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• Secretary Leon Panetta spoke by phone with Japan Defense Minister Itsumori Onodera January 7 to congratulate him on his new position
• Contracts for January 07, 2013
• Today in the Department of Defense, 1/8/2013
• Statement by Secretary Panetta on the Nomination of Chuck Hagel
• Obama Announces Nominees for Next Defense Secretary, CIA Director
• Panetta Lauds Nominees for Defense Secretary, CIA Director
• Flag Officer Assignment
• U.S., Canada Think Ahead to 'NORAD Next'
• Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader in Ghazni Province
• Face of Defense: Urge to Help Motivates Deployed Sailor
• Propwash
• Propwash

Secretary Leon Panetta spoke by phone with Japan Defense Minister Itsumori Onodera January 7 to congratulate him on his new position Posted: 07 Jan 2013 04:35 PM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Leon Panetta spoke by phone with Japan Defense Minister Itsumori Onodera January 7 to congratulate him on his new position 01/07/2013 06:20 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 010-13 January 07, 2013 Secretary Leon Panetta spoke by phone with Japan Defense Minister Itsumori Onodera January 7 to congratulate him on his new position             "Secretary Panetta reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.  The two discussed their shared commitment to implementing the April 2012 joint agreement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.  The Secretary expressed that he looks forward to working with Minister Onodera to continue to enhance cooperation between the two allies and to modernize and update the alliance."     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

Contracts for January 07, 2013 Posted: 07 Jan 2013 02:52 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 January 07, 2013 01/07/2013 04:05 PM CST FOR RELEASE AT 5 p.m. ET No. 009-12 January 07, 2013 CONTRACTS NAVY             CSC Applied Technologies L.L.C., Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $60,036,297 cost-plus-fixed-fee level of effort contract for range engineering and operations and maintenance services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Divisions' Atlantic Test Range and Atlantic Targets and Marine Operations Division.  The estimated level of effort is 707,955 man-hours.  Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in January 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $1,000,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1).  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-13-C-0007).              Booze Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Va. (N00189-13-D-Z004); Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va. (N00189-13-D-Z005); URS Group Inc., Washington, D.C. (N00189-13-D-Z006), and Whitney, Bradley, and Brown Inc., Reston, Va. (N00189-13-D-Z007), are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract to provide program management, technical environmental compliance, information technology programming and governance, financial and policy analysis, public outreach, and administrative services in support of The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), Energy and Environmental Readiness Division (N45).  These contracts include a base period and one option period.  For Booze Allen Hamilton Inc., the base amount is $13,993,386 and the estimated amount if the option is exercised will be $28,695,179.  For Science Applications International Corp., the base amount is $14,810,221 and the estimated amount if the option is exercised will be $30,540,941.  For URS Group Inc., the base amount is $15,566,983 and the estimated amount if the option is exercised will be $32,230,553.  For Whitney, Bradley, and Brown Inc., the base amount is $14,909,914 and the estimated amount if the option is exercised will be $30,110,943.  These four contractors will compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.  Work will be performed at the contractor facilities competing for each task order either in McLean, Va., Washington, D.C., Reston, Va. (63 percent) and Arlington, Va. (37 percent), and work is expected to be completed Feb. 14, 2016.  If all options are exercised, work will continue through Feb. 14, 2019.  The applicable fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance, Navy funds in the amount of $150,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will be equally divided between the contractors and serves as the minimum guarantee.  These funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year.  These contracts are awarded through full and open competition, with five offers received in response to this solicitation.  The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Va., contracting department, Philadelphia Office, is the contracting activity.  ARMY             Cajun Constructors Inc., Baton Rouge, La., was awarded a $46,181,916 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of a concrete covered canal.  Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 6, 2017.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with seven bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-13-C-0009).              Promotion Plus Inc., North Royalton, Ohio, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contact with a maximum value of $42,000,000.  The award will provide for the procurement of Army combat gloves.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 2, 2018.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with eight bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-13-D-0078).              General Dynamics Ordnance Systems, Repentigny, Canada, was awarded a $16,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of M1037 5.56mm short range training ammunition.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 11, 2017.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-13-D-0021).              Thales Raytheon Systems, Fullerton, Calif., was awarded a $14,102,920 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the contractor support services for the Sentinel radar.  Work will be performed in Fullerton, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-13-C-0091).             Colt Defense L.L.C., West Hartford, Conn., was awarded a $13,981,350 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of the M4 Product Improvement Program replacement barrel and front sight assembly.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with six bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-D-0040).              DRS C3 and Aviation Co., Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded a $13,794,226 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the infrastructure upgrade and equipment supply services in support of Foreign Military Sales.  Work will be performed in Gaithersburg and Jordan, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 18, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-13-C-D500).              Turner Construction Co., New York, N.Y., was awarded a $13,640,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of a Border Patrol Station in Detroit, Mich.  Work will be performed in Detroit, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 28, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 22 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit, Mich., is the contracting activity (W911XK-13-C-0001).              SCOLA, McClelland, Iowa, was awarded a $13,335,756 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure foreign language television access and associated foreign media research and language content.  Work will be performed in Monterey, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 25, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Presidio of Monterey, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91LV2-11-C-0009).              TYR Tactical, Peoria, Ariz., was awarded a $13,258,343 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of fragmentation/shrapnel vests and projectile protection in support of Foreign Military Sales.  Work will be performed in Peoria, with an estimated completion date of April 15, 2013.  One bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-13-C-0010).              General Dynamics -- C4 Systems Inc., Taunton, Mass., was awarded a $12,778,901 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the production and support services of lower tactical Internet data products.  Work will be performed in Taiwan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 28, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-13-C-0011).              Lockheed Martin Corp. -- Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $12,500,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract.  The award will provide for the establishment of a Patriot Advanced Capability-3/Missile Segment Enhancement Missile Field Test Program.  Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-13-C-0094).              Mythics Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded a $12,312,042 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract for maintenance support services.  Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-A-0003).              Johnson Evan and Sons Construction Co., Inc., Jackson, Miss., was awarded an $11,322,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction services.  Work will be performed in Vicksburg, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2014.  Six bids were solicited, with six bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912EE-13-C-0004).              Strategic Resources Inc., McLean, Va., was awarded an $11,320,927 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the base support services.  Work will be performed in Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Wash., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 26, 2013.  Six bids were solicited, with six bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Lewis, Wash., is the contracting activity (W9124D-11-C-9000).              Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $10,812,006 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the field service representative to support the M-ATV program.  Work will be performed in Oshkosh and Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-C-0281).              Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded a $10,707,828 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure services for the improved target acquisition systems for the tube launched, optically tracked, wireless guided missile system.  Work will be performed in McKinney and Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 5, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0088).              Navistar Defense L.L.C., Lisle, Ill., was awarded a $10,620,634 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure maintenance services on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle.  Work will be performed in Lisle; Yuma, Ariz.; Aberdeen, Md; and Afghanistan; with an estimated completion date of March 25, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0011).              Hodges Transportation, Silver Springs, Nev., was awarded a $9,500,000 firm-fixed-price level-of-effort contract.  The award will provide for the prototype, testing and evaluation services.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 25, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-D-L001).              Yulista Aviation Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a $9,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of a Transportable Flight Proficiency Simulator and Lift System in support of Foreign Military Sales.  Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0030).              Exelis Inc., Alexandria, Va., was awarded an $8,972,902 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure lethality testing services.  Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-05-C-0219).              TSS-Garco Joint Venture, Richland, Wash., was awarded an $8,912,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of a company operations facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.  Work will be performed in JBLM, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 12 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-13-C-0019).              Anthony and Gordon Construction Co., Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded an $8,603,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of a tactical equipment maintenance facility and a company operations facility.  Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 5, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 12 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-13-C-0005).              ABB Inc., St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada, was awarded a $7,680,210 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the delivery of digital static excitation systems.  Work will be performed in Bridgeport, Wash., with an estimated completion date of April 15, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-13-C-0017).              DRS Test and Energy Management L.L.C., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $7,569,343 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to support the upgrade of direct support electrical test sets.  Work will be performed in Huntsville, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 10, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W52H09-06-G-0001).              Alliant Techsystems Operations, Plymouth, Minn., was awarded a $7,563,969 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure precision guidance kits.  Work will be completed in Plymouth, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 27, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0130).              Data Networks Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded a $7,539,009 cost-plus-award-fee contract.  The award will provide for the design, development and sustainment of the Medical Situational Awareness in Theater and the Theater Medical Data Store.  Work will be performed in Reston, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 18, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (W81XWH-12-F-0335).              BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., York, Pa., was awarded a $7,508,199 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of fire support sensor system modification kits.  Work will be performed in York, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-C-0103).              Data Solutions and Technology Inc., Lanham, Md., was awarded a $7,417,838 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract procure vehicle operations and vehicle control services.  Work will be performed in Fort Polk, La., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013.  Eighteen bids were solicited, with 14 bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Polk, La., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-D-0036).              Thales Raytheon Systems Co., L.L.C., Fullerton, Calif., was awarded a $7,295,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of Sentinel Mode 5 kits and spares.  Work will be performed in Fullerton, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-13-C-0082).              BAE Systems Inc., Nashua, N.H., was awarded a $7,070,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Laser Target Locator Modules.  Work will be performed in Nashua, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 17, 2014.  Two bids were solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-D-0029).              Robertson Aviation, Tempe, Ariz., was awarded a $6,945,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of Mi-17 internal auxiliary fuel tank systems.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-13-D-0002).              Oracle America Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded a $6,895,405 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure software license renewals and maintenance for Army, Navy and Air Force.  Work will be performed in Reston, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 20, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (N00024-01-C-6110).              Esterline Defense Products, Coachella, Calif., was awarded a $6,637,866 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure M231/M232A1 Combustible Case Assemblies.  Work will be performed in Coachella, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-C-0437).     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 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Today in the Department of Defense, 1/8/2013 Posted: 07 Jan 2013 02:52 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, 1/8/2013 01/07/2013 04:07 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, January 08, 2013   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Statement by Secretary Panetta on the Nomination of Chuck Hagel Posted: 07 Jan 2013 01:17 PM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Statement by Secretary Panetta on the Nomination of Chuck Hagel 01/07/2013 03:01 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 008-13 January 07, 2013 Statement by Secretary Panetta on the Nomination of Chuck Hagel             Soon after the election, I informed President Obama of my intention to retire from public service and return home to California.  Today, the president announced that he will nominate Chuck Hagel to succeed me as secretary of defense, and I want to express my strong support for this nomination.              I've known Chuck for many years, and I had the opportunity to work with him closely in his capacity as chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board.  I greatly appreciate the work he has done to strengthen our intelligence enterprise in this important role, and as secretary of defense I also have benefited from his work on the Defense Policy Board.              Chuck Hagel is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran, and a dedicated public servant.  I believe his experience, his judgment and his deep understanding of the security issues facing this country make him the right choice to be the next secretary of defense.  I also want to commend the president for his choice of John Brennan to serve as the next director of the CIA.  I have had the opportunity to work with John on counterterrorism issues these last four years, and he will be a strong leader of that great intelligence agency.             Today, I want to express my enduring gratitude to President Obama for having given me the distinct honor and privilege of serving in his administration as director of the Central Intelligence Agency and as the 23rd secretary of defense.              My public service began in 1964 when I served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army.  After close to 50 years of serving the American people in both legislative and executive branch positions in Washington, the time has come for me to return home to my wife Sylvia, my children and grandchildren.  I want to deeply thank all of them for giving me the fullest measure of love and support during many absences from home throughout my long career in public service.              I will leave Washington with a deep sense of pride in what we accomplished together during my four years on the president's national security team.  As both director of the CIA and secretary of defense, I have always believed that our fundamental mission was to keep America safe.  Because of the outstanding dedication of our intelligence and military professionals,    America is safer and more secure that it was four years ago and we have reached a turning point after more than a decade of war.                As secretary, I am particularly proud of the following achievements: developing a new defense strategy for the 21st century that meets both our national security and fiscal responsibilities; the ongoing operations aimed at terrorism and decimating al Qaeda's leadership; bringing the war in Iraq to an honorable conclusion; implementing the campaign plan to build an Afghanistan that can secure and govern itself by the end of 2014; completing the NATO mission in Libya that resulted in the end of the Qadhafi regime; strengthening Alliances and partnerships throughout the world; rebalancing our military toward the Asia-Pacific region; opening up opportunities for all Americans to serve by expanding the role of women and repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; and providing greater support for our Active, Reserve and Guard forces, their families, and our wounded warriors.              None of this would have been accomplished without the support and loyalty of an outstanding team of military and civilian staff and leaders I have had the honor to serve with at the Department of Defense.  In particular, let me express my profound gratitude to the outstanding men and women in uniform that I have had the privilege to serve and to lead, especially those who put their lives on the line for this country on distant battlefields.              Their sacrifices teach us all that freedom is not free.  A strong democracy depends on a strong defense.  But you cannot have a strong and stable defense without a strong and stable democracy.  As we continue to confront strategic challenges and fiscal austerity, my hope for the future is that the sense of duty our service members and their families exhibit every day inspires the leaders of this nation have the courage to do what is right to achieve the American dream of giving our children a better life and building a more secure future.              Thank you.     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. 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Obama Announces Nominees for Next Defense Secretary, CIA Director Posted: 07 Jan 2013 12:11 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. Obama Announces Nominees for Next Defense Secretary, CIA Director 01/07/2013 02:04 PM CST Obama Announces Nominees for Next Defense Secretary, CIA Director By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2013 - President Barack Obama today announced his nominations to serve as the next leaders of the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency. At a White House news conference, Obama announced his selection of Chuck Hagel to be next defense secretary and John Brennan as the next CIA director. If confirmed by the Senate, Hagel will replace Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, who today confirmed his plans to retire. Brennan, if confirmed, will replace David H. Petraeus, who resigned as CIA director in November. "Chuck Hagel is the leader that our troops deserve," Obama said. "He is an American patriot. He enlisted in the Army and volunteered for Vietnam. As a young private, and then sergeant, he served with honor alongside his own brother." Hagel, 66, a former U.S. senator from Nebraska, earned two Purple Hearts as an infantry squad leader in the Vietnam War. He later co-founded a cellular telephone company. Obama said Hagel's brother rescued him when he was injured by shrapnel, and that Hagel did the same when his brother was wounded later, noting that his nominee to lead the Pentagon still "bears the scars and shrapnel for battles he fought in our name." "Chuck Hagel's leadership of our military would be historic," the president said. "He'd be the first person of enlisted rank to serve as secretary of defense, one of the few secretaries who have been wounded in war, and the first Vietnam veteran to lead the department." Obama noted Hagel's dedication to service members and their families, and said his experiences give him the ability to relate to troops. "In Chuck Hagel, our troops see a decorated combat veteran of character and strength – they see one of their own," Obama said. "Chuck is a champion of our troops, veterans and our military families. With Chuck, our troops will always know -- just like Sergeant Hagel was there for his own brother -- Secretary Hagel will be there for you," he said. Hagel's experience includes stints as deputy administrator for the Veterans Administration -- now the Veterans Affairs Department -- and as CEO and president of the USO. He served in the Senate from 1997 to 2009, where he was a member of the foreign relations and intelligence committees. Hagel currently is a professor at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He is also chairman of the Atlantic Council and co-chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Obama called Brennan "one of our nation's most skilled and respected intelligence professionals." The president said Brennan's 25 years of service in the CIA provides him with the knowledge of what the nation's security demands are: "intelligence that provides our lawmakers with the facts, strong analytic insight and the keen understanding of a dynamic world." Brennan, a 57-year-old New Jersey native, is the deputy national security advisor for homeland security and counterterrorism. During his years at the CIA, he worked as a Near East and South Asia analyst, served as station chief in Saudi Arabia, and directed the National Counterterrorism Center. "Having held senior management, analytic and operational positions at the agency, John's committed to investing in the range of intelligence capabilities we need," Obama said. "John has an invaluable perspective on the forces, the history, the culture, the politics, economics, [and] the desire for human dignity driving so much of the changes in today's world," he added. Obama said the primary criteria in making his choices was a simple question -- "Who is going to do the best job in securing America? These two leaders have dedicated their lives to protecting our country. I am confident they will do an outstanding job." Obama congratulated Hagel and Brennan on their nominations and urged the U.S. Senate to act promptly to confirm them. "When it comes to national security, we don't like to leave a lot of gaps between the time that one set of leaders transitions out and another transitions in," he said. "So we need to get moving quickly on this."   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 Lauds Nominees for Defense Secretary, CIA Director Posted: 07 Jan 2013 12:00 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 Lauds Nominees for Defense Secretary, CIA Director 01/07/2013 01:53 PM CST Panetta Lauds Nominees for Defense Secretary, CIA Director By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today endorsed President Barack Obama's nominee to succeed him at the helm of the Pentagon. Obama announced his nomination of Chuck Hagel as the next defense secretary at the White House today. The president also announced he has nominated John Brennan as the next CIA director. If confirmed by the Senate, Hagel will replace Panetta, who confirmed today that he plans to retire. Brennan, if confirmed, will replace retired David H. Petraeus, who resigned as CIA director in November. Michael Morell, the agency's deputy director, has been acting director since Petraeus stepped down. "Let me express my deepest gratitude to the president for giving me the honor and the privilege of serving in your administration over these last four years as director of the CIA, and now as secretary of defense," Panetta said after Obama's announcement. Panetta said he is proud of what he and the rest of the national security team accomplished during those years. He commends the president on today's nominations, he said, and added that Brennan "will be a strong leader" for the CIA. Hagel, Panetta said, is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran and a dedicated public servant. "I believe his experience, his judgment [and] his deep understanding of the security issues facing this country make him the right choice to be secretary of defense," the secretary said. Panetta said he plans to retire to his walnut farm in California with his wife, Sylvia, their three children and their families, including six grandchildren. The secretary said he is deeply grateful to his family "for giving me the fullest measure of love and support during my many absences from home throughout my long career of public service." Panetta added he will leave Washington with a deep sense of pride in "what we have accomplished during these last four years." As both CIA director and as defense secretary, he said, "I have always believed that our fundamental mission is to keep America safe." America is safer and more secure today, Panetta said, because of the "outstanding dedication of our intelligence and military professionals." The secretary concluded his remarks by thanking the service members and civilians he has served with and led in the Defense Department. "In particular, let me deeply thank the outstanding men and women in uniform ... who put their lives on the line every day, on distant battlefields, for this country," Panetta said. "Their sacrifices teach us that freedom is not free -- a strong democracy depends on a strong defense. But you can also not have a strong and stable defense without a strong and stable democracy." Panetta noted the nation continues to face financial challenges and global security threats. "My hope for the future," he added, "is that the sense of duty our service members and their families exhibit every day inspires the leaders of this nation to have the courage to do what is right: to achieve the American dream to give our children a better life, and to build a more secure future." Hagel, 66, is a former U.S. senator from Nebraska. He served as an Army sergeant in the Vietnam War, and earned two Purple Hearts as an infantry squad leader there. He later co-founded a cellular telephone company. Hagel's experience includes stints as deputy administrator for the Veterans Administration -- now the Veterans Affairs Department -- and as CEO and president of the USO. He served in the Senate from 1997 to 2009, where he was a member of the foreign relations and intelligence committees. Hagel currently is a professor at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He also is chairman of the Atlantic Council and co-chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Brennan, 57, is the deputy national security advisor for homeland security and counterterrorism. He spent 25 years at the CIA, during which he worked as a Near East and South Asia analyst, served as station chief in Saudi Arabia, and directed the National Counterterrorism Center.  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

Flag Officer Assignment Posted: 07 Jan 2013 10:58 AM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Flag Officer Assignment 01/07/2013 12:54 PM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 007-13 January 07, 2013 Flag Officer Assignment             The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert announced today the following assignment:              Rear Adm. (lower half) Peter Gumataotao, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, and strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.  Gumataotao is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, San Diego, Calif.     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., Canada Think Ahead to 'NORAD Next' Posted: 07 Jan 2013 08:46 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., Canada Think Ahead to 'NORAD Next' 01/07/2013 10:08 AM CST U.S., Canada Think Ahead to 'NORAD Next' By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Jan. 7, 2013 - More than a half century since it was established to confront the Cold War threat, North American Aerospace Defense Command is at a new crossroads as officials in the United States and Canada determine the capabilities it will need to confront emerging challenges and threats in the decades ahead. U.S. Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, Jr., commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, is greeted by an honor guard while visiting the Canadian NORAD Region headquarters at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, Canada, Jan. 24, 2012. U.S. and Canadian leaders plan to study the way ahead for North American Aerospace Defense Command under a concept called "NORAD Next." Canadian Forces photo by Cpl. Piotr Figiel (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Members of the Permanent Joint Board of Defense, the highest-level defense and security forum between the two countries, discussed the so-called "NORAD Next" concept during their meeting in Colorado Springs, Colo., last month, Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Gen. J.A.J. "Alain" Parent, NORAD's deputy commander, told American Forces Press Service. The discussion was a first step toward a broad analysis to identify what threats and challenges the United States and Canada will face in the 2025-to-2030 timeframe -- and what steps need to be taken now to prepare for them, Parent said. NORAD Next is largely a vision at this point, Parent emphasized, and any changes to the binational NORAD agreement would require both countries' approval. But vast changes in the security landscape have produced broad agreement that NORAD must continually evolve to meet challenges to North America, he said. Throughout its history, adaptation has been one of NORAD's hallmarks, enabling it to remain relevant even as the geostrategic environment has changed, Parent noted. The United States and Canada formed North American Air Defense Command in 1958, merging their air defense capabilities to provide a continental-scale ability to detect and intercept Soviet bombers, presumably carrying nuclear weapons, explained Lance Blyth, the NORAD command historian. That same framework -- warning systems that ran across Canada and Alaska, fighter bases with interceptor aircraft and a command-and-control system that tied them together and with national command authorities -- adapted as intercontinental ballistic missiles became the more pressing threat, Blyth said. This expanded mission led to NORAD's name change in 1981 to North American Aerospace Defense Command. The command continued to provide aerospace warning and control for North America after the fall of the Berlin Wall, but also began to contribute its capabilities to counterdrug missions, predominantly focusing on airborne trafficking into the United States and Canada. NORAD's sensors and interceptors supported this new law enforcement mission, providing intelligence to law enforcement agencies and serving as a catalyst for the close interagency collaboration that underpins NORAD's operations today, Blyth explained. The 9/11 terrorist attacks shook NORAD to its very core, challenging the bedrock assumption on which it had been founded: that an attack on either of the two countries would emanate from outside their borders, he said. Within hours of the attack, NORAD already had the go-ahead to stand up Operation Noble Eagle. Under this ongoing homeland defense mission, NORAD monitors and intercepts aircraft of interest within both U.S. and Canadian territory, and provides security support for major events ranging from G8 summits, political conventions to even the Super Bowl. Operation Noble Eagle represented a sea change at NORAD, broadening its focus for the first time to address both internal as well as external threats against North America. "We weren't postured to be looking inside the continent as we are today," Royal Canadian Air Force Brig. Gen. A.D. "Al" Meinzinger, deputy director of strategy in the NORAD and U.S. Northern Command policy and plans directorate, told American Forces Press Service. "But as a consequence of 9/11, we stood up a whole enterprise to be poised and positioned to deal with the internal threats," he added. "And we all understand that we need to be ready to respond on a moment's notice." Another major step in that evolution took place in 2006, when U.S. and Canadian authorities expanded NORAD's mandate to address seaborne threats. This maritime-warning mission applies the command's capabilities to identify and track vessels of interest approaching either country's coast, and passing that intelligence to authorities that would intercept them. More than a decade after 9/11, NORAD officials are widening their field of vision yet again as they discuss roles the command could play in addressing threats from a broad array of domains: air, space, sea, land and even cyberspace. They also are working to identify what warning systems and processes will be required to address these threats, particularly as the life cycles of many of the current radars expire in the 2020-2025 timeframe. "We need to think about what is beyond 2015, what the strategic environment will be, and what we need to be doing to move the command into that future," Meinzinger said. NORAD Next, he said, will be the bumper sticker for that next big step in NORAD's evolution. "NORAD Next will ensure that NORAD remains forever relevant and ever evolving," Parent said. "If we want to outpace the threats, we have to think in advance of them. "The important thing," he continued, "is that we maintain relevancy and don't get surprises. The stakes are too big for our two counties to get surprised."   Biographies: Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Gen. J.A.J. Parent Related Sites: North American Aerospace Defense 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

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader in Ghazni Province Posted: 07 Jan 2013 07:47 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 Detains Taliban Leader in Ghazni Province 01/07/2013 09:15 AM CST Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader in Ghazni Province Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader, and detained a suspected insurgent in the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported. The leader commanded a group who organized and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, along with overseeing the placement of improvised explosive devices, officials said. In other Afghanistan operations today: -- A combined force in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district arrested a senior Taliban leader who played a major role in narcotics trafficking to fund Taliban operations and commanded insurgent fighters who attack Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent. In operations yesterday: -- A combined force arrested the senior Taliban leader for Helmand province's Nad-e Ali district during a security operation in the province's Now Zad district. The leader provided operational guidance to Taliban insurgents and acquired and distributed homemade explosives, weapons and ammunition to suicide bombers. The security force also detained several suspected insurgents and seized firearms. -- In Nangarhar province's Khugyani district, a combined force detained a suspected insurgent and seized numerous weapons during a search for a Taliban leader who directs attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces. In Jan. 4 operations: -- A combined force in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district arrested a Taliban leader who planned and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and oversaw acquisition and distribution of weapons, ammunition and bombs to insurgent fighters. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents. -- In Logar province's Pul-e Alam district, security combined force arrested a member of the Haqqani network who planned attacks against Afghan government officials. He also organized and managed the delivery of weapons and materials to Haqqani insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent.  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

Face of Defense: Urge to Help Motivates Deployed Sailor Posted: 07 Jan 2013 07:47 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: Urge to Help Motivates Deployed Sailor 01/07/2013 08:39 AM CST Face of Defense: Urge to Help Motivates Deployed Sailor By Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Lenzo Regional Command Southwest FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 7, 2013 - Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class George Felli's personal journey started in Accai, Ghana, took him to the hustle and commotion of Brooklyn, N.Y., and now finds him in a different type of city: Sangin, Afghanistan. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class George Felli works in the battalion aid station and volunteers to help prepare and serve meals at Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam, Afghanistan. The Accai, Ghana, native said he became a hospital corpsman because he wanted to help others. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. He has learned many things in his life, he said, but two things stick out: he wants to help people and to appreciate what he has earned. As the hospital corpsman assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, Felli is responsible for the health and safety of 26 service members. He takes care of everything from their medical records and basic first aid to their physicals and periodic health assessments. "I wanted to work with Marines and volunteered for it," Felli said. "I wanted to help people, and the Marines never go anywhere without a corpsman." Felli's responsibilities extend beyond the 26 Marines here. He volunteered to help prepare and serve meals and works in the battalion aid station. "[Felli] operates the next pay grade above him," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Fitzgerald, a corpsman and training petty officer with the battalion. "He's a very hard worker. He can work on a team, but he can also work independently. I wish there were more people like him." Felli worked on a vast array of injuries during his time in Afghanistan. He is called in for emergencies to the battalion aid station. Many of Felli's patients have not been Marines. Afghans bring wounded people to the aid station if there are no other options. On one occasion, he treated children who suffered burns from an enemy roadside bomb. "We've worked together on the table with some of the mass casualties," said Fitzgerald, from Yucca Valley, Calif. "He did a great job in those situations and helped stop the bleeding so we could take the casualties to surgery." Felli said living the first half of his life in Ghana helped to prepare him for his deployment to Afghanistan. He does not mind the long hours and hard work. "I came to the United States when I was about 14," he said.  "I've seen the rough parts of life," he added. "Coming from Ghana gives me a different perspective. In the [United States], we have everything. In Ghana, we have to fight or work for everything." Having to work hard made him more appreciative of what he has earned, Felli said. This helps while deployed thousands of miles from his wife, Amber, and 2-year-old son, Daniel. "I take a deep breath, and I remember everything is going to be OK," he said. "For me, I have more than I could ever ask for right now." Felli still has extended family in Ghana. He tries to visit as much as possible. "My whole family is very proud of me," he said. "They sent me some Christmas emails with their prayers and support. I'd like to take my family to visit them once my son is older." Felli said he plans on re-enlisting next month. For now, he added, he continues to support the people who need his help in Afghanistan.   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: 07 Jan 2013 01:12 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 01.07.13 Issue 157/07 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: 01.07.13 Edition: Airborne 01.04.13: DA40 Best For 2012, Huerta Confirmed, Solar Impulse To Fly US Also: Bolen Looks Ahead, GDL 88 Approved, CargoPlane Lands Short, TU-204 Crash, UFO Video, Pilot Spots Thief! With 2012 still fresh in our memories it’s time for ANN to unveil our annual Best of the Breed – recognizing top aircraft in a number of specific categories. You can see all of our choices on our website at www.aero-news.net over the next few days, but let’s face it, it’s the Best of the Best that most people will be interested in. This year’s award winner is a solidly built little four seater built by a trustworthy company that has weathered a fair amount of tough times without selling its soul. We speak, specifically, of the Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLS -- an outstanding GA airplane with one of the most impressive safety records in recent times. There were no long, drawn-out hearings and pointed questions that often make up the political theater surrounding the confirmation of a Presidential appointee. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved Michael Huerta to be FAA Administrator. All this... and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!! Airborne 01.04.13 is chock full of info about the half-week period ending Friday, January 4th, 2013... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom Patton, and Glen Moyer, this episode covers: 1) ANN Selects 'Best Of The Breed' 2012: GA 'Plane Of The Year' -- Diamond's DA40 XLS 2) Huerta Confirmed FAA Administrator 3) Solar Impulse Team Plans CA To NY Flight In 2013 4) NBAA's Bolen Looks Ahead To 2013 5) FAA Authorizes TSO For Garmin GDL 88 ADS-B 6) Mayors Petition President: No User Fees 7) Cargo Aircraft Lands Short Near Group Of Spectators 8) Russian Jetliner Skids Off Runway After Landing 9) UFO Video Forwarded To The FAA 10) Pilot Spots Thief At His House ... From The Air Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again next week for the next edition of "Airborne" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, in just a few days! © 2013, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved. FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews, The Full ANN/YouTube AIRBORNE Roster -- www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42E90078D99B1053&feature=view_all For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=f1cb33b0-97f2-4a09-9e7a-fc9db65af484 ----------------------------------------------------------------- NAFI Imploding... Executive Director Steps Down Several Tough Years Have Lead To Significant Decline In NAFI Fortunes After several tough years which saw NAFI engaged in a number of scandals and the separation of a significant relationship with the EAA, the fortunes of the National Association of Flight Instructors continue to crash and burn. In the latest sign of the times, NAFI Executive Director, Jason Blair, notified the Board of Directors over the weekend that he is resigning the position he has held since May 2008. NAFI notes that, 'Like the rest of the aviation industry, difficult economic times have challenged NAFI. In the past two years NAFI has restructured its physical offices, its publications, and much of how it manages membership and participates in the aviation training community. These efforts have significantly improved the economy of NAFI services to its members and aviation industry, but additional efforts must be made for the sake of the association's survival.' "We have enjoyed support from several long-term partners who have enabled us to do much, but without additional strategic partners that see value in supporting NAFI, difficult decisions have to be made," said Blair. Leaving the position was a difficult decision, Blair said, "because I've invested my heart and soul in its mission, but resigning offers the best possible future for the organization and myself. I fully support the mission of NAFI and hope the association and its members can find a way to continue the growth of the association and eventually return to a point where the position of an executive director is financially sustainable." NAFI was founded in 1967 and its members, who now teach in 17 countries, are dedicated to raising and maintaining the professionalism of flight instruction. FMI: www.nafinet.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=2e49d26c-e040-4568-9c35-8aadbf622067 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Attention LSA Industry... ANN Is Expanding Coverage of US Sport Aviation Expo ANN and the SportPlane Resource Guide Are Expanding Coverage of the 2013 US Sport Aviation Expo The 2013 US Sport Aviation Expo is nearly upon us, and, if history is any indicator, it’s likely those of you in the LSA biz may (or should) have some news/announcements to make. The Aero-News Network, the aviation world's most comprehensive DAILY/REAL-TIME news and information service, is going to be webcasting live from the grounds of the 2013 USSAE with the industry's most aggressive roster of LIVE Online News, as well as Audio and Video programming, in the business. An expert assemblage of ANN's top journalists, including ANN Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, have been assigned to generate dozens of stories about the event, and to work on many more for future distribution to the hundreds of thousands of people (all over the world) who read, view or listen to ANN every day, as well as the many International syndication partners we work with. As if that wasn't enough, ANN is launching the next SportPlane Resource Guide from Sebring this year ands will be unveiling details about the THIRD Edition of this pivotal, extraordinary aviation resource. In order to facilitate timely coverage of this pivotal event, ANN staffers will be available throughout all staffed hours of the event. We welcome your inquiries to discuss editorial possibilities. This year, ANN is pleased to announce that we will be working, in syndication/partnership with a number of the most respected names in journalism to make sure that ANN's expert coverage not only gets to everyone of importance to aviation… but far beyond. We're taking these steps in order to bring aviation programming to the widest and most valuable audiences imaginable. 'Want to make a timely impact? As usual; ANN's team of expert aero-journalists will be covering the Expo from top to bottom; and we'd like to let you lead the news, with your announcements in Aero-News on the day your news breaks, rather than a day late. We're inviting you to send your advance news and announcements to us; with the date (and the time – calibrated to Eastern Time -- if time-critical) you plan to release the information. Our news publication system can be set to release stories within a second of a scheduled release time, so we can honor embargo agreements with dependable accuracy--and yes, unlike others, we KEEP OUR WORD and do not break embargo agreements. We would like to invite you to submit your press materials and news packages to us prior to the Expo in order to allow our team to do as much advance preparation as possible and to get a feel for the stories that will be prominent this year. The sooner we get such data, the more we can do with it, and the more likely it is that you'll find yourself featured in a future ANN newscast, Audio Aero-Cast or Aero-TV Webcast. Submissions are strongly encouraged by E-mail, though postal "snail mail" is acceptable so long as it is received in our office ASAP. No aviation entity currently gets to as many people, every day, as ANN, so we encourage you to get in contact with us if you think you might have a story idea or a subject worth covering. If you have any story ideas or suggestions as to how we might augment our coverage of this event, please be sure to bring it to our attention ASAP, so that we may make the proper assignments. Of special interest, this year, is the continuation and upgrading of ANN's tremendously popular Aero-TV programming. As you may know, ANN introduced the aviation world to Aero-TV at AirVenture 2007. Since then, OVER 1500 DAILY Aero-TV news and feature programs have been disseminated to the world through nearly 100 syndication partners worldwide… resulting in MILLIONS of Video views and downloads throughout the globe. Folks, this is PROFESSIONAL video… NOT the nonsense you see elsewhere that is often of less than sterling quality and is clearly poorly edited, haphazardly narrated, and shot by folks without the proper technical backgrounds. Aero-TV coverage is the BEST in the business and if you’re not sure of that, we invite you to compare our programming to anything else available in the aviation media. Check us out, we can take the scrutiny. If you want concrete proof of the power of Aero-TV Special Event programming, you have only to look over JUST SOME of the work our teams did at the 2012 Oshkosh EAA Fly-In in Oshkosh (or dozens of other aero-events), WI. NO OTHER news organization offered the hundreds of online and syndicated stories, news-feeds, Aero-Casts (audio) or Aero-TV programming that ANN produced and NO ONE offered near the quality of product our teams produced. Additionally; ANN and Aero-TV are expanding our highly regarded “Airborne LIVE” news programs to include live coverage of NBAA2012, hosted by ANN’s Ashley Hale and supported by ANN’s expert editorial team. So… since ANN will be Aero-Casting LIVE from USSAE2013, and if you have news worthy of an Aero-Cast, we urge you to get in touch, RIGHT AWAY, with ANN's Jim Campbell, for possible consideration. If you need any additional detail, feel free to contact Jim Campbell, directly at publisher@aero-news.net. Our main office number is 863-299-8680. Jim's cell number is 863-860-5790, when away from the office. Here's what we'd like you to send us (to news@aero-news.net) 1) Your advance announcement, with as much background as you can provide us. 2) In the absence of an advance announcement, a mutually agreeable appointment or briefing time by which we can work with you, as early as possible, to get the requisite information on news you plan to release at USSAE2013. 3) Information as to the availability of advance B-Roll or other video footage... or your assistance in helping us gather same prior to the beginning of USSAE2013. 4) Important breaking news may allow us to dispatch a mobile news team to your location to gather advance B-Roll and stock footage in order to properly prepare for the release of such news. 5) A photo, or photos (the more, the better -- .jpg preferred). 6) The requisite quotes from the responsible person in your organization or the chance to interview them for same. 7) The authorized release date (and specific time, in EDT, if time sensitive) of your submission. 8) Booth/display numbers/ID or other location information. 9) Name and number(s) of your contact person(s) (and cell number, if possible). We'll take it from there! Thanks -- we'll see you at the show! ANN Primary Contact Info: Web Access: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net Editor-In-Chief: Jim Campbell, 863-299-8680 (ANN’s 24/7 Newsline), publisher@aero-news.net Editorial Info: Jim Campbell, Tom Patton, Nathan Cremisino HQ Cell-Phone: 863-860-5790 FMI (Click Here): We Have USSAE2013 News For ANN! For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=11696d44-db90-49dd-8d12-2e2ae305d13e ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA WINGS Seminar To Be Held At Sebring Focus On Becoming An LSA Pilot At The Start Of The LSA Expo The seminar description kind of makes it sound like there's really nothing to it. "If You Can Drive, You Can Fly" is the title of am FAA WINGS seminar to be held January 18th at Sebring Regional Airport during the annual LSA Expo. "If you're looking for a Saturday-afternoon stroll through the sky without a lot of burdensome expense and regulation, the FAA created the sport pilot certificate in 2004 for folks just like you. The FAA’s Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category offers affordable, safe, basic aircraft for many people who would otherwise be unable to fly," the announcement says. "Attend this interesting and exciting safety briefing and learn about light sport aircraft and Sport Pilot privileges!" Prof. H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., CFII, LSRM, iRMT will speak to Light Sport Aircraft and the Sport Pilot rules at the session beginning at 0900 EST. The talk will be held at the middle T-hangar in the Sport Aviation Expo forum area. According to the FAA's seminar description, "over 100 beautiful new aircraft have been introduced, several thousand have been sold, the required time to get a pilot license has been halved, and private pilots flying under these rules no longer have to get a medical certificate." They say the LSA designation has also been a boon to older pilots who no longer have to worry about renewing their medicals or expensive annual checkups for special issuances. "These aircraft bring modern computer designed technology to general aviation, a field mostly populated by ancient 1940s and 50s designed engines and 40 year old aircraft," the description says. "The new engines are lighter, burn no oil, and aircraft like the Sport Cruiser, cruise at speeds of 125-130 mph on 5 gallons of fuel/hour. Many are certified by their manufacturers to run on unleaded autogas with up to 10% alcohol." The seminar is limited to 50 people. FMI: www.faa.gov, Session Description For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=b9756b17-85a6-48dd-976d-f9c6808c9431 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Gulfstream Adding 100 Jobs In Appleton, WI Facility Needs To Fill Positions To Support More Completions Work Gulfstream plans to increase employment at its Appleton, WI., facility by approximately 100 positions in the next year to support growing volume in completions work for Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft, including the recently certified G650. The site currently has approximately 725 employees, including nearly 425 technicians. “With the certification of the G650, Gulfstream Appleton will increase its delivery rates to meet the needs of customers,” said Dennis Stuligross, senior vice president, Operations, Gulfstream, in a Thursday news release. “This increase requires adding jobs ranging from Materials to Engineering positions. With this expansion of the Gulfstream Appleton site, we can further grow our business and help support this great community.” Gulfstream Appleton is home to a completions center and service center. It has approximately 275,000 square feet of hangar, shop and support space. Completions work includes the design, selection and installation of the cabin configuration and layout, furniture, seats, carpets and sidewall treatments, entertainment and communication systems, and galley and lavatory fixtures. Gulfstream Appleton is located at the Outagamie Country Regional Airport (KATW), just 90 miles north of Milwaukee ... not to mention just 20 miles from Oshkosh. FMI: www.gulfstream.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=3f8b52c7-01c5-4062-8c66-3b2775d347d9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Klyde Morris (01.07.13) Klyde Talks Killer Audits FMI: www.klydemorris.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=cc992389-25a0-443e-aeb7-6e511a0f7965 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pilot Arrested At Minnesota Airport Tested Positive For Alcohol Was Preparing To Fly An American Eagle Airplane To New York An American Eagle pilot conducting pre-flight checks at about 0630 CST Friday was arrested by airport police at Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport and charged with being under the influence of alcohol. Airport police were notified by an unnamed witness who said they smelled what they though was alcohol on the pilot's breath. The authorities boarded the airplane at the airport and administered a Breathalyzer test before arresting the pilot. No passengers had boarded the airplane, according to the Associated Press. The pilot was taken to a hospital for a blood-alcohol analysis and then returned to the custody of the airport police. He has been suspended by the airline pending an investigation of the incident. The flight was reportedly delayed for about 2 1/2 hours until a replacement pilot arrived at the airport. The airline is reportedly cooperating fully in the investigation. FMI: www.metroairports.org/police For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=693eabe1-88ab-49d6-aab4-7e9478415c17 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Air Zoo President And CEO Bob Ellis To Retire Troy Thrash Named As His Replacement Air Zoo Board of Directors Chairman Pete Parish has announced that Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO, will retire after 35 years of service to the museum. The Air Zoo Board of Directors has named Troy A. Thrash as the museum’s new president and CEO, effective at the end of January. Ellis began his career with the Air Zoo in 1977. He became the general manager of the museum and was later named executive director, a position he held until 2010, when he was named president and CEO. Ellis led the Portage, MI, museum through numerous expansions, including the new 120,000-square-foot building, which opened in 2004. The new building featured interactive exhibits and education programs designed for adults and students of all ages. It also included several nonmilitary aircraft, the Midwest’s first 4-D theater, a simulated flight to the International Space Station, the Montgolfier Balloon Race, full-motion flight simulators and an SR-71B Blackbird. In 2011, the Air Zoo expanded yet again, thanks to Ellis’ continued quest to provide the best possible experience to every guest. The 50,000-square-foot East Wing expansion made room for the new Space: Dare to Dream exhibit, an exhibit about the Women Airforce Service Pilots, a World War II naval aviation gallery, a climate-controlled archive and a library. “It has been my good fortune to witness the Air Zoo become one of the nation’s most unique aviation museums with attractions designed for both families and aviation enthusiasts,” said Ellis. “Now, after 35 years, it is time to hand over the reins to Troy, who is well-positioned to take the museum to the next level.” Thrash, 42, comes to the Air Zoo with a strong industry background in science, technology, engineering and education. He currently serves as the executive director and CEO of the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, PA. Prior to that, he was the executive director of the National Aerospace Development Center in Alpharetta, GA., and a significant contributor to several other organizations focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development, including SkillsUSA, the Federation of Galaxy Explorers, the Civil Air Patrol, and FIRST Robotics, for which he currently volunteers as an emcee for regional and international competitions. “After an extensive nationwide search, we are excited to have found Troy, whose experiences and background coincide with the Air Zoo’s unique vision of educating and inspiring visitors from all over the world,” said Parish. Thrash gained experience in the aerospace industry as a senior aerospace engineer for Analytical Graphics, Inc. in Malvern, PA, where he served as the lead technical marketer, systems engineer and programmer of the world’s leading space analysis software. He joined Futron Corporation, a leading aerospace consulting firm in Bethesda, MD, as a senior program manager, and later became division director of Space and Telecommunications. In those roles, Thrash managed several large-scale projects for clients including the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, International Launch Services, the U.S. Strategic Command and the National Strategic Space Office. “The growth of the Air Zoo and its increasing educational impacts on a regional scale is quite a remarkable story,” said Thrash. “I am honored to be selected to build upon this strong foundation, working with partners in all sectors to realize the board’s vision of becoming the most influential air and space experience in the world. I look forward to every moment spent with the Air Zoo team igniting minds of all ages through the wonder of flight.” Thrash earned his bachelor’s degree in astronomy and astrophysics from Villanova University. He currently serves on the Board of the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre and the local Workforce Investment Board Youth Council. He resides in Macungie, PA., with his wife, Jody, and their four children: Jada, Gavin, Brynnica and Dawson. FMI: www.airzoo.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=8573d430-43e3-4d62-a5c8-eba0effc5f8c ----------------------------------------------------------------- Researchers Identify Water Rich Meteorite Linked To Mars Crust Object Was Discovered In 2011 In The Sahara Desert NASA-funded researchers analyzing a small meteorite that may be the first discovered from the Martian surface or crust have found it contains 10 times more water than other Martian meteorites from unknown origins. This new class of meteorite was found in 2011 in the Sahara Desert. Designated Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034, and nicknamed "Black Beauty," it weighs approximately 11 ounces (320 grams). After more than a year of intensive study, a team of U.S. scientists determined the meteorite formed 2.1 billion years ago during the beginning of the most recent geologic period on Mars, known as the Amazonian. "The age of NWA 7034 is important because it is significantly older than most other Martian meteorites," said Mitch Schulte, program scientist for the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We now have insight into a piece of Mars' history at a critical time in its evolution." The meteorite is an excellent match for surface rocks and outcrops NASA has studied remotely via Mars rovers and Mars-orbiting satellites. NWA 7034's composition is different from any previously studied Martian meteorite. The research is published in Thursday's edition of Science Express. "The contents of this meteorite may challenge many long held notions about Martian geology," said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "These findings also present an important reference frame for the Curiosity rover as it searches for reduced organics in the minerals exposed in the bedrock of Gale Crater." NWA 7034 is made of cemented fragments of basalt, rock that forms from rapidly cooled lava. The fragments are primarily feldspar and pyroxene, most likely from volcanic activity. This unusual meteorite's chemistry matches that of the Martian crust as measured by NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Odyssey Orbiter. "This Martian meteorite has everything in its composition that you'd want in order to further our understanding of the Red Planet," said Carl Agee, leader of the analysis team and director and curator at the University of New Mexico's Institute of Meteoritics in Albuquerque. "This unique meteorite tells us what volcanism was like on Mars 2 billion years ago. It also gives us a glimpse of ancient surface and environmental conditions on Mars that no other meteorite has ever offered." The research team included groups at the University of California at San Diego and the Carnegie Institution in Washington. Experiments were conducted to analyze mineral and chemical composition, age, and water content. Researchers theorize the large amount of water contained in NWA 7034 may have originated from interaction of the rocks with water present in Mars' crust. The meteorite also has a different mixture of oxygen isotopes than has been found in other Martian meteorites, which could have resulted from interaction with the Martian atmosphere. Most Martian meteorites are divided into three rock types, named after three meteorites; Shergotty, Nakhla, and Chassigny. These "SNC" meteorites currently number about 110. Their point of origin on Mars is not known and recent data from lander and orbiter missions suggest they are a mismatch for the Martian crust. Although NWA 7034 has similarities to the SNC meteorites, including the presence of macromolecular organic carbon, this new meteorite has many unique characteristics. "The texture of the NWA meteorite is not like any of the SNC meteorites," said co-author Andrew Steele, who led the carbon analysis at the Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory. "This is an exciting measurement in Mars and planetary science. We now have more context than ever before to understanding where they may come from." (Image provided by NASA) FMI: www.nasa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=b57d5fa9-a6d8-4ee6-8bc2-f57479111090 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Arianespace Reports Record-Breaking Year For Launch Services Eleven Flights In 2012 Boosted 165-Thousand Pounds Into Orbit Arianespace says it achieved an a record-breaking year of activity during 2012, employing its complete launcher family to perform 10 total flights from the Spaceport in French Guiana along with a Soyuz mission from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. These 11 flights lofted a cumulative payload weight of some 165,000 pounds, the most ever for Arianespace in a single calendar year, and were composed of seven Ariane 5 missions, three Soyuz launches and one Vega liftoff. The mass of primary and secondary passengers accommodated on these flights ranged from 20 metric tons to just 2.2 pounds. In operations at the Spaceport during the past 12 months, Arianespace’s Ariane 5 and Soyuz vehicles carried 11 civil and military telecommunications spacecraft for its worldwide customers, launched Europe’s third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to service the International Space Station, delivered two In-Orbit Validation platforms for the European Galileo satellite navigation constellation, lofted Europe’s MSG-3 meteorological platform, and orbited the Pléiades 1B optical imaging satellite for French and European defense ministries. Vega’s year-opening historic inaugural mission from French Guiana demonstrated this new launcher’s flexibility by carrying a payload of nine spacecraft: the Italian LARES laser relativity satellite, as well as the ALMASat-1 technology microsatellite demonstrator and seven small CubeSats developed by more than 250 university students from six different countries. Arianespace milestones during the 2012 Spaceport mission activity included Ariane 5’s heaviest-ever payload: the ATV Edoardo Amaldi, weighing more than 20,000 kg. on its flight in March; along with the 50th consecutive success for this heavy-lift workhorse launcher, achieved in August – subsequently increasing to 53 by year-end, underscoring a reliability level that a benchmark in the commercial launch services sector. In another highpoint, Arianespace surpassed its 300th mark for the total combined number of primary satellite passengers launched from French Guiana; a landmark that was attained in May. This count did not include some 50 additional auxiliary or secondary payloads accommodated on the company’s various missions, and it was further increased by Arianespace’s launches during the subsequent months of 2012. Adding to Arianespace’s activity during the year was a Soyuz mission performed at Baikonur Cosmodrome by its Euro-Russian Starsem subsidiary, which carried the European Metop-B meteorological satellite. (Image courtesy Arianespace) FMI: www.arianespace.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=2d133698-2ba4-4f38-aa5d-e518cbfb806d ----------------------------------------------------------------- NASA Green Aviation Project To Move Into Next Phase Of Research Next Steps To Be Presented At AIAA Meeting Monday NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project is moving forward with its research efforts to "green" the skies. ERA is developing aircraft concepts and technologies to help reduce the impact of aviation on the environment during the next 30 years. Fay Collier, ERA project manager based at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, will unveil the project's next steps, which include large-scale demonstrations, at the 51st American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Monday, Jan. 7, near Dallas. The demonstrations, which are funded by NASA's Integrated System Research Program in the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, will focus on five areas -- aircraft drag reduction, weight reduction, fuel and noise reduction, emissions reductions, and fuel consumption and community noise reduction. The project's primary aims include the development of aircraft technology capable of reducing fuel burn significantly. This technology should enable the design of new aircraft that burn 33 percent less fuel than today’s airplanes by 2015, 50 percent less by 2020 and at least 70 percent less by 2025. It also should enable the adoption of new air traffic management operations that save up to 6 percent of annual commercial aviation fuel consumption by 2035. The program also has a goal of developing aircraft technology and air traffic management capable of cutting NOX emissions 20 percent by 2015 when compared with today’s best engines, 50 percent by 2020 and greater than 50 percent by 2025, and transfer the technology to industry, and the creation of aircraft technology and airspace system operations to shrink the nuisance noise footprint around each airport until it is about one-third of its current size by 2015, about one-sixth its size by 2020, and contained within the airport property boundaries by 2025. (Future airliner concept image provided by NASA) FMI: www.nasa.gov, www.aiaa.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=1a65fc55-82b6-4cc9-a9d4-66260c0bbc61 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Former FAA Policy Expert, Pilot Dan Elwell To Join A4A Will Assume Role Of Senior Vice President, Safety, Security And Operations A former FAA Assistant Administrator for Aviation Policy, Planning and Environment, and commercial airline pilot Dan Elwell will join Airlines for America (A4) as Senior Vice President, Safety, Security and Operations. Elwell joins A4A from the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where he was Vice President of Civil Aviation, responsible for monitoring domestic and international civil aviation policy, and legislative and regulatory activity for the U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry. At A4A, Elwell will lead the advancement of the airline industry's well-deserved reputation for safety excellence while focusing on streamlining system operations to improve efficiency. Elwell will also serve as a liaison on safety, security and operations issues with governmental agencies, including the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, FAA and Transportation Security Administration. "Dan is uniquely qualified for this role at A4A, with an unmatched combination of operational, government and policy experience," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "He is highly regarded with strong relationships in the airline industry, on the Hill and within the Administration, and will be a key advocate as we work to advance a National Airline Policy and continue to improve the efficiency of the air transportation management system." Prior to joining AIA, Elwell was FAA Assistant Administrator for Aviation Policy, Planning and Environment, responsible for development and implementation of U.S. aviation policy, near- and long-term forecasting and planning, and the FAA environmental research and regulatory division. Elwell also served as Managing Director of International and Government Affairs with American Airlines, where he worked with Departments of Transportation and State on bilateral and multilateral aviation negotiations and international alliances. Elwell is a former Captain with American Airlines, rated to fly DC-10, MD-80 and B-767 aircraft. Elwell is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Air Force, having flown combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, and is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in international affairs. "I am pleased to join a very dynamic team at A4A, which is clearly focused on addressing the infrastructure, regulatory and tax changes needed to improve the flying experience for customers and shippers," Elwell said. "I look forward to leveraging my career in the airline industry to continue to improve what is today our safest mode of transportation." Elwell will report to Calio, and joins A4A on Feb. 1. FMI: www.airlines.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=cfc23195-5765-4cac-a6be-4896d5428485 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Air Methods Closes Acquisition Of Sundance Helicopters Final Terms Of The Deal Were Not Disclosed Air medical transportation company Air Methods Corporation has successfully completed its acquisition of Las Vegas, NV-based helicopter tour operator Sundance Helicopters, Inc. Sundance focuses primarily on Grand Canyon helicopter tours, but also provides helicopter services to support fire fighting, natural resource agency operations, vertical lifts, aerial photography/motion pictures, news gathering, and aerial surveying. Sundance generated consolidated revenue of approximately $52.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Aaron Todd, the Company’s chief executive officer, stated, “Air Methods is very pleased to have completed all the necessary steps to close our acquisition of Sundance within our original expectation. We continue to believe that the key aviation adjacencies associated with this acquisition will position us well for success not only in the tour operations market, but also the fire fighting, natural resource agency operations, vertical lifts, aerial photography, news gathering, and aerial surveying helicopter sectors. We look forward to Sundance joining the Air Methods family.” The Air Medical Services Division claims to be the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft consists of over 400 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. (Pictured: Air Methods AS350) FMI: www.airmethods.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=8e69c393-2b6a-46d4-8b79-c3f5d5fb8685 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Citilink Orders 25 ATR 72-600 Turboprops Holds Options For An Additional 25 Aircraft In 2015 The low-cost Indonesian carrier Citilink has reportedly placed an order for 25 ATR 72-600 turboprop airliners, with options for an additional 25 aircraft in 2015. The aircraft carry a price tag of some $20 million each, placing the total value of the order at about $1 billion. The French news service AFP reports that the carrier will likely take delivery of the first five airplanes in September, with the remainder no arriving until 2017. The Indonesian archipelago consists of more than 17,000 islands, making access to air travel critical. Citilink marketing and communications VP Aristo Kristandyo told AFP that the county has seen significant growth in its middle class population, and that translates into an increase in demand for air travel. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 21 Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s to 11 cities in the country which claims a population of 240 million. Citilink CEO Arif Wibowo said that the addition of the turboprops will allow the airline to offer service to more remote regions and provincial cities that can't accommodate the airline's larger airplanes. (ATR 72-600 image from file) FMI: www.citilink.co.id For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=ea8f6434-dd0d-4778-b45b-6add6a1883cb ----------------------------------------------------------------- GE Aviation Forms JV With SeaCast Operation For Jet Engine Components Company Continues To Consolidate Its Supply Chain With An Eye Towards Increased Production GE Aviation and SeaCast, Inc. have established a 50/50 joint venture, Montana Precision Products, to produce jet engine components at SeaCast’s facility in Butte, Montana. SeaCast, which has its headquarters in Marysville, Washington, produces castings and specialty components. The joint venture in Butte will produce tubes, ducts and small structural castings for GE jet engines. The joint venture will enhance GE Aviation’s global supply chain as its engine production rates continue to rise. SeaCast’s Butte operation has supplied GE Aviation for several years, producing tubes and ducts for such engines as the popular GE90 and GEnx high-thrust models for large commercial jetliners. Both GE Aviation and SeaCast will invest in the Butte facility in order to handle higher volume. The Butte operation currently has about 70 employees, and is expected to grow over the next four years. “We are excited by the manufacturing expertise at the Butte operation, including critical skills in welding and fabrication,” said Colleen Athans, vice president and general manager of the Supply Chain Division at GE Aviation. "We are very fortunate to have a strong order book, and this joint venture will provide much needed additional capacity to meet our commitments.” Bert Robins, SeaCast vice president and co-owner said, "We are thrilled to have our Butte facility team up with GE Aviation. Our combined core competencies create a truly unique partnership that ensures the shop's growth and provides Montana with strong, sustainable job opportunities." The relationship between GE and SeaCast dates back many years. In 2010, the opportunity for a formal partnership was advanced at Senator Max Baucus’ Montana Economic Development Summit in Butte where GE Chairman and CEO, Jeff Immelt was invited to serve as a keynote speaker. “Great news like this is what our Montana Economic Development Summits are all about: bringing the right people together to create good-paying jobs,” said Baucus (pictured). “This is great news for Butte and sends the signal far and wide that Montana is an innovative and great place to build the kinds of partnerships that will move our economy forward. My hat goes off to the folks at SeaCast and GE for coming together for Montana jobs.” Senator John Tester echoed Baucus’ enthusiasm for the GE/SeaCast partnership. GE’s decision to expand operations at SeaCast is welcome news for Butte and southwest Montana, said Tester. “Montana has hard-working people, great schools, healthy communities, and a rich outdoor heritage that makes our state an ideal place to grow business and create jobs, and I thank GE for helping to lead the way," he said. FMI: www.geaviation.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=955d1e81-5812-4846-a360-af1e83573e5a ----------------------------------------------------------------- BA Flight Makes Unscheduled Stop To Remove Drunk Women From The Plane Pair Reportedly Attempted To 'Storm The Cockpit,' Threatened Flight Attendant's Family A British Airways flight made an unscheduled stop on a flight from London's Gatwick airport to Tunisia on New Year's Day after two reportedly very intoxicated women created a scene onboard the Boeing 737. Media reports from multiple sources including the UK newspaper The Mail indicate that the two women, aged 50 and 43, consumed a large amount of alcohol from a bottle, and then tried to force their way into the cockpit of the airplane. Witnesses said the pair used inappropriate language in front of children on the plane, and that they even threatened to "kill" the family of one of the flight attendants on board. The two then reportedly hid in one of the airplane's lavatories to smoke. The plane eventually diverted to Lyon, where the two passengers were escorted from the aircraft by French police. They were incarcerated for a night, and then put on a flight back to London. In a statement, British Airways said of the incident "Monday's BA2664 service from Gatwick to Tunis was diverted to Lyon following the continued disruptive behaviour of two female passengers. Our customers and flying crew deserve a safe and enjoyable flight experience. We do not tolerate any disruptive behaviour on board our flights." The two women may be permanently banned from flying on British Airways. The airline and British authorities are investigating the incident. FMI: www.britishairways.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=1d95ba6b-8c13-4b44-b03c-91a6de5e2e98 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Rolls-Royce Wins $52.2 M Services Contract For AE 1107C Engines Powerplants For US Marine Corps And US Air Force V-22 Aircraft Rolls-Royce has won a $52.2 million contract to support AE 1107C engines for V-22 aircraft operated by the US Marine Corps and Air Force. The contract, announced Thursday, is a modification of a prior agreement. It includes repair and support services, with work carried out at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Oakland, California, as well as fleet support at customer bases. The contract for work in 2012-13 was awarded through the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD. “This contract represents another vote of confidence in the support and services offered by Rolls-Royce to our US military customers," said Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce, President – Defence Services. "We are focused on enabling our customers to keep their aircraft flying and supporting them every day to allow their missions to go forward.” The Rolls-Royce AE 1107C turboshaft is part of the AE product family, which has over 5,000 engines in service and more than 53 million flight hours, and exclusively powers the growing V-22 fleet for the US Marine Corps and Air Force. In addition to a dedicated team of Field Service Representatives, Rolls-Royce also supports the AE 1107C engine fleet through the new Defense Operations Center in Indianapolis, providing 24/7 real-time engineering support for V-22 operators. (V-22 tiltrotor image provided by the U.S. Air Force) FMI: www.rolls-royce.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=3bff65f4-20fe-4d10-b2c5-cb31dea3fb71 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: How Do I Become A News Spy? We're Everywhere... Thanks To You! Even with the vast resources and incredibly far-reaching scope of the Aero-News Network, every now and then a story that should be reported on slips through our fingers. There's a lot of news out there, and sometimes we just don't get to all of it. Fortunately for us, we realized early on we couldn't be everywhere at once -- curse the laws of physics! -- so we came up with the idea of News-Spies. Just as the title suggests, a News-Spy is a reader who notices a news item -- be it in the newspaper, on television, or something they came across at their own airport, town hall, at the office water cooler or just by walking down the street -- basically, any item a reader may think is newsworthy, that pertains to the world of aviation. Our News-Spies have given us some great leads, on stories we might not have noticed but certainly deserved to be brought to our readers' attention. And YOU can be a News-Spy, too! To learn more about being an ANN News-Spy, click on the FMI link below or simply email news-spy@aero-news.net. Remember... Aero-News isn't just what WE make it, but what YOU want it to be, too. And one of the best ways to make ANN what you want it to be, is to become a News-Spy! FMI: Become A News Spy! 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To set up your account, click on the "Subscribe" link at the left of our Top News page, or click on the FMI link at the bottom of this story: Next, enter your email address and select which edition of Propwash you would like to receive -- HTML, PDF, or text only. Click on the "Show Me" link to the right of each option to see what each version of Propwash looks like (hint: go with one of the graphics options -- they're worth it!) And that's it! Welcome to the Aero-News Network subscriber family! You will now receive a copy of Propwash online every morning, Monday through Saturday. Note the Monday edition features expanded content, covering events of the previous weekend. You may also choose to unsubscribe at any time, no questions asked. We can't imagine why you'd do it, but we do provide the option. All you have to do is click on "Subscribe" once again, enter your email address, and select "Unsubscribe." That's all there is to it! Please note we will never, EVER share your email address with a third party, or sell it to anyone -- no matter how high fuel prices get. There's nothing like feeling the Propwash when you're in your airplane -- or at your computer, with Aero-News! FMI: Subscribe to Propwash! For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=fa742d98-4944-426c-9d4a-7bc6bac8a777 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (01.07.13) 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: A-4 Skyhawk Association The Skyhawk Association is a non-profit organization founded by former Skyhawk Pilots which is open to anyone with an affinity for the A-4 Skyhawk. We welcome all ages, male and female, pilots, maintenance personnel, modelers and photographers, aviation historians, aviation enthusiasts; anyone with a love for "Heinemann's Hot-Rod". Join those that flew and repaired her in recognizing the Skyhawk's contribution to freedom. FMI: http://a4skyhawk.org/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=5d6689ee-b75f-4cc1-aaee-bea2c11b0964 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (01.06.13) 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: Royal Aeronautical Society The guiding principles of the Royal Aeronautical Society are embodied in this extract from the Society’s Royal Charter: “The objects and purposes are the general advancement of aeronautical Art, Science and Engineering and for promoting that species of knowledge which distinguishes the profession of Aeronautics (which expression includes Astronautics)”. As the world’s only professional body dedicated to the aerospace community, it exists to further the advancement of aeronautical art, science and engineering around the world. Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace ever since. FMI: http://aerosociety.com/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=449b954a-f0ce-48bd-9919-b156e5e683c4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (01.07.13): Sun Synchronous Orbit 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. Sun Synchronous Orbit A spacecraft orbit that precesses, wherein the location of periapsis changes with respect to the planet's surface so as to keep the periapsis location near the same local time on the planet each orbit. FMI: www.nasa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=928449a6-0c00-4d5d-98c5-4895603f5fcb ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (01.06.13): Opposition 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. Opposition Configuration in which one celestial body is opposite another in the sky. A planet is in opposition when it is 180 degrees away from the sun as viewed from another planet (such as Earth). For example, Saturn is at opposition when it is directly overhead at midnight on Earth. FMI: www.nasa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=982de643-187c-4fd6-9694-371a54e6afe5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (01.07.13) 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 have enjoyed support from several long-term partners who have enabled us to do much, but without additional strategic partners that see value in supporting NAFI, difficult decisions have to be made." Source: Jason Blair, former NAFI Executive Director, in comments made after he notified the NAFI Board of Directors over the weekend that he is resigning the position he has held since May 2008. FMI: www.nafinet.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=ab514c3d-057c-4b6b-ba4d-a038a36e443d ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (01.06.13) 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 "Arianespace milestones during the 2012 Spaceport mission activity included Ariane 5’s heaviest-ever payload: the ATV Edoardo Amaldi, weighing more than 20,000 kg. on its flight in March; along with the 50th consecutive success for this heavy-lift workhorse launcher, achieved in August – subsequently increasing to 53 by year-end, underscoring a reliability level that a benchmark in the commercial launch services sector." Source: From an Arianespace report in which the entity notes that it achieved an a record-breaking year of activity during 2012, employing its complete launcher family to perform 10 total flights from the Spaceport in French Guiana along with a Soyuz mission from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. FMI: www.arianespace.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=cdea89cd-8c5d-426e-ac5a-54a4d60e1a36 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Senior Staff Roster J.R. 'Zoom' Campbell CEO/Editor-In-Chief jim@aero-news.net Glen Moyer Aero-Cast Producer gmoyer@aero-news.net Tom Patton News Editor editor@aero-news.net Nathan Cremisino Ashley Hale Aero-TV Video Production Team Aero-TV HQ MKTG Inquiries Marketing Director mktg@aero-news.net Note: This newsletter is supported solely by sponsors like the one(s) listed herein. We stand 100% behind every ad that we run. If you ever have a problem with a company that advertises here please contact us and we will try to get it resolved. -- Aero-News Network Aero-News Network POB 305, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043. 863-299-8680, www.aero-news.net ANN Aero-Casts /podcasts Provided to registered subscribers, Daily. 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Propwash Posted: 05 Jan 2013 01:04 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 01.05.13 Issue 157/05 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: 01.05.13 Edition: Airborne 01.04.13: DA40 Best For 2012, Huerta Confirmed, Solar Impulse To Fly US Also: Bolen Looks Ahead, GDL 88 Approved, CargoPlane Lands Short, TU-204 Crash, UFO Video, Pilot Spots Thief! With 2012 still fresh in our memories it’s time for ANN to unveil our annual Best of the Breed – recognizing top aircraft in a number of specific categories. You can see all of our choices on our website at www.aero-news.net over the next few days, but let’s face it, it’s the Best of the Best that most people will be interested in. This year’s award winner is a solidly built little four seater built by a trustworthy company that has weathered a fair amount of tough times without selling its soul. We speak, specifically, of the Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLS -- an outstanding GA airplane with one of the most impressive safety records in recent times. There were no long, drawn-out hearings and pointed questions that often make up the political theater surrounding the confirmation of a Presidential appointee. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved Michael Huerta to be FAA Administrator. All this... and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!! Airborne 01.04.13 is chock full of info about the half-week period ending Friday, January 4th, 2013... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom Patton, and Glen Moyer, this episode covers: 1) ANN Selects 'Best Of The Breed' 2012: GA 'Plane Of The Year' -- Diamond's DA40 XLS 2) Huerta Confirmed FAA Administrator 3) Solar Impulse Team Plans CA To NY Flight In 2013 4) NBAA's Bolen Looks Ahead To 2013 5) FAA Authorizes TSO For Garmin GDL 88 ADS-B 6) Mayors Petition President: No User Fees 7) Cargo Aircraft Lands Short Near Group Of Spectators 8) Russian Jetliner Skids Off Runway After Landing 9) UFO Video Forwarded To The FAA 10) Pilot Spots Thief At His House ... From The Air Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again next week for the next edition of "Airborne" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, in just a few days! © 2013, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved. FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews, The Full ANN/YouTube AIRBORNE Roster -- www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42E90078D99B1053&feature=view_all For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=f1cb33b0-97f2-4a09-9e7a-fc9db65af484 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pinnacle Airlines Creates Business Plan For Emergence From Bankruptcy Reaches Comprehensive Agreements To Provide a Viable Cost Structure and Path Out of Chapter 11 Pinnacle Airlines Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries have entered into comprehensive agreements that, among other things, provide a path forward for the Company to emerge from bankruptcy with a competitive cost structure and a viable long-term business plan, the company said Thursday. Under Pinnacle's new business plan, the Company will transition its fleet to operate a fleet of 81 two-class regional jets for Delta Air Lines Inc. The comprehensive agreements among Pinnacle, Delta, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (Creditors' Committee) in Pinnacle's Chapter 11 cases include: An amendment to the Company's existing debtor-in-possession credit facility, to provide Pinnacle with $30 million of additional liquidity to support its continued operation through emergence from Chapter 11 and an additional $22 million to fund certain required payments to Pinnacle's pilots under a Bridge Agreement and related employer taxes. The amendment would also extend the maturity date for the credit facility from April 1 to May 15, 2013. Amendments to the existing operating agreements with Delta that form the basis of the new business plan include: 1) Pinnacle will receive Delta Connection's next 40 CRJ-900 aircraft awarded, setting Pinnacle's long-term fleet plan at 81 CRJ-900 aircraft. The 40 additional CRJ-900 aircraft deliveries are planned to begin in the fall of 2013 and are expected to be completed by year-end 2014. Pinnacle's 140 CRJ-200 aircraft will be removed from operation over the next two to three years. 2) A Bridge Agreement that provides transitional payments, furlough benefits and specified career opportunities at Delta to Pinnacle's pilots in conjunction with the recently negotiated letter of agreement between Pinnacle and ALPA. 3) A letter of agreement to amend Pinnacle's collective bargaining agreement with the ALPA pilots. This letter of agreement and the Bridge Agreement are subject to ratification by the ALPA membership by Jan. 15, 2013. 4) A restructuring support agreement among Pinnacle, Delta and the Creditors' Committee setting forth certain principal terms for a plan of reorganization to emerge from Chapter 11. The reorganization plan will provide for Delta or an affiliate to acquire the equity in the reorganized Pinnacle Airlines Corp. after it emerges from bankruptcy. Pinnacle must file a plan of reorganization acceptable to Delta and the Creditors' Committee by Feb. 15, 2013. Pinnacle filed motions with the Bankruptcy Court seeking approval of the various components of the comprehensive agreements. All of the components of the comprehensive agreements are interdependent and are subject, among other things, to Court approval. "The agreements we have reached represent a significant milestone in Pinnacle's restructuring and provide a clear and achievable path toward emergence from Chapter 11," said John Spanjers, president and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. "Pinnacle will be well positioned to emerge from the bankruptcy process with a viable business plan that provides meaningful opportunities for our employees. We are confident that Delta will continue to be a strong partner and we look forward to working closely together to provide outstanding service and operating a safe, reliable airline. We also thank our partners, employees and other stakeholders who have helped us achieve this significant progress in our reorganization." Additional information about the comprehensive agreements is available in the motions filed with the Bankruptcy Court, as well as in a Form 8-K filed by Pinnacle with the Securities and Exchange Commission. FMI: www.pncl.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=5ea9aeb9-82ae-4b88-9669-f7f1b908203b ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN 2012 Year In Review: Gone West Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, And Janice Voss, Four Tuskegee Airmen, And 'Mama Bird' Johnson It is always appropriate to spend a few moments to remember those who were pioneers and visionaries in aviation. But some who passed this year were just men and women doing their jobs, and drawn to flying for the pure joy they could experience from it. Here is the roll call of those who have "Gone West" in 2012. January Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers, Jr. Another of the real Tuskegee Airmen was being interred at Arlington National Cemetery near the nation's capital. Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers, Jr. was one of the thousands of men associated with the first opportunity for black pilots to fly for the US in combat. February Astronaut Janice Voss NASA astronaut Janice Voss was one of only six women to have flown in space five times. Her career was highlighted by her work and dedication to scientific payloads and exploration. Florence Green, Last Veteran Of WWI, Who Served In The RAF Florence Green passed away just shy of her 111th birthday. She had been a mess steward for the RAF during the war. The BBC reports that Green joined the RAF at the age of 17. March Clarence Dart, Tuskegee Airman Captain Clarence Dart, who flew 95 missions with the Red Tail Squadron and was shot down twice flying Curtiss P-40s during WWII, passed away at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. Past HAI Chairman Thomas H. Marlow Tom Marlow, who served as Chairman of the HAI Board of Directors in 1996, passed away just prior to HELI-EXPO 2012. Capt. Carroll 'Lex' LeFon (RET) 1960-2012 Carroll "Lex" LeFon, ATAC F-21 pilot, retired Naval Aviator, TOPGUN Graduate and prominent military blogger known as Neptunus Lex, was killed in a plane crash when his F-21 Kfir crashed at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. Former McDonnell Douglas Head Sandy McDonnell Sanford N. "Sandy" McDonnell, who at one time led McDonnell Douglas Corp., passed away at his home in Clayton, MO, on March 19th. McDonnell was 89 years old. Edward Allen Jr., Last Of The 'Flying Allens' Balloon Act The last of a family of balloonists who traveled the country as The Flying Allens passed away in Colorado Springs, CO, March 1st at the age of 93. May UAL Pilot Denny Fitch United Airlines pilot and instructor Denny Fitch was deadheading home on a DC-10 in 1989 when an explosion in the back of the jet got his attention. Evelyn 'Mama Bird' Johnson Evelyn "Mama Bird" Johnson, who began flying in 1944 and amassed a Guinness World Record 57,635 hours, passed away at the age of 102 at an assisted living facility in Jefferson City, TN. Modeler And Legend, Bill Northrop One of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and aeromodeling legends has passed away. Bill Northrop, 89, was a champion free flight and radio control competitor, columnist, publisher and model builder in an aeromodeling career that began in 1936. June ECi CEO Gary Garvens Danbury AeroSpace owner and Chief Executive Officer, Gary H. Garvens passed away after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. Avionics Pioneer Edward J. King, Jr. Edward J. King Jr, a pioneer in the avionics industry and the founder of King Radios, passed away at the age of 90. Maureen Dunlop de Popp Maureen Dunlop de Popp, who had flown Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Lancaster bombers during the Second World War, passed away at the age on 91 in Britain. July Wichita Philanthropist Velma Wallace Velma Wallace, was the widow of Cessna Aircraft chairman Dwane Wallace and a longtime supporter of Wichita State University, passed away following an illness of several months. Former Kennedy Director Forrest McCartney Forrest S. McCartney, former director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, died July 17, 2012, with his family in attendance. He was 81 years old. Sally Ride Sally Ride, who became a household name after becoming the first American woman to fly in space, passed away at the age of 61. Ride had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. August Tuskegee Airman George Hickman Former Capt. George Hickman, who was among the first of the ground crews of the segregated unit, died in Seattle, WA, at the age of 88. Flightline Television's Hank and Carole Austin Hank (Henry) and Carole Austin, two of powered parachuting's most active proponents (and experts) were lost in a PPC accident in Michigan. Two of the early pioneers in a number of sport aviation venues, Hank and Carole were reported to be flying at Silver Lake State Park when their two seat PPC went down in the evening. Neil Armstrong The first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong, passed away as a result of complications following coronary surgery at the age of 82. September Air Race Organizer Erik Anderson AirVenture Cup Co-founder and aviation educator Kjell Erik "Da Swede" Anderson, suffered a massive heart attack Monday September 10, 2012 and passed away while at work in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 51. October Former SAC Commander Gen. Bennie L. Davis Retired Gen. Bennie L. Davis, former commander in chief of Strategic Air Command and director of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, with headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, NE, died in Georgetown, Texas. He was 84 years-old. Former AEA President And Industry Icon Monte R. Mitchell Monte R. Mitchell, former president of the association and a legend in the avionics industry, who served nearly 40 years in the general aviation industry, passed away in Lee's Summit, MO, at the age of 83, following a brief illness. Business Aviation Safety Champion Al Ueltschi 95-year-old Albert Lee Ueltschi was founder and chairman emeritus of FlightSafety International, Inc. Aircraft Designer Martin Hollmann Martin Hollmann, who spent a career as an engineer and designer in the aerospace industry, passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 72. British Pilot Flt. Lt. William Walker Thought to be the oldest surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, Spitfire pilot and poet Flt. Lt. William Walker AE died in an unspecified hospital in the U.K. on Sunday at the age of 99 November Chuck Bush, First African-American Academy Grad The first African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy passed away at his home in Lolo, MT. Tuskegee Airman Herbert Carter Retired Col. Herbert E. Carter died at East Alabama Medical Center, according to a news release from Tuskegee University. He was 95. December Television Helicopter Pioneer John D. Silva It all began in Los Angeles. In 1958, after KTLA television chief engineer John D. Silva convinced station management to allocate $40,000 to equip a rented Bell 47 helicopter with the ability to transmit live pictures from the aircraft ... the era of airborne television news coverage was born. 'Thunderbirds' Television Show Creator Gerry Anderson He called his method of production "Supermarionation", and his principal characters were all marionettes. Employing the puppets and scale models, Garry Anderson created a cult television classic "Thunderbirds" which ran for two seasons on Britain's ITV. FMI: www.aero-news.net For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=e8ee32f6-be44-41ae-a6e8-4392b29844ee ----------------------------------------------------------------- Lt. Gen. Clarke Confirmed As Director, Air National Guard Will Lead An Organization Of 106,000 People Lt. Gen. Stanley E. "Sid" Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force, has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next director of the Air National Guard. Clarke will replace Lt. Gen. Harry "Bud" Wyatt, who is retiring this month. Wyatt has led the Air National Guard since February 2009. Clarke (pictured) said he is eager to take charge of an organization that comprises 106,000 people. "I look forward to the opportunity to lead the best Air National Guard in our nation's history," he said. "The Air National Guard, and the 106,000 men and women who make it work, has served our nation and our communities with great distinction in combat and during numerous domestic crises." Wyatt, who intends to retire to his home in Oklahoma, said Clarke is the right person, at the right time. "Sid has served here at the Pentagon and has a wealth of command and staff experience," Wyatt observed. "He will help shape and guide the Air Guard as we forge ahead to the future." As Air Guard Director, Clarke will be responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting more than 106,000 Air Guard members in more than 88 flying wings and 200 geographically separated units throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Clarke is no stranger to key leadership positions. He has served as the Deputy Director of the Air National Guard and as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air for the Alabama Air National Guard. At 1st Air Force, he commanded four direct reporting units, 10 aligned Air National Guard units, and a large number of active air defense alert sites -- including aircraft, air defense artillery, and up to 15,000 active duty, National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian personnel. Clarke is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours, including more than 100 in combat, in the T-38, C-26, A-10 and F-16. Prior to his NORAD assignment, Clarke served as the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché in Turkey. The general was commissioned in 1981 as a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program at the University of Georgia. He has served in various operational and staff assignments including duty as an A-10 and F-16 instructor pilot. He also has commanded a squadron, fighter wing and air expeditionary wing. FMI: www.ang.af.mil For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=ce8219db-695f-4596-b0f1-35451d09a286 ----------------------------------------------------------------- SPEEA Files New Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges Against Boeing Union Claims The Company Has Been Conducting Surveillance Of Its Members The Boeing Company was charged Wednesday (Jan. 2) with Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) after company personnel allegedly photographed members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001, marching at its Everett factory to support efforts to negotiate new labor contracts. The specific charges relate to Boeing taking surveillance photographs of engineers and technical employees marching inside and outside the factory on Dec. 12 and after. Employer surveillance of union activities has consistently been ruled illegal because it has a tendency to intimidate employees into not exercising their rights to engage in union activities. SPEEA and Boeing are scheduled to resume negotiations January 9. Federal mediators called for a break in talks before the holidays. The two sides started meeting in April to negotiate new contracts for 23,000 engineers and technical workers. In October, engineers rejected Boeing’s initial offer by 95.5 percent. Technical workers rejected the company’s offer by 97 percent. Existing contracts expired Nov. 25. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees’ rights to engage in concerted (union) activity and prohibits employers from interfering in these activities. “This is well settled law that such surveillance is illegal,” said Ray Goforth, SPEEA executive director. “It’s disappointing to see Boeing leadership resort to intimidation rather than persuasion.” Since September, SPEEA members have held weekly solidarity marches, meetings and other events at Boeing facilities around Puget Sound, in Portland and Utah. Participation ranges from a few dozen members to more than 2,500 marching in Everett. All of the marches have been peaceful. SPEEA members are calling Wednesday (Jan. 9) a “Day of Action,” with a variety of events planned to mark the resumption of negotiations. Filed at the Seattle office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), this additional charge reads: "Since on or about December 12, 2012, the Employer has photographed employees engaged in peaceful, protected concerted activity at its Everett facility.” A previous charge by SPEEA filed in October and now waiting action by the NLRB, relates to Boeing seizing employee cameras and photographs of the protected union marches, along with videotaping the events. FMI: www.speea.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=9bbf1c87-b36d-4eb0-9ea5-bbfe4aa08ad6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 'Teaching The Aviators Model Code Of Conduct To Kids' Released Abridged And Simplified For A Younger Audience "Teaching the Aviators Model Code of Conduct to Kids," an abridged and simplified explanation of the Aviators Model Code of Conduct (AMCC), was released Thursday by the project’s Permanent Editorial Board. Written for use in the classroom with language appropriate for children, the document exposes young students to important values shared by safe and successful aviators. “Think Global Flight and Teaching the Aviators Model Code of Conduct to Kids will bring awareness of the boundless opportunities within the aviation and aerospace industries to the classrooms around the world," said Judith A. “Captain Judy” Rice, founder of Think Global Flight. "The AMCC will introduce students to what it takes to be a good pilot, to fly safely, and be a good passenger if they take a ride in a small plane. Learning the basic rules of flying will help them succeed in many areas of their lives—as students now, and as adults in the future.” Developed by a team of aviation professionals and drawing upon decades of research and experience, the AMCC promotes ongoing improvements in flying quality and safety. The AMCC: 1) Promotes flight and ground safety, professionalism, and pilot contributions to the aviation community and society at large. 2) Encourages the development and adoption of good judgment, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility. 3) Supports improved communications between pilots, regulators, and others in the aviation industry. The Code of Conduct has received extensive industry review and presents a vision of aviation excellence within its seven sections: (1) General Responsibilities of Aviators; (2) Passengers and People on the Surface; (3) Training and Proficiency; (4) Security; (5) Environmental Issues; (6) Use of Technology; (7) Advancement and Promotion of Aviation. The Code is a living document and will be periodically updated to reflect changes in standards, practice, and the aviation environment. The Aviators Model Code of Conduct anchors a family of similar codes including the Aviation Maintenance Technicians Model Code of Conduct, the Flight Instructors Model Code of Conduct, the Glider Aviators Model Code of Conduct, the Light Sport Aviators Model Code of Conduct, the Seaplane Pilots Model Code of Conduct, and the Student Pilots Model Code of Conduct. Developed as a volunteer effort, each is available as a free public service along with supporting materials online. FMI: www.thinkglobalflight.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=3f56776b-9ae4-4dca-8348-9f6c15a43acd ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 WACO YMF's Feature Full ADS-B NextGen Capability Adds Garmin GTN Touchscreen Navigators As Standard Equipment Every new WACO YMF-5D aircraft for 2013 will feature as standard equipment full ADS-B NextGen capability through the new GARMIN GDL 88 ADS-B data-link, Garmin GTN 750 and Garmin GTN 635 Touchscreen navigators, WACO Classic Aircraft announced Friday. The GTN 750 controls the standard GMA 35 remote audio panel with SD Audio, Telligence Voice Control, clearance recorder, advanced auto squelch and more, as well as the GTX 32 remote transponder. The new Garmin GDL 88 data-link allows the now standard GTN 750 and GTN 635 to display up to 60 ADS-B traffic targets. Spoken audio alerts (“Traffic. Two o’clock. High. Two miles”) combine with Garmin’s new TargetTrend relative motion technology, to offer pilots a faster, more intuitive judging of target trajectories and closing rates in relation to your aircraft’s position. Unique SURF technology supports the display of ADS-B-equipped surface targets on Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams – including taxiing aircraft and ground vehicles. The GDL 88 can also receive the FAA’s subscription-free FIS-B weather broadcasts that include graphical NEXRAD radar information, as well as NOTAMs, METARs, TAFs and more. WACO said in a news release that "not only do the new Garmin GTN Touchscreen navigators provide a nearly unequaled level of technology and safety, they allow a very clean and uncluttered instrument panel befitting the expectations of Waco Customers." FMI: www.wacoclassic.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=470f3f43-230f-4935-8f4f-f6c07c62e57b ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Issues SAIB Addressing Airplanes In Ground Effect Bulletin Stems From NTSB G650 Accident Report The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) to advise manufacturers of airplanes certified under parts 23 and 25 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR parts 23 and 25) to consider the possibility that the airplane’s maximum lift coefficient in ground effect may be lower than its maximum lift coefficient in free air. The bulletin stems from the NTSB's accident report following the crash of a Gulfstream G650 test aircraft in Roswell, NM. In that report, the Board said that the probable cause of the accident was "an aerodynamic stall and subsequent uncommanded roll during an OEI takeoff flight test, which were the result of (1) Gulfstream's failure to properly develop and validate takeoff speeds for the flight tests and recognize and correct the V2 error during previous G650 flight tests, (2) the G650 flight test team's persistent and increasingly aggressive attempts to achieve V2 speeds that were erroneously low, and (3) Gulfstream's inadequate investigation of previous G650 uncommanded roll events, which indicated that the company's estimated stall AOA while the airplane was in ground effect was too high. Contributing to the accident was Gulfstream's failure to effectively manage the G650 flight test program by pursuing an aggressive program schedule without ensuring that the roles and responsibilities of team members had been appropriately defined and implemented, engineering processes had received sufficient technical planning and oversight, potential hazards had been fully identified, and appropriate risk controls had been implemented and were functioning as intended." On November 28, 2012, the NTSB addressed Safety Recommendation A-12-54 to the FAA. The recommendation states that the agency should: Inform domestic and foreign manufacturers of airplanes that are certified under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 23 and 25 about the circumstances of this accident and advise them to consider, when estimating an airplane's stall angle of attack in ground effect, the possibility that the airplane's maximum lift coefficient in ground effect could be lower than its maximum lift coefficient in free air. (A-12-54) The NTSB has posted the following documents on its Docket Management System. These documents include detailed technical discussions of the aerodynamic phenomenon described in Safety Recommendation A-12-54: 1) February 17, 2012: The Aircraft Performance Study provides a detailed analysis of the aerodynamic properties and assumptions leading to this recommendation. 2) July 19, 2012: Minor corrections to the Aircraft Performance Study are provided in Errata #1. 3) March 29, 2012: Additional detailed technical information is in the Aircraft Performance Study Addendum #1. 4) July 19, 2012: Errata #1 to Addendum #1 identifies changes to a Gulfstream-provided document that was attached to Addendum #1. The FAA recommends that manufacturers of airplanes certificated under 14 CFR parts 23 and 25 refer to the detailed performance analysis provided in the documents identified above. (NTSB photograph) FMI: SAIB For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=81007230-46bd-4ee2-a3b1-46ae6e0954ca ----------------------------------------------------------------- AIA Urges Leaders To Find Permanent Bipartisan Solution To Sequestration Blakey: Deal "Does Not Eliminate Uncertainty" About Jobs And The Economy While the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) says that the recent deal reached between Congress and the President to at least delay the so-called "fiscal cliff" is welcome, a permanent solution is needed to give stability to the aerospace industry and the economy as a whole. "While we are pleased Congress made some headway on tax elements of a deal to avert the fiscal cliff, we are concerned that they could not agree to a long term solution to fix a problem no serious person wants – sequestration," AID president and CEO Marion Blakey (pictured) said in a statement. "We are relieved that the heavy axe of sequestration will not fall today and we expect Congress will use the next two months to find thoughtful alternatives to ill-conceived, indiscriminate budget slashing. More than 2 million Americans across all sectors of the economy will lose their jobs starting in 57 days if our political leaders fail to fix the self-inflicted wound of sequestration and the dangers it poses to our warfighters and national security. "Delaying implementation of sequestration by two months does not eliminate the uncertainty facing our business leaders and our warfighters. If sequestration is not solved in the next 57 days, it would be an abdication of responsibility by the leaders of this country, one that will only heighten Americans' cynicism and cement the public image of a gridlocked Washington that simply doesn't work," Blakey continued. "According to reports, the Pentagon will be forced to send furlough notices to its 800,000 civilian employees if Congress fails to deal with this ill-conceived policy. Those notices will inevitably become layoff notices if nothing is done. "Sequestration is a slow motion catastrophe for our military forces, our space program and virtually every critical function of our government from air traffic control and border security to food inspection and more. We strongly urge Congress and President Obama to find a permanent bipartisan solution to sequestration; the clock has been reset and is ticking again," she concluded. FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=3d4d2283-94b7-4e57-b96d-bf7664efe0bf ----------------------------------------------------------------- Indiana Student Wins Second Annual Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge Dreamed Up A New Medevac Helicopter To Win A $1,000 Scholarship Sikorsky Aircraft and By Kids For Kids Co., an organization that inspires kids to become successful inventors, last month awarded the Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award to an Indiana teenager for his conceptual design of a circular-shaped medical evacuation helicopter. Sixteen-year-old Ethan Chu from South Bend, IN, received a trophy and a $1,000 scholarship check during a company-paid visit to Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford, CT. Accompanied by his father William Chu, Ethan toured the assembly line of Sikorsky’s iconic Black Hawk and Seahawk military helicopters, and met with company rotorcraft designers and engineers. The Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award was the grand prize for the Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge, a national competition started in 2011 sponsored by Sikorsky Aircraft and By Kids For Kids. This year’s program challenged youths ages 9-16 across the U.S. to envision an environmentally friendly helicopter. The competition rated designs for concept uniqueness, description detail and creativity of the presentation. Ethan portrays his winning design as a compact, circular-shaped twin-engine helicopter dubbed the AH-9 Diamondback. High strength materials in the form of lightweight carbon nanotubes covered with titanium panels comprise the helicopter’s structure, a design approach that reduces the aircraft’s weight and fuel consumption, and improves its carrying capacity. His environmentally friendly design further reduces carbon footprint by channeling engine exhaust along the rotor blades and around the body of the aircraft to provide a cushion of gas for additional lift — an aerodynamic principle known as the Coanda Effect. “We were impressed with the strong scientific reasoning and the good deal of thought that Ethan put into his innovative submission,” said Vern Van Fleet, a chief test engineer for Sikorsky Military Systems. “And he never lost sight of the competition theme, which was to produce an environmentally friendly helicopter.” As an 11th grader, Ethan likes to play football and paintball. He is a member of the Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society. When he is older, Ethan aspires to be an aerospace engineer, and would like to learn to fly aircraft. “This competition gave me the opportunity to learn new knowledge and gain new skills,” said Ethan. “I was fascinated with the ‘Coanda Effect’ that I read about, and I decided to use it to make my helicopter design more efficient.” Museums throughout the country participated in the Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge program, which engaged young visitors to envision the environmental future of helicopters while learning important scientific and engineering principles through fun hands-on activities. “The Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge is a program to push kids to apply what they’ve learned in school to create an idea that is entirely theirs,” said Judy Bankowski, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Sikorsky. “Our program seeks to inspire kids to think and innovate, and to begin shaping their future.” (Image courtesy Sikorsky) FMI: www.helicopter2050.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=6e263c51-6de8-4d2a-a8fb-7f13294c41dc ----------------------------------------------------------------- AUVSI Congratulates Michael Huerta On His Confirmation Toscano: Huerta Made Permanent Administrator At A 'Critical Time' For The Agency The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) President & CEO Michael Toscano today congratulated Michael Huerta on his confirmation as the administrator of the FAA. “For more than a year, Michael Huerta has led the FAA admirably as acting administrator, and we are pleased to see Congress make his appointment official,” Toscano said. “These next several years are important ones for the FAA, as the agency moves forward with the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) and continues to develop the NextGen air traffic control system.” “This is a critical time for the FAA and the aerospace industry, and it is important the FAA have a permanent leader to advance these priorities, especially the integration of UAS," Toscano said. "This technology holds tremendous potential to save money, save time and, most importantly, save lives. Strong and clear leadership is needed to make sure the process stays on track, and Huerta’s confirmation is a step in the right direction.” “We look forward to working with Administrator Huerta in the coming months and years to advance these innovations in a safe manner, in keeping with the FAA’s primary mission. We are confident that under Administrator Huerta’s leadership, the FAA will continue to ensure that the United States aerospace industry stays at the forefront of aviation safety and technological advances,” Toscano said. FMI: www.auvsi.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=1c2157d6-e624-4376-a002-cd6b30915160 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Relatives Of Passenger On Rivera Plane Seek Maintenance Docs Have Asked A Court To Force Bombardier And Learjet To Turn Over Records In a petition for discovery filed in Cook County, IL, Circuit Court Wednesday, the relatives of singer Jenni Rivera's makeup artist, who was fatally injured when the plane in which he was a passenger went down, hope to force Bombardier and Learjet to release maintenance records for the airplane. The 1969 Lear 25 was cruising at about 28,000 feet when it apparently entered a steep dive from which it did not recover before impacting the ground in a mountainous region of Mexico December 9th. Six people, including the singer and the 78-year-old pilot, were fatally injured in the accident. The relatives of Rivera's makeup artist Jacob Yebale are seeking any documents related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the aircraft at any time during its service life. The filing was made in Chicago because Bombardier does a significant amount of business in the state of Illinois, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. Starwood Management, which owned the plane, said it was always properly maintained, and that it's possible that the older pilot suffered a heart attack which led to the accident. FMI: www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=7da374de-81f2-4e66-b2a3-0f744f1704a6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- United Airlines Launches First International Dreamliner Service Boeing 786 Debuts On LA-Tokyo Route United Airlines introduced daily nonstop 787 Dreamliner service between its hub at Los Angeles International Airport and its hub at Tokyo Narita International Airport as of Thursday, January 3. The service – previously operated with a 777 aircraft – is the first regularly-scheduled international route operated using United's 787 Dreamliner. "We are delighted to offer our customers in Los Angeles and Tokyo the comfort and spectacular flying experience of our new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft," said Jim Mueller, United's vice president of Atlantic and Pacific Sales. "We look forward to offering our customers the opportunity to experience the Dreamliner on additional international flights in the future." The flight, UA32, departed Los Angeles at 1115 PST, arriving in Tokyo Narita at 1610 the next day (local time). The return flight, UA33, will depart Tokyo Narita daily at 1755 (local time), arriving in Los Angeles at 1035 PST the same day. United's 787 Dreamliner is configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 seats in United Economy. The airline says aircraft will "revolutionize the flying experience for United customers and crews" while delivering "unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions." FMI: www.united.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=e19f5808-af68-4e0e-bae8-7212582ab85d ----------------------------------------------------------------- AIAA Conference To Host Discussion On F-35 Developments And Progress Meeting In Dallas Begins January 7 As part of its 51st annual Aerospace Science Meeting being held in Dallas, TX, January 7-10, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will host a discussion on “F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Developments and Progress.” The panel will present a complete overview of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, and provide insight on the aircraft’s role in military operations. Speakers and topics include: 1) Tom Burbage, executive vice president and general manager, F-35 JSF Program Integration, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, who will present the keynote address: “F-35 JSF Program Overview and Update.” 2) Tyler Evans, director, F135 Programs, Pratt & Whitney: “Propulsion Systems Overview and F135 Update.” 3) Phil Edwards, program manager, 5th Generation Improvements & Derivatives, Northrop Grumman Corporation: “Sensor Systems.” 4) J.D. McFarlan, vice president, F-35 Test and Verification, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company: “Test and Verification.” “The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a key part of our nation’s defensive capabilities, and stands as a lasting testament to the American aerospace community’s creative spirit, technical skill, and commitment to teamwork,” stated AIAA Executive Director Sandra H. Magnus. “AIAA, in our mission to highlight the innovations occurring in the aerospace community, is excited to provide this opportunity for discussion on the JSF’s development and operational capabilities.” The session will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9th beginning at 2:00 p.m. FMI: www.aiaa.org/ASM2013 For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=7f58921b-74f3-4970-84fd-42b09d9effe2 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Discovery Of Brewster Buffalo Off Midway Spurs New Interest In The Warbird Fighters' Reputation Among Its Pilots Was Less Than Stellar The wreckage of a rare Brewster Buffalo fighter from WWII has been discovered in just 10 feet of water off the beach at Midway Island, a find that historians are calling an "exciting discovery." The F2A-3 was not known as the most agile fighter flying for the Marine Corps during the war. The Corps had inherited the airplane from the U.S. Navy when it was determined that its landing gear could not hold up to carrier operations. The Buffalo was built in a former car factory in Queens, NY, according to an enterprise report appearing in the New York Times. The airplane was noticed by divers employed by the federal government conducting an underwater cleanup of trash around Midway Atoll in June. The atoll is part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the far northwest portion of the Hawaiian archipelago. The airplane did not go down in combat. Researchers discovered that the airplane had landed short of the runway in February, 1942, prior to the famed Battle of Midway. Lt. Charles W. Somers Jr. was the pilot who missed the runway during a squall. The plane sank in the lagoon, but Lt. Somers reportedly swam to safety. National Naval Aviation Museum historian Hill Goodspeed called the find an "exciting discovery." The Pensacola, FL, museum is normally home to the only surviving example of the airplane, which was pulled from the bottom of a Russian lake in 1998 and restored. That airplane is on loan to a museum in Finland, which flew the airplane against the Soviets in the 1940s. (Brewster Buffalo image from file) FMI: www.navalaviationmuseum.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=754291db-c638-4716-a941-e7df2e786fba ----------------------------------------------------------------- Airbus Military Begins Flight Tests Of C295 Fitted With Winglets Hopes For Improvements In Takeoff, Climb, And Cruise Performance As Well As Fuel Efficiency Airbus Military has begun flight-testing a modification to add winglets to the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft – one of a series of product developments underway on the market-leading type. The winglets, which are short extensions to the wingtips of the aircraft, have the potential to improve performance in the take-off, climb and cruise phases of flight by increasing the lift-drag ratio. Possible in-service benefits include improved hot and high runway performance, increased range and endurance, and reduced operating costs, according to Airbus. First flight of the wingletted aircraft took place at Airbus Military’s Seville facility in Spain on December 21. Data from that flight is being analyzed and will be added to data from future flights, providing the basis for a decision on whether or not to incorporate winglets into the C295 design. The photograph shows the C295 during its first flight with winglets. Airbus says the C295 is able to carry up to nine metric tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt. Fitted with a retractable landing gear and a pressurised cabin, it can cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 ft, while retaining STOL performance from unprepared short, soft and rough airstrips, as well as low level flight characteristics. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, Airbus says the C295 offers "outstanding hot and high performance, low fuel consumption and consequently a very long endurance of up to eleven hours in the air." The first C295 was delivered in 2001. FMI: www.airbus.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=cb8a21bb-ef79-43da-8b11-63fa5b4027e7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Helicopter Attempting Rescue Goes Down In The Water Off Rio's Copacabana Beach Witness Captured Video On His Phone And Posted It To YouTube A rescue helicopter attempting to save a swimmer who had ventured out into rough water off Copacabana Beach in Rio do Janeiro December 29th suffered an unspecified "mechanical difficulty" and wound up going down in the water. All on board the aircraft, as well as the swimmer they were attempting to save, survived the incident. In the video, the helo can be seen flying over the water at a low altitude with a person poised in the open main door. As the aircraft nears the area where the swimmer is in difficulty, it appear to pitch up slightly. The aircraft then settles into the water in what appears to be a textbook autorotation and is pulled under by the rough surf. Other aircraft are quickly dispatched to the scene, and the beachgoers give a round of applause as the crew from the original aircraft and the swimmer come ashore. The BBC reports that there were warning signs up on the beach cautioning swimmers against venturing out into the rough surf. An eyewitness said "the sea has been raging yesterday and today." (Image from amateur video posted on YouTube) FMI Watch the Video For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=9f5b14e9-7825-40dc-96b8-4cadbfcbcff9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Releases New Design For A&P Certificate Picture Of Wright Brothers' Mechanic Charles Taylor Now Featured On The Back The FAA has started issuing Mechanic and Repairman certificates with a new design on the back of the certificate honoring Charles Taylor. Since the introduction of the updated airman certificate in 2003, the Mechanic and Repairman community have requested that FAA issue a certificate that represents the contributions of Mr. Charles E. Taylor, who served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and was credited with building the engine for the 1903 Wright Flyer. The new design will be printed on all original and replacement airman certificates issued after January 1, 2013, to Mechanics, Repairmen, Repairmen (Experimental Aircraft Builder), and Repairmen (Light Sport Aircraft). Mechanic and Repairman certificate holders are not required to replace their current plastic certificate. An airman may obtain the new style Mechanic, Repairman certificate with Mr. Taylor’s likeness by submitting a $2.00 replacement fee by visiting the Registry’s website, by mailing a signed replacement request, or by completing an application for an added rating or other change. FMI: www.faa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=435d6524-631c-4167-a173-be5b7e02bdf3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: Share Aero-News With Your Friends Send Them A Story -- We Don't Mind! Do you need another set of eyes to see that story you can't believe Jim just wrote? Want to share the latest Klyde Morris with another member of the flying community? (Or perhaps to someone who just really, really likes ants?) All of us at Aero-News firmly believe in the concept of "share-the-wealth" -- at least figuratively, when actual money is in no way involved or even remotely expected in our wildest dreams. Anyway, with that in mind we have made it amazingly easy for our readers to send our stories to their friends, coworkers, family -- anyone who you think may find a particular feature on Aero-News interesting, fun, and/or informative. It's easy. All you have to do is click on the link at the bottom of the article, just below the FMI: "Email This Article To A Friend." This link will take you to the appropriate page, where you can add put in your friend's email address, your email address, and a short message about the article... or anything (we won't ask.) Click on "Email This Article," and the story is on its way to the person YOU wanted to see it! Note that the article will be displayed as an HTML in the actual email; a link to the story will not be provided. Please make sure that whomever you're sending the story to can see HTML messages in their email browsers. Try it out today, and spread the word -- If it's not on Aero-News, it's history! FMI: www.aero-news.net For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=f433b327-3c59-4449-8005-e449d1f79c5f ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (01.05.13) 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 "The agreements we have reached represent a significant milestone in Pinnacle's restructuring and provide a clear and achievable path toward emergence from Chapter 11. Pinnacle will be well positioned to emerge from the bankruptcy process with a viable business plan that provides meaningful opportunities for our employees. Source: John Spanjers, president and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. FMI: www.pncl.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=40da2c7e-421e-47db-9d01-e814c04b37c7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (01.05.13): Standard Rate Turn 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. Standard Rate Turn A turn in which an aircraft changes its direction at a rate of 3 per second (360 in 2 minutes) for low- or medium-speed aircraft. For high-speed aircraft, the standard rate turn is 1 per second (360 in 4 minutes). FMI: http://aviationglossary.com/standard-rate-turn/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=6866f19f-ccf9-4f1d-bbb1-45751d540633 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (01.05.13) 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: Pan Am Historical Foundation This group popped up in the news last week. The goal of the Pan Am Historical Foundation is to preserve the history and accomplishments of Pan American World Airways, and the people who worked to make her the World's Greatest Airline. In addition to its special projects, the Foundation publishes a quarterly newsletter and annually reissues the famous Pan Am Calendar. FMI: www.panam.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=c8efd0a0-d4f4-451b-aedc-30b1291e213f ----------------------------------------------------------------- AD: Airbus Airplanes (A330-A340) AD NUMBER: 2012-26-03 PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A330- 202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-26-03 ACTION: Final Rule SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness. This AD requires inspecting to identify the part and serial numbers of the forward andaft cargo doors, and replacing the affected cargo doors. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could lead to a breach through the door or the door detaching from the airplane, resulting in potential rapid decompression. DATES: This AD becomes effective February 6, 2013. FMI: AD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=65c28a7c-2a8a-424f-95d1-5bea66913dab ----------------------------------------------------------------- AD: Airbus Airplanes (A330-A340) AD NUMBER: 2012-26-05 PRODUCT: All Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes, and Model A340-300 series airplanes. SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-26-05 ACTION: Final Rule SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight turn back after the nose landing gear (NLG) did not retract after take-off. This AD requires repetitive overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the retraction actuator, which could cause collapse of the NLG after touchdown and possible injury to flightcrew and passengers. DATES: This AD becomes effective February 6, 2013. FMI: AD For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=469aa89f-e538-4056-8357-081c810d8cf5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Senior Staff Roster J.R. 'Zoom' Campbell CEO/Editor-In-Chief jim@aero-news.net Glen Moyer Aero-Cast Producer gmoyer@aero-news.net Tom Patton News Editor editor@aero-news.net Nathan Cremisino Ashley Hale Aero-TV Video Production Team Aero-TV HQ MKTG Inquiries Marketing Director mktg@aero-news.net Note: This newsletter is supported solely by sponsors like the one(s) listed herein. We stand 100% behind every ad that we run. If you ever have a problem with a company that advertises here please contact us and we will try to get it resolved. -- Aero-News Network Aero-News Network POB 305, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043. 863-299-8680, www.aero-news.net ANN Aero-Casts /podcasts Provided to registered subscribers, Daily. 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This Is His Address Get ANN's Free News Ticker We have designed a small "portable" News Ticker that will offer current ANN headlines about what is happening in the aviation world. It can be copied to virtually any Web site (including YOURS!) on the Internet by simply requesting the code and permissions from us. In addition to staying abreast of the latest headlines, you can click on any one of these News Tickers, no matter who's site it is on, and then go directly to ANN to read the news, in-depth, anytime you choose. You may request the code using our request form by logging on to www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm For those of you with web sites, be sure to drop us an e-mail at editor@aero-news.net and we'll be sure to check out your site for inclusion in our link sites, shortly. AND... don't forget to send your news and press releases to us via news@aero-news.net ! We want our coverage to include EVERY facet of aviation... so we need ALL the feedback we can get! Please Forward This Issue If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or business associates. Thanks so much! Copyright (c) 1998-2012: Please do NOT reprint, publish, or host on your Web site without our explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it (unmodified) to a business associate or a friend. Thank you. "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." Marion Wright Edelman

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