Odierno: Army 'dangerously close' to being cut too deep
Gen. Ray Odierno, Army Chief of Staff, is interviewed on Aug. 3 by Army Times at the Pentagon. photo: mike morones/staff
by michelle tan, staff writer
(MILITARY TIMES) August 10, 2015 - The Army is engaged around the world, including in places that just a couple years ago were not part of the immediate, overall plan, Odierno said.
"There wasn't much discussion about Russia. In fact, nobody talked about going back to Iraq. There was no ISIL," he said. "We're trying to work all these issues simultaneously, and you have to have enough size to respond when something goes bad. That's the concern."
Odierno, who on Aug. 14 will complete his tenure as the chief of staff and retire after almost 40 years in uniform, highlighted a rather lengthy list of security concerns during the interview.
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Gen. Ray Odierno, Army Chief of Staff, is interviewed on Aug. 3 by Army Times at the Pentagon. photo: mike morones/staff
by michelle tan, staff writer
(MILITARY TIMES) August 10, 2015 - The Army is engaged around the world, including in places that just a couple years ago were not part of the immediate, overall plan, Odierno said.
"There wasn't much discussion about Russia. In fact, nobody talked about going back to Iraq. There was no ISIL," he said. "We're trying to work all these issues simultaneously, and you have to have enough size to respond when something goes bad. That's the concern."
Odierno, who on Aug. 14 will complete his tenure as the chief of staff and retire after almost 40 years in uniform, highlighted a rather lengthy list of security concerns during the interview.
Read more
DOD identifies Army casualty
(BMLTV) January 16, 2014 - The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Daniel T. Lee, 28, of Crossville, Tenn., died Jan. 15, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire during combat operations.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
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DoD identifies Army casualties
(BMLTV) December 21, 2013 - The Department of Defense announced this week the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died Dec. 17, in Now Bahar, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered as a result of a helicopter crash. The incident is pending investigation.
Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Billings, 34, of Heavener, Okla.,
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua B. Silverman, 35, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and
Sgt. Peter C. Bohler, 29, of Willow Spring, N.C.
They were assigned to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Sgt. 1st Class Omar W. Forde, 28, of Marietta, Ga., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams, 30, of Elkhart, Ind., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Spc. Terry K. D. Gordon, 22, of Shubuta, Miss., assigned to 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
admin
Deployed father returns for daughter's birthday surprise
DOD identifies Army casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom
(BMLTV) November 18, 2013 - Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola, 29, of Keller, Texas, died Nov. 17, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol.
He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces
Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
DoD identifies Army casualty
(BMLTV) November 16, 2013 - The Department of Defense announced today the death a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Richard L. Vazquez, 28, of Seguin, Texas, died Nov. 13, 2013 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol in Panjwai, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
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Navy Official Details Aid Moving to Philippines
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington and support vessels arrived in the Philippines Nov. 14, 2013, to aid humanitarian assistance efforts in response to Typhoon Haiyan. Pictured here, U.S. Navy Lt. Wayne Simonds inventories available medical supplies in the medical supply storage room of the USS George Washington in support on Operation Damayan, Nov. 13, 2013. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Liam Kennedy.
Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Navy's chief of information, discussed the U.S. military's humanitarian aid and disaster relief effort, dubbed Operation Damayan, during a discussion at the Defense One Summit here yesterday.
Kirby told Al Jazeera's Jamie Tarabay that the military is working in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is leading the U.S. portion of the effort.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington and three other U.S. vessels arrived in the Philippines yesterday, and sailors and Marines began delivering food, water and shelter to those affected by the storm. Philippine officials said that more than 4,000 people were killed by the storm, thousands more need medical attention, and millions are without the basics of life.
The Philippines is a U.S. treaty ally, Kirby said, noting that exercises and operations that U.S. and Philippine service members have conducted together in the past have aided the relief effort.
"[The Defense Department's] rebalance to the Pacific is all about partnerships and trying to find ways to better understand one another and operate together," Kirby said. "We've had a terrific relationship with the government of the Philippines for a very long time, ... but when you have an emergency like this, this is not the time to try to build a relationship. At a time like this, you want to leverage the relationship we've had for so long, and that's what we're seeing here."
About 300 U.S. Marines are currently on the ground aiding relief efforts in the Philippines today. Another 900 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based on the Japanese island of Okinawa are deploying aboard the USS Germantown and USS Ashland, and are expected to arrive in the Philippines next week.
Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft have been flying missions in the Philippines, and more of those aircraft are on the way.
(NNS) WASHINGTON, November
15, 2013 - Countries around the world
are responding to the Typhoon Haiyan-caused devastation in the Philippines,
and aid is rushing to the island nation with the U.S. Navy leading the way.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington and support vessels arrived in the Philippines Nov. 14, 2013, to aid humanitarian assistance efforts in response to Typhoon Haiyan. Pictured here, U.S. Navy Lt. Wayne Simonds inventories available medical supplies in the medical supply storage room of the USS George Washington in support on Operation Damayan, Nov. 13, 2013. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Liam Kennedy.
Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Navy's chief of information, discussed the U.S. military's humanitarian aid and disaster relief effort, dubbed Operation Damayan, during a discussion at the Defense One Summit here yesterday.
Kirby told Al Jazeera's Jamie Tarabay that the military is working in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is leading the U.S. portion of the effort.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington and three other U.S. vessels arrived in the Philippines yesterday, and sailors and Marines began delivering food, water and shelter to those affected by the storm. Philippine officials said that more than 4,000 people were killed by the storm, thousands more need medical attention, and millions are without the basics of life.
The Philippines is a U.S. treaty ally, Kirby said, noting that exercises and operations that U.S. and Philippine service members have conducted together in the past have aided the relief effort.
"[The Defense Department's] rebalance to the Pacific is all about partnerships and trying to find ways to better understand one another and operate together," Kirby said. "We've had a terrific relationship with the government of the Philippines for a very long time, ... but when you have an emergency like this, this is not the time to try to build a relationship. At a time like this, you want to leverage the relationship we've had for so long, and that's what we're seeing here."
About 300 U.S. Marines are currently on the ground aiding relief efforts in the Philippines today. Another 900 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based on the Japanese island of Okinawa are deploying aboard the USS Germantown and USS Ashland, and are expected to arrive in the Philippines next week.
Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft have been flying missions in the Philippines, and more of those aircraft are on the way.
by jim garamone/ AFPS
Boxers battle bullies
Boxing team members take an anti-bullying message to grade schoolers.
Thousands run in Annual Marine Corps Marathon
Roughly 30,000 people ran in the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon
through the Washington , DC
#OperationEnduringFreedom #WeWillRemember
abhi ahmadadeen
DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualty
(BMLTV) October 21, 2013 - The Department of Defense
announced today the death a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Christopher O. Grant, 20, of
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force,
Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron
SOUTH CHINA SEA ,Oct. 20, 2013 - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during night flight operations. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class peter burghart/Released
Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto pray for suicide victims
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY Oct. 14, 2013 - Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) pray for suicide victims during a suicide prevention and awareness event called "Walk out of Darkness." San Jacinto is deployed to the
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class preston paglinawan/Released
(BMLTV) On October 18, 2013, 31 year old Sgt. Lyle Turnbull of Norfolk , Va. , died in Camp Arifan Kuwait
Sgt. Turnbull was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and
was assigned to the 62nd Expeditionary
Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade, Fort
Hood , Texas
Sailors and Marines encouraged to make a difference with new sexual assault survey
(NNS) WASHINGTON - The Secretary of the Navy has announced a new Department of the Navy sexual assault survey for 2013, which started Oct. 15, and can be taken online via any device that can access the internet.
The Department of the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DoN SAPRO), which answers directly to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, created the survey to assess the Department's progress, and learn what more Sailors and Marines think should be done to fight sexual assault.
"We can't help them if we don't know what the issues are, and we don't know if our training is working," said Jill Loftus, director of DoN SAPRO. "If they think our training is horrible, then we'd like to know that, so that we can switch gears.
We'd also like to know if they think that it is worthwhile and if they're learning stuff because then we can continue in that vein." From previous surveys, DoN SAPRO has learned that the majority of sexual assaults in the Navy and Marine Corps happen to 18 - 24 year-olds in social settings involving alcohol, and that the assaults usually occur at A-schools right after boot camp, or at the first duty station.
"We've used that information to set up pilot programs," said Loftus. "Our Great Lakes experiment that we've been very successful with came from information we learned from our surveys." The experiment targeted Training Support Center Great Lakes, mainly the Sailors who have recently graduated boot camp. The program brought together the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), local hotels, commanding officers, and others to put an end to the risky situations Sailors may encounter.
The program also incorporated bystander intervention training, "No Zebras, No Excuses" training, Sex Signals training, a large group presentation on sexual assault and two small-group presentations with discussion groups. Referring to Great Lakes, Loftus said, "Using anonymous surveys, we have seen a 60 percent reduction in sexual assaults over the past 34 months.
" This year's survey incorporates questions from previous surveys, Department of Defense surveys and academic surveys. Pulling from the surveys and lessons learned, DoN SAPRO made the survey more concise to pinpoint the information they're trying to find, while taking less time from Sailors and Marines.
"The 10-minute survey that's online focuses directly on the issues surrounding sexual assault, and addresses issues such as perceptions, attitudes of Sailors and Marines about the issue of sexual assault," said Cmdr. David McKay, a research psychologist at DoN SAPRO.
"We're also interested in understanding reporting behaviors and attitudes about reporting. "Sexual assault is one of the top priorities of the Secretary, and should be a top priority for all Sailors and Marines, to try to figure out how to combat sexual assault.
The survey is important because it does a couple things. One, it helps us gauge progress on the different interventions we're implementing. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for Sailors and Marines to speak directly to the Secretary about their experiences about sexual assault."
The 21st Century Sailor and Marine Office (N-17) lists combating sexual assault as one of its main priorities. Rear Adm. Sean S. Buck, the director of N-17, spends time with Sailors to get feedback. "When I visit with Sailors, I am constantly asked - 'what else can I do to make a difference?' Besides looking out for your shipmates and actively intervening when necessary, surveys like this are your chance to do something, to make your voice heard," Buck said.
Although the survey is a chance for Sailors and Marines to be heard, it is completely anonymous. No one will get a reminder to complete the survey because no one is tracking the individuals who take the survey. "We won't know if you haven't filled out the survey," said Loftus.
"There's no fingerprint. There's no electronic tag to our survey. It can be taken from a smart phone; it can be taken from a tablet; it can be taken at the Apple store; it can be taken at your desktop or at home. We have no idea who you are and so you won't get that email reminding you to take it.
" Loftus said that some of the initiatives that Mabus has instituted, based on previous survey results, included doubling the number of sexual assault investigators at NCIS, increasing the number of sexual assault response coordinators, 66 full-time victim advocates that are civilians trained as counselors, who will help victim support.
The JAG is also instituting a victim's legal counsel who will help victims through the process and the Navy is deploying civilian resiliency counselors, who are also certified SARCs, on every big deck. "I think that the Navy and the Marine Corps are really spending the resources and putting the attention on prevention, victim care and support," said Loftus.
"We think that if Sailors and Marines are honest and forthright in taking this survey, and we get enough of them, that we'll be able to show the nation and other service people that we're really taking this seriously, that we care, and that we don't want victims.
We want to prevent sexual assault. This is a way for every member of the service to help us do that." The survey is available at www.donsapro.navy.mil/donsas.html. The password for all military participants is 2013Survey and the survey will be available through Jan. 6, 2014.
by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class peggy trujillo , Defense Media
Activity - Navy
Raven soars Idaho skies
Marine Lance Cpl. William Thornton, 1st ANGLICO forward observer from San Bernardino, Calif., utilizes the remote laptop link of the RQ-11B Raven Oct. 9, 2013, at the Saylor Creek range. During Mountain Roundup, which is part of German Air Force Tornado Fighter Weapons Instructor Course Mission Employment Phase, 1st ANGLICO Marines are utilizing the system in-front of forward fire-teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman benjamin sutton/RELEASED)
Marine Lance Cpl. William Thornton, 1st ANGLICO forward observer from San Bernardino, Calif., utilizes the remote laptop link of the RQ-11B Raven Oct. 9, 2013, at the Saylor Creek range. During Mountain Roundup, which is part of German Air Force Tornado Fighter Weapons Instructor Course Mission Employment Phase, 1st ANGLICO Marines are utilizing the system in-front of forward fire-teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman benjamin sutton/RELEASED)
Airmen jets return from deployment
10/9/2013 - Returning U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles with the 389th Fighter Squadron taxi to their shelters at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 5, 2013. The jets had returned from a deployment to Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by tech. sgt. samuel morse/RELEASED)
10/9/2013 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joel Meyers, 389th Fighter Squadron commander, embraces his daughter for the first time during a homecoming event welcoming the 389th Fighter Squadron back from its deployment to Southwest Asia at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 5, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by tech. sgt. samuel morse/RELEASED
Soldiers loses his life from small arms fire
(BMLTV) October 10, 2013 - Spc. Angel L. Lopez, 27, of Parma, Ohio, died Oct. 5, in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.
According to the Department of Defense Spc. Angel L. Lopez was assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.
by abhi ahmadadeen
Langley, Hamtpon conduct F-22 crash exercise
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Wesley Farnsworth
(BMLTV) April 5, 2013 - A member of the U.S. Navy Regional Fire Rescue unit tests an F-22 Raptor burn simulator before the start of a crash exercise conducted by the city of Hampton, Va., and Langley Air Force Base, March 28, 2013. The mock aircraft frame features propane hoses running along the inside and outside of the body, and allows crews to control the intensity and scope of a fire during training exercises.
Japan Air Self Defense Force visits Holloman AFB
photo: Airman 1st Class Colin Cates
(BMLTV) March 21, 2013 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffery Patton, 9th Attack Squadron commander, welcomes members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., March 19. The remotely piloted aircraft program was briefed to the members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force. Their visit to Holloman AFB was part of an effort to bolster Japanese intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
Hagel visits Afghanistan to assess operations
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel briefs the press, March 7, 2013, en route to Afghanistan to thank troops during his first trip as the 24th secretary. photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/DOD
(AFPS) KABUL, Afghanistan, March 11, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel landed here March 8 on his first trip as the Defense Department's leader to thank U.S. troops and to see for himself "where we are in Afghanistan.
" Hagel, who was sworn in Feb. 27, said he's looking forward to visiting U.S. service members and thanking them for their work. "I think it's always important when new leadership comes into any office in our national security organization that we recognize the people who make it all possible, and who are the ones on the front line," he said to reporters traveling with him during the flight.
The new secretary's last trip to Afghanistan was in the summer of 2008, he noted, along with then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. Hagel said he also was a member of the first congressional delegation to visit the country in January 2002. "I need to better understand what's going on there," the secretary said. "I need to talk to, listen to, get a good sense from our commanders on the ground.
" Hagel said he's interested in seeing for himself, and discussing with Afghan and NATO International Security Assistance Force partners, "where the Afghans are in some of their capabilities." He added that he has spoken by telephone this week with both Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who recently returned from a visit to Afghanistan.
The secretary said he looks forward to meeting with Mohammadi during his visit, and to talking with senior ISAF leaders, including Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who took over command of the coalition force from Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen on Feb. 10.
Hagel said he also looks forward to getting reacquainted with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whom he first met in 2002. The secretary said that as the alliance prepares for the final stage of transitioning to Afghan security lead in their own country, there are "a lot of big issues and challenge ahead." "That transition has to be done right; it has to be done in partnership with the Afghans [and] with our allies," he said.
"Our country -- as well as Afghanistan, the region and our allies -- have a lot at stake here. Our continued focus and energy and attention on Afghanistan is going to be very important." With some 66,000 U.S. Service members still at war in a combat zone, Hagel said, "I don't minimize or marginalize anything." While discussions are ongoing among Afghan, U.S. and NATO member governments, he said, the question of ISAF troop numbers and mission beyond 2014 remains open.
As NATO's combat mission in Afghanistan draws to a close, the secretary said, it's important to manage the transition so the Afghan people have the best possible chance at a secure future. "I think we all have invested an awful lot here in this effort, especially the men and women who made tremendous sacrifices from our country, and their families," he said.
"I think we are transitioning in a way that gives the Afghan people a very hopeful future." Hagel said any follow-on mission for U.S. forces in Afghanistan after the transition is complete in 2014 will be far different from the lead combatant role they've played for 12 years. The new mission, as the president has outlined, will be training, assistance and advice, he said.
"What we're working through ... with the Afghan government is a bilateral agreement that will address some of these future issues," he added. "Our role as we transition out is a totally different role." Responding to a reporter's question on North Korea's government, which reportedly has threatened to launch a nuclear strike against the United States, the secretary said "the United States of America and our allies are prepared to deal with any threat ... that occurs in the world."
by karen parrish
Declaration 'turns words into action' for prevention
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zack Most and Lt. Col. Susan Magaletta, 9th Communications Squadron, become the first Airmen to sign a declaration to end sexual assault Nov. 13, 2012.
photo: U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Andrew Buchanan/Released
(BMLTV) BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA, December 19, 2012 - Air Force's top leadership recently reiterated the service's zero-tolerance for sexual assault to stop a cycle of unprofessional behavior that is incompatible with the service's core values.
The 9th Communications Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., took the task seriously and decided to sign a declaration stating their commitment to stop sexual assault.
"We are all committed to end sexual assault, but this is our declaration to turn words into action," said Lt. Col. Susan Magaletta, 9th CS commander. "No person who should fear being assaulted when we are all teammates in this Air Force. We will stick together to bring an end to this behavior."
The idea for the declaration came from Senior Airmen Zack Most and Patricia Lendon.
The declaration which states:
As a 9th CS Airman, I pledge...
"We thought this would be a good way to account for ourselves as Airmen," Lendon said. "It's a constant visible reminder to stay mindful of what we do, say and act on."
Recently, Beale participated in the Air Force-wide health and welfare inspection to emphasize an environment of respect, trust and professionalism in the workplace and virtual environment. The purpose of this inspection was to reinforce expectations for the workplace environment, correct deficiencies and deter conditions that may be detrimental to good order and discipline. Organizations looked for and removed, if found, unprofessional or inappropriate items that hinder a professional working environment.
"We have an excellent record of professional relationships within our squadron already, but the steps won't stop here," Magaletta said. "This should extend into our personal lives as well."
According to a Letter to Airmen sent Nov. 16 by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, the Air Force must drive sexual assault from the ranks.
"You are a big part of the solution," the letter said. "Become personally involved. Recommit yourself to our core values. Be an advocate for professionalism and discipline. Let your fellow Airmen know you will not tolerate or support others who believe sexual assault is somehow acceptable - because it is not. Most importantly, if you are aware of sexual assault in your unit, report it."
by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
The Department of Defense prepares for hurricane Sandy
(BMLTV) WASHINGTON, October 27, 2012 - At the direction of Secretary Panetta, the Department of Defense is taking aggressive steps to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State authorities as Hurricane Sandy moves northward.
With the goal of helping to save lives and property during the storm, the Secretary has agreed with the Governors of Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to appoint Dual Status Commanders as the storm approaches.
Dual Status Commanders are authorized to command both Federal and State National Guard forces. This special authority enables them to effectively integrate the defense support operations and capabilities that Governors request.
The Secretary is prepared to quickly agree to similar requests from other States. At the federal level, the Department's disaster preparedness and response efforts support the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, and rapidly meet the requests for assistance they provide. United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is placing aviation assets such as light and medium lift helicopters and rescue teams on 24 hour Prepare to Deploy Order status in response to Hurricane Sandy.
USNORTHCOM is also providing military installations for FEMA to use to conduct response operations, and is providing specialized planners who will help expedite DoD's response to requests for assistance. The National Guard Bureau is in close coordination with Adjutants General (TAGs) and their disaster response teams in every East Coast state. These State National Guard organizations are coordinating with their respective state emergency management agencies and FEMA regions.
Chief Warrant Officer Michael S. Duskin dies in Afghanistan
(BMLTV) WASHINGTON D.C., October 26, 2012 - The Department of Defense announces the death of Chief Warrant Officer Michael S. Duskin, 42, of Orange Park, Fla., died Oct. 23, in Chak District, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, from small arms fire while on dismounted patrol during combat operations.
Chief Warrant Officer Duskin gave his life while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
by abhi ahmadadeen
Navy to Christen Submarine Minnesota
(BMLTV) HAMPTON ROADS, October 26, 2012 - The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 27, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, in Newport News, Va. Adm. Kirk Donald, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, will deliver the ceremony's principal address.
Ellen Roughead, wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and a Minnesota native, will serve as ship's sponsor and break a champagne bottle against a plate welded to the hull, and officially christen the ship 'Minnesota.' Minnesota, the 10th ship of the Virginia class is named in honor of the state's citizens and their continued support to our nation's military. Minnesota has a long tradition of honoring its veterans of wars past and present.
The state is proud to be home to 46 Medal of Honor recipients that span from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. "There is a special relationship between a state and its namesake ship," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Naming this submarine Minnesota not only salutes the proud history of military support and contributions made by the people of Minnesota, but will also serve as a testament to the U.S. Navy's enduring bond with the great state of Minnesota for decades to come.
" This will be the third ship to bear the state name. The first USS Minnesota, a sailing steam frigate, was commissioned in 1857 and served during the Civil War, remaining in service until her decommissioning in 1898. The second Minnesota was commissioned in 1907. On Dec. 16, 1907 she departed Hampton Roads as one of the 16 battleships of the Great White Fleet sent by then-President Theodore Roosevelt on a voyage around the world.
She continued her service through World War I, and was decommissioned in 1921. Minnesota will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. She will have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable her to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
Designated SSN 783, Minnesota is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Capable of operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Minnesota will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
The 7,800-ton Minnesota is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries. A crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel will operate the 377-foot long, 34-foot beam vessel, which will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Minnesota is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.
To view the ceremony via live webcast, please go to: U.S. Navy
SFS Airman receives Hero of the Year award
Staff Sgt. Aaron Escalante, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler.
photo: courtesy
(BMLTV) DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.,October 24, 2012 - Staff Sgt. Aaron Escalante, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, was one of four to receive the Hero of the Year award at the fifth annual Tucson observance of Heroes Day, Oct. 18, 2012.
Escalante and Mushe, 355th SFS military working dog, are being honored by the city of Tucson for heroic work during their deployment. Escalante and Mushe deployed to the Ozra district of eastern Afghanistan from October 2011 to May 2012. While deployed, they assessed an Afghani terrorist operation site, detecting an arsenal of weapons and hidden explosives.
They secured the site and suspended terrorist operations. "I was on a joint expeditionary tasking," Escalante said. "I was attached with an Army unit out of Fort Bragg, N.C. No units had been in the area for about eight months. After getting intelligence that there was a possible weapons cache, we went to the scene. We arrived at three in the morning and waited for the sun to come up.
We hit the objective and once Mushe found their stash, they knew we were taking all their weapons." At home station, military working dog handlers are responsible for working the roads, conducting building and vehicle searches, and training their dogs.
"Depending on where you deploy, the job you perform could be very different," Escalante said. "I was in Afghanistan, and you're outside in the villages, always the point man in front, because of the dog. Anywhere I deploy, Mushe comes with me.
"Since the beginning of Tucson's observance of Heroes Day, Escalante is the first military member to be honored with the Hero of the Year award. "I was just doing my job," Escalante said. "I didn't think it was this big of an accomplishment, but it feels nice to be recognized by the city for doing my duty."
by senior airman brittany dowdle
(BMLTV) NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev, September 28, 2012 - No one has to miss out on getting their vote in for the upcoming general election. With FVAP.gov voting for military members, it is simpler than ever.
The 2012 general election will be held Nov. 6 and deadlines to register absentee ballots are state-dependent and can be found at the FVAP.gov website. An absentee ballot is a way for military members and their families to vote while outside their state of residence.
To request your absentee ballot, use the online registration and absentee ballot assistant or contact your unit or installation voting assistance officers. "Today, with the internet, it is easy to vote," Capt. Ashley Snyder, 99th Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Office deputy flight commander. "The website makes things error proof."
The Military Postal Service Agency provides free expedited ballot delivery and ballot tracking to local election offices for military members and their families stationed overseas. Overseas and deployed members can go to their local post office or postal clerk, use the Label 11 - DOD form on their absentee ballot envelope and mail it.
To track the status of the ballot, go to www.usps.com. Individuals, whom haven't received their ballot by Oct. 6, should use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB as their back-up ballot. To use the FWAB go to FVAP.gov and use the automated assistant. For each voting office, write in either a candidate's name or their party designation. "Don't leave voting to the last minute," Snyder said. "The election is creeping up quickly."
by Airman 1st Class Timothy Young
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zack Most and Lt. Col. Susan Magaletta, 9th Communications Squadron, become the first Airmen to sign a declaration to end sexual assault Nov. 13, 2012.
photo: U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Andrew Buchanan/Released
(BMLTV) BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA, December 19, 2012 - Air Force's top leadership recently reiterated the service's zero-tolerance for sexual assault to stop a cycle of unprofessional behavior that is incompatible with the service's core values.
The 9th Communications Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., took the task seriously and decided to sign a declaration stating their commitment to stop sexual assault.
"We are all committed to end sexual assault, but this is our declaration to turn words into action," said Lt. Col. Susan Magaletta, 9th CS commander. "No person who should fear being assaulted when we are all teammates in this Air Force. We will stick together to bring an end to this behavior."
The idea for the declaration came from Senior Airmen Zack Most and Patricia Lendon.
The declaration which states:
As a 9th CS Airman, I pledge...
- To not be a passive bystander
- To have the courage to confront the situation
- To remember my core values and that I always represent the Air Force
- To recognize that consent cannot be given while someone is under the influence
- To understand that "no" always means "no"
- To accept the boundaries of my fellow Airmen
- To respect all individuals
"We thought this would be a good way to account for ourselves as Airmen," Lendon said. "It's a constant visible reminder to stay mindful of what we do, say and act on."
Recently, Beale participated in the Air Force-wide health and welfare inspection to emphasize an environment of respect, trust and professionalism in the workplace and virtual environment. The purpose of this inspection was to reinforce expectations for the workplace environment, correct deficiencies and deter conditions that may be detrimental to good order and discipline. Organizations looked for and removed, if found, unprofessional or inappropriate items that hinder a professional working environment.
"We have an excellent record of professional relationships within our squadron already, but the steps won't stop here," Magaletta said. "This should extend into our personal lives as well."
According to a Letter to Airmen sent Nov. 16 by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, the Air Force must drive sexual assault from the ranks.
"You are a big part of the solution," the letter said. "Become personally involved. Recommit yourself to our core values. Be an advocate for professionalism and discipline. Let your fellow Airmen know you will not tolerate or support others who believe sexual assault is somehow acceptable - because it is not. Most importantly, if you are aware of sexual assault in your unit, report it."
by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
The Department of Defense prepares for hurricane Sandy
(BMLTV) WASHINGTON, October 27, 2012 - At the direction of Secretary Panetta, the Department of Defense is taking aggressive steps to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State authorities as Hurricane Sandy moves northward.
With the goal of helping to save lives and property during the storm, the Secretary has agreed with the Governors of Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to appoint Dual Status Commanders as the storm approaches.
Dual Status Commanders are authorized to command both Federal and State National Guard forces. This special authority enables them to effectively integrate the defense support operations and capabilities that Governors request.
The Secretary is prepared to quickly agree to similar requests from other States. At the federal level, the Department's disaster preparedness and response efforts support the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, and rapidly meet the requests for assistance they provide. United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is placing aviation assets such as light and medium lift helicopters and rescue teams on 24 hour Prepare to Deploy Order status in response to Hurricane Sandy.
USNORTHCOM is also providing military installations for FEMA to use to conduct response operations, and is providing specialized planners who will help expedite DoD's response to requests for assistance. The National Guard Bureau is in close coordination with Adjutants General (TAGs) and their disaster response teams in every East Coast state. These State National Guard organizations are coordinating with their respective state emergency management agencies and FEMA regions.
Chief Warrant Officer Michael S. Duskin dies in Afghanistan
(BMLTV) WASHINGTON D.C., October 26, 2012 - The Department of Defense announces the death of Chief Warrant Officer Michael S. Duskin, 42, of Orange Park, Fla., died Oct. 23, in Chak District, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, from small arms fire while on dismounted patrol during combat operations.
Chief Warrant Officer Duskin gave his life while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
by abhi ahmadadeen
Navy to Christen Submarine Minnesota
(BMLTV) HAMPTON ROADS, October 26, 2012 - The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 27, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, in Newport News, Va. Adm. Kirk Donald, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, will deliver the ceremony's principal address.
Ellen Roughead, wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and a Minnesota native, will serve as ship's sponsor and break a champagne bottle against a plate welded to the hull, and officially christen the ship 'Minnesota.' Minnesota, the 10th ship of the Virginia class is named in honor of the state's citizens and their continued support to our nation's military. Minnesota has a long tradition of honoring its veterans of wars past and present.
The state is proud to be home to 46 Medal of Honor recipients that span from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. "There is a special relationship between a state and its namesake ship," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Naming this submarine Minnesota not only salutes the proud history of military support and contributions made by the people of Minnesota, but will also serve as a testament to the U.S. Navy's enduring bond with the great state of Minnesota for decades to come.
" This will be the third ship to bear the state name. The first USS Minnesota, a sailing steam frigate, was commissioned in 1857 and served during the Civil War, remaining in service until her decommissioning in 1898. The second Minnesota was commissioned in 1907. On Dec. 16, 1907 she departed Hampton Roads as one of the 16 battleships of the Great White Fleet sent by then-President Theodore Roosevelt on a voyage around the world.
She continued her service through World War I, and was decommissioned in 1921. Minnesota will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. She will have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable her to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
Designated SSN 783, Minnesota is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Capable of operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Minnesota will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
The 7,800-ton Minnesota is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries. A crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel will operate the 377-foot long, 34-foot beam vessel, which will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Minnesota is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.
To view the ceremony via live webcast, please go to: U.S. Navy
SFS Airman receives Hero of the Year award
Staff Sgt. Aaron Escalante, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler.
photo: courtesy
(BMLTV) DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.,October 24, 2012 - Staff Sgt. Aaron Escalante, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, was one of four to receive the Hero of the Year award at the fifth annual Tucson observance of Heroes Day, Oct. 18, 2012.
Escalante and Mushe, 355th SFS military working dog, are being honored by the city of Tucson for heroic work during their deployment. Escalante and Mushe deployed to the Ozra district of eastern Afghanistan from October 2011 to May 2012. While deployed, they assessed an Afghani terrorist operation site, detecting an arsenal of weapons and hidden explosives.
They secured the site and suspended terrorist operations. "I was on a joint expeditionary tasking," Escalante said. "I was attached with an Army unit out of Fort Bragg, N.C. No units had been in the area for about eight months. After getting intelligence that there was a possible weapons cache, we went to the scene. We arrived at three in the morning and waited for the sun to come up.
We hit the objective and once Mushe found their stash, they knew we were taking all their weapons." At home station, military working dog handlers are responsible for working the roads, conducting building and vehicle searches, and training their dogs.
"Depending on where you deploy, the job you perform could be very different," Escalante said. "I was in Afghanistan, and you're outside in the villages, always the point man in front, because of the dog. Anywhere I deploy, Mushe comes with me.
"Since the beginning of Tucson's observance of Heroes Day, Escalante is the first military member to be honored with the Hero of the Year award. "I was just doing my job," Escalante said. "I didn't think it was this big of an accomplishment, but it feels nice to be recognized by the city for doing my duty."
by senior airman brittany dowdle
Airmen able to vote by absentee ballots
(BMLTV) NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev, September 28, 2012 - No one has to miss out on getting their vote in for the upcoming general election. With FVAP.gov voting for military members, it is simpler than ever.
The 2012 general election will be held Nov. 6 and deadlines to register absentee ballots are state-dependent and can be found at the FVAP.gov website. An absentee ballot is a way for military members and their families to vote while outside their state of residence.
To request your absentee ballot, use the online registration and absentee ballot assistant or contact your unit or installation voting assistance officers. "Today, with the internet, it is easy to vote," Capt. Ashley Snyder, 99th Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Office deputy flight commander. "The website makes things error proof."
The Military Postal Service Agency provides free expedited ballot delivery and ballot tracking to local election offices for military members and their families stationed overseas. Overseas and deployed members can go to their local post office or postal clerk, use the Label 11 - DOD form on their absentee ballot envelope and mail it.
To track the status of the ballot, go to www.usps.com. Individuals, whom haven't received their ballot by Oct. 6, should use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB as their back-up ballot. To use the FWAB go to FVAP.gov and use the automated assistant. For each voting office, write in either a candidate's name or their party designation. "Don't leave voting to the last minute," Snyder said. "The election is creeping up quickly."
by Airman 1st Class Timothy Young
Pul-E Alam: Suicide bomber claims the lives of two U.S. Soldiers
(BMLTV) Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, September 26, 2012 - Two U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany, lost their lives when an wearing a suicide vest detonated the device near their patrol.
Killed were, Staff Sgt. Orion N. Sparks, 29, of Tucson, Ariz., and Sgt. Jonathan A. Gollnitz, 28, of Lakehurst, N.J.
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Report confirms cause of F-15E Strike Eagle crash in Southwest Asia
(BMLTV) LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, September 26, 2012 - Catastrophic failure of the right engine caused an F-15E Strike Eagle to crash May 3, 2012, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today.
The aircraft crashed south of the host nation air base in Southwest Asia. The mishap aircraft and air crew are forward deployed with the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. When the accident occurred, the mishap crew MC was conducting a routine training sortie simulating enemy fighter tactics against friendly forces.
According to the investigation, the cause of the engine failure was a rare ignition of the titanium components within the engine, resulting in an extremely destructive fire. The fire led to associated failure of other critical hydraulic and electrical systems. The loss of the right engine and critical systems made the aircraft uncontrollable, resulting in the crash.
With the mishap aircraft at the prescribed bailout altitude and fire continuing to burn in the right engine compartment, the mishap pilot used hand signals to command bailout. The mishap crew safely ejected from the aircraft without injury and was quickly recovered by host nation search and rescue forces. Seconds after the crew ejected, the aircraft crashed in an unpopulated area and was destroyed upon impact.
The loss is valued at approximately $45.5 million. There were no civilian casualties and while some small trees and irrigation lines received some damage there was no significant damage reported at the impact site.
Research vessel to be named in honor of Neil Armstrong
(BMLTV) September 25, 2012 - Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today that the first Armstrong-class Auxiliary General Oceanographic Research ship will be named Neil Armstrong. Mabus named the future R/V Neil Armstrong to honor the memory of Neil Armstrong, best known for being the first man to walk on the moon. Armstrong was an aeronautics pioneer and explorer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration serving as an engineer, test pilot, astronaut and administrator.
Armstrong also served as a naval aviator flying nearly 80 combat missions during the Korean War. "Neil Armstrong rightly belongs to the ages as the man who first walked on the moon. While he was a true pioneer of space exploration and science, he was also a combat-proven naval aviator," said Mabus. "Naming this class of ships and this vessel after Neil Armstrong honors the memory of an extraordinary individual, but more importantly, it reminds us all to embrace the challenges of exploration and to never stop discovering."
Armstrong's widow, Carol, will serve as the ship's sponsor. The Armstrong-class AGOR ship will be a modern oceanographic research platform equipped with acoustic equipment capable of mapping the deepest parts of the oceans, and modular on-board laboratories that will provide the flexibility to meet a wide variety of oceanographic research challenges.
These make them capable of supporting a wide range of oceanographic research activities conducted by academic institutions and national laboratories. Additionally, the research vessel will be outfitted with multi-drive, low-voltage diesel electric propulsion systems. This upgraded system will maintain engine efficiency while lowering maintenance and fuel costs. Armstrong-class AGOR ships will be 238 feet in length, have a beam length of 50 feet, and operate at more than 12 knots. AGOR 27 is currently under construction by Dakota Creek Industries, Inc. in Anacortes, Wash.
