AD: Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines (1E2, 1S, 1S1) AD NUMBER: 2012-23-12 PRODUCT: All Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-23-12 ACTION: Final Rule SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection and torque check of the 3-way union plug installed on all fuel control units (FCUs). This new AD requires the same actions. This AD also requires reduction of the applicability to certain FCUs and references an updated service bulletin containing additional detailed information to identify the noncompliant "red disk." This AD also requires replacement of the plug before further flight if it is found to be non-compliant, and prohibits installation of FCUs that have not passed the 3-way union plug inspection and torque check. This AD was prompted by Turbomeca S.A. informing us that FCUs manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after March 31, 2008, do not require inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective January 7, 2013. FMI: AD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=d290c213-115b-4336-8d27-c7ea97c159b8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. 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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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