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• Contracts for December 20, 2012
• Today in the Department of Defense, 12/21/2012
• VA News Releases Update
• Army Vice Chief Tours TBI, PTSD Treatment Center
• Panetta Memo Describes Possible Sequestration Effects
• U.S., NATO Forces Maintain Vigil in Kosovo
• Secretary Issues Guidance to Workforce
• Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan
• Face of Defense: Marine Discards Flute, Picks Up Reins
• Official: DOD Aid to Congolese Army Bolsters U.S. Security
• NORAD Shares Goodwill, Education While Tracking Santa
• Reminder - Dining Facilities Half-Day and Holiday Schedule, including Christmas Meals
• Bringing Holiday Cheer to America's Vets
• Propwash

Contracts for December 20, 2012 Posted: 20 Dec 2012 03:18 PM PST You are subscribed to Contract Announcements for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Contracts for December 20, 2012 12/20/2012 04:31 PM CST FOR RELEASE AT 5 p.m. ET No. 997-12 December 20, 2012 CONTRACTS ARMY             Orion Marine Construction Inc., Tampa, Fla., (W912EP-13-D-0003); Cavache Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., (W912EP-13-D-0004); Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting Company L.L.C., Quincy, Mass., (W912EP-13-D-0005); Cottrell Contracting Corp., Chesapeake, Va., (W912EP-13-D-0006); Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., L.L.C., Oak Brook, Ill., (W912EP-13-D-0007); Dutra Dredging Co., San Rafael, Calif., (W912EP-13-D-0008); Marinex Construction Inc., Charleston, S.C., (W912EP-13-D-0009); Norfolk Dredging Co., Chesapeake, Va., (W912EP-13-D-0010); Mike Hooks Inc., Westlake, La., (W912EP-13-D-0011); Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, La., (W912EP-13-D-0012); Southern Dredging Co., Inc., Charleston, S.C., (W912EP-13-D-0013); and Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Wash., (W912EP-13-D-0014); were awarded a $500,000,000 firm-fixed-price multiple-award-task-order contract. The award will provide for the services in support of miscellaneous dredging projects throughout the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers South Atlantic Division. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 12, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 13 bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.              Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $161,687,115 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Modernized Day Sensor Assembly Laser Kits and spare parts. Work will be performed in Orlando, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2016. One bid was solicited with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-11-C-0120).              HELLFIRE System L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $114,085,200 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure HELLFIRE II tactical missiles in containers. Work will be performed in Orlando, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2014. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-11-C-0242).             Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $96,677,902 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure services in support of the Apache modernized targets acquisition designation sight/pilot's night vision sensor equipment. Work will be performed in Orlando, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-C-0009).              BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded a $75,996,423 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the technical services in support of the Bradley vehicle. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich.; York, Pa.; and Santa Clara; with an estimated completion date of Dec. 18, 2015. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-C-0018).              The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $56,370,522 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopters for the Egyptian Air Force. Work will be performed in Mesa, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2014. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0086).              Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded a $46,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modernization of the PATRIOT Advanced Capability missiles through the continuous technology refreshment program. Work will be performed in Andover, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 17, 2016. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-13-C-0088).              American Contractor and Technology, Pensacola, Fla., was awarded a $46,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the services in support of construction projects. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 10, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 27 bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-13-D-0002).              BIC--SCC JV L.C.C., Birmingham, Ala., was awarded a $46,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the services in support of the Fort Rucker, Ala., construction program. Work will be performed in Fort Rucker, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 41 bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-13-D-0003).              Applied Visual Technology Inc., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $45,800,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the services in support of the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer Reconnaissance and Attack Concurrency Upgrade. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (W900KK-13-D-0001).             Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded a $41,537,998 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the Performance Based Logistics services. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-13-D-0001).              CACI-WGI Inc., Vienna, Va., was awarded a $39,560,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure operations support to the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-06-D-0005).              King Aerospace Inc., Addison, Texas, was awarded a $28,725,880 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract exercising an option through December 2013. Work will be performed in Addison, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0302).              M7 Aerospace L.L.C., San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $24,569,249 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract exercising an option through December 2013. Work will be performed in San Antonio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0124).              Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded a $24,121,500 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the engineering logistical support services for the T55A engine. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-D-0004).              L-3, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded a $23,764,053 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of M734A1 and M783 fuzes. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 14, 2014. Two bids were solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0015).              AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded a $22,129,858 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the procurement of Contractor Logistics Support for the One System Remote Video Terminal. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0016).             DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded a $20,290,031 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure in-theater support services. Work will be performed in St. Louis and Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0010).              Mahaffey Tent and Awning Co., Inc., Memphis, Tenn., was awarded a $16,860,846 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the life-support services and equipment for training units at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 14, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 10 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Polk, La., is the contracting activity (W9124J-11-D-0006).              Grimberg/Amatea GC JV, Leesburg, Va., was awarded a $14,307,650 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the construction services on Fort Detrick, Md. Work will be performed in Fort Detrick, with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2014. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-13-C-0007).              M7 Aerospace L.L.C., San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $12,252,199 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract exercising an option through December 2013. Work will be performed in San Antonio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0207).              Textron Inc., New Orleans, La., was awarded a $12,228,558 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to RESET M1117 Armored Security Vehicles. Work will be performed in New Orleans, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with eight bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-0418).              Advanced Technology Systems Co., McLean, Va., was awarded an $11,055,873 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of Huey major components and spares in support of Foreign Military Sales. Work will be performed in Lebanon, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0014).              Republic Industries International, Louisville, Ky., (W912QR-13-D-0002); Kentucky Machine and Tool Co., Louisville, Ky., (W912QR-13-D-0003); The Chesapeake Machine Co., Baltimore, Md., (W912QR-13-D-0004); Industrial Maintenance Co., L.L.C., Gallatin, Tenn., (W912QR-13-D-0005); CEPEDA Associates, Louisville, Ky., (W912QR-13-D-0006); and Specialties Manufacturing Co., Inc., Talladega, Ala., (W912QR-13-D-0007); were awarded a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract between six contractors. The award will provide for the fabrication of parts and refurbishment services. Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with eight bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity.             AICI--ARCHIRODON JV, Arlington, Va., was awarded a $9,648,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the Synchrolift Safety Repair services in support of Foreign Military Sales. Work will be performed in Egypt, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 21, 2014. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-13-C-0005).              Koontz Electric Co., Morrilton, Ark., was awarded a $9,594,977 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the labor and equipment services in support of the Allatoona Powerhouse. Work will be performed in Cartersville, Ga., with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2014. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-13-C-0001).              Orion Marine Construction Inc., Tampa, Fla., was awarded a $9,003,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the maintenance dredging services. Work will be performed in Matagorda, Texas, with an estimated completion date of May 4, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-13-C-0003).              Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., L.L.C., Oakbrook, Ill., was awarded a $7,919,250 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the Port Everglades Harbor Maintenance Dredging services. Work will be performed in Broward, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (W912EP-13-C-0001).              Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $7,813,650 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the installation of the Underbody Improvement Kits for the Special Operations Marine All-Terrain Vehicle. Work will be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 17, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-C-0281).              Chenega Logistics L.L.C., Sioux Falls, S.D., was awarded a $7,196,612 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of Installation Information Infrastructure Architecture compliant building entrances and termination points for buildings in Afghanistan. Work will be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-13-C-0009).             Metro Production Government Services, Hampton, Va., was awarded a $6,752,287 fixed-price-award-fee contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure information technology services at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Work will be performed in Carlisle, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2015. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 16 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911S0-11-C-0001).  AIR FORCE             Intelligent Software Solutions, Colorado Springs, Colo., (FA8730-13-D-0001); BAE Systems, McLean, Va. (FA8730-13-D-0002); Charles River Analytics Inc., Cambridge, Mass. (FA8730-13-D-0003); Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Herndon, Va. (FA8730-13-D-0004); Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va. (FA8730-13-D-0005); Lockheed Martin Corp., Colorado Springs, Colo. (FA8730-13-D-0006), and Solers Inc., Arlington, Va. (FA8730-13-D-0007), is being awarded a $249,000,000 multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity for the development of Command and Control applications and information services for air, space and cyberspace domains.  The location of the performance will be determined during the award of each delivery order.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 19, 2018.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/HBBK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.              Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, McKinney, Texas, (FA8528-13-C-0031) is being awarded a $150,291,636 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursable-no-fee contract for to procure MQ-1 (Predator) and MQ-9 (Reaper) sensor support and services.  The location of the performance is McKinney, Texas.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WIKBA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.                General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, Calif., (FA8620-10-G-3038 0080) is being awarded a $42,940,780 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for contractor logistics support for the United Kingdom Royal Air Force Phase 1 and 2 for MQ-9 operations.  The locations of the performance are Poway, Calif.; Creech Air Force Base, Nev.; Waddington, United Kingdom and Afghanistan.  Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2015.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WIIK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  Contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the United Kingdom.               Lockheed Martin Corp., Global Training and Logistics, Orlando, Fla., (FA8223-11-C-0001, P00034) is being awarded a $24,699,751 contract modification for three C-130 Aircrew Training Systems.  The location of the performance is Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WNS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.               Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Ga., (FA8625-07-C-6473, P00035) is being awarded an $8,442,211 contract modification in support of the C-5 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Production Program.  The location of the performance is Greenville, S.C.  Work is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2014.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WLSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.              Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., (FA8509-12-C-0001, P00006) is being awarded a $7,916,000 contract modification for logistics support of the Precision Strike Package on the AC-130W aircraft, Stinger II Program.  The location of the performance is Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WIKAA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.  NAVY             Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., is being awarded a $166,881,824 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2217) to exercise the construction option for Joint High Speed Vessel 10.  Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala. (48 percent), Pittsfield, Mass. (9 percent), Franklin, Mass. (3 percent), Philadelphia, Pa. (3 percent), Henderson, Western Australia. (3 percent), Atlanta, Ga. (2 percent), Chicago, Ill. (2 percent), Gulfport, Miss. (2 percent), Slidell, La. (1 percent), Iron Mountain, Mich. (1 percent), Houston, Texas (1 percent), Dallas, Texas (1 percent), Chesapeake, Va. (1 percent), Milwaukee, Wis. (1 percent), Brookfield, Wis. (1 percent), and various sites inside and outside the United States each below one percent (21 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2017. Contract funds in the amount of $166,881,824 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.              The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $164,000,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0086) to exercise an option for the procurement of 12 Airborne Electronic Attack Group B Kits and four Equivalent Ship-sets of spares for the Royal Australian Air Force.  This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the Government of Australia (100 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (41.1 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (36.3 percent); Bethpage,  N.Y. (19 percent); and Fort Wayne, Ind. (3.6 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $164,000,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.              Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $158,571,809 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 48 MH-60R Full Rate Production Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) systems (24 Lot X and 24 Lot XI), including associated program management support.  Work will be performed in Brest, France (59 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (37 percent), and Johnstown, Pa. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2017.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C 2304 (c)(1).  Contract funds in the amount of $158,571,809 are being obligated at time of award, $39,642,952 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C-0012).              The Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $145,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of two C-40A Clipper aircraft for the U.S. Navy.  Work will be performed in Renton, Wash.  (92.7 percent), Seattle, Wash. (4.9 percent), San Antonio, Texas (1.7 percent), Oklahoma City, Okla. (0.7 percent) and is expected to be completed in March 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $145,000,000 will be obligated on this award, $72,500,000 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.   This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1.   The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C0026).              The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $101,862,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0086) to exercise an option for the procurement of 12 EA-18G Lot 37 Full Rate Production (FRP) Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Kits.  Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (41.1 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (36.3 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (19 percent); and Fort Wayne, Ind. (3.6 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2015.  Contract funds in the amount of $101,862,000 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.              Barling Bay L.L.C.*, North Charleston, S.C. (N65236-13-D-4882); Cambridge International Systems Inc.*, Arlington, Va. (N65236-13-D-4883); Centuria Corp.*, Reston, Va. (N65236-13-D-4884); Chugach Information Technology Inc.*, Anchorage, Alaska (N65236-13-D-4885); CommIT Enterprises Inc.*, Alexandria, Va. (N65236-13-D-4886); Compass Systems Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md. (N65236-13-D-4887); DEL REY Systems and Technology Inc.*, San Diego, Calif. (N65236-13-D-4888); Forward Slope Inc.*, San Diego, Calif. (N65236-13-D-4889); Imagine One StraCon Venture L.L.C.*, Fort Worth, Texas (N65236-13-D-4890); KinetX*, Tempe, Ariz. (N65236-13-D-4891); MANDEX Inc.*, Fairfax, Va. (N65236-13-D-4892); Product Data Integration Technologies Inc. doing business as Modulant*, North Charleston, S.C. (N65236-13-D-4893); Trace Systems Inc.*, Tysons Corner, Va. (N65236-13-D-4894) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee with fixed-price incentive (firm target) and firm-fixed-price provisions, multiple award contract for the procurement of Decision Superiority Support (DS) services.  The services required include research, development, test, evaluation, production and fielding of sustainable, secure, survivable, and interoperable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (C5ISR), Information Operations, Enterprise Information Services (EIS) and Space capabilities.  The cumulative, estimated value of the base year is $49,990,000.  These contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of these contracts to an estimated $249,951,000.  Work will be performed worldwide 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 $15,000 will be obligated at the time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The multiple award contracts were competitively procured by full and open competition after exclusion of sources under small business set-aside provisions (10 U.S.C. 2304 (b)(2)) via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website and the Federal Business Opportunities website, with sixteen offers received.  Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C. is the contracting activity.             Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $45,585,516 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-5450) to exercise a firm-fixed-price option for the production of 61 Block 2 MK-44 Mod 4 Rolling Airframe Missile guided-missile round pack all-up-rounds.  This fiscal 2013 option exercise is for the MK-44 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile Round Pack which is a cooperative production program conducted jointly by the U.S. and the Federal Republic of Germany under Memoranda of Understanding. RAM is a missile system designed to provide anti-ship missile defense for multiple ship platforms.  Contract funds in the amount of $45,585,516 will be obligated at time of contract award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (49.7 percent), Ottobrunn, Germany (42.7 percent), Rocket Center, WVa. (4.5 percent), and Andover, Mass. (3.1 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2015.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity.              General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $40,000,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00039-10-C-0069) for the development and integration of software enhancements to the Digital Modular Radio (DMR).  These software enhancements include the development and integration of the Integrated Waveform and Mobile User Objective System waveform into the DMR.  This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $277,661,982.  Contract funds in the amount of $19,700,000 will be obligated at the time of award.  Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz. (80 percent), Linthicum, Md. (20 percent) and is expected to be completed by July 2015.  Contract funds will not 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 Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.              Huntington Ingalls Inc. -- Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $33,734,943 cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N62793-07-C-0001) for continuation of fiscal year 2013 advance planning efforts to prepare and make ready for the defueling and inactivation of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). This effort will provide for advanced planning, ship checks, design, documentation, engineering, long lead time material procurement, fabrication, preliminary shipyard or support facility and Early Start shipboard work to prepare for and make ready for the defueling and inactivation of the USS Enterprise.  Contract funds in the amount of $33,734,943 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds in the amount of $33,734,943 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed at Naval Station Norfolk (62.4 percent) and in Newport News, Va. (37.6 percent), and is expected to complete by June 2013.  The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity.              Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $33,270,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the development, production, integration, and testing of nine radar systems on the MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle. Contract funds in the amount of $15,844,756 are being obligated at time of award, $11,344,756 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (70 percent) and Patuxent River, Md. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2014.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C 2304 (c)(1).  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C-0020).             Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $29,000,000 ceiling priced repair delivery order #7004 under Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-10-G-003D) for the repair of 28 Weapon Replaceable Assemblies (WRAs) and 28 Shop Replaceable Assemblies (SRAs) of the Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) System used in support of the F/A-18 aircraft.  Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (89 percent) and Jacksonville, Fla. (11 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 20, 2014.  The applicable fiscal 2013 Navy Working Capital Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract funds in the amount of $14,942,523 will be obligated at the time of award.  This is an urgent Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.              Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2), Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $20,735,747 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for the design, development, installation, integration, testing and delivery of the Aegis Ashore Team Trainer.  This trainer will be designed to meet the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) individual watch station and watch team training, qualification and certification requirements.  This procurement also provides for information assurance requirements for the trainer, an information assurance training course, an instructor operator training course and travel associated with the trainer development.  Contract funds in the amount of $4,694,949 will be obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed in October 2014. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61340-13-C-0007).              METAG Construction USA, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $19,502,065, firm-fixed-price construction contract for construction of an aircraft logistics apron, a concrete aircraft apron, and an expansion of the enduring apron to allow for the safe maneuvering of aircraft  by widening taxiways Echo, Bravo, and Delta, at Camp Lemonnier.  The proposed new construction will include parking pads for P3 aircraft, fire suppression capabilities, high mast overhead lighting, and a vehicle ditch.  Work will be performed in Djibouti, Africa, and is expected to be completed by November 2013.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 15 proposals received.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity (contract number N33191-13-C-0815).              Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aerospace Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $19,166,627 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for logistics services in support of the MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Contract funds in the amount of $19,166,627 will be obligated at time of award, $19,015,007 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.   Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent), and Patuxent River, Md. (10 percent); and is expected to be completed in November 2013. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C 2304 (c) (1).  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C-0007).             Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a $15,307,118 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-0009) to provide systems engineering and program management services in support of the H-1 Upgrade Program.  Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas and is expected to be completed in December 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $15,307,118 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.              Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $12,279,986 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-11-C-0023) to provide additional logistics products and services in support of the H-1 Upgrade effort, including logistics management support, technical material for maintenance planning, design interface, supply/material support; support of support equipment/technical data, distribution and inventory management/packaging; handling, storage and transportation; logistics management information; supportability analysis and technical manuals.  Contract funds in the amount of $12,279,986 will be obligated at time of award, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2013.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.             The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $12,239,714 firm-fixed-price contract to procure four each Harpoon Shipboard Command Launch Control Sets (HSCLCS), Type 148 Class Ship, AN/SWG-1A(V), Classified Portion and associated hardware; four each HSCLCS, Type 148 Class Ship, AN/SWG-1A(V), Unclassified Portion and associated hardware; eight Global Positioning System Receiver Assembly (GPSRA) Retrofit Kits and associated hardware; one Installation and Checkout Prime Spares Kit, Classified Portion; one Installation and Checkout Prime Spares Kit, Unclassified Portion; four Ninety Day Primes Spares Kit; one Two Years Classified Prime Spares Kit; two -Two Year Unclassified Prime Spares Kit; one Harpoon Shipboard Equipment Integrated Logistics Support Program; four Ordinance Alteration EGE 3987 kits; and one lot engineering technical assistance for the Government of Egypt. Additionally, this effort procures one Lot HSCLCS Hardware; one Ninety Day Prime Spares Kit; one GPSRA and associated hardware; and one Lot Engineering Technical Assistance for the Government of Turkey.  Contract funds in the amount of $12,239,714 will be obligated at time of award, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed in Lititz, Pa. (51 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (32 percent); Pryor Creek, Okla. (5 percent); Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (5 percent); Madison, Ala. (3 percent); Kirkwood, Mo. (3 percent); and Irving, Texas (1 percent),  and is expected to be completed in July 2014.  This contract combines purchases for the Governments of Egypt ($11,927,232; 98 percent) and Turkey ($312,482; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C-0019).             Lockheed Martin Corp., Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $12,056,601 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2300) to exercise an option for Littoral Combat Ship core class services.  Contract funds in the amount of $12,056,601 will be obligated at time of award . Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (36 percent), Hampton, Va. (30 percent), Washington, D.C. (23 percent), and Marinette, Wis. (11 percent), and is expected to be complete by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.              Austal USA L.L.C., Mobile, Ala., is being awarded an $8,057,541 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) to exercise an option for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) core class services. This option exercise is for Core LCS Class Services.  Austal USA will assess engineering and production challenges as well as evaluate the cost and schedule risks from affordability efforts to reduce LCS acquisition and lifecycle costs.  Contract funds in the amount of $8,057,541 will be obligated at time of award.  Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala. (51 percent) and Pittsfield, Mass. (49 percent), and is expected to be complete by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.  DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY             Mullen Communications Inc., Boston, Mass., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price requirements-type contract in the total estimated amount of $161,708,567 for the Joint Advertising, Market Research and Studies (JAMRS) requirement of marketing communications support services.  Work will be performed in Boston, Mass., and is expected to be completed in December 2018.  Fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance funds will be obligated for the base period of this contract.  This requirement was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities website and two offers were received.  The Defense Human Resources Activity Procurement Support Office, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (H98210-13-D-0001).  DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY             Atlantic Diving Supply Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.*, was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0002/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Southeast Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              W.S. Darley and Co.*, Itasca, Ill., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0003/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Southeast Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.             Safeware Inc.*, Landover, Md., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0004/P00009.  The modification is a fixed price with economic price adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Southeast Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Atlantic Diving Supply Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0005/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Northeast Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              W.S. Darley and Co.*, Itasca, Ill., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0006/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Northeast Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Safeware Inc.*, Landover, Md., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0007/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Northeast Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Atlantic Diving Supply Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0008/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Capital/Great Lakes Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              L.N. Curtis and Sons*, Oakland, Calif., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0009/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Capital/Great Lakes Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              W.S. Darley and Co.*, Itasca, Ill., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0011/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Capital/Great Lakes Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Atlantic Diving Supply Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0012/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Midwest Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              L.N. Curtis and Sons*, Oakland, Calif., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0013/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Midwest Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              W.S. Darley and Co.*, Itasca, Ill., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0015/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the Midwest Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.             Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0016/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the West Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              W.S. Darley and Co.*, Itasca, Ill., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0017/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the West Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              The Mallory Co.*, Longview, Wash., was issued a modification on contract SPM8EG-08-D-0018/P00009.  The modification is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, twelve month bridge contract with a maximum $82,000,000 for fire and emergency services for military installations located in the West Region, United States.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were thirteen responses to the FedBizOPps solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 27, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              BAE Systems Aerospace and Defense Group Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was issued a modification exercising the first option year on contract SPM1C1-10-C-0011/P00041.  The modification is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $28,196,837 for procurement of lightweight helmets.  Other location of performance is Pennsylvania.  Using military service is Marine Corps.  There were two solicitations with two responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance is April 30, 2014.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              Jianas Brothers Packaging Co.*, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded contract SPM3S1-12-D-Z120.  The award is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $14,006,571 for government furnished material for use in the meal ready to eat program.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were seventeen solicitations with six responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 21, 2013.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.             Critical Solutions International*, Carrolton, Texas, was awarded contract SPRDL1-13-D-0009.  The award is a firm-fixed-price-contract with a maximum $8,493,393 for spare axle assemblies.  Other location of performance is Michigan.  Using military service is Army.  There were two solicitations with two responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Army Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 4, 2015.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land, Warren, Mich.  *Small business U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Contracts/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. 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Today in the Department of Defense, 12/21/2012 Posted: 20 Dec 2012 02:14 PM PST You are subscribed to Today in DoD for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Today in the Department of Defense, 12/21/2012 12/20/2012 04:02 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, December 21, 2012   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

VA News Releases Update Posted: 20 Dec 2012 01:02 PM PST Veterans Health Administration Update VA News Releases Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. VA, SSA and IRS Cut Red Tape for Veterans and Survivors 12/20/2012 12:00 AM EST The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it is cutting red tape for Veterans by eliminating the need for them to complete an annual Eligibility Verification Report (EVR). VA will implement a new process for confirming eligibility for benefits, and staff that had been responsible for processing the old form will instead focus on eliminating the compensation claims backlog.  Connect With Us        You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Health.  Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe.  Get this as a forward? Sign up to receive updates from Veterans Health.  Have questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.    Sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)

Army Vice Chief Tours TBI, PTSD Treatment Center Posted: 20 Dec 2012 12:53 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Army Vice Chief Tours TBI, PTSD Treatment Center 12/20/2012 02:41 PM CST Army Vice Chief Tours TBI, PTSD Treatment Center By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2012 - Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III toured the National Intrepid Center of Excellence here Dec. 19 to gain perspective on treatment for service members who have traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Austin also visited wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here, a trip officials said he makes on a regular basis. Austin and his wife, Charlene, have taken a particular interest in treatments for TBI and PTSD, two signature wounds of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, officials said. Dr. James Kelly, NICoE director, led Austin's tour of the two-year old center. During the visit, chiefs of major specialties briefed the general on their treatment approaches. Austin learned how those approaches are effective in treating service members by using such modalities as art and music therapy, relaxation, a sleep lab and counseling, all in a team setting over the course of four weeks. He viewed magnetic resonance imaging -- also known as MRI -- and saw MRI films showing the occurrence of TBI and PTSD in the brain. Two golden retrievers and their handlers from Warrior Canine Connection also greeted Austin at NICoE. The Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization that works with NICoE service members while they are undergoing treatment. In an optional program, service members can learn to train the retrievers as service dogs that are paired with veterans who are mobility impaired, the dog handlers said. Austin also was briefed on the satellite NICoE clinics being developed around the country at Army posts and Marine Corps bases. The sites include Fort Bragg, N.C.; Forts Bliss and Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Belvoir, Va.; the Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune, N.C., and a yet-to-be determined base in Southern California. NICoE officials estimate each of those clinics will see about 1,200 patients with TBI and PTSD per year, while the most severe cases of the disorders are usually referred to the NICoE here. "I'm very much encouraged and excited about the satellite clinics," Austin told Kelly about the NICoE concept. "They will be beneficial to [service members]." "It's not every day NICoE gets a visit from the Army vice chief of staff," Kelly said, adding that Austin asked him about the progress on the Fort Belvoir satellite clinic, which is now under construction. "His main concern today was how what we learn here influences the system [for treating TBI and PTSD]," Kelly said. "His dedication to our service members in these circumstances is unquestioned," he added.   Biographies: Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Related Sites: National Intrepid Center of Excellence Walter Reed National Military Medical Center   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Panetta Memo Describes Possible Sequestration Effects Posted: 20 Dec 2012 12:53 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Panetta Memo Describes Possible Sequestration Effects 12/20/2012 02:31 PM CST Panetta Memo Describes Possible Sequestration Effects By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2012 - While many remain hopeful that Congress and the administration will reach a deal that avoids sequestration, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a memo describing the potential implications of going over the fiscal cliff. Planning for the effects of an across-the-board cut in defense spending as part of the Budget Reduction Act of 2011 "is only prudent," said DOD officials. Under the law, the reductions are due to take place Jan. 2, 2013. Panetta said it is too early to assess what effects sequestration will have. He did say that it will not affect military personnel or military end strength as President Barack Obama announced his intent to exempt the military personnel accounts from sequestration last summer. The secretary did clarify the potential implications of sequestration in his memo. "If it occurs, sequestration will reduce our budgetary resources for the remainder of the fiscal year," the memo says. "These cuts, while significant and harmful to our collective mission as an agency, would not necessarily require immediate reductions in spending." There is no threat of a government shutdown because of sequestration, Panetta said in the memo. "Everyone will show up for work on January 3, 2013, and continue to drive on," said Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman. The memo states that there will be no immediate civilian personnel actions such as furloughs. "Should we have to operate under reduced funding levels for an extended period of time, we may have to consider furloughs or other actions in the future," Panetta said in the memo. "But let me assure you that we will carefully examine other options to reduce costs within the agency before taking such actions." If the department does need to take these actions, affected employees will receive all appropriate notifications, the secretary noted. The Defense Department is already reducing its budget by $487 billion over 10 years. The Budget Control Act calls for a further $500 billion in cuts at DOD unless Congress and the administration pass a new law averting it. "Sequestration was never intended to be implemented and there is no reason why both sides should not be able to come together and prevent this scenario," Panetta wrote.   Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Related Sites: Sequestration Memo   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

U.S., NATO Forces Maintain Vigil in Kosovo Posted: 20 Dec 2012 12:52 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S., NATO Forces Maintain Vigil in Kosovo 12/20/2012 01:30 PM CST U.S., NATO Forces Maintain Vigil in Kosovo By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2012 - Returned this week from a trip to Kosovo, the commander of NATO and U.S. European Command recognized the 5,000 NATO forces that continue to preserve the peace there and said he hopes to reduce their numbers in 2013 if the situation allows. Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, writing in his command blog, recalled the 1990s when almost 60,000 NATO troops conducted peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, sometimes engaging in vigorous combat. More than 100,000 people died during a turbulent decade following the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, he noted. In one single incident in Srebrenica in Bosnia, almost 8,000 men and boys were massacred during the worst war crime in Europe since World War II. The international community rallied to promote peace talks between warring ethnic and religious groups, and under a United Nations mandate NATO contributed forces to help stem the violence. Today, the NATO presence has dropped from 15,000 in 2009 to the current 5,000, deployed from the United States and 29 other nations. Most are in Kosovo, Stavridis said, with the mission of maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement. Despite occasional demonstrations, roadblocks and violence, "the situation is largely under control," he reported. "We are hoping to reduce [the NATO force] further in the coming year, although that will be very situation-dependent," he said. "The key will be steady and sustained international pressure on both Serbia and Kosovo to resolve their difficulties, which range from border disputes to customs arrangements along their extensive and contested border," he said. Stavridis praised the European Union's recent efforts to bring the two prime ministers together to address these differences. He offered assurance that NATO forces will remain as needed to underpin these initiatives. "NATO will also stay steady," he said. "We'll continue performing our U.N.-mandated mission to the best of our ability." "As the cold winter approaches, I'm thankful for the 5,000 troops far from their homes," Stavridis wrote. "They are standing the watch, keeping the peace, and shaping a more peaceful world in the Balkans: something that looked impossible a decade ago." NATO's contribution has helped shape a vastly different security environment in the Balkans over the past decade, he said. "While tensions remain, Croatia, Albania and Slovenia are members of NATO," he said. "Bosnia-Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro are all in various stages of applying for NATO membership. Serbia wants in the European Union. Kosovo is recognized by nearly 100 nations." In addition, many of these countries have troops deployed to Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force there, Stavridis noted.   Biographies: Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis Related Sites: Kosovo Force Related Articles: Kosovo Force Rotation Prepares for Peacekeeping Mission   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Secretary Issues Guidance to Workforce Posted: 20 Dec 2012 12:19 PM PST You are subscribed to Press Advisories for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Issues Guidance to Workforce 12/20/2012 01:55 PM CST No. 071-12 December 20, 2012 Secretary Issues Guidance to Workforce             Today Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta issued guidance to the workforce regarding ongoing fiscal cliff negotiations.  The guidance is available at: http://www.defense.gov/news/FiscalCliffNegotiationsMemorandum.pdf     U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Advisories/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan Posted: 20 Dec 2012 10:58 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan 12/20/2012 10:57 AM CST Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 20, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested 15 insurgents in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province during a search for a Taliban facilitator today, military officials reported. Officials said the sought-after facilitator is responsible for manufacturing and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout Nangarhar province. In Afghanistan operations yesterday: -- A combined force killed the Taliban leader, Mahjur, along with one other insurgent in the Nari district of Kunar province. Mahjur was responsible for planning attacks against Afghanistan government officials and coalition forces. He also acquired and facilitated the movement of IED-making components, other weapons and ammunition used in attacks. -- In the Alingar district of Laghman province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader. The sought-after Taliban leader is responsible for attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces. Also, a Haqqani leader was arrested Dec. 17 in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani leader purchased weapons and ammunition for insurgents and was directly involved in planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.   Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Face of Defense: Marine Discards Flute, Picks Up Reins Posted: 20 Dec 2012 10:58 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Face of Defense: Marine Discards Flute, Picks Up Reins 12/20/2012 12:46 PM CST Face of Defense: Marine Discards Flute, Picks Up Reins By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Samuel Ranney Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif., Dec. 20, 2012 - In 1918, Opha Mae Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. At that time, women were only allowed to perform clerical duties to aid the men who were fighting overseas during World War I. Marine Corps Cpl. Cherisess Paige, a stableman with the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard stationed at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in California, poses in front of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Dec. 11, 2012. Paige's unit presented colors during the opening ceremony for the 2012 National Finals Rodeo at the center. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Ranney (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Today, women make up about six percent of the Marine Corps. Women serve in hundreds of different jobs in the Corps, including a very prestigious military occupational specialty: the last remaining Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard. Marine Corps Cpl. Cherisess Paige, a 21-year-old stableman assigned to the mounted color guard here, is one of the first women to receive official orders to the unit. Such positions had previously only been given to infantrymen, said Marine Corps Sgt. Edgar Torrealba, who's also a stableman with the mounted color guard here. "My first impression of Paige was that she was a squared-away Marine. She is very knowledgeable and willing to take advice and put it into action," Torrealba said. Paige, who calls Texas her home, said she was born in Panama and raised as a "military brat" whose father was in the Army. Paige was seven years old, she said, when she came to America with her family. She excelled academically in high school. "I was the 'nerd' in high school. I was taking many advanced placement classes and was accepted into a lot of good colleges," Paige said. "My family and friends were surprised when I chose the Marine Corps before finishing school. I wanted to do something stable and have a sure way to pay for college. I also have a lot of respect for the Marine Corps." Paige joined the Marine Corps in July 2010 as a musician with the band at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms in California. "I played the flute and the piccolo," Paige said. "I love music and I loved being a part of the Marine Corps Band." Paige had another passion and an even greater devotion than the one she had for music: horses. "I love horses. They are, by far, my favorite animal," she said. "I rode my grandma's personal horses every chance I got while growing up." Paige was first introduced to the Marine Corps' mounted color guard unit in July 2011 during the commanding general's change of command ceremony at Twentynine Palms. "At first sight I immediately wanted to be a part of the unit. I was amazed," she said. "I put in a request as soon as I could but could not quite leave the band [yet]." On Jan. 1, 2012, the band at Twentynine Palms was disbanded due to budget cuts. With the elimination of the band came the opportunity Paige was looking for. "In February 2012, I had been temporarily assigned to the MCG. I was interviewed about my experiences with horses and I also showed my ability to ride, maintain and handle the horses," Paige said. Paige put down her flute in April and became a part of the last mounted color guard unit in the Marine Corps. Torrealba said his favorite memory working with Paige was at the Houston Rodeo in Texas. It was Paige's first trip with the unit, he said, and the beginning of a strong bond that she formed with the mounted color guard. The city of Houston is Paige's favorite memory so far, she said. She explained that although she was still too new to participate in the actual event, it felt great to be a part of it and to help with the preparations. "I loved my time in Houston. It was a huge event and I got to show my family and friends what I do," Paige said. "They were all very impressed. I cannot wait until next year's [Houston Rodeo] to actually ride in the event in front of my home state." After her first enlistment concludes, Paige plans on either re-enlisting and returning to the Marine Corps Band or becoming a full-time student and getting her bachelor's degree. Whatever she does, her coworkers believe that Paige has a bright future ahead of her. "Corporal Paige is an exceptionally hard worker who expects nothing less than perfection on a daily basis. She always goes above and beyond," Torrealba said. Paige said she loves to serve her country and to travel. Whether it's playing a musical instrument or riding a mustang -- her coworkers agree that Paige has a flair for entertaining patriotic audiences across America. "I love what I do as a United States Marine," she said.   Related Sites: Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Official: DOD Aid to Congolese Army Bolsters U.S. Security Posted: 20 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Official: DOD Aid to Congolese Army Bolsters U.S. Security 12/19/2012 02:52 PM CST Official: DOD Aid to Congolese Army Bolsters U.S. Security By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2012 - The Defense Department plays a critical role in building security capacity in the central African Democratic Republic of the Congo, officials from the departments of Defense and State told the House Armed Services Committee today. Aiding the armies of DRC and nearby nations such as Uganda can help to disrupt growing links between instability in central Africa and the global terrorist threat, the officials said, and push back against nonstate actors and regimes, such as those in Syria, Iran and North Korea, that directly threaten the United States and its allies. Derek Chollet, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, and Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of African Affairs, testified before the full committee. "The U.S. has many competing security priorities in Africa, from Somalia to Sudan to Libya to Nigeria to Mali," Chollet said. "But the DRC also remains important because of the potential opportunity lasting stability would bring and because of the imperative to prevent mass atrocities, which is a priority for this administration," he added. The DRC's army, and the state military organization responsible for defending the nation, is called the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its acronym, FARDC, stands for the French version of the name -- Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo. "The security and humanitarian situation in the DRC is the most volatile and violent in Africa today," Carson said. "An estimated 5 million people have lost their lives since 1998, and millions more have been uprooted and displaced." A key threat facing Congolese civilians, particularly in the eastern DRC, is an array of violent armed groups, most notoriously including the March 23 Movement, called M23, the Lord's Resistance Army, and the remnants of genocidal militias that now call themselves the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda, or FDLR, the assistant secretary noted. Another danger to civilians is an undisciplined state security force, Chollet said, "particularly when the forces are not well supported, have absorbed armed groups without vetting them for human rights abuses, operate under a separate chain of command or have not been trained in their legal obligations." This confluence of security concerns, he added, "is prompting the Defense Department to closely follow security developments of DRC in the Great Lakes region and is actively involved along with our State Department colleagues to address them." Chollet said the unfolding crisis highlights the Congolese government's failure to provide effective security, governance and services in the eastern provinces. "It also highlights continued political and economic tensions between the DRC and its eastern neighbors, especially Rwanda," the assistant secretary said. Outside support, particularly from Rwanda, has helped to make the M23 a significant threat that seriously challenges efforts to stabilize eastern DRC and protect civilians, Chollet said. President Barack Obama told Rwandan President Paul Kagame in a telephone call yesterday that "any support to M23 is inconsistent with Rwanda's desire for stability and peace," he added. The Rwandan military is a capable partner in peacekeeping operations outside the immediate region, but their support for M23 prompted the Obama administration to suspend Rwanda's foreign military financing, Chollet told the panel. "As the situation in eastern Congo develops," he said, "we will continue to monitor reports of external support closely and respond appropriately, including by reviewing our assistance." Inside the DRC, the United States is prioritizing private-sector reform. "This means working with our partners and the DRC to develop a comprehensive approach that addresses all three elements of [the] security sector -- the Congolese defense forces, military justice and the police," the assistant secretary said. "We must work to develop more professional forces that respect human rights and protect both DRC's territorial integrity and population," he added. DOD has provided training to the Congolese military, including a light-infantry battalion in 2010, incorporating sexual and gender-based violence protection and human rights training into every aspect of the effort, Chollet said. "In addition to ongoing training on human rights and law, Defense Department engagements with the FARDC have included logistics, exercise participation, basic military intelligence training, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and humanitarian mine action," the assistant secretary said. Moving forward, he added, DOD stands ready to work with its State colleagues to determine the best way ahead and support security-sector reform, including by providing more infantry training for the FARDC. The scale of the need is significant, Chollet said. "Today we have trained one battalion of 500 soldiers [out of] a military that numbers approximately 150,000. Other European and African partners have also provided training but the FARDC's absorptive capacity for assistance is limited," he said. "The Congolese defense ministry has been slow to respond to our requests [to provide] appropriate personnel for training and information needed for congressionally mandated human rights vetting. The lack of English-language capacity further inhibits training opportunities," Chollet added. While the DRC works to develop its own security capabilities, the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation, called MONUSCO, is essential for providing security for the DRC civilian population. "MONUSCO has a challenging mandate in a very fluid security climate. We are reviewing options for improving MONUSCO's ability to meet the civilian protection requirements in the DRC," Chollet said. "To help MONUSCO," he added, "DOD has seconded three U.S. military officers who are hoping to support operational efforts in ensuring an efficient flow of information between MONUSCO headquarters and field components." Despite many challenges, the assistant secretary said, DOD has "an enduring interest in helping develop a more capable Congolese military, and this fits within [Defense] Secretary [Leon E.] Panetta's broader policy emphasis on building partner capacity." Biographies: Derek Chollet Related Sites: State Department Fact Sheet: The Democratic Republic of the Congo   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

NORAD Shares Goodwill, Education While Tracking Santa Posted: 20 Dec 2012 08:57 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. NORAD Shares Goodwill, Education While Tracking Santa 12/20/2012 10:34 AM CST NORAD Prepares to Track Santa's Worldwide Christmas Eve Flight By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Dec. 20, 2012 - The North American Aerospace Defense Command has stood sentry for more than a half century, defending the United States and Canada against attack. But in the coming days, the command here will move into full throttle to conduct its most celebrated mission: tracking Santa Claus on his yuletide journey. Volunteers at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., are gearing up to answer phone calls and emails from children around the world checking on Santa's whereabouts during the North American Aerospace Defense Command's "NORAD Tracks Santa" event Dec. 24. In this photo, taken Dec. 24, 2011, in the NORAD Tracks Center operations center, more than 1,200 volunteers keep the tradition that started in 1955 alive. They answered almost 102,000 telephone calls and 7,721 emails over a 23-hour period. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. In a YouTube video posted on the NORAD website, Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, places a call to the North Pole to describe the "NORAD Tracks Santa" mission to the big man himself. Jacoby assures Saint Nick that he and Canadian Air Force Lt. Gen. J. A. J. Parent, the NORAD deputy commander, "want to make sure you have everything you need to deliver gifts to all the good boys and girls." "We at NORAD are ready to make sure that you are tracked and safe when traveling around the world and when you enter North American airspace," Jacoby said. "From the time you leave the North Pole until the time you get back, we are going to keep an eye on you to make sure you are safe." Parent explained how NORAD will rally its detection and monitoring capabilities to track Santa's worldwide journey. Arctic experts will monitor ice floes and shipping lanes near the North Pole, and weather teams will stay on top of weather patterns to help his navigation. Tracing the infrared signature from Rudolph's nose, satellite operators will follow the sleigh's flight. Radars stretching across Canada and Alaska and on Aegis cruisers at sea will signal when Santa leaves the North Pole and approaches North America. "We are going to make sure you get to every house. Don't worry about the journey," Jacoby tells Santa. Evoking the NORAD and Northcom motto, he adds, "We've got the watch." Based on past years' response, the public will be captivated. During December 2011, the NORAD Tracks Santa website registered 18.9 million visitors from 220 countries and territories. More than 1 million Facebook followers became "fans" of NORAD Tracks Santa. On Dec. 24 alone, volunteers took 102,000 phone calls and responded to 8,000 emails, reporting on Santa's whereabouts. Not bad for a program started on a lark in 1955 when a local newspaper ad misprinted the phone number for children to call Santa. Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, a father himself, was on duty when the calls started coming in to what was then the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Rather than turning the children away, Shoup played along, offering assurance that Santa was on track to make his scheduled deliveries. The tradition continued, even as the command merged with its Canadian counterpart in 1958 to form NORAD, and has enthralled the young -- and the young at heart -- around the globe ever since. Technology and social media have expanded the program's reach exponentially, offering updates on Santa's whereabouts by phone, online and through mobile apps. The website offers reports in eight languages and volunteer translators at the call center take calls in several languages. This year, Marisa Novobilski, lead coordinator, is expecting the highest participation ever. "In the past few years, the growth has been amazing," she said. "We want to take that to the next level, reaching even more people." She credited the army of volunteers that makes it possible -- so many that she finds herself having to turn many away -- and 52 different companies and organizations that contribute technology and know-how to support the project. "The outpouring is immense," Novobilski said. "It's unbelievable, the way people contact us to ask what they can do to help." Early indications show 2012 will be a banner year. The NORAD Tracks Santa website has already registered almost 2.1 million visitors since it launched Dec. 1. The Facebook page has registered more than 1 million "likes," and the new NORAD Tracks Santa apps have been downloaded by more than 1.6 million users. The project also has almost 95,500 Twitter followers. With Santa still at the North Pole, visitors are discovering a plethora of other treats, from holiday music by military bands to activities and games in addition to information about the NORAD mission. But beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve, NORAD Tracks Santa will move into high gear. The first of about 1,200 volunteers from the base and community will begin cramming into the Leadership Development Center on Peterson Air Force Base, which will temporarily be transformed into the NORAD Tracks Santa operations center. The center expanded into a third room last year, with 30 additional phones and computers added to the effort. Armed with telephones and laptops, volunteers will pull shifts through the night, answering phone calls and emails from children around the world as they check on Santa's globe-circling sleigh ride. They'll send Tweets reporting Santa's location and upload images gathered by webcams to the website to pinpoint the sleigh's location. Some of the callers and web visitors, Novobilski knows, will be young military children, wanting to make sure that Santa will pay a visit to their deployed parents. "You get a lot of heartbreaking calls," she said. "But we tell them that Santa visits everyone who believes." Novobilski said she's been overwhelmed by the program's impact, and how it has made NORAD a household name among people who might never have heard of the command or its mission when it's not tracking Santa. "This is a goodwill program that reaches so many people across the globe," she said. "You are educating people about our missions and you are having fun while doing it. At the end of the day, everyone is smiling. So as busy as everybody is, and as crazy as things can get, we all know that this is making a difference."   Biographies: Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. Canadian Air Force Lt. Gen. J. A. J. Parent Related Sites: NORAD Tracks Santa North American Aerospace Defense Command U.S. Northern Command   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. 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Reminder - Dining Facilities Half-Day and Holiday Schedule, including Christmas Meals Posted: 20 Dec 2012 07:46 AM PST Christmas meals are being served at Fort Riley Dining Facilities. 2 locations provide dining opportunities Dec. 24 & 25.   The cost is $7.50 for DA Civilians, guests, and visitors.   http://www.riley.army.mil/NewsViewer.aspx?id=6905           Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit https://service.govdelivery.com/service/help.html or contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Fort Riley. This email was sent by GovDelivery, Inc. on behalf of Fort Riley - 408 St. Peter Street, Suite 600 Saint Paul, MN 55102 - 1-800-439-1420

Bringing Holiday Cheer to America's Vets Posted: 20 Dec 2012 07:03 AM PST Veterans Health Administration Update: Inside Veterans Health Bringing Holiday Cheer to America's Vets 12/20/2012 08:00 AM EST From the VA Community Living Center at Cheyenne, Wyo. to the Texas Veterans Health Care Systems, VA staff, volunteers and communities bring holiday cheer to America’s Veterans during the 2012 holiday season. Connect With Us.   You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Health.  Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe.  Get this as a forward? Sign up to receive updates from Veterans Health.  Have questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.    Sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)

Propwash Posted: 20 Dec 2012 01:08 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 12.20.12 Issue 156/20 Aero-News.Net 'Propwash' Daily News Provided to registered subscribers, Daily: ISSN: 1530-9339 For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures: Manage Your Subscription here For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures and Privacy Statement, scroll to end. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to this day's ANN 'Propwash' Daily News Brief. We welcome and encourage your comments, criticism and suggestions... and hope that you'll become active members of the ANN community, though we'd like to ask you one big favor... PLEASE TELL EVERYONE ABOUT AERO-NEWS! NEWS SUMMARY: Remember... You Have to Go to www.aero-news.net to read the WHOLE story! There's much more! ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Daily Sponsor: 12.20.12 Edition: Aero-TV: Redbird's Sharp--Transforming the Art & Craft of Flight Instruction (4) Redbird's Roger Sharp Reports Results On The First Year Of An Exciting Experiment (Part 4 of 5) Aviation has been undergoing some rough years... and the future is, as yet, quite uncertain. There are few facets of the aviation world more uncertain, though, than that of the flight training industry and community. Years of "...that's the way we've always done it," have created a serious culture clash among those who feel the old ways are the good ways, and those who feel that its time for something "completely different." Redbird Flight Simulation's Skyport experiment was specifically designed to look at the future of flight training... to retain the best of what works and to overhaul what doesn't. At its Migration Flight Training Conference last October, Redbird announced the school has graduated 20 Private Pilots, as well as completed 18 instrument ratings, one multi-engine rating and one instrument instructor certificate. It took an average of 38 flight hours to complete the private pilot rating, which is less than two-thirds the national average. Roger Sharp, Director of Flight Operations for the Skyport, offered up an extensive report on what they have learned... from Skyport as well as the 46 products that have come out of this process thus far -- with more on the way. "We found that we needed to completely rethink the learner, the materials and delivery methods... We identify better methods every week." Some of these products are high-tech, such as a Guided Independent Flight Training or GIFT, which demonstrates maneuvers in the simulator and scores student performance on that maneuver automatically. Sharp points out that most instructors don't enjoy teaching the basics in a simulator, so GIFT and the communications-training software Parrot automate the process until the student is ready to practice with live person watching. The instructor can be more a coach and mentor that a primary teacher, which suits most instructors better. ANN is pleased to present an excerpted hour of one of the most intriguing presentations we witnessed in 2012... and look forward to far more in 2013. Copyright 2012, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved. FMI: http://redbirdskyport.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=b9e91d33-5113-47b9-b359-3af43b0fc2a7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aviation Industry Group Seeks GAO Study Of Pilot Supply Suggested Topics Include Pilot Demand, Education Pipeline Representatives from a group of aviation industry stakeholders recently proposed to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) that it launch a study to gain a better understanding of pilot supply and demand and its potential effects on the U.S. aviation industry and the U.S. economy. The group suggested topics that the GAO would consider in this study. "The overlying question has to be: Is there a pilot shortage on the horizon and if so, how severe could it be, how long will it last, what sector of the industry is affected first, how far is the outreach and what are the safety and economic impacts?" the proposal states. The request, which was put forth by a group of 16 stakeholders across the spectrum of aviation, noted that, "the aviation industry is entering an era of unprecedented pilot staffing challenges as a result of a struggling economy, bankruptcies, mergers, increasing flight training costs, manufacturing declines and numerous new public laws and regulations. Similarly, the general aviation sector is seeing a continued decline in active pilots as well as new pilot starts and diminished interest in seeking aviation as a career or for pleasure. "The entire aviation industry has weathered these and other major events in the past and yet has continued to offer the traveling public ever-safer air transport. Although the industry has been resilient, adaptable and proactive, and has successfully navigated these changes, it will be faced with a far more challenging situation in the near term: unprecedented pilot attrition rates coupled with diminished pilot availability caused by a decline of new entrants into the profession and a dramatic reduction in the availability of military trained pilots that have been a primary source of airline pilots since World War II. "The impacts of a pilot shortage would cascade throughout all facets of aviation including general aviation as well as the airlines and the military. As the airlines hire the few qualified pilots available, a lack of pilots would severely impact corporate and charter operations of general aviation. Also, with few pilots choosing to enter the field of aviation as a career, universities and flight training providers will see a continued drop in enrollment. The industry will see less and less activity translating into less hours of instruction given and fewer aircraft sold." "This discussion needs to be continued and expanded within the entire aviation industry," said National Association of Flight Instructors Executive Director Jason Blair. "The group that put this proposal together has been meeting on a regular basis to discuss pilot training and shortage issues. Its broad representation offers a strong knowledge base that the industry can work with and help craft solutions for the success of the entire aviation industry." The stakeholder group that worked on this proposal includes representatives from airlines, regional airlines, manufacturers, general aviation associations and flight training providers. FMI: Read The Proposal For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=3049da85-2223-43a5-89bb-62480f4357e9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- New Crew Headed To ISS America, Russia, Canada Represented Aboard The Soyuz Spacecraft With temperatures well below freezing at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Tom Marshburn of NASA, Roman Romanenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency launched Wednesday to the International Space Station at 0712 EST (1812 Baikonur time). The trio will dock its Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft to the Rassvet module on the Russian segment of the space station at 0812 EST Friday, Dec. 21. About three hours later, hatches between the Soyuz and the orbiting laboratory will open. Marshburn, Romanenko and Hadfield will be greeted by space station Expedition 34 Commander Kevin Ford of NASA and Flight Engineers Oleg Novitskiy and Evgeny Tarelkin of Roscosmos, who have been in orbit since late-October. Marshburn, Romanenko and Hadfield will remain aboard the station until May 2013. Ford, Novitskiy and Tarelkin will return to Earth on March 15, when Hadfield will become the first Canadian commander of the space station. The focus of Expedition 34 is scientific research, with the astronauts serving as subjects for human physiology tests, including examinations of astronaut bone loss. The crew also is conducting a wide range of physical science, Earth observation, human research and technology demonstration investigations. Experiments will investigate how fire behaves in space, which could help improve engine fuel efficiency and fire suppression methods in space and on Earth. Other research will look at fluids that change physical properties in the presence of a magnet, which could improve bridge and building designs to better withstand earthquakes. With the help of cameras set up by the crew, students on Earth are capturing photos of our planet. (Expedition 34 Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), top, NASA Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn and Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko. Photo provided by NASA) FMI: www.nasa.gov/station For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=c37648fb-80a6-4640-999d-3bd59c3bae19 ----------------------------------------------------------------- VIP TFR Posted For Obama Vacation In Hawaii Flight Restrictions In Place From December 21 Through January 6 It may be "the most wonderful time of the year" ... unless you happen to be a GA pilot or owner of an aviation business on the island on Oahu. The FAA has posted a TFR with a duration of more than two weeks that covers the entire island of Oahu in anticipation of President Obama's planned vacation. The TFR consists of a 10 NM "inner core" centered on the Koko Head VORTAC with a flat side that excludes much of the city of Honolulu, but the 30 nm outer ring encompasses the entire island and surrounding ocean. Both rings extend up to FL180. The FAA classifies airspace defined in this NOTAM as 'National Defense Airspace'. Pilots who do not adhere to the published procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel. Any of the following additional actions may also be taken against a pilot who does not comply with the requirements or any special instructions or procedures announced in this NOTAM: 1) The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of airmen certificates. 2) The united states government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under title 49 of the united states code, section 46307 3) The united states government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat. While the visit will disrupt many normal flight operations, the FAA's NOTAM indicates that there are some business and recreational flights that will be allowed. The NOTAM states that the following operations are permitted only with FAA/TSA/USSS pre-approval between 0900-1700 local daily from the following locations: 1) Flight training at Kalaeloa (PHJR) and Dillingham (PHDH) airports. 2) Practice approaches at Kalaeloa airport (PHJR). 3) Sightseeing operations via pre-approved routes from Honolulu (PHNL) and Turtle Bay Resort heliport (HI58). 4) Seaplane operations landing and departing at Honolulu (PHNL). 5) Within a 5nm radius, up to but not including 14,500 ft MSL of Dillingham airport (PHDH), excluding special use areas, flight training, parachute jumping and glider operations will be authorized from 0900 to 1700 local daily. Operators need to be aware that any and/or all operations may be canceled with little or no advanced notice. Pilots on Oahu are advised to carefully check NOTAMS before beginning any flight over the holidays. FMI: TFR For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=7ce68dbb-b905-468b-8d78-0296f76cb3c3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- IATA Revises Airline Performance Forecast Upwards For 2012 Industry Net Margin Expected To Reach 1.3 Percent Next Year The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released an upward revision to its industry financial outlook. For 2012 airlines are expected to return a profit of $6.7 billion (up from the $4.1 billion forecast in October). This is expected to improve slightly to $8.4 billion in 2013 (marginally better than the $7.5 billion forecast in October). Industry net post-tax margin, however, will remain weak at 1.0% in 2012 and 1.3% in 2013. Improved prospects for 2012 are being driven by strong airline performance in the second and third quarters. Despite high fuel prices and a slowing world economy, airline profits and cash flows held up at levels similar to 2006 when oil prices were about $45/barrel lower and world economic growth was 4.0%. Historically, when GDP growth has fallen below 2% the airline industry has returned a collective loss. “With GDP growth close to the "stall speed" of 2.0% and oil at $109.5/barrel we expected much weaker performance. But airlines have adjusted to this difficult environment through improving efficiency and restructuring. That is protecting cash flows against weak economic growth and high fuel prices,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. The improved performance is most evident in large airlines for which Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) averaged between 10% and 15% of revenue in the third quarter of the year. “It’s a diverging picture. Economies of scale are helping larger airlines to cope much better with the difficult environment than small and medium-sized carriers which continue to struggle,” said Tyler. Overall performance has been positively impacted by strong passenger traffic growth (5.3%) and a 3.0% improvement in yields. Despite the slowing world economy business travel was supported by more robust international trade in goods and service. This contributed to a positive picture for both passenger volumes and yields. In sharp contrast, cargo markets have contracted by 2.0% and cargo yields are down 2.0% on 2011 levels. Although world trade is still expanding, the pattern of economic growth – concentrated in the emerging markets – has favored ocean over air freight. The slight relief in oil prices (at $109.5/barrel, down from $110/barrel in the October forecast) did not translate into relief on the fuel price. Moving in the opposite direction, because of a widening of refinery margins, jet fuel costs are expected to average $129.5/barrel which is a $1.8/barrel increase on the previous forecast. IATA emphasizes that despite the improved prospects, overall the industry remains weak: The $6.7 billion expected net profit is a fall from the $8.8 billion that the industry made in 2011. The 1.0% net profit margin is well below the 7-8% needed to recover the industry’s cost of capital. IATA says that changes to industry structure are contributing to the improved airline financial performance seen since the second quarter. In the difficult business environment of the past year airlines have been seeking to lower costs and improve yields through restructuring. Recent alliances and joint ventures have enabled economies of scale as well as offering more choice for passengers. A sharp fall in the number of new entrants, due to the lack of funding for start-ups, and a number of airline bankruptcies have also contributed to an improved industry structure which has allowed airlines to share efficiency gains between improved service for passengers and better returns for investors. Regionally, North American carriers are expected to end 2012 with a collective net profit of $2.4 billion. That is stronger than the $1.7 billion profit of 2011, largely on the back of much improved asset utilization as a result of recent industry consolidation. European carriers are expected to break even. That is $400 million worse than 2011 performance, but $1.2 billion better than the October forecast largely attributable to the results of efficiency programs and stronger traffic growth which drove improved results in the second and third quarter. Asia-Pacific carriers are expected to post a net profit of $3.0 billion, an improvement of $700 million on the October forecast. The region will deliver the largest aggregate profit among the regions. Middle East airlines are expected to post a profit of $800 million, $100 million over the October outlook. That is slightly below the $1 billion that Middle East carriers made in 2011. The outlook for Latin American airlines is unchanged at $400 million. Along with North America, it is the only region to see an improvement on 2011 when the region’s carriers posted a profit of $300 million. African airlines are expected to end the year at break even ... unchanged from the previous forecast and from 2011. "Prospects for 2013 will be largely unchanged from 2012. Net profits are expected to rise to $8.4 billion leaving the industry with a 1.3% net profit margin. It is good that we are moving in the right direction, but the year ahead is shaping up to be another tough one for the industry,” said Tyler. The largest driver of industry prospects is global economic growth. This is expected to strengthen only slightly to 2.3% in 2013. Passenger demand in 2013 is expected to grow by 4.5%, which is below the 5.3% forecast for 2012. Yields are expected to deteriorate by 0.2%, largely in response to lower fuel costs. Cargo demand is expected to increase by 1.4% (not enough to make up for the 2.0% decline in 2012). The mismatch between growth rates for passenger and cargo demand tends to lead to cargo capacity in excess of demand and yields falling by 1.5%. Oil prices are expected to moderate slightly to $104/barrel, down $5.5/barrel from 2012. The premium paid for jet fuel refining, however, will result in a smaller drop in jet fuel prices to $124.3/barrel, down $5.2 from 2012. North American airlines are expected to post a combined net profit of $3.4 billion—the largest absolute profit among the regions, and a $1.0 billion improvement on 2012. The US economy is forecast to be the strongest growing among the developed economies and further benefits are expected from earlier consolidation. European airlines are expected to have a second consecutive year at break even. The continuing uncertainty in the European economy, high taxes and inefficient infrastructure continue to plague the industry in Europe. Asia-Pacific airlines are expected to see net profits grow by $200 million to $3.2 billion in 2013. Economies in this region remain the most dynamic and the deterioration in cargo markets is expected to come to an end in 2013. Middle East airlines are expected to see profits rise by $300 million to $1.1 billion. Airlines in this region are forecast to continue to expand their share of international markets. Latin American airlines will see net profits rise by $300 million to $700 million. Strong trade flows and robust growth in this region support revenues and improvements continue from consolidation in Brazil. African airlines are expected to post a third consecutive year of break even performance. Economic growth and trade flows are robust but airlines performance remains uneven. FMI: www.iata.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=5683126c-22fc-4454-8680-73b623a43d54 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TSA Commissions Backscatter Scanner Health Study National Academy Of Sciences To Conduct The Research The Department of Homeland Security placed a notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website last week indicating that it would contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study health effects related to backscatter X-ray scanners. The sole source contract will be awarded to the National Academy of Sciences pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. A committee will "review previous studies as well as current processes used by DHS and equipment manufacturers to estimate radiation exposure resulting from backscatter x-ray advanced imaging technology (AIT) systems used in screening air travelers." The committee will the be charged with providing a report with findings and recommendations on: (1) whether exposures comply with applicable health and safety standards for public and occupational exposures to ionizing radiation, and (2) whether system design (e.g., safety interlocks), operating procedures, and maintenance procedures are appropriate to prevent over exposures of travelers and operators to ionizing radiation. This study will not address legal, cultural, or privacy implications of this technology. In January, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a bill that would require the Under Secretary for Science and Technology in the Department of Homeland Security to contract with an independent laboratory to study the health effects of backscatter x-ray machines used at airline checkpoints operated by the TSA, and provide improved notice to airline passengers. That bill has not made it out of committee. TSA has held fast to its assertion that the effects of the radiation used by the machines is "negligible." The agency says on its website that "TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Currently, there are over 800 imaging technology units at approximately 200 airports. Advanced imaging technology screening is safe for all passengers and the technology meets national health and safety standards." FMI: www.tsa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=8e7478df-b1a3-4fc2-b668-6219b765e400 ----------------------------------------------------------------- X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Completes First At-Sea Tests Trials Focused On Operations Aboard A Carrier, Flight Testing To Come The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completed its first at-sea test phase aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) December 18. The first aircraft of its kind aboard a Naval vessel, the X-47B was put through myriad trials designed to assess the viability of an unmanned system's operation aboard a carrier. Among the multitude of tests, the X-47B was towed using carrier-based tractors, taxied on the flight deck via its arm-mounted control display unit (CDU), and had its digital engine controls tested within environments pervaded by electromagnetic fields. "The system has performed outstandingly," said Don Blottenberger, program manager for the N-UCAS Program Office (PMA-268). "We've learned a lot about the environment that we're in and how compatible the aircraft is with a carrier's flight deck, hangar bays and communication systems." "We validated our capabilities on an aircraft carrier," said Mike Mackey, Northrop Grumman's program director. "We gained a lot of knowledge that we could never have gotten anywhere else except on a carrier. It was perfect for the team. We demonstrated the program's maturity and our team's ability to interact with Sailors and the ship, which was one of the most important things for us to do." Mackey said data collected from the aircraft's performance throughout its two-week test period aboard Truman will contribute to future unmanned aviation programs. Although the X-47B, as a demonstration aircraft, will never be put into production, Blottenberger said Sailors may one day see similar aircraft aboard ships. "There are a lot of people aboard Truman that will take this experience with them," said Blottenberger. "I think that all of this interest will help different programs both manned and unmanned. Hopefully, its impact will benefit future technologies." Sailors aboard Truman were offered working experience with the X-47B as crew members directed the aircraft on the flight deck and handled it in the hangar bays. With X-47B's deck testing completed, Blottenberger said the aircraft will return to Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River for further testing and is scheduled to embark another carrier in mid-2013. "I'm a believer that this is only the beginning," said Blottenberger. "We're taking UCAS-D into next year with what we learned aboard Truman. We are planning to get it back on a carrier to complete catapult launches, arrested landings and aerial refueling tests. There is a lot ahead for our program and a lot of hard work behind us. I look at Truman as the beginning of future unmanned integration with the fleet." ANN Salutes Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor DiMartino, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs (US Navy images) FMI: www.navy.mil For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=d0b19924-9041-48c8-b21e-c6d4f2f16669 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Apollo 17, 40 Years Ago: 'Splashdown' Part 4: The End Of The Beginning By Wes Oleszewski It was 1755 EST time on December 14th, 1972 when the ascent propulsion system of the LEM Challenger ignited and separated from its descent stage. Mylar insulation bits and pieces were seen flying off in every direction as the rover’s camera followed the ascent stage in perfect timing. In Houston, controller Ed Fendell, who had been the person remotely controlling the rover’s camera for all of the missions that had used that system, had timed the camera’s movement with perfection. That required him to take into account the three-second delay in communications between the earth and the moon when commanding the camera to start panning up as well as the same delay in the astronauts counting down to ignition. On Apollo 15 the camera had a malfunctioning clutch and thus could not pan up to watch that mission’s ascent from the lunar surface. On Apollo 16 the camera was still able to pan up, but the rover had been parked about 65 feet closer to than LEM than planned. Fendell’s camera was unable to tilt up fast enough to keep up with the ascent stage which was soon out from view. On Apollo 17, we saw the ascent stage rise gracefully into the blackness of the lunar sky and then pitch-over. At pitch-over you could look right into the nozzle of the ascent engine which glowed blue-white. There was no flame because there was no atmosphere and the hypergolic propellants used in the LEMs engines burn clear. Still, the sight was amazing as the ascent half of the Challenger sped out of view. The rover’s camera then panned down and scanned what for three days had been an active scientific work site, but now had suddenly become noting more than artifacts left behind. Some two hours after lunar liftoff, the Challenger rendezvoused with the CSM America. Now, the networks managed to break in and cover the event live. That of course meant that the American public would miss the first seven minutes of “The Mod Squad,” “The Waltons” and “The Flip Wilson Show.” How would our culture survive such a blow? After some station-keeping and photographic exercises the two modules lined up for docking. Command Module Pilot Ron Evans gracefully eased his vehicle in for a soft-dock. The three latched on the probe, however, did not catch. “Okay, we didn’t get it,” he reported as Cernan echoed the report. Indeed the two vehicles needed to back off slightly and try again. The second time was the charm as the latches caught and then as Evans hit the retract switch, the nitrogen bottles fired and the two vehicles were brought together for a hard dock. No sooner had the crew announced a hard-dock than Mission Control called up and stated that President Nixon had a statement that he wanted read up to the crew. Capcom Gordon Fullerton dutifully read it to the crew: "As the Challenger leaves the surface of the Moon, we are conscious not of what we leave behind, but of what lies before us. The dreams that draw humanity forward seem always to be redeemed, if we believe in them strongly enough and pursue them with diligence and courage. Once we stood mystified by the stars; today we reach up to them. We do this not only because it is man's destiny to dream the impossible, and to do the impossible; but also because, in space, as on Earth, there are new answers and new opportunities for the improvement of and the enlargement of human existence. This may be the last time in this century that men will walk on the Moon, but space exploration will continue, the benefits of space exploration will continue, and there will be new dreams to pursue, based upon what we have learned. So let us not mistake the significance or miss the majesty of what we have witnessed. Few events have ever marked so clearly the passage of history from one epoch to another. If we understand this about the last flight of Apollo, then truly we shall have touched a 'many splendored thing'. To Gene Cernan, Jack Schmitt, and Ron Evans, we say God speed you safely back to this good Earth." Sitting at home I was sickened. “It was those guys in Washington who were ending Apollo. If Nixon thought it was so great, why didn’t he do something to keep it going?” I thought. It would not be until years later that I would discover that the early end of Apollo had Nixon’s fingerprints all over it. Apparently, I was not the only one upset by that disingenuous message. NASA’s Apollo Lunar Surface Journal captured the moment aboard Apollo 17 itself and says: “Gene made a gracious statement of thanks and then Jack and Ron added brief thanks of their own. But, inside, Jack was steaming. Apollo was ending, but there were still 27 years left in the century and he hated the thought of an American President telling a whole generation that they would have no chance to do their own lunar exploration. But there was nothing Jack could do but suppress his anger and, in the meantime, there was some more exploration that he and the others could do before they headed home.” Four and a half hours later the Challenger was jettisoned and America with her crew remained alone in lunar orbit. Ron Evans, who had remained aboard the CSM “America,” was almost completely overlooked by the media. Yet he had a very important and complex job to do while orbiting the lunar surface. He was dedicated to managing and operating the Scientific Instrument Module, also known as the “SIM Bay.” Loaded with an Infrared Scanning Radiometer, a Far-Ultraviolet Spectrometer, a Lunar Sounder Optical Recorder, a Mapping Camera, a LASER Altimeter and a Gama Ray Spectrometer, the SIM Bay kept Evans well occupied. Now, he had the other two crewmembers to lend a hand. On Saturday, December 16, 1973 Apollo 17’s CSM fired its Service Propulsion System engine and burned out of lunar orbit; America the spacecraft and America the nation withdrew from the moon. On Monday afternoon, Ron Evans opened the Command Module’s hatch and went out into the void between the earth and the moon. Hand-over-hand he made his way aft to the SIM Bay. His objective was to retrieve film canisters and he made ventured along, describing his every move over the intercom. Cernan came on at one point with a stoic tone saying, “Keep talkin’ Ron, I’m walking this one with ya’.” He was likely having memories of his own spacewalk on Gemini IX which he often describes as being, “The spacewalk from hell.” Over some two hours and 10 minutes, Cernan exhausted himself and came close to death. Evans, however, was having a blast outside; laughing and even waving at the TV camera as he worked. His EVA went without a hitch, of course we in the general public had to wait and see it as a highlight on the evening news a few hours later. Reentry took place on Wednesday afternoon December 19th. This was my last “Apollo day off from school” and for the first time during the mission the TV coverage was pretty extensive. That was good for me because the lightweight coverage of the rest of the mission had left me with about a half hour of audio tape to fill. There was an interesting “first” that happened during Apollo 17’s reentry. For the first time NASA PAO allowed us to all hear what the astronauts were actually saying inside the spacecraft, in real time, during the reentry and recovery phase. Apparently they allowed the crew to go on open mic. VOX. The only time that they could not be heard was during the black-out portion of the reentry. As soon as the black-out cleared, however we could hear them again. I was entranced! It was so cool to hear them talking to each other and making calls, that I did not even care that I did not know what most of it meant. I would figure it out later when I played the tapes over and over driving my family insane. Splashdown was a work of art and the impact of the spacecraft was captured up-close by the TV camera. Later we saw close-up pictures of the crew exiting the vehicle and flopping into life-rafts. The images were so good that you could see Schmitt scoop a hand full of the blue Pacific and toss it gleefully at Evans. In short order the crew were on the deck of the carrier Ticonderoga making short speeches. I considered Cernan’s statement about Apollo 17 being the end of the beginning. It rang hollow, even to a 15-year-old; Apollo 17 was over, and so was Apollo. Spool the clock ahead 40 years. While writing this piece I glanced over my shoulder and saw my five-year-old daughter in “the play area” of our home rooting through a basket of assorted and well-worn toys. Coincidentally, she came up with an old, partly broken Saturn V toy and raising it over her head was making the “Shhhhoooommm” sound. “Where ya’ goin’ sweetie?” I asked, expecting an answer about some cartoon show fairy land. Unexpectedly she replied, “To the moon.” Without hesitation I dropped my work and turned to her, “You wanna go to the moon eh? Well daddy can help.” With that I dug into my collection of space stuff and soon we had a LEM and a couple of astronaut action figures from the “Daddy Shelf.” A bit of dusting off and we were down on the carpet playing lunar EVA. Soon daddy said, “Do you wanna see real men walking on the moon?” “Yeah.” She replied with a wide smile. I broke out my Spacecraft Films Apollo 17 DVD set and put EVA number one on the big TV. As they worked the ALSEP she asked, “What they were doing?” I told her that they were setting up experiments. “We need some experiments,” she said with a glow. Thus we gathered old pen tops, toy thimbles, doll chairs and even a packing peanut with a toothpick stuck in it- they all turned into experiments. “Ya’ know what else we need?” she asked, “It starts with an “R”… rover.” Daddy got one of those from his collection too. For the entire afternoon we played being on the moon. At one point she asked innocently “Are those guys on the moon right now?” I replied “no” and explained that all of that took place long ago when daddy was a little boy and that we don’t go to the moon anymore. Busying her tiny fingers with our “experiments” in our ALSEP on the carpet, she asked, “Why?” Indeed, “why?” How does one answer that to a five-year-old? How does one who had the privilege to watch men walking on the lunar surface, live, in real time, explain to the next generation why it is that we as a nation simply gave it up? How does one explain to our children that they will quite likely not have the chance go and do such things themselves or for that matter even have the chance to see it happen, live? How does one explain the myth that the money spent on Apollo would be used to cure all of the ills here on earth if we would just stop going to the moon? How does one explain to a kid what myopic, self-serving politicians are? How does one explain to future generations that my generation stepped away from the peaceful advancement of human civilization because the TV rating were low? Perhaps we should use the words of President Obama and simply, arrogantly state that we no longer go to the moon, nor will we ever again go to the moon because “…to put it bluntly, Buzz has already been there.” Indeed, “why?” will be the next generation’s question and my generation has no good answer. FMI: www.nasa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=b0435635-4c8e-4cab-a7ab-9ee1f6a49fca ----------------------------------------------------------------- Boeing Says Test 'Breakthrough' Means More Reliable Connectivity On Airplanes Potato Test Yields More Comprehensive Evaluation For Safety Standards, Clears Way For Better In-Cabin Signals An advanced method to test wireless signals in airplane cabins has been developed by Boeing, making it possible for passengers to enjoy more reliable connectivity when using networked personal electronic devices in the air. Boeing engineers created a new process for measuring radio signal quality using proprietary measurement technology and analysis tools. This enables engineers to more efficiently measure how strong a signal is and how far it spreads, ensuring safe yet powerful signal penetration throughout an airplane cabin. Once the new method was established, testing that previously took more than two weeks to conduct was reduced to 10 hours. "Every day we work to ensure that Boeing passengers are travelling on the safest and most advanced airplanes in the world," said Dennis O'Donoghue, vice president of Boeing Test & Evaluation. "This is a perfect example of how our innovations in safety can make the entire flying experience better." This technology was first developed to more thoroughly and efficiently ensure that signal propagation met the regulatory safety standards that protect against interference with an aircraft's critical electrical systems. Initially using a de-commissioned airplane, the team from Boeing Test & Evaluation laboratories conducted a series of such tests. The team determined that potatoes were ideal stand-ins for passengers, given their similar physical interactions with electronic signal properties. Much of the testing was conducted on the grounded airplane with the seats filled with 20,000 pounds of potato sacks. The test data was then validated on the ground with human stand-ins for passengers. A wireless signal inside an airplane can deviate randomly when people move around. Boeing's new test process takes advantage of state-of-the-art technology and ground-breaking statistical analysis to identify strong and weak signal areas and balance them by adjusting the connectivity system accordingly. The result, Boeing says, is increased safety and reliability. FMI: www.boeing.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=cbc51af5-425f-4655-8bbd-11a17dab6210 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pinnacle Airlines, ALPA Reach Tentative Agreement Moves Airline Closer To Successful Restructuring In Chapter 11 Pinnacle Airlines has reached a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the legal representative of the Pinnacle Airlines pilot group on cost reductions that cover pay, retirement, work rules and benefits, the two sides announced Monday. A separate agreement was reached among Pinnacle Airlines, Pinnacle pilots and Delta Air Lines that includes long-term career opportunities and the addition of 40 CRJ-900s to the Pinnacle fleet. With this agreement, Pinnacle's long-term fleet plan has been established at 81 CRJ-900 aircraft. The CRJ-900 deliveries are planned for the fall 2013 and are planned to be completed by year-end 2014. Pinnacle will remove its 140 CRJ-200 aircraft from the fleet over the next two to three years. "I want to thank ALPA and the negotiating teams for working exceptionally hard to accomplish this," said John Spanjers, president and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. "Throughout this process, our goal was to reach a consensual agreement with ALPA and both sides worked diligently to achieve that goal." ALPA members will have the opportunity to vote on the tentative agreement in January and, if approved, the changes would become effective when similar changes are implemented for Pinnacle's other labor groups and non-union employees. The tentative agreement also remains subject to approval and review by the Bankruptcy Court. FMI: www.mesaba.com, www.alpa.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=570496c5-1a2c-463f-87f3-ac242d4d48ab ----------------------------------------------------------------- Boeing, Embraer Collaborate On Runway Safety Runway Situation Awareness Tools Will Provide New Procedures, Training And Technology To Reduce Runway Excursions Boeing and Embraer S.A. have rolled out a program in which they will work together to provide customers with a shared set of tools, called Runway Situation Awareness Tools, to reduce runway excursions. This further strengthens the collaboration between two of the world's largest aerospace companies. To significantly reduce runway excursions in the near term, Boeing and Embraer will provide customers with new pilot procedures and a training video on landing performance. In the longer term, the companies will also develop joint technology and systems for the flight deck to improve pilot information about approach and landing. Based on data analysis of past incidents, the companies believe the Runway Situation Awareness Tools' broad strategy to reduce runway excursions could be utilized by pilots flying other commercial aircraft, supporting overall industry safety. "New pilot procedures, training and technology are effective and practical ways to eliminate runway excursions for Boeing and Embraer customers," said Ray Conner, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are very pleased to collaborate with Embraer to support our customers and further strengthen industry safety." "Runway excursion is one of the three major contributors to aviation accidents, and we firmly believe that a robust set of pilot procedures, training and new technology will substantially reduce these events," said Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. "This is another result of a successful joint effort from Boeing and Embraer on technological fronts, with important gains for our airline customers." The global commercial aviation industry has substantially reduced accidents and incidents in recent decades, but runway excursions remain a concern. From 2002 to 2011, runway excursions involving the global fleet accounted for 15 out of a total of 79 fatal accidents and resulted in more than 780 fatalities. The companies' collaboration on runway safety for commercial aircraft revealed Tuesday advances their April announcement that Boeing and Embraer will cooperate in ways that create value for both companies and their customers. Embraer and Boeing have also announced collaboration on Embraer's KC-390 and Super Tucano defense aircraft programs and are working together to advance the supply of sustainable aviation biofuels. FMI: www.boeing.com, www.embraer.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=b0fd4e2b-9fee-4101-85ef-a96cfe3cd922 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus Orders Up To 100 A320neo Family Aircraft Second Largest neo Order From A European Airline Pegasus Airlines, the second largest airline in Turkey, says it plans to acquire up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft (58 A320neo and 17 A321neo models), of which 75 are firm orders. Pegasus becomes a new Airbus customer and the first Turkish airline to order the A320neo. This is the largest single commercial aircraft order ever placed by an airline in Turkey. It was announced Tuesday at a ceremony attended by Binali Yildirim, the Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication, Ali Sabanci, Chairman of Pegasus, Sertac Haybat, CEO of Pegasus and Christopher Buckley, Airbus Executive Vice President Europe, Asia and Pacific. “It is with great pride that we are placing the biggest order in the history of Turkish civil aviation with Airbus for up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft,” said Ali Sabanci, Chairman of Pegasus. “At Pegasus, we believe that everyone has the right to fly, and the A320neo with its 15 percent fuel burn reduction combined with superior cabin comfort made it without a doubt the best choice for achieving our ambitious future development plans.” “Airlines around the world are focused on growing their business profitably and the A320neo offers them a solution for doing just that. New generation technologies on the neo, such as Sharklets and more efficient engines will cut fuel burn by 15 percent, and in addition operators will benefit from the proven high reliability of the A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. Pegasus’ new aircraft will be configured in an all-economy layout with 180 seats in the A320neo and 220 seats in the A321neo. They will be deployed on Pegasus’ network flying from Istanbul to destinations in Turkey, Europe and the Middle East. (Image provided by Airbus) FMI: www.airbus.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=0d8c32ea-ca78-48cb-ba17-3a58d043dc10 ----------------------------------------------------------------- AETC Declares Eglin Ready For F-35 Training Thirty-Five Pilots Expected To Go Through The Program In 2013 Following an independent evaluation of Eglin's capability to conduct F-35A Lightning II pilot training, Air Education and Training Command announced Monday that the 33rd Fighter Wing can do so starting January 2013. "The preliminary results provided by the Joint Operational Test Team show the F-35A aircraft and its pilot training and sustainment systems, are robust enough to conduct the planned pilot transition and instructor upgrade courses," said Air Education and Training Command commander, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. AETC will initiate syllabus training in order to meet Air Force-defined requirements. A deliberate process will be used that continues to validate the training system's effectiveness through advancing training blocks as they are made available by the military's F-35 Program Office and Lockheed Martin. The Operational Utility Evaluation, which started Sept. 10 and was slated to last 65 days, encompassed intensive classroom and simulator training along with six flights, for four primary and two backup upgrading student pilots. Because of "good weather, an accomplished maintenance team and talented instructors to train the pilots, the OUE process lasted only 46 training days," said Col. Andrew Toth, 33rd Fighter Wing commander, an F-35A instructor pilot who spearheads the joint and international F-35 efforts at Eglin. "You are here making a lasting impression on how the team will execute F-35 both flying and maintenance training over the next 50 years," he said during conversations to wing members following the successful OUE. During the process, experienced pilots transitioned from the F-16 and A-10 aircraft to the world's first multi-role stealth fighter. Two pilots, Maj. John Wilson and Maj. Matthew Johnston were from Eglin's 58th Fighter Squadron and two, Lt. Col. Brian O'Neill and Maj. Joseph Scholtz and were from operational test units at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, and Nellis Air Force Base, NV. "Their performances were superb... that smile each student had after landing his first flight showed they were well prepared and the jet was easy to fly just as I had experienced with my first flight," said Lt. Col. Lee Kloos, 58th Fighter Squadron commander, who is charged with overseeing the squadron's daily flying operations. He is also the first non-developmental test pilot to fly the F-35. Approximately 36 Air Force pilots are expected to go through the training program next year. "The team at Eglin went through a rigorous process to lead the way for F-35A training. We look forward to starting off the new year with more history in the making as they put the JSF Integrated Training Center to task to provide a world class training program," said Rice. ANN Salutes Maj. Karen Roganov Team Eglin Public Affairs (USAF Image) FMI: www.af.mil For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=ef13ac87-88a7-4bd2-8902-f93bed06392f ----------------------------------------------------------------- GE Near Deal To Acquire Avio Italian Company Supplies Components For Commercial And Military Jet Engines GE is reportedly set to announce a deal to acquire Avio SpA, an Italian aerospace company that provides components for military and commercial jet engines, as well as satellite propulsion systems. But before the deal is signed, the two companies need to determine what to do about the space business, in which GE reportedly has no interest. The Wall Street Journal reports that the deal could be worth about $4 billion. GE is already one of Avio's largest customers, with about two-thirds of its aviation business related to the U.S. engine manufacturer. GE is reportedly looking to strengthen its supply chain in advance of what it expects will be a major increase in manufacturing over the next five years to fill what it says are record orders. Avio currently supplies parts for GE's GE90 and GEnx engines, along with parts for helicopters and other products. The deal is not done. Though an announcement is expected Thursday, sources close to the negotiations say that it could still fall apart at the last minute. The paper reports that GE is not the only suitor for Avio, and that it is possible that one of the other companies could step up with a strong bid. FMI: www.geaviation.com, www.aviogroup.com/en For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=14a83b79-9bc1-4785-905a-62d44551cf7c ----------------------------------------------------------------- Silver State Helicopter Lawsuit Could Have Far-Reaching Implications Bank That Made Student Loans Now Subject Of Appeal Hearing A lawsuit that stemmed from the bankruptcy of Las Vegas-based Silver State Helicopter could have implications for the banking industry as it continues to move through the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals in California. Last Friday, an 11-judge panel heard arguments that Cleveland, Ohio-based Keybank should have known that the flight school was teetering on the edge of insolvency when it made loans to about 100 Silver State students. When the school closed and entered bankruptcy in 2008, some of those students had just written tuition checks of up to $23,000 towards the $70,000 charged by the school per year. While many banks forgave the debts, Keybank, one of the nation's 20 largest, did not. According to the Riverside, CA, Press-Enterprise, the Ninth Circuit declined to hear the case two years ago, saying the students should abide by arbitration ... which often favors corporation. But the court decided two months ago that it would hear the case, and arguments were made last Friday. At issue is whether forcing the students to accept the decision of an arbitrator is detrimental to consumer protection. Either way, it could be a decision with far-reaching implications. There is no timeline for when the court might rule on the case. FMI: www.ca9.uscourts.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=b2357b6a-1ef0-4db9-9598-70b61aaba175 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Puget Sound Town Will Appeal FAA's Paine Field Decision Mukilteo City Council Votes To Fight Commercial Flights At The Airport The Mukilteo, WA, City Council plans to appeal a decision by the FAA to allow commercial flights to operate to and from Paine Field in Everett, WA. The council voted Monday night to file an appeal in Federal Court. Television Station KING reports that Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine has been a vocal opponent to the onset of commercial flights at Paine Field for several years, even though the airport does not fall under the city's purview. The Council allocated $250,000 in 2007 to fight the establishment of commercial flights at the airport, and retained a law firm the following year. That firm will file the appeal in Federal Court, though it is not known when that filing might occur. Mayor Marine said the commercial activity could curtail important aerospace development at Paine Field, which is Boeing's home airport. He says that it could be detrimental to one of the county's main economic engines. While both Allegiant and Horizon airlines have proposed commercial operations at the airport, which could eventually amount to about 160 flights per week, the FAA's blessing is just one of the hurdles that needed to be cleared before the flights could begin. Snohomish County would still need to complete a separate environmental study and approve the flights, and a two-gate terminal would need to be funded and built. FMI: www.ci.mukilteo.wa.us For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=c056d1fb-758d-489b-a3cb-d000855e3437 ----------------------------------------------------------------- USCG Awards $4.6 Million Contract To Honeywell Coast Guard MH-60 Fleet To Be Equipped With Company's Vibration Monitoring System The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $4.8 million contract to Honeywell for the installation of health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) aboard its entire fleet of MH-60T helicopters. For the U.S. Coast Guard, the installation and use of HUMS is critically important and paramount to the success of its missions. Unscheduled maintenance events can cause mission aborts that are unacceptable in the life-or-death situations that the MH-60T is often called to support. The installation of Honeywell's Zing HUMS 1239 greatly increases the U.S. Coast Guard's ability to complete its mission and has the added benefit of helping reduce maintenance costs. HUMS is a sensor-based monitoring system that enables preventative maintenance by measuring the health and performance of mission-critical components. By continuously monitoring vibration at numerous points throughout the drivetrain and pinpointing mechanical faults before they become catastrophic failures, HUMS provides actionable information that allows the Coast Guard to anticipate mechanical failures and make anticipatory maintenance decisions. Honeywell's HUMS products can be installed onboard or used as a portable system for rotor or fixed-wing platforms. "U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T operators will now have key insight and information about potential mechanical issues before they happen, which will help them keep the MH-60T platform running and available when needed," said Brian Sill, vice president of Defense Americas Aftermarket, Defense & Space, Honeywell Aerospace. The Coast Guard will use 42 Zing HUMS 1239 aircraft kits and 24 ground support kits, all of which will be delivered before the end of 2012, to monitor critical drivetrain components such as the helicopters' rotor shafts, making sure that the aircraft is ready to fly at all times. The data collected by the system is easily downloadable into a user-friendly ground station that allows operators to quickly see the status of all selected components instantly, without the costs associated with traditional contractor support. (Image provided by the U.S. Coast Guard) FMI: www.uscg.mil For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=2e23b072-5021-41fd-9aa4-6f4cc74c6a27 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Indra Implements Its 2nd Airbus A320 Level D Simulator In China The System Delivered To Beijing Capital Airlines Has Been Certified By The Civil Aviation Administration Of China (CAAC) A second Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator (FSS) has been delivered to Beijing by Indra, which says it has also become the first company to commission and implement a helicopter simulator on Chinese territory, with the collaboration of Eurocopter. The A320 system has been commissioned and is ready for service after achieving the Level D certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which certifies the maximum possible level of realism. The solution successfully passed the first tests, in compliance with the CCAR60 regulations. The new A320 Full Flight Simulator is currently located in the pilot training center of Hainan Airlines, in the city of Sanya, Island of Hainan. This is a twin-engine simulator that can simulate the two types of engines (IAE and CFM) in use on A320 airplanes. This new functionality expands the number of pilots that can be trained with the same system. Indra's A320 simulators are the first in the market to incorporate the simulation of the communications environment between the pilot, control centers and tower (Air Traffic Control communications). They also excel as solutions with an advanced visual system that has been fully developed by the company. Last September, Indra became the first company in the world to be certified by the CAAC for the implementation of a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for helicopters. The company implemented its EC-225 Level B simulator at Airbus' pilot training center in Beijing, making it the first to "fly" in China. The placement of the sim was facilitated by a collaboration agreement signed between Indra and Eurocopter in April 2011, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of this agreement is to progressively introduce training systems that facilitate and improve the preparation of Chinese pilots. The Chinese airspace liberalization process will allow new helicopter operators to operate in this country. Currently, only the Administration and a limited number of companies are authorized to do so. Such a change in the regulations will lead to an exponential increase in the demand for training services. The EC225 simulator represents one of Eurocopter's most modern aircraft, designed to transport passengers, for search and rescue missions, as well as to participate in natural disaster operations, extinguish fires and participate in emergency situations, among other tasks. In addition to the EC225 simulators, Indra has also developed different civil helicopter simulators for police surveillance operations: AS350, EC135 or EC145, among others. (A320 sim news release image provided by Indra) FMI: www.indracompany.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=3fffe0ab-abf6-4f8e-bc57-8ef18c67cbe4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Airshow Industry Honors Its Own Individuals,Organizations Recognized For Their Contributions At ICAS Convention During its annual convention in Las Vegas last week, the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) recognized several individuals and organizations for their achievements and contributions during the 2012 air show season. Airshow performer Rob Holland, former U.S. Navy Blue Angels team lead Captain Greg McWherter, and the Airpower Arkansas at Little Rock Air Force Base were all singled out by ICAS for special recognition during an awards program at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel on Thursday, December 13 in Las Vegas. Air show performer Rob Holland is the 27th recipient of the Art Scholl Showmanship Award. As a two-time U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic National Champion, Holland is already recognized as one of the most talented aerobatic pilots in the world. His unique brand of exciting, dynamic air show flying has also distinguished him as one of the most entertaining air show performers of his generation. He becomes just the fourth pilot to win both the U.S. Unlimited Championship and the Art Scholl Showmanship Award, joining air show legends Gene Soucy, Leo Loudenslager, and Michael Goulian. During the awards program, the ICAS Board of Directors presented its Special Achievement Award to Captain Greg McWherter, outgoing team lead for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. McWherter, who led the team for a total of four years, was recognized for his efforts to integrate the team more fully into the larger air show community, as well as the personal and professional sacrifices he made when he volunteered to serve a second two-year stint as Blue Angels "boss." ICAS also recognized Airpower Arkansas at Little Rock Air Force Base as the recipient of the 2012 Dick Schram Community Relations Award. Presented each year to a military air show that uses its air show to build stronger community relations, this year’s Schram Award recipient was cited for its effective efforts to partner with Little Rock area civic organizations to plan and conduct this world-class air show. ICAS has announced the dates for its 2013 convention, which will be held at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, December 1-4, 2013. FMI: www.airshows.aero For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=c56230f7-f4ad-425a-ae7f-8bab30194f24 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ERAU – Asia Graduates Inaugural MBA Class 19 Students Earn Advanced Aviation Degrees Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Asia graduated its inaugural class of 19 MBA in Aviation (MBAA) students during a ceremony held recently at Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), where the MBAA courses are taught. Launched in January 2011, the first specialized MBA program offered by Embry-Riddle in Asia has quickly grown to 69 students, counting the first class, three other MBAA classes under way and a fifth starting in January 2013. The MBAA program is attracting students from a diverse cross section of Singapore and Southeast Asia’s expanding aviation and aerospace industry who want to learn how to use modern management concepts, methods and tools in an aviation context. “Embry-Riddle is the only place in the world that could offer me an MBA fine-tuned and tailored to my passion, which is aviation," said Sanjeev Upadhiah, a Tiger Airways first officer who graduated in the inaugural MBAA class. "The learning is tremendous because I get such a wide range of inputs from my classmates—the whole dynamic of aviation, all the components of flight, are represented.” The commencement guest speaker was Lee Yuen Hee, Deputy Secretary (International) of the Singapore Ministry of Transport. “This unique MBAA program equips students with in-depth practical management skills and core competencies applicable to the aviation business environment,” he said. “The learning elements provided by SAA, drawing on the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s accumulated experience in aviation governance, regulation and the wider expertise of Singapore, have further enhanced the understanding of the practical issues involved in managing a wide spectrum of aviation functions and specialization.” Dr. John Watret, Chancellor of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide, also spoke at the commencement ceremony, saying “Today our graduates join a community of more than 100,000 Embry-Riddle alumni spread around the world who provide the required expertise and leadership for an expanding aviation and aerospace industry. The university is proud to welcome the first graduates from our Singapore campus. We are confident that they will expand our tradition of excellence in the region.” Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Asia also offers a Master of Aeronautical Science degree in collaboration with SAA. In another partnership, Embry-Riddle offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration with Singapore’s SIM University. Additional degree programs are being considered for 2013. (ERAU-Asia MBAA class photo provided by ERAU) FMI: www.erau.edu For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=e748d669-9817-4d37-bdec-a082b87bf2e6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: View Aero-News YOUR Way ... The 'Headlines And Teasers' Option Choose How YOU Want To View Your Aero News: Headlines And Teasers We're all pretty excited about the new website design here at ANN, but we HAVE heard from some of you that you liked the way that content was displayed on the old site. We hear you, and before you chuck your bitgrinder out a 5th story window, you should know that there are several ways that you can view your Aero-Content. ANN's New Main Page Default Display Each time you visit www.aero-news.net, or click on your bookmark for us, you'll naturally come to the home page. The top content box lets you know what are the top stories of the day, and clicking on an image will take you directly to that story. Or, you can scroll down and find it on the page. Now, look to the right ... where it says "Change Display." If you are looking for an alternative way to access our content, one of these three clicks will most likely give you a presentation that you enjoy. If you're looking for more than just the headlines to help you decide which stories you want to read, you might try selecting "Headlines w/Teasers. Scroll Down To 'Change Display' Select 'Headlines And Teasers' Here we give you just a little bit more. You'll see the headline, plus a sentence or two that will give you a taste of what the story is about. This Is What A Typical 'Headlines w/Teasers' Display Looks Like Of course, there are other ways to view your Aero-News. You can select just Headlines, or View Everything. And, if you're interested in a particular genre of news, such as "Airlines" or "Sport Aviation", the nav bar at the top of the page will give you a list of just those stories. But if you go that route, you'l probably miss a lot. Customize The Page To Display A Topic At A Time! We hope you come to love the new site as much as we do. Our development team worked long and hard to bring it to your computer. And as always, thanks for reading Aero-News. FMI: www.aero-news.net For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=725c2ac3-21e4-45e2-bf81-a1bef54b4c66 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.20.12) 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 "The overlying question has to be: Is there a pilot shortage on the horizon and if so, how severe could it be, how long will it last, what sector of the industry is affected first, how far is the outreach and what are the safety and economic impacts?" Source: Excerpt from a proposal calling on the GAO to study pilot supply and demand. FMI: www.nafinet.org/file/PSDSPosPaper.pdf For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=ae9d4068-2182-4f44-a387-d505ac3025fc ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.20.12): Layered Haze Aero-Terms! Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game. Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms. Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term. Layered Haze Haze produced when air pollution from multiple line, area or point sources is transported long distances to form distinguishable layers of discoloration in a stable atmosphere. FMI: http://w1.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?letter=l For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=8d384572-30fd-4f41-89ab-293ab02f344f ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.20.12) 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: The Cold War Air Museum (CWAM) A non-profit flying museum dedicated to the preservation and education of Cold War era aircraft at its 45,000 square foot three hangar facility located at Lancaster Airport (KLNC) in Lancaster, Texas, USA. FMI: www.cwam.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=264fe787-ddf9-4f23-9d92-66487cd6c03d ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Senior Staff Roster J.R. 'Zoom' Campbell CEO/Editor-In-Chief jim@aero-news.net Glen Moyer Aero-Cast Producer gmoyer@aero-news.net Tom Patton News Editor editor@aero-news.net Nathan Cremisino Ashley Hale Aero-TV Video Production Team Aero-TV HQ MKTG Inquiries Marketing Director mktg@aero-news.net Note: This newsletter is supported solely by sponsors like the one(s) listed herein. We stand 100% behind every ad that we run. If you ever have a problem with a company that advertises here please contact us and we will try to get it resolved. -- Aero-News Network Aero-News Network POB 305, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043. 863-299-8680, www.aero-news.net ANN Aero-Casts /podcasts Provided to registered subscribers, Daily. 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This Is His Address Get ANN's Free News Ticker We have designed a small "portable" News Ticker that will offer current ANN headlines about what is happening in the aviation world. It can be copied to virtually any Web site (including YOURS!) on the Internet by simply requesting the code and permissions from us. In addition to staying abreast of the latest headlines, you can click on any one of these News Tickers, no matter who's site it is on, and then go directly to ANN to read the news, in-depth, anytime you choose. You may request the code using our request form by logging on to www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm For those of you with web sites, be sure to drop us an e-mail at editor@aero-news.net and we'll be sure to check out your site for inclusion in our link sites, shortly. AND... don't forget to send your news and press releases to us via news@aero-news.net ! We want our coverage to include EVERY facet of aviation... so we need ALL the feedback we can get! Please Forward This Issue If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or business associates. Thanks so much! Copyright (c) 1998-2012: Please do NOT reprint, publish, or host on your Web site without our explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it (unmodified) to a business associate or a friend. Thank you. "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." Marion Wright Edelman

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