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Friday, December 14, 2012

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National Guard Bureau Guard News Update

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 04:14 PM PST

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N.Y. National Guard's newest general teams up with old, young Soldiers on 376th birthday
12/14/2012 11:52 AM EST

The New York National Guard's newest general officer teamed up Thursday with its oldest Soldier and one of its youngest to salute the National Guard's 376th birthday at New York National Guard headquarters here...

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Envoy Reflects on Taliban, Pakistan Experiences

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 02:49 PM PST

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Envoy Reflects on Taliban, Pakistan Experiences
12/14/2012 04:34 PM CST

Envoy Reflects on Taliban, Pakistan Experiences

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2012 - An envoy who is one of the few U.S. officials to ever meet with Taliban representatives shared his perspective on two years of effort to open a channel with them, and on the challenges that lie ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Marc Grossman, a State Department employee who was appointed as the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, described his past interaction with the Taliban during a televised PBS interview with Margaret Warner that aired yesterday. Communicating with the Taliban was "very productive and very difficult," he said, but necessary in saving lives.

Grossman, who leaves his post this week, described how he prepared for his first encounter with Taliban representatives.

"I read a lot by people who had been in similar situations in Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka and Colombia," Grossman said. "And everybody talked about how difficult it was to both fight and talk at the same time."

But the conclusion, he added, was the same in each case.

"If you stick with this, if you believe in it, if you can find someone on the other side to talk to, and you're successful, less people die," he said.

Grossman said in general the challenges of building relations pale in comparison to the possibilities: in this case, the prospect of opening doors for Afghans to talk to other Afghans about the future of their nation.

The envoy said he and other U.S. representatives sought to build confidence between the two sides, to pave the way for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

"The first job was to see if ... [we could] create a regional structure for a secure, stable, prosperous Afghanistan inside of a secure, stable, prosperous region," Grossman said. "We set out to do that through various series of international meetings [in] Istanbul, Bonn, Chicago and Tokyo, so that Afghans could feel confident that the region would stand behind them."

Grossman said Pakistan's support of the Afghan peace process indicates a noteworthy change over the past year.

"A year ago, there was no way ... systematically, to have Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States talk to one another about peace," he said.

Since then, Grossman said, Pakistan, Afghan and U.S. representatives have met several times in an effort to build relations.

"[The Pakistanis] ... know that chaos in Afghanistan is bad for them," Grossman said. "They know also that 2014 ... [is] not 20 years from now, it's not 10 years from now. In diplomatic terms, it's tomorrow."

The U.S.-Afghan strategic partnership agreement, signed by President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul last spring, outlines a peace process that seems to have increasing Pakistani support, he said.

In a statement following the signing, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said the agreement "affirms the long-term commitment of the United States to Afghanistan," and is a sign of U.S. confidence that "[t]he transition to Afghan security lead has commenced and it is on track."

Grossman acknowledged the agreement calls for U.S. troops to end their combat role by the end of 2014, but said some American service members will remain in Afghanistan beyond Jan. 1, 2015. The president will decide the exact number, he noted, and combat operations are only a part of the overall mission.

"This is about also a civilian presence, an economic presence," he said.
 
Related Articles:
Report Notes Progress, Remaining Challenges in Afghanistan


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Contracts for December 14, 2012

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 02:34 PM PST

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Contracts for December 14, 2012
12/14/2012 04:18 PM CST
FOR RELEASE AT
5 p.m. ET		 No. 979-12
December 14, 2012

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

            Battlespace Flight Services L.L.C., Arlington, Va., (FA4890-07-C-0006, P00120) is being awarded a $412,084,746 contract modification to provide MQ-1 O-level operation and maintenance support services.  The location of the performance is Creech Air Force Base and deployed sites worldwide.  Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is AMIC/PKCA, Langley Air Force Base, Va. 

            Lockheed Martin Services Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo., (FA8823-13-C-0002) is being awarded a $104,205,172 firm-fixed-price contract for Global Positioning Systems control segment sustainment.  The location of the performance is Colorado Springs, Colo.  Work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2019.  The contracting activity is SMC/PKP, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. 

            TASC Inc., Andover, Md., (FA8818-13-C-0001) is being awarded a $47,938,273 firm-fixed price, fixed-price-incentive-firm target and cost-plus-fixed-fee hybrid contract for mission assurance services.  The location of the performance is Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.  Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2015.  The contracting activity is SMC/SDTD, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. 

            TASC Inc., Andover, Md., (FA8810-10-C-0001, P0021) is being awarded a $45,044,210 contract modification contract for systems engineering and integration support.  The location of the performance is El Segundo, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is SMC/ISK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. 

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Liverpool, N.Y., (FA8217-11-C-0005, P00008) is being awarded a $16,382,825 contract modification contract for modernization of AN/FPS-117 Long Range Radars via the essential parts replacement program.  The location of the performance is Canada.  Work is expected to be completed by June 20, 2016.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/HBZKA, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. 

            The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., (F33657-01-D-0013, 0369) is being awarded a $12,779,724 firm-fixed-price contract for C40C High Speed Data Aircraft modification.  The location of the performance is Seattle, Wash.  Work is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2015.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WLKLB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. 

NAVY

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $127,740,214 fixed-price-incentive-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to the previously awarded F-35 Lightning II  Program Air System Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 5 contract (N00019-10-C-0002).  This effort is required to complete the definitization for the previously announced Undefinitized Contractual Action (UCA) for a total of 32 F-35 Air Systems.  This modification procures LRIP 5 production requirements including: manufacturing support equipment; two program array assemblies; ancillary mission equipment, including pilot flight equipment; preparation for ferry of aircraft; and diminishing manufacturing sources redesign.  This effort includes requirements for the international partner governments as well as for the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy.  Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (35 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25 percent); Warton, United Kingdom (20 percent); Orlando, Fla. (10 percent); Nashua, N.H. (5 percent); and Baltimore, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in October  2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $127,740,214 will be obligated at time of award, $112,863,361 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contracting activity is Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. 

            General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $41,052,753 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide non-nuclear submarine repair work on Groton-based submarines under the New England Manpower Initiative.  Under the terms of the contract, Electric Boat will provide New England Manpower Initiativetasks in support of non-nuclear maintenance, modernization, and repair of operational nuclear powered submarines, floating dry docks, support and service craft, and plant equipment assigned to the Naval Submarine Support Facility, New London, Conn.  Work will be performed in New London, Conn., and is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $41,052,753 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds in the amount of $3,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1).  The contracting activity is (N00024-13-C-4308) Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 

            EMCOR Government Services Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $29,665,144 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40080-07-D-0374) to exercise option 2 for regional base operating support services at Naval Support Activity Washington, Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, and Quantico Marine Corp Base.  The work to be performed provides for services including, but not limited to, repair and maintenance of property, facilities, and assets.  The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $167,332,288.  Work will be performed in Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. (40 percent); Bethesda, Md. (40 percent); Anacostia, Washington, D.C. (8 percent); Arlington, Va. (6 percent); Quantico, Va. (5 percent); and Dahlgren, Va. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed December 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $9,620,912 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contracting activity is Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, D.C. 

            General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $28,315,099 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2313) to exercise options for DDG 51 class lead yard services.  This work will provide technical assistance to the follow yard in the interpretation and application of the detailed design developed by Bath Iron Works, the lead yard contractor.  Lead yard services include:  liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistics services, class design contractor services, class changes design services for follow ships, ship trials and post shakedown availabilities support and materials, noise, shock, and vibration program, special studies, modernization support, and baseline management.  Contract funds in the amount of $26,760,575 will be obligated at time of award.  Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by December 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $147,504 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contracting activity is Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 

            General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Inc., Pittsfield, Mass., is being awarded a $28,194,504 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6206) for engineering services and production efforts in support of the Multipurpose Processor (MPP) and Total Ship Monitoring System (TSMS) for Navy submarines.  The contractor will continue development and production of multiple upgrades to the hardware and software products for the MPP and TSMS that will be integrated into the Acoustic Rapid Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Insertion System.  Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Mass., and is expected to be completed by February 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $7,165,168 will be obligated at time of contract award.  Contract funds in the amount of $63,795 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contracting activity is Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 

            Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $21,130,682 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the accomplishment of the post-shakedown-availability for the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).  This contract includes options which, if exercised would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $27,135,678.  Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (98 percent), and Bath, Maine (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $19,839,873 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds in the amount of $4,112,435 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with two offers received.  The contracting activity is (N00024-13-C-2315) Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 

            Altron, Inc.*, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (N65236-13-D-5845); American Electronics, Inc.*, California, Md. (N65236-13-D-5846); Command Decisions Systems and Solutions*, Stafford, Va. (N65236-13-D-5847); Centuria Corp.*, Reston, Va. (N65236-13-D-5848); Del Rey Systems and Technology, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif. (N65236-13-D-5849); ISHPI Information Technologies, Inc.*, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (N65236-13-D-5850); K3 Enterprises, Inc.*, Fayetteville, N.C. (N65236-13-D-5851); MANDEX, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va. (N65236-13-D-5852); Sentek Global*, San Diego, Calif. (N65236-13-D-5853); SPARC L.L.C.*, Charleston, S.C. (N65236-13-D-5854); The Cameron Bell Corp., doing business as Gov. Solutions Group*, Daniel Island, S.C. (N65236-13-D-5855); The Cybrix Group*, Tampa, Fla. (N65236-13-D-5856); and Ursa Navigation Solutions Inc.*, Chesapeake, Va. (N65236-13-D-5857), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based, multiple award contract, with provisions for fixed-price-incentive and firm-fixed-price orders, to provide command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (C5ISR) electronics and communications services and solutions in support of mission capabilities within the decision superiority portfolio to improve customers' ability to enable utilization of information and decision aids to support decision making in support of the warfighter's mission.  The cumulative estimated value of the base year is $18,578,000.  These contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of these multiple award contracts to an estimated $98,764,531.  These 13 contractors may compete for the task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts.  The work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by December 2013.  If all options are exercised, work could continue until December 2017.  Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated at the time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  These contracts were competitively procured with proposals solicited and 18 offers received via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR E-Commerce Central website.  The contracting activity is Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C. 

            Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $12,313,750 firm-fixed-price contract modification for four refurbished and upgraded Rolling Airframe Missile MK 49 Mod 3 guided-missile launch systems and associated hardware for LPD 27, LCS 9, and LCS 11, with options for four additional launch systems.  At the time of award, an option for two remanufactured MK 49 GMLS with Mod 3 updates and associated hardware for LCS 13 and LCS 15 will be awarded in the amount of $5,529,151.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $12,313,750 will be obligated at the time of award.  Contract funds will not 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 contracting activity is (N00024-11-C-5448) Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 

            Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $12,267,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-5400) to exercise options for Standard Missile engineering and technical services.  The services are to perform evaluations of advanced missile configurations and advanced technology efforts with potential for current and future standard missile development programs.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by March 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $12,267,000 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds in the amount of $2,645,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C. 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

            PPL Energy Plus L.L.C., Allentown, Pa., was awarded contract (SPE600-13-D-8015).  The award is a firm-fixed price contract with a maximum $13,541,861 for electricity.  Other locations of performance are Philadelphia, Pa. and Mechanicsburg, Pa.  Using service is Navy.  There were one hundred and ten solicitations with seven responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014 Navy Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va.

            Foster Caviness, Colfax, N.C.*, was awarded contract (SPM300-13-D-P171).  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, sole source contract with a maximum $25,200,000 for fresh fruit and vegetables.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Department of Agriculture.  There was one solicitation with one response.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is May 29, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

* Small Business
 
Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/15/2012

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 02:32 PM PST

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Today in the Department of Defense, 12/15/2012
12/14/2012 04:18 PM CST
Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, December 15, 2012

 

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules.

Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more.

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Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/16/2012

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 02:30 PM PST

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Today in the Department of Defense, 12/16/2012
12/14/2012 04:19 PM CST
Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, December 16, 2012

 

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules.

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Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/17/2012

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 02:29 PM PST

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Today in the Department of Defense, 12/17/2012
12/14/2012 04:22 PM CST
Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, December 17, 2012

 

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Norwegian Minister of Defense Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen to the Pentagon today at 5:45 p.m. EST. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Pedestrian Bridge only. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter has no public or media events on his schedule.

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Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

National Guard Members Prepare for Presidential Inauguration

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 01:46 PM PST

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National Guard Members Prepare for Presidential Inauguration
12/14/2012 03:28 PM CST

National Guard Members Prepare for Presidential Inauguration

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy
National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 14, 2012 - Around 6,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 15 states and territories are preparing to take part in and support the 57th Presidential Inauguration, according to National Guard officials.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hinds, with the District of Columbia Air National Guard, walks along a large-scale map of Washington, D.C., while giving a briefing about the 57th Presidential Inauguration at the District of Columbia Armory, Dec. 12, 2013. The D.C. National Guard has participated in every presidential inauguration since 1861. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
Army Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, District of Columbia National Guard commanding general, said National Guard members will report to the District of Columbia, and then disperse to several parts of the city to support inauguration events.

The Presidential Inauguration will be held Jan. 21, 2013.

Many of those 6,000 soldiers and airmen, who will join an additional 7,000 service members from other military services, will support local authorities, the general said.

"Most of the National Guard members will be outside of the parade route," he said. "There are a few, about 300, that will be involved in the ceremony and the parade."

Guard members will assist largely in traffic control, crowd management, and communications and medical support, Schwartz said. Over the past few months, he added, the D.C. Guard has worked with local and federal officials and agencies in planning for the event.

"We are working closely with the D.C. emergency management agencies, the Park Police, the active-duty military components and the United States Secret Service who are all performing the duties of the inauguration," he said.

Army Brig. Gen. Arthur W. Hinaman, commander of Joint Task Force D.C., the Guard support element of the inauguration, noted many of those working relationships stem from everyday National Guard activities.

"We live here," Hinaman said. "We work with these people during [several events] each year, so it's not like we haven't talked with these guys since 2009. We work with them every day. It's continuous, and this is really just a culmination of everything we do."

Army Sgt. 1st Class George Mickens, assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of logistics for JTF D.C., said planners for the upcoming inauguration have incorporated lessons learned from previous events.

"We have a good model that we go by and we take lessons learned in every [inauguration] -- and it gets [smoother] every four years," Mickens said.

All involved agree about the complexity involved in planning such a large-scale event.

"Some of the challenges are just the dispersion of the units," Hinaman said, referring to the participation of many units from outside the local area. "It's not like I can come in the office and call in my 6,000-person task force and we can talk about what we're going to do. There are challenges in that, but it's also what makes our Guard great. We respond well and people are excited about taking part. We're getting the support we need."

Planning for this inauguration comes on the heels of the 2009 inauguration, which saw the largest public attendance at the event, he noted.

"The inauguration in 2009 really blew up about 30 days out, and we were scrambling to increase our effort from just a small one that we could handle here locally," Hinaman said. "This time we've anticipated that it's going to be large, and we've planned for it to be large, and it's turned into something a little bit smaller than what we expected -- so we're way ahead [of] where we were last time."

Many in the D.C. Guard said taking part in the inauguration brings a sense of pride. The D.C. Guard's tie to the event dates back to President Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration.

"There is a great amount of pride that comes with that," Hinaman said. "Our slogan, 'Capital Guardians,' truly every four years we exercise that. We pretty much live for this event. This is our trademark event. We take a lot of pride in it. It's an honor for us as the D.C. Guard to pay respect to the commander in chief."

Many within the D.C. Guard have participated in more than one inauguration. This is the fourth event for Mickens since he marched in President Bill Clinton's 1997 inaugural parade.

"I had just come into the D.C. National Guard in February 1996, so I was a starry-eyed kid," he said. "And 11 months later, I'm marching in the inauguration celebration. It was like Christmas to me. I had always seen it on TV, and I had always wondered what it would feel like [to take part in the inauguration]. It's history. It's something you can tell your kids and grandkids one day. I was a part of that."

Schwartz said this will be his ninth inauguration. Each one is unique, he added, and though the events vary over the years, many things have remained constant.

"One of the things that the D.C. National Guard is proud of [is], we have participated [in each inauguration] since ... President Lincoln," Schwartz said. "We have the skill sets and we have the know-how to do this, and we want to make sure the eye of the world sees what a peaceful transition of power looks like."
 
Related Sites:
National Guard Bureau
DOD Support to the 57th Presidential Inauguration

Related Articles:
Military Support for Inaugurations Goes Back 200 Years
Rehearsals Pave Way for Presidential Inauguration, Parade


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Battaglia Urges Senioir Enlisted Leaders to 'Bridge the Gap'

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 01:38 PM PST

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Battaglia Urges Senioir Enlisted Leaders to 'Bridge the Gap'
12/14/2012 02:25 PM CST

Battaglia Urges Senioir Enlisted Leaders to 'Bridge the Gap'

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 14, 2012 - As the war in Afghanistan winds down, it will be critical that military leaders bridge the gap in training their troops to transition to a garrison environment after experiencing years of combat.

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, the senior enlisted advisor to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with senior enlisted leaders at the Transit Center here today to emphasize combining traditional, basic tenets and innovative thinking to assist service members in making the transition to a military that serves in less-hectic times.

First hearing of the phrase "back to the basics" as he solicited feedback from the enlisted force, Battaglia said he realized the message was incomplete.

"When I heard it I thought, 'Man, that's a pretty catchy little phrase,'" Battaglia said. "But the concept that I have here is let's be careful. Words mean something, and back to the basics is incomplete. It's only half the solution."

The sergeant major shared an anecdote with the room full of senior enlisted leaders explaining why just going back to the basics could be counterproductive.

"I used it. I brought it up to a Marine sergeant," Battaglia said. "I said, 'We're going to go back to the basics.' And he said, 'Who's basics? Yours, sergeant major?'"

Battaglia said the Marine sergeant added that he had "no idea" what those basics are. The Marine sergeant seemingly was taken aback, Battaglia said, at the suggestion that the way he'd performed his military duties needed to change.

"So those were the implications that it sort of left," Battaglia said. "And I started to think about it more and more."

As the U.S. military downsizes and returns to a garrison environment, he said, there are some basics that need to be taught to troops.

The sergeant major said there were basics from his generation's era of Cold War preparation "training for a war we never fought."

But there was plenty of garrison time, "and we really cracked the code on how to survive," Battaglia said.

"It was things like the face-to-face counseling, marching and drill and ceremony and all those basic tenets that really helped prepare us for combat that we're still in right now," he said. "I really believe that.

"So it's not so much going back to the basics, as it is bridging the basics," Battaglia continued. "By bridging the basics, I mean that we can't simply turn back to times where technology was almost absent. To be quite honest, there're some basics that I grew up with that, maybe they worked, but I damn sure won't take them today and use them."

The sergeant major also noted if the force went too far back to these basics it could represent challenges in "keeping pace with our adversaries of today. There's just no doubt about it."

Battaglia implored the group of senior enlisted leaders to develop their own examples of basics that employ innovative thinking and technology.

So while going back to the basics is a catchy phrase that may be gaining momentum, it's only half-complete, he said.

"It's got to be a bridging," Battaglia said. "You can't take this generation out of the equation -- they're part of the solution. And if you alienate them, and do that to them, we're going to be regretful and commit some 'fratricide' amongst ourselves with regards to this environment and how to survive.

"We're going to get leaner and smaller," he continued. "I don't see the challenges going away. We have to be ready and relevant, and educated and trained for any existing or emerging requirements that the president or the secretary of defense calls on us for."

Battaglia quoted Winston Churchill in inspiring the senior leaders to create new and innovative ways to lead troops in a new era.

"There are some good ideas that we can still use from back then," he said. "Winston Churchill [once said,] 'Sometimes, the best way to get a new idea is to read an old book.'"
 
Biographies:
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Troops Enjoy Chairman's USO Holiday Tour Show

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 11:27 AM PST

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Troops Enjoy Chairman's USO Holiday Tour Show
12/14/2012 01:17 PM CST

Troops Enjoy Chairman's USO Holiday Tour Show

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 14, 2012 - Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines received a rare treat today as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his annual USO holiday tour visited the Transit Center here.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey was joined by his senior enlisted advisor, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, and their spouses.

Dempsey introduced this year's lineup of USO talent to the raucous crowd of nearly 500 service members who came out despite freezing temperatures and ankle-deep snow.

"I am questioning my judgment coming in December. There's probably other times a year where we could have a different climate out there," the chairman joked.

"We really do appreciate what you do up here," Dempsey said. "And we know what you do up here whether it's refueling five, 100 [or] 600,000 passengers passing through, going to and from Afghanistan."

Dempsey encouraged the troops to call home to their families during the holidays and pass on his appreciation to them as well.

"I also want you to pass on to your family members, however you connect with them, whether it's Skype, Facebook, text or phone calls," he said. "Make sure you tell them that the chairman and the sergeant major said 'thanks' for their service, and we hope you will be rejoined with them soon.

"But in the meantime, thanks for what you do," the chairman added.

Battaglia also greeted the enthusiastic crowd, assuring them if they continued their excitement they would have a "great time."

"As the chairman said, we really are excited and honored to be sharing some part of Christmas here with you," the sergeant major said. "And we know you can't, for the most part, make it home during the holidays and that's ok.

"We know that while you may not be with your families back home, you're with your family here," Battaglia continued. "And that's what's important to us and that's one of the many reasons why we're so proud of each and every one of you."

After hearing from their senior leaders, the service members were treated to a show featuring Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks, a Washington Capitals' National Hockey League player; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing and country music singer Kellie Pickler and her band.

Additionally, USO President Sloan D. Gibson, and Shane Hudella, of "Defending the Blue Line," an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families, watched the show, having traveled with the group.

After the show, troops eagerly waited for photos and autographs from their USO guests.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather Chua, a protocol specialist from Spartanburg, S.C., said she thought the show was "great."

"It was a lot of fun," Chua said. "I've never been to a concert before or a USO show. I liked the comedian. I liked how she was so down to Earth and she was an actual person so it wasn't like she was just a celebrity here to entertain us. She was one of us, and it was a lot of fun.

"It's good that they want to come out and share our home with us for a little while, she added.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Miranda Kalander, a native of Prentice, Wis., was especially excited after she met and sang with Kellie Pickler during the show.

"I thought it was amazing," the airman said. "I got let off work early just to come and see these guys. It's kind of a blessing just to be able to come and see them."

Kalander, who'd been a contestant on the 2010 season of "American Idol," said she was fortunate to get on stage when Pickler said she would only sing the song "Red High Heels" if she sang it with her.

"So I was like 'alright,' and I just turned around and dragged one of my buddies and brought her up there with me," Kalander said. "I kind of felt a little star-struck standing next to Kellie Pickler [because] that's kind of my dream to stand up there and sing in front of people again."
 
Biographies:
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia

Related Sites:
United Service Organizations
Travels With Dempsey


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

More Effort Needed to Counter IEDs, General Says

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 10:30 AM PST

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More Effort Needed to Counter IEDs, General Says
12/14/2012 12:20 PM CST

More Effort Needed to Counter IEDs, General Says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2012 - The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization has made progress against IEDs, "but it isn't enough," Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday.

In Afghanistan, much of the fertilizer used in explosives comes from Pakistan, and Barbero, who directs JIEDDO, said he understands the importance of working with Pakistani officials.

"The U.S., led by the State Department, continues to seek a relationship with Pakistan that is constructive and advances both U.S. and Pakistani interests," the general told the Senate panel yesterday.

The importance of countering the threat posed by IEDs and of attacking threat networks cannot be overstated, Barbero said.

"Counter-IED is an area ripe for cooperation between the United States and Pakistan and I am also encouraged by the recent positive tone in our discussions with the government of Pakistan and the assurances from our Pakistani counterparts," he said.

But Barbero emphasized that Pakistan must do more. More than 60 percent of U.S. combat casualties in Afghanistan, both killed and wounded in action, are caused by IEDs. This year IEDs killed or wounded almost 1,900 Americans. Pakistanis have also suffered from these devices.

"It is in their interest to increase counter-IED cooperation with us and take effective actions against these networks," Barbero said.

Afghanistan has banned ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers. Yet these remain the main explosive used in IEDs. "Today more than 85 percent of the IEDs employed against coalition forces are homemade explosives," Barbero said. "And of those, about 70 percent are made with ammonium nitrate derived from the fertilizer calcium ammonium nitrate, referred to as CAN, a common agriculture fertilizer produced in and transited through Pakistan."

While the fertilizer is produced elsewhere, Pakistan is almost exclusively the source of the chemical compound used in IEDs, he said. Another chemical compound, potassium chlorate, is used in Pakistan's textile and matchstick industries, and is also being used to make IEDs in Afghanistan.

"In concert with our Pakistani partners, we must address the continued flow of ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers and other IED materials into Afghanistan," the general told senators.

Coalition and Afghan forces seized 30 tons of fertilizer in 2009, compared to 440 tons so far in 2012. "The high number of IED incidents and the growing seizure rates highlight the continued lack of effective measures to impede the supply of IED materials into Afghanistan from Pakistan," he said.

Barbero said he is working with the Pakistani fertilizer producer to counter the illicit use of the product as an explosive. The general said he is also working with U.S. and international fertilizer organizations to put controls in place on fertilizers.

"While international and U.S. professional fertilizer associations are receptive and actively addressing these issues, the producers within Pakistan have been less than cooperative," he said. "Despite making minor packaging, tracking and marketing changes, they have not implemented any effective product security or stewardship efforts."

The Pakistani producers can and must do more, Barbero said.

"While the government of Pakistan has taken military actions to address the IED threat and go after these networks, these efforts remain focused on Pakistan's domestic threat and have had no measurable effect on the number of IED events in Afghanistan, on the flow of precursor materials smuggled across the border, or on the threat of networks operating in Pakistan who attack our troops in Afghanistan," the general said.

He emphasized that the U.S.-Pakistan dialogue has been improving, but more still must be done.

"We must move from discussing cooperation to actual cooperation," Barbero said, noting Pakistan has passed legislation, but has done little to implement the laws.

Military cooperation also remains stalled, Barbero told committee members.

"We must move beyond talking about cooperation to developing a comprehensive framework and then work together to address the shared problems," he said.
 
Biographies:
Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero

Related Sites:
Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

CONR to Conduct Air Defense Exercise in National Capital Region

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 09:44 AM PST

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CONR to Conduct Air Defense Exercise in National Capital Region
12/14/2012 11:28 AM CST

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 980-12
December 14, 2012
CONR to Conduct Air Defense Exercise in National Capital Region

            The Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) will conduct Falcon Virgo exercise flight operations Saturday, Dec. 15 in the National Capital Region (NCR), Washington, D.C. 

            This series of training flights are held in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the NCR Coordination Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC), the Potomac Consolidated Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility, Civil Air Patrol, and CONR's Eastern Air Defense Sector. 

            Flights in the NCR are scheduled to take place between 7:20 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. EST. 

            These training flights are designed to hone NORAD's intercept and identification operations as well as operationally test the NCR Visual Warning System. Several U.S. Air Force aircraft will participate in these flights. 

            In the event of inclement weather, the exercise will take place the following morning. If bad weather continues, officials will then make a decision to postpone or cancel the mission.  

            For more information on Falcon Virgo exercises, please contact CONR Public Affairs at 850-283-8080, or the NORAD Public Affairs Office at 719-554-6889.

Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Fort Riley Current News Update - 3 items

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 09:02 AM PST

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1.  Irwin Army Community Hospital clinics including locations at the main hospital, Farrelly Health Clinic and Custer Hill Health Clinic will follow a holiday schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 17 to Jan. 2. Active-duty sick call will be scheduled by unit. Please contact your medical home for questions.

 

 

2.  There is a very limited supply of injectable influenza vaccine for ages six months to three years. Please contact your Medical Homes for verification of available flu vaccine for this age group. Beneficiaries may also receive the influenza vaccine for ages six months and older at K-Stat, 785-565-0016, 930 Hayes Drive, Manhattan; Riley County Health Department, 785-776-4779, 2030 Tecumseh Road, Manhattan; and Konza Prairie Health Care, 785-238-4711, 361 Grant Avenue, Junction City. Please contact for availability.

 

 

3.  The dining facilities will be serving Christmas meals at the following dates and times:

• Devil’s Den – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24, 7011 Siebert St.

• Demon Diner – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 25, 694 Pawnee Bluff Road.

Cost is $7.50 for Department of the Defense civilians, guests and visitors.

 

 

This email was sent by GovDelivery, Inc. on behalf of Fort Riley - 408 St. Peter Street, Suite 600 Saint Paul, MN 55102 - 1-800-439-1420

Face of Defense: Airman Receives Harvard Scholarship

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 08:32 AM PST

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Face of Defense: Airman Receives Harvard Scholarship
12/14/2012 10:19 AM CST

Face of Defense: Airman Receives Harvard Scholarship

By Airman 1st Class Tom Brading
Joint Base Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 14, 2012 - Air Force Staff Sgt. Katherine Lamb has received a full scholarship to Harvard University, which she'll use to pursue a doctorate in chemistry in the fall after completing a successful six-year enlistment.

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Air Force Staff Sgt. Katherine Lamb, knowledge operations manager at the Naval Consolidated Brig at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., will pursue a doctorate in chemistry at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., in the fall after six years in the military. Lamb received her master's degree in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also in Cambridge. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tom Brading
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Lamb is a knowledge operations manager at the Naval Consolidated Brig on Joint Base Charleston here.

Harvard is located in Cambridge, Mass., and is the oldest institution for higher learning in the United States. Eight U.S. presidents, 75 Noble Prize winners and more than 60 living billionaires hold Harvard degrees.

Fellow troops say Lamb is revered throughout the brig for her intelligence, and she encourages and helps others to further their educations.

"Sergeant Lamb's vibrant and friendly personality can light up an entire room," said Master Sgt. Edward Phillips, the brig's Air Force superintendent. "She is just a very positive and outgoing person."

Lamb said she learned the importance of education in Puerto Rico, where she was born. Her parents, who were born into poverty, moved to America seeking a better life when she was nine. Her mother went on to become a college professor, while her father works for NASA.

"My parents used to tell me, it doesn't matter if you have money," Lamb said. "You could lose money; you can never lose an education."

It was a message she took to heart.

Lamb is already familiar with the New England area. Years ago, she took her parents' advice and received her master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

After graduating from MIT, Lamb said she felt a sense of pride and patriotism toward the country that offered her so many opportunities. She surprised her friends and family by enlisting in the Air Force.

"Everyone wonders, 'Why didn't you become an officer?'" Lamb said. "Well, life isn't about money. I was aware of officer programs, but for me, serving my country was enough reason to join. That's why I did, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The enlisted men and women I've served with continue to do amazing things every day."

Lamb said serving her country and building relationships in the Air Force has been as beneficial as any college classroom.

"The Air Force is one team," she said. "College lifestyle, especially [in] an Ivy League-caliber institution, is very competitive -- people are constantly thinking about what's best for themselves. It's just the nature of how challenging those programs can be. But in the Air Force, although still challenging, I've learned how valuable teamwork is and I'll always carry those lessons with me."

Lamb gives back to the military every day by tutoring, mentoring and educating people throughout her squadron.

"She's constantly making sure I'm taking college classes," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer John Nolan, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston security officer. "She inspires everyone to better themselves."

According to Lamb, hard work is the key to success, whether in testing for staff sergeant or applying to Harvard. Every test she successfully passed, she noted, came from hours of studying.

"Enlisted airmen are vital to the success of the Air Force mission," Lamb said. "Education is an essential tool for that success. So, when I see so many people bettering themselves by going to school, I think their stories are as compelling as mine. I'm just lucky to have such amazing and supportive people in my life."
 
Related Sites:
Joint Base Charleston


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

USO Programs Support Injured Troops, Families

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 08:23 AM PST

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USO Programs Support Injured Troops, Families
12/14/2012 09:28 AM CST

USO Programs Support Injured Troops, Families

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 14, 2012 - The USO's continued support to America's wounded, ill and injured military members tops the list of services troops would like to see from the nonprofit organization, USO President Sloan D. Gibson said here yesterday.

Gibson is traveling with Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the annual USO holiday tour for overseas-stationed troops. The USO president said a survey conducted last year shows troops are most concerned about the care received by their wounded comrades.

"We just, in fact, did our fourth survey of troops and families all over the world," Gibson said. "In the 2011 survey -- I don't have the data for the 2012 survey yet –- one of the things we ask every year is 'What's most important to you that the USO does?'

"For the first time, in 2011, the No. 1 thing on their list was taking care of wounded, ill and injured troops," Gibson continued. "Keep in mind, only a very, very small percent of the people that were responding, had actually used any programs or facilities that we have."

Gibson said the USO is doing "a lot of different things" to continue serving service members.

"We're building two of the largest USO centers anywhere in the world, [in the] Washington, D.C., area," he said. "One in Fort Belvoir [in Virginia], is right on the brand-new medical campus down there. The other is at Bethesda [in Maryland] at the new Walter Reed location."

The USO president said each of these facilities will be between 15 to 20,000 square feet and will serve as "focal points" for supporting wounded, ill and injured troops and their families.

"We've developed, and are delivering, an array of programs that are designed to help wounded, ill and injured troops sort of sustain their hope and instill confidence that they can achieve and have the fulfilling life that they always imagined," Gibson said.

The object is to help keep families together and strong, he said, and to assist them in making plans for the future if they're going to leave the military.

"We want to make that transition a great transition; we want them to be as ready as they possibly can," he said. "And we also want them to have a support network in place, so that after they're out, if things don't work out the way they expected, then they've got some resources to lean back on."

Gibson said the USO sees this as "an important part of our work for an awful long time to come."

"We call this overall effort Operation Enduring Care, and it's enduring for a reason," he said. "Because we understand the long-term needs that [come after] 11 years of war. We want to be there.

"But we don't want to duplicate efforts," Gibson continued. "Partnering is in our DNA -- the stars in the USO logo represent the six nonprofit organizations that [President] Franklin Roosevelt brought together almost 72 years ago to form the USO."

Gibson also noted the USO works closely with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which he described as "one of our great partners -- a best-in-class organization."

"We do a lot of things for families of the fallen with TAPS, around the world," he said.

Gibson said many people believe the USO only produces entertainment tours for service members.

"But frankly, while it's very important, it's still only a fraction of what the organization does," he said.

The USO is about lifting the spirits of America's troops and their families, Gibson said.

"And making sure that we're constantly changing to be as relevant as we can," he said, "to make sure we're meeting their most urgent and pressing needs.
 
Biographies:
Sloan D. Gibson

Related Sites:
United Service Organizations
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

USO Continues Legacy of Supporting America's Troops, Families

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 06:40 AM PST

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USO Continues Legacy of Supporting America's Troops, Families
12/14/2012 08:32 AM CST

USO Continues Legacy of Supporting America's Troops, Families

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 14, 2012 - The USO's mission hasn't changed after nearly 72 years of serving U.S. troops and their families, and it will continue to adapt to remain relevant, the USO's president said here yesterday.

Sloan D. Gibson, the nonprofit organization's president, has joined Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the annual USO holiday tour for troops deployed and stationed abroad.

"It's a really important this time of year to get over and remind troops and families that the folks back home are thinking about them," Gibson said. "And that we appreciate them. I'd say, after 11 years of war and what appears to be some winding down, perhaps it becomes more important."

Gibson said like everything else the USO does, the real purpose of the annual USO holiday tour is to say thanks.

"When I talk to large audiences of troops and families, I point toward the USO logo, that's usually up on a sign or up on a screen somewhere, and ... I say ... when you see that sign, what you need to think is America's saying, 'thank you,'" he said.

"And we find lots of different ways to say 'thank you,'" Gibson said, "and one way is by bringing some celebrities over to visit."

The USO president said he usually goes out with the chairman, but missed last year's tour.

"This being a new chairman, I wanted to go out and do one with him," Gibson said. "I'm guessing right now, I'll probably do the one next year as well."

"The other opportunity, for me, I needed to get back to into Afghanistan, anyway, to visit [our] centers," he said. "We're now running nine USO centers in Afghanistan."

The USO centers in Afghanistan are visited about "170,000 times a month," Gibson said.

"So I will split off at the end of the tour, and stay in Afghanistan several more days, visit some centers, and then do a little of what we call 'Christmas convoying' while I'm over there," he said.

"This is the most fun thing I get to do, so nobody needs to wowed by that," Gibson said. "This is a treat for me, and I can't think of a better way to spend this time of year."

The USO president said he has been on nearly half a dozen different types of USO tours of different kinds, and "this is the fun stuff."

"It's hard for me to carve out a week or 10 days to come do this," Gibson said, because "this is also kind of a busy time of year for us. There's a lot of fundraising that goes on around the end of the year."

With a lot of programs and entertainment going out, and other USO efforts to "deliver programs to troops and families," it becomes tough to find time, but "every so often, you need to do that," he added.

Gibson said the toughest part of putting together USO tours is dealing with scheduling, since "rarely, if ever, do we get a celebrity that says, 'No, I don't want to go and visit with the troops.'"

Celebrities usually say they would love to do a USO tour, Gibson said. Then scheduling becomes the challenge.

"And so, that's really the hard part," Gibson said. "It's working schedules to be able to put a tour together with the right mix of talent, to go to the right locations."

"We've got folks that are real pros at both recruiting celebrities as well as producing USO tours," he added.

Gibson said many of the celebrities participating in USO projects have a military connection in some form or fashion, whether it's a relative, a friend or classmate who has previously served, and "often times, there was that connection at work."

The USO president said his organization remains committed to taking care of U.S. troops and their loved ones.

"Our mission at the USO is pretty straightforward," he said. "We [continue to] lift the spirits of America's troops and their families."
 
Biographies:
Sloan D. Gibson

Related Sites:
United Service Organizations


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Chairman Addresses Deployed Sailors' Concerns

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 06:39 AM PST

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, center, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, answers a question posed by a sailor from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, during a stop on his annual holiday USO tour in Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 13, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
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Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

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Chairman Addresses Deployed Sailors' Concerns
12/14/2012 07:39 AM CST

Chairman Addresses Deployed Sailors' Concerns

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 14, 2012 - Members of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, had the opportunity to voice their concerns during a meeting with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his senior enlisted advisor here yesterday.

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Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, center, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanks sailors, their families and Defense Department civilians from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, during a stop on his annual holiday USO tour in Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 13, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
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Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, joined by Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, met sailors, families and Defense Department civilians, and provided them an opportunity to ask questions of their senior leaders during a meet and greet on his annual holiday United Service Organizations tour in the region.

"You're doing an incredible job," Dempsey told the group. "We are really in 21-year conflict that started in this region in 1991 with Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

"We were deeply engaged in trying to keep stability in this part of the world," the chairman continued. "And then, of course, along came 9/11, and many of the threats that created that challenge for our country emanated out of here."

The chairman told service members assembled around him that they represent "the latest generation of young men and women who have answered the call, as your country has asked, to come and serve here. And you're really, really making us proud."

Today there are "any number of challenges facing our nation," Dempsey said, citing rising powers as well as the possibility of available technology and weaponry falling in to the hands of nonstate groups, making them "more dangerous than they really should be to us."

"And then there's also our financial situation, which we share with many countries in the rest of the world," he added.

The United States, however, will weather through today's period of uneasiness, Dempsey said, as it has done before.

"We figure stuff out, even when we appear a little uncertain or unsettled," the chairman said. "We will, at the end of the day, do what's right, and get it right 100 percent of the time."

The chairman said the current generation of military leaders serving the nation at home, in Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the globe makes him confident of the future.

As long as leaders remain committed to the mission, to their own development as individuals, and to their families, Dempsey said, "I think we're going to be fine."

The chairman also rebuked the notion that the U.S. military is in decline.

"It is not in decline and it will never be in decline," Dempsey said. "We won't let it be in decline. It might get bigger some years and smaller in others; we might stretch part of the force more one time than another -- it always seems to level out over time.

"But like I said, we will figure it out -- I promise you that," he continued. "So during this holiday season let me just tell you, 'Thanks.' And I wish you everything that could possibly come your way."

Dempsey added, "However you chose to worship, I wish you all of the blessings that come, because you, more than anyone in our country, has earned those blessings. And I promise you, we will not forget that as we do our part of the fight back in Washington, D.C."

Following his remarks, the chairman fielded questions from the audience on topics such as the future of the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law which currently defines marriage as the legal union between a man and a woman.

"The Supreme Court did agree to take it up sometime between now and June," Dempsey said. "[And] yes, we do have plans in place ... if the law is repealed. We will put in place methods to ensure same-sex partners have the same benefits, if they're married, as a heterosexual couple will."

However, he did note that the Defense Department is "bound by law" until the act is "repealed or overturned" by the Supreme Court.

On a question about future operations in Afghanistan, Dempsey said after the next two years, "the president has made clear, our war in Afghanistan will be over." However, he added, "we'll be there in more modest numbers to support [Afghan security forces]."

Dempsey also addressed concerns about a change in the current military retirement system, and assured the audience that he, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, will keep faith with "anybody already in the system."

The 18th chairman concluded his visit by serenading the crowd with a rendition of "Christmas in Killarney," then wished everyone a "Merry Christmas."
 
Biographies:
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia

Related Sites:
United Service Organizations

 
Click photo for screen-resolution image		 Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, far left, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to sailors, families and Defense Department civilians from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, during a stop on his annual holiday USO tour in Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 13, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
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Dempsey Warns of Sequestration's Potential Impact

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 06:39 AM PST

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Dempsey Warns of Sequestration's Potential Impact
12/14/2012 07:44 AM CST

Dempsey Warns of Sequestration's Potential Impact

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 14, 2012 - The potential impact of sequestration, if it happens, could significantly degrade the Defense Department's overall readiness for years to come, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs said here yesterday.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey was responding to a sailor's question on the possible effects of the massive budget cuts that could take effect in January, while speaking to an audience from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet.

Sequestration is a mechanism built into the Budget Control Act which would trigger across-the-board cuts in federal spending -- including an additional $500 billion cut in defense -- if Congress and the president cannot agree on a plan to reduce the federal deficit before Jan. 2, 2013.

"It'll be a significant degradation," Dempsey said. "How does it translate to you? Stretched out maintenance periods, less flying hours before deployment, less training, potentially some interruptions of PCS movements or schools."

The Defense Department has spread the word that allowing sequestration to occur would be "a really bad idea," Dempsey said.

"It will have an effect, and I think it'll be an effect felt for two or three years," the general said. "There are some who think we can just let it happen, and then sweep it up over the next six months."

The chairman explained how he and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta requested military manpower be exempt from the additional proposed budget reductions.

"We went to [President Obama] and asked him to use his authority to exempt manpower," Dempsey said. "If we hadn't done that, in an almost inconceivable way, we would have had to cut the endstrength by 8 percent as part of the package."

The president approved the exemption, he said, but the "bad news is it puts a bigger burden on the other accounts," which include operations, maintenance, training and infrastructure.

"So those will now be impacted at about a 10 percent blow across the board," Dempsey said. "What does this mean to your particular community? I can't say for sure because the CNO -- chief of naval operations -- is the one who has to figure that out."

However, operations won't be impacted by sequestration if it occurs, the chairman said.

"So now I just told you we've exempted two places. Now when I say operations, I mean deployed operations," he said.

The Joint Strike Fighter is among defense projects that would be disrupted by sequestration, Dempsey said, adding that
civilian DOD employees would likely also feel the impact.

"There could be some civilian employees placed on unpaid furloughs," the chairman said. "So it's really serious."
 
Biographies:
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey

Related Articles:
Defense Department Prepares Plans for Sequestration


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 06:38 AM PST

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Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey
12/14/2012 06:51 AM CST

Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

Panetta signed the agreement en route to Turkey as he wrapped up a trip this week that included time in Kuwait and Afghanistan with civilian and military leaders.

He visited the troops to thank them for their dedication and sacrifice, and for spending another holiday season away from family and friends.

While in Kabul the secretary also met with Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF regional commanders and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

"The United States has been supporting Turkey in its efforts to defend itself," Little said. "NATO has recently offered up Patriot missile battery capability to Turkey, [which] is a very strong ally of the United States."

Little said he expects the troops to be deployed in the coming weeks.

"I'm not going to go into precise locations at this time, he added, "but I wanted to let you ... know that we signed that order and that we are prepared in the context of NATO to support the defense of Turkey for an unspecified period of time."

The personnel will deploy to Turkey to operate two U.S. Patriot missile batteries once they are in place, he said.
"The purpose of this deployment is to signal very strongly that the United States, working closely with our NATO allies, is going to support the defense of Turkey, especially with potential threats emanating from Syria," Little said.

Incirlik Air Base is an installation of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, a major command of the U.S. Air Force and the air component of the U.S. European Command, a DOD unified command.

"Turkey also is a key NATO ally and we have a lot of U.S. forces stationed there to enhance our strong defense cooperation," Panetta told reporters traveling with him as the trip began.

"Both the United States and Turkey share common concerns now about the violence in Syria and the threat that it poses to regional stability, he added.

Panetta said DOD has been working closely with Turkey on humanitarian issues, chemical and biological weapons issues, and missile defense.

"I'm pleased that last week NATO pledged to deploy missile defense systems to protect Turkey, and we will participate in that effort as well," the secretary said.

Panetta said the United States and Turkey are committed to work together to strengthen defense systems and to put pressure on the Assad regime in neighboring Syria to end the violence in that country and help develop the political transition that must take place there.
 
Biographies:
Leon E. Panetta

Related Sites:
Special Report: Travels With Panetta
Incirlik Air Base


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Dempsey Praises Troops During USO Tour Kick-off

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 06:38 AM PST

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, introduces a group of USO celebrities during the kick-off show of his annual USO holiday tour aboard the USS John C. Stennis, Dec. 13, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
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Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Dempsey Praises Troops During USO Tour Kick-off
12/14/2012 07:21 AM CST

Dempsey Praises Troops During USO Tour Kick-off

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

ABOARD THE USS JOHN C. STENNIS, Dec. 14, 2012 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff greeted deployed sailors and Marines on this huge aircraft carrier as he kicked off his annual USO holiday tour yesterday.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, center-left, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaliga, center-right, the chairman's senior enlisted advisor, join a group of USO celebrities and some of the Carrier Strike Group 3, USS John C. Stennis' crew, for a photo opportunity aboard the aircraft carrier, Dec. 13, 2012. The chairman began his annual USO holiday tour aboard the USS Stennis. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey introduced this year's lineup of USO talent with Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks, a Washington Capitals' National Hockey League player; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; as well as country music singer Kellie Pickler.

The chairman was joined by his senior enlisted advisor, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, their spouses, USO President Sloan D. Gibson, and Shane Hudella, of "Defending the Blue Line," an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.

"On behalf of all of the million-plus men and women serving in uniform, let me thank you for your service," Dempsey said, as the USO talent presented their inaugural show to the ship's crew.

"When the itinerary for the chairman's annual holiday USO tour was being formed, the only thing I said to my staff was, 'Look, we've got to go to the Stennis because we've asked more of those young men and women than we've asked of anybody else in the past year,'" he said.

The chairman acknowledged many of the sailors were assigned to this deployment soon after a short five-month turnaround from a previous combat tour that ended in March.

"You're out here keeping commerce flowing [in the Arabian Gulf], making sure that our potential enemies know that we're alert and ready, and just being the best possible representatives of our great country," Dempsey said.

"So on behalf of the Joint Chiefs, all of us -- the senior leaders of the military -- let me say thanks to you," he said. "And also I want you to pass that to your family members when you have a chance to talk to them."

Dempsey added, "I do want you to tell them how much we appreciate the service of the John C. Stennis Strike Group. We're really, really proud of you."

Battaglia was equally grateful to the crew of the aircraft carrier and pointed to the ship's motto, "Honor, Commitment and Courage," as a symbol of their commitment to military service.

"I was just noticing the powerful-looking image that we have standing behind us," he said, noting an enormous USS Stennis flag, serving as a backdrop for the USO show.

"It's not only the image of naval sea power in its best of form," Battaglia said. "It's those three words that define our profession. It's moving to be able to share that with you -- honor, courage and commitment."

It's tough on troops during the holiday season when they're deployed away from home protecting the nation and its interests, the sergeant major acknowledged.

"[But] we're excited to be here -- we really are," he said. "And we know that you came down here for a specific reason ... you've come here to see some celebrities and entertainers and we're going to get that to you."

"So enjoy the show," Battaglia said. "Thanks, [USS] Stennis!"
 
Biographies:
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia

Related Sites:
USS John C. Stennis
United Service Organizations

 
Click photo for screen-resolution image		 Navy Capt. William C. Minter, left, chief of staff for Carrier Strike Group 3, USS John C. Stennis, explains takeoff and arrested landing operations to Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, center, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and other passengers during an air demonstration aboard the USS Stennis while out to sea, Dec. 13, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
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Propwash

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 01:10 AM PST

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12.14.12 Edition: Aero-News Alert: NTSB Upholds FAA's Revocation of Riggs' Airman's Certificate No Surprises... Judge Geraghty Supports FAA's Efforts, Calls Riggs Warbird
Operations A "Sham"


ANN has just learned that NTSB Administrative Law Judge Patrick Geraghty has
upheld the FAA's Emergency Revocation Order against a man that many have
called the most dangerous pilot in all of general aviation, David Glen
Riggs.



The original November 13th 'Emergency Order Of Revocation' Letter stated
that, "Under 49 U .S.C. Section 461 05( c), the Acting Administrator has
determined that an emergency exists related to safety in air commerce. This
determination is based on your lack of qualification to hold your Commercial
pilot certificate, or a FAA issued pilot certificate of any kind, because of
the nature and seriousness of the violations set forth in this Order."


After a two day hearing in California, Riggs' lawyer not only failed to
provide a convincing defense for the aero-con-man, but it appears that
Riggs' legal counsel upset the Judge on several occasions and had to be
warned several times that actions he was undertaking in Riggs' defense were
not going to be permitted. There also appears to be 'significant' interest
in undertaking further investigation into suspicions that Riggs tampered
with witnesses that testified against him via lawsuits filed against them
and correspondence sent to them less than 24 hours before the hearing.
Geraghty labeled the alleged attempt to intimidate those witnesses an
"unconscionable action."


The FAA seems pleased with the decision... "We were confident in our case
and pleased that the judge agreed with us," noted FAA PAO Ian Gregor.


The current situation leaves Riggs but a few days in which to appeal the
NTSB's decision before the Revocation is made final. ANN is still receiving
information and observation from our correspondents on the scene and will
file an updated report, shortly. Stay tuned...
FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.faa.gov, www.aviationcriminal.com

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Airborne 12.14.12: Riggs Stays Grounded, AIG Sells Out, X-37B Orbits Also: USAFA Soars, Falcon 2000S Exceeds, Remembering Vicki, NASA Awards


As this edition of Airborne went into production, David Riggs' hearing
before the NTSB had was well into its second day with Riggs' attorney trying
to mount a defense against the Emergency Revocation Order issued by the FAA
ordering Riggs to surrender his pilot certificate.



We have now learned that the NTSB has upheld the FAA Emergency Revocation
order and barring a successful last minute appeal, Riggs is grounded for at
least a year. American International Group and an investor group led by Mr.
Weng Xianding, the Chairman of New China Trust Co. Ltd., announced Sunday
that they have entered into an agreement under which AIG will sell up to a
90 percent stake in International Lease Finance Corporation. All this... and
MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Airborne 12.14.12 is chock full of info about the half-week period ending
Friday, December 14th, 2012... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and
Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim
Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom
Patton, and Glen Moyer, this episode covers:


1) Riggs Scandal/Court Hearing/Witness Tampering
2) AIG To Sell Up To 90 Percent Of ILFC
3) X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Successfully Launched
4) NavWorx ADS-B Is 'Fully Operational,' TSO Anticipated
5) Delta To Acquire 49 Percent Of Virgin Atlantic
6) Dassault's Falcon 2000S Beats Performance Targets
7) USAF Cadets Soar To 8th Straight National Sailplane Racing Championship
8) Barnstorming: Remembering A Special Flyer's 45th Birthday
9) NASA Awards Commercial Crew Contracts
10) Quadcopter Follows Kid



Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and
aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again
next week for the next edition of "Airborne" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for
watching. See you, again, in just a few days!


© 2012, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork,
http://twitter.com/AeroNews, The Full ANN/YouTube AIRBORNE Roster --
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42E90078D99B1053&feature=view_all

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Witnesses Stress Need For National Consensus On Strategic Vision For NASA Hearing Before The House Science, Space, And Technology Committee


The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing Wednesday
with a panel of distinguished experts to hear their perspectives on
NASA’s strategic vision and the future of America’s space
program. “We are in a very challenging budget environment that will be
with us for the next several years,” said Committee Chairman Ralph
Hall (R-TX). “Fiscal realities demand that NASA become more efficient
and sized correctly to accomplish its goals, but consensus will have to be
re-established among the agency’s stakeholders to clarify NASA’s
strategic vision, goals, and missions.”



The recently released National Research Council (NRC) report, NASA’s
Strategic Direction and the Need for a National Consensus, was discussed by
the Vice Chair of the report, Maj. Gen. Ronald Sega, USAF (Ret). Gen. Sega
said that the committee “heard about the frustration of many staff
with [NASA’s] current path and the limitations imposed upon it by the
inability of the national leadership to agree upon a long-term direction for
the agency.” Gen. Sega said, “Only with a national consensus on
the agency’s future strategic direction, along the lines described in
this report, can NASA continue to deliver the wonder, the knowledge, the
national security, and economic benefits, and the technology that has
typified its history.”

“NASA’s basic role must be to do projects that push the envelope
of what we know," said The Honorable Robert Walker, Executive Chairman of
Wexler & Walker, and former chairman of the House Science Committee.
"High risk will lead to new technologies. That combination of risk and
reward will underpin the next generation of space knowledge and
products.”

Walker said that “the reality is that no Federal budget in the
foreseeable future is going to provide NASA with the money it needs to do
everything we want it to do.” In order to fill this funding gap,
Walker said “NASA must see entrepreneurship and enablement as key
components of its science, technology and exploration programs. NASA can
extend its reach and find new financial resources by opening its doors wide
to collaborative programs that allow any and all American space
entrepreneurs, willing to pay for it, access to NASA expertise.”

The Honorable Marion Blakey, President & CEO of the Aerospace Industries
Association, encouraged NASA to invest in the goals represented in the
bipartisan NASA Authorization Act of 2010. “The resurgence in new
human spaceflight system development is incredibly impressive: no other
nation in the world is developing such a wide breadth of systems in the
public and private sector,” Blakey said. “By building upon these
successes with continued investment and policy support for the goals in the
2010 Act, the U.S. government can be assured its space program will remain
worthy of a great nation.”



Professor for Space Science at University of Michigan, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen,
urged NASA to build toward ambitious goals by ensuring we have the
experienced workforce and technology that will be necessary. “We are
in a period of limited resources, and so progress will be inevitably
limited. This is an ideal time to position ourselves for better
times,” Dr. Zurbuchen said. “The way to do this is to ensure
that a talented work force will be available, and that innovations and
technology are pursued, so that when we come out of this period of limited
resources we are positioned to advance rapidly.”

Dr. Scott Pace, Ph.D, Director of the Space Policy Institute at The George
Washington University, said that “Our Nation’s space program
needs clear, decisive, and steadfast leadership. We have enjoyed a
half-century of leadership in space, but now that leadership is eroding
despite the hard work of our industry and government personnel. Yes, more
money would be useful, but steadiness of purpose, coherence, and bipartisan
support are even more important.” Dr. Pace also stressed the need
“to make a more explicit recognition of the need for international
partners in a long-range vision of human space exploration.”


(Image from Committee website)
FMI: http://science.house.gov

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McCaskill to Huerta: Fix Electronic Device Rules Or Face Legislation Senator Urges FAA To Change Rules Preventing Use Of Electronic Devices
During Flight


U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) has sent a letter to FAA acting
administrator Michael Huerta urging the agency to allow expanded use of
electronic devices during air travel as the FAA convenes a committee
specifically designed to evaluate in-flight policies.



"We live in an increasingly connected world, and information is traveling at
the speed it takes our email to refresh," McCaskill (pictured) said. "The
current rules are inconvenient to travelers, don't make sense, and lack a
scientific basis. Airline employees have the incredibly important job of
keeping us safe in the air-their efforts are better spent worrying about
rules that actually accomplish that goal."


Current rules do not allow portable electronic devices (PEDs) to be used for
the full duration of a flight. In McCaskill's letter to acting FAA chief
Michael Huerta, she highlights the flaws in the existing rules by pointing
out that the FAA acted earlier this year to allow airlines to replace their
paper flight manuals in the cockpit with tablet computers. Other government
officials, including Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius
Genachowski, have also pushed the FAA to change their current rules
regarding PED use.


Noting that FAA rules have been too slow to change in the past, McCaskill's
letter suggested that if the FAA does not act on this issue in a timely
manner she is "prepared to pursue legislative solutions."


McCaskill is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation, which has jurisdiction over communications and aviation
policy.
FMI: http://mccaskill.senate.gov, www.faa.gov

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EASA Solicits Comments On European Progressive B2 License Process Notice Of Proposed Amendment (NPA) Would Lower Requirements For Mechanics
Working On Light Aircraft


In October, EASA published a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) that would
adapt the current B2 licensing requirements for maintenance of avionics and
electrical systems to the lower complexity of light aircraft. It also
proposes a simple and proportionate system for the licensing of certifying
staff involved in the maintenance of aircraft other than airplanes and
helicopters, and in the maintenance of ELA1 airplanes. The issue has been on
the radar of the AEA for some time. Five years ago, the association's
membership raised concerns that general aviation needed an alternative B2
licensing process to support the career paths for engineers. This
alternative process was developed and is now open for comment as a B2L
license.



Feedback received by the European Aviation Safety Agency has shown the
difficulties faced by maintenance personnel intending to obtain a Part 66
avionics license (B2) in order to maintain general aviation aircraft, due to
the inclusion in the knowledge requirements of systems and technologies that
are typical of large aircraft. This has created a decrease in the number of
certifying staff available to maintain this category of aircraft, with the
future risk of less staff being available to maintain light aircraft.

The AEA has been working with EASA for the past five years in order to bring
this new alternative licensing process to reality. The B2L alternative
licensing process originated at three industry-wide public meetings hosted
by the AEA in 2008 and 2009. In addition, this proposal has been discussed
at each AEA Europe Regional Meeting for the past four years. Ric Peri, AEA
vice president of government and industry affairs, and Garry Joyce, a member
of the AEA’s board of directors, participated in the EASA regulatory
working group 66.027 that developed the B2L license proposal.

The NPA is an important step in the future recruitment of young people into
the aircraft avionics industry. The AEA urges all of its member companies in
Europe to submit comments to the NPA in support of this action.

Comments are due no later than Jan. 4, 2013.
FMI: Read the Notice

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Klyde Morris 12.14.2012 So Were They Flying Monkeys, Or Black Helicopters?

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

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'No-Hassle Flying Act' Passes House, Heads To The White House Legislation Would Waive Redundant Rescreening Requirement At Certain
International Airports


The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation originally
introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) (pictured)
and Roy Blunt (R-MO) to eliminate redundant baggage screening for travelers
arriving from airports that have established a preclearance agreement with
the United States, and installed U.S.-equivalent baggage scanners. The
measure is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.



Baggage at certain international airports, including many in Canada,
undergoes the same high-level screening procedures employed at U.S. ports of
entry, but current law still requires luggage from these airports to be
rescreened upon entry into the United States, creating unnecessary hassle
and delays for travelers. The senators’ bipartisan legislation would
waive the rescreening requirement for luggage processed through preclearance
airports that have already installed U.S.-equivalent baggage scanning
equipment and procedures, allowing passengers to skip the time-consuming
procedure without compromising security.


“As thousands of Americans travel internationally this holiday season,
too many will have to deal with the hassle of rescreening their
luggage,” Klobuchar said.“Requiring luggage to undergo the exact
same screening process twice in one trip puts a burden on both our
international aviation security system and travelers. This bill is now
headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law to help the TSA
ensure the security of luggage more efficiently and effectively while
reducing delays for passengers.”


“Travel and tourism are important industries that fuel job creation
and economic opportunity in Missouri and across America,” said Blunt.
“I hope the president will sign this bill into law quickly so we can
streamline our baggage screening process and encourage more international
travelers while still maintaining the highest levels of safety and
security.”


Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection performs U.S. border
inspection and clearance of commercial air passengers at 14 airports in
Canada, Ireland, and the Caribbean. This screening is the same inspection a
passenger would undergo at any U.S. port of entry; however, the screening
does not currently include the passengers’ checked luggage, which must
be rescreened by high-quality scanners upon arrival at U.S. airports. As
part of the U.S.-Canada Beyond the Border initiative, Canadian preclearance
airports are beginning the process of installing U.S.-equivalent baggage
scanning technology. The No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012 would allow the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to waive the rescreening
requirement at those airports that participate in preclearance operations
and have implemented U.S.-equivalent baggage scanning processes and
equipment, reducing the need to rescreen baggage at U.S. airports and
allowing passengers to avoid frustrating delays and lines without weakening
national security.



Airlines for America (A4A) commended the House vote on the "No Hassle Flying
Act of 2012." "This is a smart, efficient way to streamline travel, boost
tourism and lower costs while maintaining the highest security standards,"
said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "Safe and reliable baggage
screening is a key component in ensuring aviation safety around the world,
and our members fully support efforts to implement robust, reliable and
intelligent screening systems that enhance security and make travel more
convenient for customers at the same time. We appreciate the leadership that
Congress has shown in promoting this common-sense, risk-based screening
approach."
FMI: www.klobuchar.senate.gov

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NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly To Receive Magellan Award In New York Presented By The Circumnavigators Club To Those Who Have Circled The Globe


NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Kelly has been selected to
receive the Magellan Award by the Circumnavigators Club of New York on Dec.
14, 2012. The award is given to individuals who have circumnavigated the
globe for the purpose of making the world a better place. Kelly, along with
his twin brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly, will be the 33rd and 34th
recipients of this award. Past recipients include astronauts Neil Armstrong,
Sally Ride and John Glenn.



Kelly recently was selected by NASA and its international partners for a
one-year mission aboard the International Space Station. Cosmonaut Mikhail
Kornienko of the Russian Federal Space Agency will accompany Kelly on the
mission to collect scientific data important to future human exploration of
our solar system. The spaceflight veterans will launch aboard a Russian
Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in spring 2015
and return in spring 2016.


Kelly is from West Orange, N.J. He has degrees from the State University of
New York Maritime College and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He
served as a pilot on space shuttle mission STS-103 in 1999, commander on
STS-118 in 2007, flight engineer on Expedition 25 to the International Space
Station in 2010 and commander of Expedition 26 in 2011. Kelly has logged
more than 180 days in space.


The Circumnavigators Club is devoted to bringing together those men and
women who have circumnavigated the globe. The club's purpose is to encourage
global fellowship and understanding and provides a forum for intellectual
exchange.


The awards dinner and ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. EST at the Union
League Club, 38 East 37th Street, New York City.


(NASA image Scott Kelly aboard ISS)
FMI: http://circumnavigators.org/

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Mitsubishi Aircraft Inks Deal For As Many As 200 MRJ90 Aircraft SkyWest Places Firm Order For 100 Aircraft, 100 Options


Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and SkyWest, Inc., the holding company for
two regional carriers that conducts the world's largest combined regional
airline operations, announced today that they have executed a definitive
agreement for the purchase of 100 MRJ90 aircraft and up to an additional 100
option aircraft.



The agreement sets forth respective rights and obligations that enable
Mitsubishi Aircraft and SkyWest to mutually position themselves for
opportunities in the US regional airline industry. MRJ deliveries to SkyWest
are currently anticipated to commence in 2017, with deliveries of executable
option aircraft currently anticipated to commence in 2021. Based on the
MRJ90 list price, SkyWest's order for 100 aircraft is valued at US $4.2
billion, with an additional US $4.2 billion related to the executable 100
options.


"I am absolutely delighted to have reached agreement on this important
partnership," said Hideo Egawa, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft, "Without a
doubt, this is a major order and significant boost for the MRJ program.
Mitsubishi Aircraft continues to work hard to deliver our next generation
aircraft to our valued customers around the world."


"SkyWest is pleased to have collaboratively reached a definitive agreement
with Mitsubishi Aircraft," said Bradford R. Rich, President, SkyWest, Inc.
He continued, "SkyWest believes the MRJ, with its significant advancements
in fuel economy, passenger comfort, and environmental friendliness, will be
a valued addition to our fleet. We are looking forward to strengthening our
relationship with Mitsubishi Aircraft."


(Artist's concept image provided by Mitsubishi)
FMI: www.mrj-japan.com, www.skywest.com

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40 years ago; Apollo 17, 'The End Of The Beginning' Part 3; Perhaps Not Again In Our Lifetime
By Wes Oleszewski


During Apollo 17, no one, other than Gene Cernan himself, saw his first step
upon the lunar surface. This was not due to reduced network TV coverage, nor
to some systems glitch- it was because the TV camera was simply “not
hooked-up.”



All of the previous Apollo landings had carried a TV camera stowed in the
Modular Equipment Storage Assembly, called the “MESA.” As the
commander exited the LEM, he would pause on the porch and pull a
“D” ring which in turn pulled a wire that released the MESA. The
pallet, hinged at the bottom, then flopped down allowing the moon-walking
astronauts access to the packages and experiments stored on the MESA. On top
of that pile of equipment was strapped the TV camera that was aimed at the
lower part of the ladder on front leg of the LEM. Once a circuit-breaker
inside the LEM cockpit was closed the camera was activated and began
broadcasting the images of the crew’s first steps on the moon. On
Apollos 11, 12 and 14 that camera was later mounted on a stand in order to
broadcast TV images of the EVAs. On Apollos 15 and 16, however, the camera
was not only to be used on a stand, but also used on the Lunar Roving
Vehicle (LRV), which was deployed about 45 minutes after both
astronauts were out of the LEM. Of course once the camera was placed on the
LRV, like everything in NASA, it had to be given a name so complex that it
needed to be reduced to an acronym. It was officially called the Ground
Command Color Television Assembly, or GCTA. Naturally, no one really called
it that during the EVAs, as most of the time it was simply called “the
TV.” The camera’s time mounted on its stand was critical on
Apollo 15, which was the first flight where the LRV was used. The crew, like
all of the previous lunar crews, removed the camera from the MESA and set it
on its stand; but this time its prime job was to monitor the rover’s
deployment. Once the rover was deployed, the camera was un-plugged and
mounted on the rover where it could be remotely directed from Mission
Control.


On Apollo 16, the plan for the TV camera was supposed to be the same as
Apollo 15, but a problem with the Command Service Module’s back-up
thrust vector control caused a lengthy delay in the lunar landing. Thus, it
was decided to delete the activity with the TV camera prior to it being
attached to the LRV. On Apollo 17 they took a lesson from Apollo 16 and
simply deleted all TV activity until the rover was set up so that the
astronauts would have more time for other activity. Thus, Gene
Cernan’s first step onto the lunar surface was not televised. Of
course, we in the general public were not told in advance of this change- so
we… or in my case… I, was simply left feeling skunked.


Frankly I was skunked overall by the Apollo 17 EVA schedule. Although my
parents let me take time off from school to watch lunar EVAs, all three of
Apollo 17’s EVAs took place after school! To make matters worse,
nearly all of the network TV coverage took place in the very late evening.
That meant that after staying up late to watch it, I still had to drag my
butt out of bed the next morning and go to school. Of course such details
mattered little at the time. I woke up on those mornings energized by the
fact that two men were up there on the moon at that moment.


The first EVA started just three and a half hours after the LEM had touched
down. No one in the general public heard Cernan’s first words, live,
as he stepped down onto the surface because none of the networks carried the
event. His words stepping from the LEM footpad were: "… as I step off
at the surface at Taurus Littrow, I'd like to dedicate the first step of
Apollo 17 to all those who made it possible." It was a terrific
tribute… that almost no one heard.



Schmitt joined Cernan on the moon’s surface and they quickly went to
work deploying the rover, stocking it with the needed implements of lunar
exploration and activating the TV camera. Most of the first EVA was taken up
by the deployment of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) as
well as Cernan’s wrestling match with the drill. “The
Drill” was the nemesis of all three crews who used it. On Apollo 15
the original design of the drill failed to expel the cuttings made in the
hole and thus got stuck in the moon. Only after two days of efforts did the
crew manage to get it out. On Apollo 16 the drill worked much better, but
still caused Charlie Duke a great deal of exertion as it kept
“boggin’ down.” No one expected that- in fact during
Apollo 15 while demonstrating the drill for the TV audience, Apollo 12
moonwalker Al Bean was set up in a hotel lobby with a sand box. When the
demonstration got going, Bean started the drill and it rapidly and
unexpectedly went way, way down. After the cameras cut off they checked and
found that the drill had dug through the sandbox, through the floor, through
the concrete foundation and into the lower parking garage! However, on
Apollo 17 Gene Cernan discovered what Duke and Scott knew too well- it not
the drill that gave out, it was the hands that just give out. Indeed the
gloves were, as Cernan put it, “almost like wearing a cast for broken
fingers.” By the end of the EVA his hands were blistered, sore and
worn. Dave Scott carried bruised fingernails for months after Apollo
15’s drilling activity all due to gloves. Gloves were always the
issue- in fact in the later days of the Space Shuttle NASA was still working
on improving gloves for the EVA suits. Oddly, some of the early Apollo
concept suits used mittens rather than gloves.


In my living room I saw just a few short blips of that activity on the
network evening news. Later they came back on for a brief half-hour
broadcast at 7:30 pm Eastern time in order to catch the deployment of the
flag by the crew. That flag had flown in the Mission Operations Control Room
(MOCR) throughout the Apollo Program and was now left on the lunar surface.


Once again, the networks came on at 11:30 pm with their second, and final
coverage of the first EVA. This time slot was selected not due to the lunar
surface activity itself, but rather it was scheduled to not interfere with
local news in the Eastern time zone. They found the crew working at
“station number 1” showed them gathering samples and taking
photos. Then they cut away to earlier video tape of about the only
surprising moment in the EVA when Cernan, while working to load up the rover
exclaimed “What’s that flying overhead?!” He thought that
something had impacted the lunar surface nearby and he was seeing ejecta
flying past. Of course UFO enthusiasts would take just those few words and
use them out of context as proof that the astronauts on the moon saw UFOs.
In reality, it was some Styrofoam packing that had been used in packing the
rover’s high-gain antenna. In the vacuum of space and the direct heat
of the sun at nearly 200 degrees, the leftover foam
simply exploded. The same thing had happened on Apollo 16.


There was, however, a major loss early in the EVA. As Cernan was working
around the rover, his rock hammer, which had been stowed in his pocket,
snagged the rear right fender on the rover and broke the fender in half.
What that meant was that as the crew drove along, “rooster
tails” of lunar dust kicked up by that wheel would spray all over
them. It was the type of problem that could grind the entire mission to a
halt. Cernan attempted to tape the fender back together by using some tape
similar to duct tape. However, there was already so much dust on everything
that the repair only lasted about as far as station number 1. It was lost
somewhere along the way. By the time that the EVA concluded it was very
apparent that Mission Control had to come up with some sort of repair that
would hold because the showers of dust upon the astronauts and their
equipment was actually posing a hazard to the mission. Fenders were clearly
a very critical component to any sort of wheeled lunar transportation.
Oddly, 30 years later when the Constellation Program’s plans for lunar
exploration were depicted, almost all of the wheeled equipment were shown
missing one thing; fenders. Apparently NASA’s technical illustrators
had learned nothing from Apollo 17.



Considering that the crew had completed a lunar landing, done a seven hour
EVA and had gone nearly 24 hours without sleep, the efforts of the Apollo 17
crew on the lunar surface that first day were nothing short of super-human.
They reentered the LEM, Challenger, covered with dust and nearly exhausted.
Almost an hour earlier, when the networks had dropped their coverage of the
EVA, I had turned in for the night as well. I recall looking out of my
bedroom window trying without success to see the moon. It was a December
overcast in Michigan and the sky black above with the ever-present orange
glow from the foundries and factories at the horizon. Still I went to sleep
with the constant thought that those two guys were really up there- right
now, at this moment. It was a thought that kept me awake- for at least a
minute or two.


Coverage for EVA number two began at 6:30 pm Eastern time as the astronauts
began reloading the rover. The networks, again had two brief blurbs during
the evening news broadcasts, a couple of two minute or so
“bulletins” and then picked up coverage at 11:30 pm. It just
happened that the coverage had picked up at station number four where the
crew famously discovered the “orange soil.” The trip in the
rover had been made far more comfortable by the fact that the engineers at
NASA had come up with a fix for the LEV’s broken fender. They had the
crew take four lunar surface maps and tape them together into a wide
rectangle. Those maps were then clamped in place on the fender instead of
being taped. The result was that the connection would then hold in spite of
the dust. The fix actually worked quite well.


Coming from Station number 5 heading back to the LEM the rover intercepted
its own outbound tracks and Cernan quipped “Hey, there’s rover
tracks.” Schmitt sarcastically replied, “Somebody’s been
here before.” He had no idea that his simple, joking, comment would be
used by Apollo hoax crackpots for decades to come as proof that they were
doing a second take of the rover scene. Some even took Apollo 16 Data
Acquisition Camera film of a similar inbound encounter with a rover’s
outbound tracks and dubbed the Apollo 17 comments into it; disgusting.


EVA number two was covered in less than a news thumbnail. In fact my own
tapes of the time show that of the full seven hours and 30 minutes of EVA
number two, less than 50 minutes were broadcast live on the networks. I went
to bed that night highly disappointed and somewhat bewildered by the manner
in which the so-called “newsrooms” were treating this amazing
adventure. Oddly, it would be more than three decades before the general
public would have ready access to the mission. It was not until Apogee Books
and Spacecraft Films came along and reproduced the material that the EVAs
could be watched in full.


Man’s final venture upon the lunar surface, perhaps in our lifetime,
began at 4:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday, December 13, 1972. Again- no
one in the general public heard, or saw those first few hours of lunar
activity because the networks did not cover it. Effectively, the news media
were doing their best to sweep Apollo and NASA under the rug as fast as
possible. It is said that the first greatest power of the news media is to
report- but the second greatest power of the news media is to ignore. With
Apollo 17 I witnessed that second greatest power being demonstrated. NBC
did, however, did break into scheduled programming as the crew were supposed
to be at station number seven near the base of the North Massif, but since
the crew were running about 20 minutes behind schedule and were, at that
moment, in transit aboard the rover, NBC was forced to run video tape of the
station number six stop. When the crew stopped and re-activated the rovers
camera we got about nine minutes of live
TV. Thereafter, we got more video tape as the rover’s camera was again
turned off. Overall, the coverage bounced between live and video tape.


Most of the rocks and surface in the Taurus-Littrow valley were covered in a
layer of lunar dust. Although they had seen “Very little dust”
on descent the crew later found that nearly every single rock seemed to have
some amount of dust covering it. Schmitt’s well trained
geologist’s eye had selected the most important samples to return to
earth. Cernan, meanwhile, had himself become a trained geologist and made a
great deal of scientifically priceless observations as well as gathering
important samples. All too soon, however, Mission Control was pressing the
two to end the EVA and “get back in.”



Leaving the rover parked a short distance behind the LEM, Cernan left the TV
camera on so it could capture the LEM’s ascent from the moon. The
networks stayed on for a change broadcasting the astronaut’s voices
and the image of the distant LEM squatting in the Taurus-Littrow valley. It
was after 11:00 in the evening and they wanted to get the last words spoken
from the surface of the moon. So, there we sat looking at that stagnant
image after so much live and dynamic television had simply been ignored over
the last three days in favor of fictional drama and situation comedy
programming. Oddly, that was the longest segment of live TV from the moon
that had been broadcast during the entire mission.


As Cernan left the surface of the moon his final words were "… as I
take these last steps from the surface, back home for some time to come, but
we believe not too long into the future, I’d just like to list what I
believe history will record, that America's challenge of today has forged
man's destiny of tomorrow. And as we leave the moon and Taurus-Littrow, we
leave as we came and God willing as we shall return, with peace and hope for
all mankind. God speed the crew of Apollo 17."


Looking at the clock above our living room TV I saw that it was 12:03 am on
December 14, 1972. Humanity’s exploration of the lunar surface had
ended.


Following the final EVA of Apollo 17, NBC’s John Chancellor, perhaps
speaking for many of those commentators who had covered Apollo and
America’s manned space program said, with touches of sadness, regret
and perhaps some embarrassment that, “Images such as that may not be
seen again in our lifetime.” At that moment I thought that he was
being highly pessimistic, after all, von Braun himself, in an interview with
Walter Cronkite during the Apollo 17 launch had predicted that we would
return to the moon in the next 10 to 15 years by way of our re-usable Space
Shuttle and a space-tug, so Chancellor must be way off in his prediction. Of
course, John Chancellor died on July 12, 1996, Jules Bergman died on
February 11, 1987, Roy Neil died on August 11, 2003, Frank McGee died on
April 17, 1974 and Walter Cronkite died on July 17, 2009; all without again
being able to host live images of humans walking on the lunar surface. John
Chancellor’s supposition was correct for all of
them and perhaps for us too.


(Images provided by NASA)
FMI: www.nasa.gov

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Dassault Inks Deal At MEBA Sells Two Falcon Bizjets To Saudi Arabia's Wallan Aviation


Dassault Falcon has concluded the sale of two aircraft to Saudi
Arabia’s Wallan Aviation. The announcement came at the Middle East
Business Aviation (MEBA) show which runs at Al Maktoum International
Airport, Dubai World Central through Thursday.



A pre-owned Falcon 900EX EASy II will now be delivered to Wallan Aviation, a
prominent Middle Eastern general aviation company, by the end of this year
and a new tri-engine Falcon 900LX in the second quarter of next year. Wallan
Aviation says it will operate both aircraft for the company’s own use
with the option of offering one or both to the charter market. The sale
marks Wallan Aviation’s first entry into the Dassault Falcon range and
large cabin segment.


The Falcon 900LX is one of 45 aircraft displayed on MEBA’s static
park. Dassault says it plans to deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers
over the next 18 months, growing its fleet by 10%. More than 60 Falcon
business jets already operate in the Middle East.


MEBA’s static park features aircraft from the world’s leading
manufacturers including family of fleets from Gulfstream, Bombardier,
Dassault, Airbus, Boeing and Embraer.


(Pictured {L-R} Fahad Wallan, Vice President, Wallan Aviation; Gilles
Gautier, Vice President Sales, Dassault Falcon; Saad Wallan, Chairman,
Wallan Aviation and Renaud Cloatre, Sales Director, Middle East, Dassault
Falcon.)
FMI: www.dassaultfalcon.com

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NORAD Confirms North Korean Missile Launch Indications Are The Country Deployed An Object Into Orbit


North American Aerospace Defense Command officials acknowledged Wednesday
that U.S. missile warning systems detected and tracked the launch of a North
Korean missile at 1949 EST Tuesday. The missile was tracked on a southerly
azimuth. Initial indications are that the first stage fell into the Yellow
Sea. The second stage was assessed to fall into the Philippine Sea. Initial
indications are that the missile deployed an object that appeared to achieve
orbit. NORAD says that at no time was the missile or the resultant debris a
threat to North America.



The Los Angeles Times reports that an announcement was carried on North
Korean State Television about the launch, which the Pyongyang government
said placed a satellite intended for "peaceful purposes" into orbit. Just a
day earlier, the county had said they were dealing with "technical
uncertainties" that would push the launch to December 29. ABC News and other
media sources report that National Security Council spokesperson Tom Vietor
said the launch was a "highly provocative act" and a threat to national
security.


While North Korea insists that the launch was for non-military purposes, the
U.S. and many in the region believe it was a test of an ICBM that could one
day be topped with a nuclear warhead and reach destinations not only in Asia
but also the United States. Even China, which has been a supporter of North
Korea's right to develop its capabilities in space, expressed "regret" over
the launch.


In a statement released by the White House, the NSC said "(t)his action is
yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible
behavior. The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean
provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the
region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States
will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and
partners.


"North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in such
provocative acts. Devoting scarce resources to the development of ballistic
missiles and nuclear weapons has not brought it security and acceptance by
the international community—and never will. North Korea will only
truly strengthen itself by abiding by international norms, living up to its
commitments and international obligations, and working to feed its citizens,
to educate its children, and to win the trust of its neighbors."


(Capture from North Korean State Television broadcast posted on YouTube)
FMI: www.whitehouse.gov

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Starflyer Takes Delivery Of Its 1st Directly Purchased Airbus A320 Japan's Carrier Strengthens Its Network With All-Airbus Fleet


Japanese low-cost carrier Starflyer has taken delivery of its first ever
directly purchased aircraft, an Airbus A320, during a delivery ceremony in
Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of three A320s ordered by the
company in 2011, and is powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines. It will accommodate
150 passengers in a single-class configuration. Starflyer will deploy the
new aircraft to strengthen its network in Japan and to regional
destinations.



“Thanks to its best-in-class fuel consumption and high reliability,
the A320 has played a key role in Starflyer’s success” said
Starflyer President and CEO Shinichi Yonehara. “Furthermore, thanks to
the A320’s wide cabin, we will be able to continue offering excellent
services to our passengers, which is key to gaining competitive advantages
in Japan’s increasingly challenging market.”


Starflyer already operates an all-Airbus fleet of seven leased A320s, the
first of which was delivered in Toulouse exactly seven years ago. With
today’s aircraft, the airline’s fleet will raise to eight A320s,
with another six to be delivered both via lease and direct purchase.


“We are very pleased to see Starflyer take delivery of their first
directly purchased A320” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating
Officer, Customers. “With its superior performance, economics,
passenger cabin comfort and quick turn-around times, the A320 is the best
possible aircraft for companies committed to optimising costs while ensuring
a great flight experience for their passengers.”
FMI: www.airbus.com

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ExecuJet Middle East Named GE Authorized Service Center For CF34-3 Engines Provide Power For Bombardier Challenger Series Airplanes


GE Aviation named ExecuJet Middle East as an authorized service center for
GE’s CF34-3 engines that power the Bombardier Challenger series. Under
this agreement, ExecuJet Middle East can perform line maintenance
inspections and routine installed engine maintenance, including removal and
replacement of engines and engine components. This authorization also allows
ExecuJet Middle East to provide OnPoint solution and GE new engine warranty
support.



“GE Aviation is proud to welcome ExecuJet Middle East to its growing
network of CF34 Authorized Service Centers,” said Brad Mottier, vice
president and general manager of GE Aviation’s Business & General
Aviation organization. “ExecuJet Middle East has developed a solid
reputation as a service provider for business jets, and this agreement on
GE’s CF34 engines will allow them to support our customers in the
region.”


“We are very proud that GE Aviation has selected us as an authorized
service center in the region. We have supported the Bombardier family of
aircraft for many years now and take it as recognition of our level of
service and expertise that we can now also look after the aircraft’s
powerful GE engines” said Nick Weber, Maintenance Director for
ExecuJet Middle East.
FMI: www.geaviation.com

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Georgia Businessman Fatally Injured In DA40 Accident Airplane Went Down Shortly After Takeoff From Valdosta Regional Airport
(KVLD)


A pilot described as a prominent businessman in Wayne County, GA, was
fatally injured when his Diamond DA40 went down Monday night in Lowndes
County, GA.



Rick Poppell, 52, was the only person on board the airplane at the time of
the accident. According to the FAA, Poppell had called on his cell phone to
report trouble with the airplane just after 2030 EDT. The airplane
disappeared from radar shortly after that call was completed.


The Press Sentinel of Jessup, GA, reports that as many as 50 people were
involved in the search and rescue effort, which located the wreckage of the
airplane about 1115 EST Tuesday morning. The plane went down in an area
described as "rugged" about 20 miles south of Valdosta. Rescuers reportedly
had trouble reaching the accident site, and Poppell was pronounced dead at
the scene by Lowndes County Coroner Bill Watson.


Poppell had been active in Republican Party politics for several years,
assisting in the elections of both Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal.
He had opened Poppell's Produce, a wholesale vegetable distributor, in 1991.


He is survived by his wife Cathy and four children.


(Diamond DA40 image from file. Not accident airplane)
FMI: www.ntsb.gov

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DoD To Send F-16s To Egypt As Part Of Foreign Aid Package First Jets To Be Delivered In January


Four F-16 fighter jets are to be delivered to Egypt next month as part of an
overall foreign aid package worth approximately $1 billion, and the move is
causing some concern given that the recently-elected Islamic government has
not shown a lot of signs of stability.



Egypt already has a fleet of some 200 of the airplanes, and the delivery
slated for January is part of an order that was placed two years ago,
according to a report from Fox News.


Malou Innocent, a foreign policy analyst with the Cato Institute, said that
if there is a conflict between Israel and Egypt, the U.S. could be in the
uncomfortable position of having supplied similar armaments to both sides.


Part of the concern is that Hosni Mubarak, who was Egypt's president when
the contract was signed, was replaced in a recent election by Mohamed Morsi,
a former leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. Since his democratic election, he
has attempted to gain power more in line with a dictatorship, which has been
vigorously opposed by the Egyptian people.


The sale of arms to Egypt has also been criticized by some in the U.S.
Congress, including Florida Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,
who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. She criticized the Obama
administration for "throwing money at an Egyptian government that the
President cannot even clearly state is an ally of the United States," the
report said.


The Pentagon, however, said that there is an important alliance between the
U.S. and Egypt that is "furthered" by the sale. Lt. Col Wesley Miller said
that the delivery is a sign of the "U.S. commitment to supporting the
Egyptian military's modernization efforts."


(F-16 pictured in file photo)
FMI: www.defense.gov

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Santa Barbara County, CA, Sheriff's Office Reveals 'New' Helo 'Copter 3' Refurbished From A Military Surplus Aircraft


The Santa Barbara, CA, County Sheriff's Office has a newly-refurbished
helicopter joining its fleet this week. Sheriff Bill Brown called the
aircraft "a true multi-mission capable helicopter," which can support
everything from air ambulance flights to firefighting.



Designated "Copter 3", the aircraft is actually the sixth helicopter in the
county's fleet, according to a report from television station KSBY. At the
christening ceremony at Santa Ynez Airport on Monday, Brown said the new
helicopter was a "masterpiece" which would change the way his department can
help the community.


The aircraft saw life as a military helicopter before being surplussed to
the Jefferson County, CO, Sheriff's Office. After being acquired by the
Santa Barbara County Sheriff, it was rebuilt "from the ground up," according
to Brown.


But perhaps more importantly, he said, the aircraft and its refurbishment
were paid for by private donations from the community. "No taxpayer dollars
went into building this helicopter," Brown said.


Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Team public information officer
Valerie Walston said the new helicopter will provide a safe means of
transporting patients, and that it is "critical for this county."
FMI: www.sbsheriff.org

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Bell 412 Tows 'World's Largest Banner' In Abu Dhabi Fifth Year For Falcon Aviation Services To Fly The 50K Square-Foot Flag


A Bell 412, owned by Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, flew along
the shore of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while displaying what is
described as the world’s largest aerial banner in celebration of
UAE’s National Day on December 2.



“This is our 5th year of flying this amazing flag – and it seems
to get bigger every year,” said A.J. Baker, vice president of
Commercial Business at Falcon Aviation Services.


The banner, featuring the UAE national flag, flew above the Abu Dhabi
Corniche. It measured more than 50,000 square feet and was visible up to 12
miles away, ensuring the entire city of Abu Dhabi could witness the flight.
The FAS banner was the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa
Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE and founder of FAS. The display first came
to life on National Day 2007 when it broke the world record for largest
aerial banner.


“We are honored to be a part of celebrating the UAE’s 41st
National Day,” said Danny Maldonado, executive vice president of Sales
and Marketing at Bell Helicopter. “The Bell 412 is known as a true
workhorse, both rugged and reliable; towing the world’s largest aerial
banner is one example of the dozens of missions that the Bell 412 performs
around the world, due to its outstanding power and payload carrying
capability.”


The Corniche, the capital’s main promenade, was the site of a three
day long celebration of the UAE’s 41st birthday. In addition to the
flight of the record-breaking banner, many other festivities took place in
the sky, including hot air balloon rides, aerial acrobatics and fireworks.
FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=0ee90aa8-921f-42de-a22d-826a90d40506
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UK Coastguard Helo Becomes Maternity Ward Baby Delivered By Air Crew Enroute To The Hospital


Despite their best efforts to get an expectant mother to the hospital on
time, the crew of a UK Coastguard helicopter found themselves delivering a
baby boy as the aircraft flew from the far north of Scotland to the nearest
hospital.



The baby's parents live on Britain's most northerly island, called Unst,
located in Shetland. The Coastguard was called by the family's doctor about
4:30 in the morning asking about ferry times, saying the woman was in labor.
The service instead dispatched the helo, which was racing to get them to
Lenwick Hospital, but the baby wouldn't wait. The Times of London reports
that winchman paramedic Marcus Wigful delivered the baby at about 1,000 feet
AGL over the island of Lunna Holm about 10 minutes before they arrived at
the hosptial.


Shetland Coastguard watch manager Alex Dodge said it was a first for the
aircraft based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. Mother, dad, the baby,
and the aircrew are all reportedly doing just fine.


(UK Coastguard helicopter file image provided by the UK MoD)
FMI: www.shetlandcoastguard.info/

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=f82e193a-6732-48c0-b173-88e777f3b4b1
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ANN FAQ: ANN's News Portal Syndication Program Get A Customized ANN News Portal For YOUR Website!

Of the many features we've debuted
over the years, we're particularly proud of ANN's News Portal
Syndication Program. ANN's stories are read throughout the
planet by hundreds of thousands of flyers the world over... but
here's a way for you to use ANN to help punch up YOUR website AND
keep flyers informed in REALTIME of all the news that's fit to
fly.

With the introduction of ANN's REALTIME RSS news-feeds, as
well as the Aero-NewsBug, in recent months, we have
taken the wraps off a fast and reliable syndication
solution that will allow YOU to display Aero-News Network
REALTIME headlines and news summaries on any approved
website.

With a few minutes of your time, and a quick cut and paste (of
our supplied code) into the proper area of your website (basic
HTML knowledge recommended), you can publish ANN's headlines
and news summaries on your site and help your readers, friends
and site members keep up to date on the very latest REALTIME
Aero-News.

Two Custom Variations are available:
1) For those with limited page/space options, we
can provide a customized Headlines Only display
with the ANN graphic on top. This smaller portal product offers
each REALTIME headline linked to the specific ANN article on the
current ANN website. For best result, we recommend that such a
portal be installed in a left hand or right hand column within a
two or three column layout website.

2) A more comprehensive news solution allows you
to syndicate both our headlines as well as our REALTIME News
Summaries. ANN Headlines are displayed along with
'News-Teasers' in the allocated display area. Selecting
either headline or the summary opens up the complete specific news
item in a NEW page, leaving the launch page open and intact. This
is a great solution for those who would like to use ANN News as a
main content focal point for a news or other specialized
information page. ALL News and Headlines are updated automatically
as soon as the native REALTIME RSS Feed is renewed. This program is
dynamic, immediate, and comprehensive!

The width of your custom display is dynamic (see the examples
above), depending on the space allocated on the target website. The
color scheme and the font sizes are also customizable by the
user.
Aimed primarily at busy aviation-related sites
that might benefit from a REALTIME news presence, this program has
been in testing for a while now and the first approved sites
will be selected carefully. Do not be disappointed if you're
not approved right away, as we're going to be picky for a few weeks
until we have some real-world feedback -- we tested this program
VERY carefully but weird things happen when such programs get into
the real world. ONLY approved sites are authorized to use
ANN's News Portal Program and NO alterations, or unapproved uses of
our code or other intellectual property is approved without
specific written authorization.
Be advised that, in some special cases (for some of
the more popular websites), ANN has devised a way to build a
"Branded" ANN News Portal, complete with CUSTOM logos. If
such a program interests you, contact ANN by clicking this
link.
And yes... there's EVEN MORE to come... LOTS
more.
Webmasters Need Only Follow These Five Easy Steps:
1) Register with Name, e-mail address and web address.
2) Get confirmation email of approval
3) Customize the Layout
4) Generate Code
5) Copy/paste the JavaScript code for your website.
FMI:
ANN Web Portal Program

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=b712027a-2055-4fbd-8d56-60a07cfbdd04
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Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.14.12) Aero-News: Quote of the Day


ANN's Quote of the Day usually derives from current news, though we reserve
the right to pick quotes out of history that have a bearing on the day's
events and issues.



Sometimes, you'll find them timely and in keeping with the content of the
day's news... and sometimes, they'll just be thought-provoking.


Reader suggestions and comments are welcome... and if particularly
intriguing, timely, or poignant, may themselves become future Quotes of the
Day.


Let us hear from you, folks!
Aero-News Quote of the Day



“Fiscal realities demand that NASA become more efficient and sized
correctly to accomplish its goals, but consensus will have to be
re-established among the agency’s stakeholders to clarify NASA’s
strategic vision, goals, and missions.” Source: House Science
Committee Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX). The committee held a hearing Wednesday
on clarifying the agency's strategic vision.
FMI: http://science.house.gov

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=c01f780d-7785-4e15-89f9-15456b5d0804
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ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.14.12): Basic Empty Weight 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.
Basic Empty Weight


Standard empty weight plus optional equipment.
FMI: http://aviationglossary.com/basic-empty-weight/

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=6c1025fb-6cf5-44c9-87c0-e1ea29a816e2
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ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.14.12) Aero-Linx!


Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if
educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check
out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any
given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for
story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business,
much of this is done on the Internet.



The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info
resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided
to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we
need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to
escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile.


Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx.
Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well.
Aero Linx: Wings of Rogallo


The Wings of Rogallo hang gliding club was founded in the mid-1970's to
serve the interests of hang gliding pilots in the San Francisco Bay area.
Since that time, the club has grown to be one of the largest in the country,
with a typical roster of 500-600 hang gliding and paragliding pilots.
FMI: www.wingsofrogallo.org

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=bf5782c0-f481-4eba-8575-21e7a0ace018
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AD: Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines AD NUMBER: 2012-24-05


PRODUCT: Certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 900 series turbofan
engines.
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-24-05
ACTION: Final Rule



SUMMARY: This AD requires inspection of the low pressure turbine (LPT)
bearing housing end cover assembly in certain engines and, if necessary, its
replacement. This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing a high
intermediate pressure vibration fault, along with other fluctuating engine
parameters, while in flight.


The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fracture of the oil transfer tube,
which could result in uncontained failure of the engine and damage to the
airplane.


DATES: This AD becomes effective December 26, 2012.
FMI: AD

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=a19a98ea-9efc-4fd1-b267-21864c21cf58
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AD: Embraer S.A. Airplanes AD NUMBER: 2012-23-09


PRODUCT: All Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, -200
STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes.
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-23-09
ACTION: Final Rule



SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for
the product listed above. That AD currently requires revising the
maintenance program to incorporate modifications in the Airworthiness
Limitation Section (ALS) of the EMBRAER ERJ 190 Maintenance Review Board
Report (MRBR).


This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate
modifications in the ALS of the EMBRAER ERJ 190 MRBR to include new
inspection tasks and their respective thresholds and intervals. This AD was
prompted by issuance of new inspection tasks and their respective thresholds
and intervals.


The FAA is issuing this AD since failure to inspect these structural
components according to the new ALS tasks, thresholds, and intervals could
prevent a timely detection of fatigue cracking, which if not properly
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.


DATES: This AD becomes effective January 14, 2013.
FMI: AD

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=8ac4dcd8-d2a7-4725-a5fc-2326a4b1960b
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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





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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!

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