SeaWaves Naval News March 14, 2006

The Northrop Grumman Newport News facility is rapidly nearing completion of the future USS Texas (SSN 775). Commissioning is scheduled for August 26th. Northrop Grumman photo.

Endurance Heads to Argentine Drydock

Puerto Belgrano March 10, 2006 (MERC) - FOR the second time in three months, the Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship HMS Endurance is to visit Argentina, but this time it is for repairs.

Councilor Mike Summers said it is understandable that people will be annoyed at this news, at a time when Argentina continues to be difficult with the Falklands.

"Nevertheless," he said, "we too should make efforts to understand the practical constraints that exist for the Ministry of Defense."

A courtesy call made by the ship to Ushuaia in late January raised eyebrows in the Islands, as the ship had not visited the Falklands’ capital for some time.

However, this visit by Endurance is said to be due to essential repairs.

Councilor Mike Summers commented, "...we are assured that Puerto Belgrano is the only port within reasonable distance where the dry dock is large enough for the repairs to be done, and sufficiently close to enable the vessel to return here to complete her work."

When asked why the vessel did not go to another country for the work, he said. "No doubt they could have gone to another country, but at far greater expense - I doubt that could be reasonably justified."

"We are advised that the Endurance had in fact a Stanley visit scheduled; the Diligence will now come instead."

Of the trip to Puerto Belgrano, he added, "it is to be hoped that they make good positive use of the visit to foster better understanding in Argentina."

Cape St. George Wraps up Mission in North Persian Gulf

March 10, 2006 - The British staff of Combined Task Force (CTF) 58 debarked USS Cape St. George (CG 71) March 1 after commanding 72 days of successful maritime security operations (MSO) in the North Persian Gulf from aboard the Norfolk-based cruiser.

Royal Navy Commodore Bruce Williams, commander, CTF 58 and his staff lead maritime security operations and the protection of two Iraqi oil terminals responsible for more than 90 percent of Iraq’s exported oil. For more than two months, Williams led the task force from aboard his flagship – Cape St. George.

"It is with great sadness that Task Force 58, my staff and I have to say ‘goodbye’ to the Cape. From the warmth of welcome and impressive professionalism of your team, to the real effect the ship has had on all aspects of the Task Force 58 mission, Cape has certainly set the pace and standard," said Williams in a message to Cape’s commanding officer.

From the time the Brits boarded the ship, the Cape crew worked hard to establish and maintain a productive working relationship so that MSO could be executed throughout the North Persian Gulf.

"The crew assumed the duties as flagship with style. In addition to supporting the staff, Cape successfully hosted distinguished visitors from Air Marshal Torpy, the United Kingdom’s equivalent of the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations, while simultaneously safeguarding Iraq’s future through protection of the oil platforms," said Lt. Joel Lang, Cape’s current operations and weapons officer, who worked closely with the task force staff juggling task force schedules.

The British staff deployed four months ago and has moved several times as it embarks various warships operating in the Northern Persian Gulf. While aboard US Navy ships like Cape, British Sailors ate, slept and stood watch with their American counterparts.

Cape’s crew and the staff of CTF 58 worked with several navies while conducting MSO in the North Persian Gulf. In addition to working closely with the Navy’s Mobile Security Detachments (MSD) on the oil platforms, the ship also worked with US Coast Guard crews and ships from the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and Iraq.

"If ever there was a mission that builds consensus and common ground between our coalition maritime forces, it is the maritime security of our sea lanes," said Capt. James R. Yohe, Cape’s commanding officer. "We all share in the benefits of stability and safety on the high seas."

Cape, which left Norfolk, Va., early November as part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8, will continue supporting maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet area of operations. Maritime security operations set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. MSO complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Navy-Coast Guard National Fleet Policy Updated

Washington March 10, 2006 - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen and Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Thomas H. Collins jointly approved a new National Fleet policy statement in early March aimed at strengthening Navy-Coast Guard cooperation and tailored operational integration of each service’s multimission platforms, infrastructure and personnel.

Building on more than two centuries of close collaboration and joint operations in peace and war, this firm commitment to shared purpose directly supports the new National Strategy for Maritime Security approved by President Bush this past September.

"Security of the maritime domain can be accomplished only by seamlessly employing all instruments of national power in a fully coordinated manner," the strategy states.

The National Fleet, which originated in 1998, reflects an agreement between the Navy and the Coast Guard to plan, acquire, and maintain forces that support and complement each service’s roles and missions. With this latest update, the services will be able to share assets, providing unique capabilities for expeditionary warfare and maritime homeland defense and security missions.

"While we remain separate services, we recognize that full cooperation and integration of our non-redundant and complementary capabilities must be achieved," Mullen and Collins said. "This continues to ensure the highest level of maritime capabilities and readiness for the nation’s security and investment."

"A joint and interoperable maritime force is needed to establish the numerical sufficiency required for effective global operations and to effectively foster and leverage regional international partnerships in order to achieve global maritime domain awareness and maritime transportation security in the era of globalization," they said.

The Navy-Coast Guard National Fleet has three main attributes. First, it is composed of ships, boats, aircraft, and shore command-and-control nodes that are affordable, adaptable, interoperable, and possess complementary capabilities. Secondly, these forces will be designed, wherever possible, around common command, control, and communications equipment and operational, weapon and engineering systems, and include coordinated operational planning, procurement, training, and logistics. Lastly, the National Fleet will be capable of supporting the broad spectrum of US national security requirements — from power projection to defense of the homeland.

"As the Navy develops shallow water and riverine capabilities, we will seek increasing synergies with the Coast Guard, at home and abroad, exploring complementary design, acquisition, operations and training initiatives," Mullen testified before the House of Representative’s Armed Services Committee March 3.

He described the new National Strategy for Maritime Security as a "very critical and important document," and said he and Collins will build on their strong relationship to achieve the level of maritime domain awareness they think vital for the future.

The Coast Guard agrees.

"It is not narrowly constructed as a national counterterrorism plan; it is an all-threat plan including counter-drugs, migrant issues, fishery enforcement, and other security areas — a systems view of the maritime," Collins said recently. "There is a lot of work to be done to give meaning and add meat to those plans, and the Navy and the Coast Guard are engaged in doing that."

The Navy’s contribution to the National Fleet consists of multimission ships, submarines and aircraft, as well as Naval Coastal Warfare, Naval Special Warfare, and C4ISR assets designed for the full spectrum of naval operations, from peacetime engagement to global war. The Coast Guard’s contribution is its statutory authorities, multimission cutters, boats, aircraft and C4SIR, as well as law enforcement and environmental response teams. This contribution, designed for the full spectrum of Coast Guard missions, includes maritime security operations, counterterrorism-crisis response, and filling the joint combatant commanders’ theater plans calling for general-purpose warships.

"Our services have a record of working together that goes back a long way," Mullen said. "Along with the Marine Corps, our relationship with the Coast Guard is the most critical relationship we can possibly have when it comes to securing the maritime domain."

China to build aircraft carrier to develop navy fleet: report

Hong Kong March 10, 2006 (Kyodo) - The Chinese military is currently planning to build an aircraft carrier, a pro-Beijing daily in Hong Kong reported Friday.

"The Chinese army will conduct research and build an aircraft carrier and develop our own aircraft carrier fleet," People's Liberation Army Lt. Gen. Wang Zhiyuan was quoted as saying in the Chinese-language Wen Wei Po.

"An aircraft carrier is a very important tool for big countries defending their interests in the sea. China is a big country with a long shoreline. An aircraft carrier is necessary to defend our interests in the sea," he said.

It would be China's first aircraft carrier and would likely be deployed to join other warships currently in the South China Sea, the newspaper said.

Wang said the carrier fleet would not be complete for another three to five years.

The newspaper said aircraft fit for the carrier and auxiliary warships and submarines are either being built or completed.

It also quoted sources as saying China may deploy its aircraft carrier fleet near the energy fuel supply route in South China Sea where warships are now being deployed.

The barriers for China to build its own aircraft carrier include technology advancement, hardware and software support, building and maintenance costs and political pressure from overseas over China's becoming a military threat in the region, the newspaper reported.

Rosoboronexport strikes $7.5 bln deal with Algeria

Algiers March 10, 2006 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's main arms exporter has concluded arms deals with Algeria worth $7.5 billion and is planning to sign other contracts worth another $2-3 billion, the head of Rosoboronexport said Friday.

"We have signed arms contracts totaling $7.5 billion in the last two-three months, including on deliveries of air defense systems, combat aircraft, ships and combat vehicles," Sergei Chemezov told a news conference.

He said 90% of contracts were for sales of new equipment and only 10% of the deals were for the modernization and repair (such as the two Project 677EM submarines) of equipment previously sold to the country.

"We dominate the Algerian arms market and sell military equipment only for real money," Chemezov said.

He also said Russian military equipment was as good as similar foreign equipment but 15%-20% less expensive.

"I hope we will be able to conclude new contracts worth about $2-3 billion," the head of Rosoboronexport said.

Russian media previously reported that contracts for the delivery of 40 MiG-29SMT Fulcrum fighters, 20 Su-30 MK Flanker fighters, 16 Yak-130 Mitten combat trainers, eight battalions of S-300 PMU2 Favorite air defense systems and 40 T-90 main battle tanks had been initialed before President Vladimir Putin's visit to the North African country.

DSTL Chief Executive to head up National Science Museums

London March 10, 2006 - Martin Earwicker, Chief Executive of the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been appointed as the new Director of the National Museums of Science and Industry (NMSI).

Under Martin Earwicker's leadership, Dstl has provided the MoD with in-house scientific and technical advice for five years. He will be taking up his new post in May 2006. Frances Saunders, Operations Director and Deputy Chief Executive Dstl will take over as acting Chief Executive until a permanent replacement has been appointed.

Professor Roy Anderson, Chief Scientific Adviser at the MoD said:

"Martin has done a superb job as the inaugural Chief Executive of Dstl. Under Martin's stewardship, Dstl has developed into a world-leading and indispensable source of scientific and technological excellence. For this, I am truly grateful and I wish Martin all the very best in his future endeavors."

Richard Maudslay, the Chairman of Dstl expressed his thanks to Mr Earwicker:

"Martin Earwicker can be justifiably proud of his achievements during his time as Chief Executive since Dstl's formation in 2001. The organization has a world-renowned reputation for excellence.

"Dstl's Board will now ensure that the new Chief Executive continues Martin's good work so that we provide the very best, impartial, scientific and technical advice to address the real needs of the MoD and other government departments."

The complexities of modern day war fighting, and the increasingly sophisticated and diverse threats posed to our UK Armed Forces, have intensified the demand for the input of science and technology research and advice at all levels of military and security. Dstl is an essential component of military operations and its operational analysts stand ready to be deployed, at any time, to wherever they are needed in the world.

Dstl (the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory) is the center of scientific excellence for the Ministry of Defense, housing one of the largest groups of scientists and engineers in public service in the country. Its 3,500 strong workforce includes some of the nation's most talented and creative scientists with the brief to ensure that the UK Armed Forces and Government are supported in-house by world class scientific advice. Dstl delivers defense research, specialist technical services and the ability to track global technological developments. Its capabilities compare with the best in the world, supporting defense policy making and operations and procurement decisions.

Kaliningrad Yantar Hopes to Build $1.6-Billion Frigates for India

Kaliningrad March 10, 2006 (KOMM) - Russia's Deputy PM and Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov has backed up the state-controlled Kaliningrad Yantar in its effort to execute the contract for constructing three frigates for Indian Navy worth nearly $1.6 billion.

Ivanov's decision ended the fight of several months between two shipbuilders, Mezhprombank's Severnaya Verf of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad Yantar. Both of them were eager to construct for Indian Navy three frigates of Project 11356.

In 2003 to 2004, St. Petersburg Baltic Works built and handed over to India three frigates of Project 11356 worth $1 billion. A new contract for another trio has been negotiated since 2002.

The talks proved more than fruitful. The new contract that is expected to be sealed this March sets forth an option for building one or two frigates to add to the nearly $1.6-billion construction of three frigates.

Navy Conducts First Live Missile Shoot in Halifax Operational Area

Halifax March 8, 2006 - Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Montreal and Ville de Quebec participated in the first missile firing exercise in the Maritime Atlantic Operational Area yesterday as part of the tactical phase of Combat Readiness Operation (CRO) 01/06.

The two Halifax-based Canadian Patrol Frigates (CPFs) launched Sea Sparrow missiles against "Vindicator targets" while operating 30 nautical miles from Chebucto Head. The Vindicator targets are small remote-controlled airplanes that simulate small aircraft conducting attacks on ships. The targets are launched from a launcher and control system that was embarked on the flight deck of HMCS Montreal prior to the ship’s departure for CRO on Feb. 20.

During morning and afternoon serials, Vindicator targets were launched one at a time towards HMCS Montreal and against HMCS Ville de Quebec. The ships then responded to these simulated attacks by shooting down the targets with ship-launched Sea Sparrow missiles.

"The event proved to be a huge confidence builder for the ships’ companies as both ships successfully fired two missiles at opposing targets," says Navy Lieut. Paul Carew, an operations officer with the Canadian Fleet Atlantic embarked in HMCS Montreal during CRO. "By all accounts and based on the popularity of this event within the Fleet, we expect that missile firing exercises in Canadian waters will become a more common event."

CRO 01/06 is a three-week training exercise taking place in Canadian and American waters, and is designed to solidify combat skills in the areas of gunnery, air defense/air support, electronic warfare and anti-submarine warfare, as well as exercise joint warfare and joint command and control.

Participating in the exercise are HMC Ships Montreal, Ville de Quebec, Preserver, Windsor, Summerside and Moncton, as well as embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopters, Canadian CF-18 Hornets, Canadian land forces exercising in the eastern United States, and United States Navy assets.

Surface ships participating in CRO will return to Halifax Friday. HMCS Windsor will remain at sea and continue with her individual training program.

Major MCA Exercise Bluewater to be Held Off Portland

London March 10, 2006 - On Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th March 2006, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be conducting a major Exercise in Lyme Bay and the Portland area.

The Exercise will revolve around a disabled large tanker requiring a tow. A Coastguard Helicopter will be used to pass a towline to the vessel, and exercises will then be conducted using rocket-line transfer from the British and French Emergency Tugs to the tanker. The tanker will be `played' by RFA Orangeleaf.

Also involved in the Exercise will be:

* South West Approaches Coastguard Tug - Anglian Princess

* Cherbourg Peninsular Tug - Abeille Liberte

* Offshore support vessel - Anglian Earl

* Wilcarry - offshore boom operations

* Portland tug - boom deployment

* MCA heavy duty offshore boom

* MCA Hazardous and Noxious Substance (HNS) response team

* MOD Salvage & Marine Operations unit

* MCA Coastguard Helicopter - 'Whiskey Bravo'

* MCA Coastguard Boat - Osprey

* HM Coastguard Operations Room - Portland

* MCA inert gas generator

* MCA TK pumping units

* MOD submersible pumping system

The MCA HNS Response Team will be deployed for variety of activities including chemical environment enclosed space entry exercises, decontamination procedures and ballast, oil and chemical transfer using over-the-top pumping methods and tank inerting.

The Ministry of Defense, Salvage & Marine Operations IPT unit will be conducting enclosed space entry exercises and casualty evacuation training from the disabled vessel. They will then inspect the of the tanker using an underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV).

Four hundred meters of heavy duty offshore boom will be deployed from a suitable platform and the latest generation of weir boom will be incorporated into this activity. Magnets will be employed to affix the boom to the tanker for simulated containment.

The French tug (Abeille Liberte) will simulate the release of dispersant from her spraying system as part of the vessels ongoing familiarization program.

Key participating organizations in the Exercise will include:

* Maritime & Coastguard Agency

* Salvage & Marine Operations IPT

* Premar Manche

* DV Howells Ltd

* Adsteam Marine

* Royal Fleet Auxiliary

* Portland Harbour Authority

* Seacor Environmental Inc

* Oil Spill Response Ltd

* Smit Tak BV

* Contracting Parties to Bonn Agreement

* EMSA member observers

* EUMAREX member observers

Scott Baker, Senior mariner with the Agency's Counter Pollution Branch said:

"This Exercise will give us an excellent window on working with our French colleagues and using both helicopters and rocket line transfers to a very large drifting or disabled vessel, which could threaten either of our coastlines, or other shipping.

"We are particularly grateful to those who will be playing alongside us throughout the two day Exercise including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; Portland Harbour Authorities and the Ministry of Defense. Observers to the Exercise will include maritime experts from Finland, Poland, Slovenia and the Netherlands.

Expansion of USO Center at Ramstein Air Base Completed

Arlington VA March 10, 2006 - The USO is proud to host a Sponsor Appreciation Ceremony in recognition of the newly expanded USO Center at Ramstein Air Base in Germany March 14, 2006. Renovation of the USO center was made possible by a $350,000 contribution from TriWest Healthcare Alliance in March 2005. With the closure of Rhein Main Air Base, Ramstein is the primary military transportation hub for Europe.

USO president and CEO Edward A. Powell said: "We want to thank TriWest Healthcare Alliance for their generous contribution. We are pleased to have the continued support of TriWest and its employees in fulfilling our mission."

"This center will provide America's service members and their families with a welcoming place to rest and relax, and receive the assistance they need," said David J. McIntyre, Jr., TriWest president and CEO and member of the USO World Board of Governors. "Given that Ramstein is the primary gateway to the major theater of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and touches so many of our customers, it is a privilege for those of us at TriWest to have made this expansion possible."

The center now offers a new service and family member lounge with coffee bar, theater-type seating in a home theater area, additional traveler relaxation area and kitchenette. The expansion also includes a new USO Welcome Kiosk in the baggage claim area to offer weary passengers beverages, snacks and arrival information. TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co.KG donated an Internet "Hot Spot," providing connectivity for 250 laptops in the new facility as well as free cable television for USO centers and satellite operations throughout Germany. In addition to new amenities, the newly renovated Ramstein center extended its hours of operation and hired additional staff.

TriWest Healthcare Alliance, a USO World Partner, has chaired the USO World Headquarters' Gala for the past three years as well as partnered with local USO affiliates. The company has enabled the USO to continue to deliver programs and services to service members and their families in the United States and overseas.

The USO currently operates more than 120 centers around the world, providing free e-mail and Internet access, international phone cards, libraries and travel assistance. USO centers in Europe provide support to troops deploying to the Persian Gulf and the wounded returning to the United States for treatment. USO affiliates in the United States provide support to service members as well as their families left behind.

Government Announces Cut in Light Dues

London March 10, 2006 - Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman announced today that light dues paid by merchant ships for aids to navigation in UK waters will be reduced from 39p to 35p per tonne in 2006/07.

The tonnage cap will remain the same at 35,000 tonnes making the maximum charge for light dues £12,250 per voyage. The need to record the departure dates of vessels for collection purposes will be removed and so will the exemption from payment of light dues for vessels calling at a port in ballast. This will simplify the collection process.

Light dues are a system of charges levied on commercial shipping calling at all UK and Republic of Ireland Ports. In the UK, the provision and maintenance of aids to navigation - such as lighthouses, buoys and beacons - falls to the three General Lighthouse Authorities (Trinity House Lighthouse Service, the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights). Their costs are funded from the collection of these charges.

Commenting on the new lower charges, Dr Ladyman said:

"The Government remains committed to the present system of recovering costs but is determined to minimize the cost burden on the shipping industry. The rate per tonne has fallen repeatedly since its 1993 peak of 43p. The reduction I am announcing today means a further fall of 10.2%.

This is a remarkable achievement during a period of major capital investment by the General Lighthouse Authorities and against a background of general inflation. I pay full credit to the Authorities for their commitment to an efficient and cost-effective service providing aids to navigation.

The strong performance of the underlying General Lighthouse Fund in the past year makes a cut on this scale possible. The cut returns to light dues payers the benefit of growth in the Fund, for as long as this proves possible."

Dr Ladyman added:

"This is excellent news for all merchant ships. I welcome the assurance of the Lights Advisory Committee, who represent the shipping industry, ports and cargo interests, that they are prepared to support a rise in light dues rates should this become necessary at some future date."

Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, the three General Lighthouse Authorities in the British Isles, Trinity House Lighthouse Service, the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, manage the lights, buoys and beacons around the coasts of their respective areas. The Authorities' costs are met from the light dues levied on shipping using ports in the British Isles which are paid into the General Lighthouse Fund. In any year, a vessel is not required to pay light dues for more than seven voyages in total. The structure and level of light dues are determined by the Secretary of State for Transport under the Act. In the Republic of Ireland these matters are the responsibility of the Irish Minister of Marine and Natural Resources.

Regulations will be laid to amend the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues)

Regulations 1997 to make the following amendments:

(a) rate per tonne for ships subject to payments per voyage - from 39p to 35p

(b) the maximum charge for light dues will now be £12 ,250 per voyage

(c) remove the requirement to record the departure date of vessels

4. remove the exemption given to vessels navigating in ballast and not engaged in revenue earning activity.

Marines, Sailors Remember Iwo Jima

USS Harpers Ferry at Sea March 11, 2006 - Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) along with Sailors from USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) paid a visit to the volcanic island of Iwo Jima to support the 61st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, March 8.

A ceremony was held with veterans of the battle, from both the United States and Japan. Sailors and Marines from the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) used Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 Detachment Western Pacific and helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 262 (Reinforced) to "storm the beach" with equipment and personnel to support the annual ceremony.

Members of the ARG climbed Mt. Suribachi to look down upon the landscape of one of the most storied battles of World War II. Several Marines and Sailors reenlisted upon the famous sands of Iwo Jima, atop the legendary flag-raising mount.

"The fact that we were at a place where so many people had given up their lives six decades ago, and we were able to send very junior Sailors…and really launch their careers in the Navy at a historic spot where so much had happened, so many dramatic events and so many people gave the ultimate sacrifice, just gave me pause," said Harpers Ferry Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Kevin P. Meyers.

Iwo Jima was the largest sustained aerial offensive of the Pacific War. The United States sent more than 110,000 Marines in 880 ships in what became the largest invasion force of the Pacific Campaign. It took 36 days of fighting and more than 25,000 US casualties to bring the island under American control.

"When you stand on top of Suribachi and you look down on the invasion beaches down there…it’s just incredible to think how exposed the Marines were down there to the Japanese…there was just no place to go under the imposing heights of Mt. Suribachi," MSSG 31 Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. James A. Vohr said. "I don’t think you have an appreciation for what it must have been like to fight up Suribachi until you have to walk up it."

Harpers Ferry is part of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group, which includes Essex, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and USS Juneau (LPD 10), all forward deployed from Sasebo, Japan.

US Seventh Fleet Marks 63rd Anniversary of Service to Asia-Pacific Region

Yokosuka March 13, 2006 - Sixty-three years and still going strong.

That's how long US Seventh Fleet has been steaming in the Asia-Pacific region, projecting forward deployed naval power to help maintain stability and encourage cooperation in one of the most diverse and expansive regions in the world.

The Commander, US Seventh Fleet, Vice Adm. Jonathan Greenert, said the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the world's largest forward-deployed naval force is a time for reflection as well as a springboard for the future.

"We have an impressive record of being part of nearly every major naval operation of the 20th century," Greenert said. "We're not resting on our past accomplishments now, especially not in today's world."

Founded on March 15, 1943, US Seventh Fleet has promoted peace, regional stability and maintained a vigilant presence in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The newly established Fleet participated in several Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines during World War II as the naval component commander under Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area, Gen. Douglas MacArthur. After the war, on Jan. 1, 1947, the Fleet's name was changed to Naval Forces Western Pacific. On Aug. 19, 1949, just prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, the force was designated as US Seventh Task Fleet. On Feb 11, 1950, the force assumed the name that it holds today -- United States Seventh Fleet.

Seventh Fleet units participated in every major operation of the Korean War. The first Navy jet aircraft used in combat was launched from a Task Force 77 carrier on July 3, 1950, and the famous landings in Inchon, Korea, were conducted by Seventh Fleet amphibious ships. The battleships Missouri, New Jersey, Iowa and Wisconsin all served as flagships for Commander, US Seventh Fleet during the Korean War.

During the Vietnam War, Seventh Fleet engaged in combat operations against enemy forces through attack carrier air strikes, naval gunfire support, amphibious operations, patrol and reconnaissance operations and mine warfare. After the 1973 cease-fire, the Fleet conducted mine countermeasures operations in the coastal waterways of North Vietnam.

During the late 1970s and in the 1980s, Seventh Fleet provided support for and participated in a variety of operations in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

In response to the Aug. 2, 1990, Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, then-President George H.W. Bush directed Commander, US Seventh Fleet to assume additional responsibilities as Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT). The Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Henry H. Mauz, Jr., departed Yokosuka, Japan, immediately for the Arabian Gulf and was joined by the remainder of his staff aboard Blue Ridge on Sept. 1, 1990. During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, COMUSNAVCENT exercised command and control of the largest US Navy armada since World War II. At the peak of combat operations, more than 130 US Navy ships joined more than 50 allied ships to form a multi-national maritime force to conduct maritime intercept operations, minesweeping and combat strike operations against enemy forces in Iraq and Kuwait.

COMUSNAVCENT included six aircraft carrier battle groups, two battleships, two hospital ships, 31 amphibious assault ships, four minesweeping and numerous combatants in support of allied air and ground forces.

After a decisive allied victory in the Gulf, Commander, US Seventh Fleet relinquished control of COMUSNAVCENT to Commander, Middle East Force on April 24, 1991, and returned to Yokosuka, Japan, to continue duties as Commander, US Seventh Fleet.

In 1994, Seventh Fleet was assigned the additional responsibility as Commander, Combined Naval Component Command for the defense of South Korea. This is when the Seventh Fleet commander became one of three primary Joint Task Force Commanders responsible to Commander, US Pacific Command.

In 1996, Seventh Fleet planned and organized a deployment of forces in response to tensions in the Taiwan Strait. In 1998, Seventh Fleet staff deployed on short notice to plan and prepare for the evacuation of American citizens from Indonesia.

Since 2001, Seventh Fleet has taken an active role in the Global War on Terrorism by providing guidance, support and security to countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

After the devastating earthquake off Sumatra, Indonesia - and the resulting tsunamis - ravaged much of Southeast Asia in December, Seventh Fleet units began providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to many countries during Operation Unified Assistance. That assistance included aid from the US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).

More recently, Seventh Fleet units took time out of an exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to give assistance to those affected by a devastating mudslide on the island of Leyte.

Greenert added that looking back on the Fleet's history is one of the places where he drew his inspiration for the goals he has set and challenged his Staff to rise above. He calls them his "Framework for Action." He said his plan will not only advance the future of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, but is designed to improve the way that Seventh Fleet as a whole does business.

"Framework for Action is the way ahead for another successful year in the books for Seventh Fleet," he said. "It takes a proactive look at the future of the US Navy and at the same time it addresses the current needs of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces and the needs of their families."

A vision for the future of the Seventh Fleet, Framework for Action consists of six broad goals that are supportive of Commander, US Pacific Fleet and the Chief of Naval Operations' visions for the Navy as a whole. Those goals are: operating multi-dimensional joint and combined forces; manning and training the Seventh Fleet for the 21st century; delivering responsive short-term readiness; aligning externally and internally to produce combat-ready forces; advancing 21st century naval concepts; and promoting quality of service and individual growth.

"These goals will enable us to be a stronger, more intelligent and an even better equipped military force both mentally and physically," Greenert said.

Seventh Fleet is the only permanently embarked staff and is forward deployed on USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.

Death of Peacemaker Tom Fox: Christian Peacemaker Teams' Response

Chicago March 11, 2006 - In grief we tremble before God who wraps us with compassion. The death of our beloved colleague and friend pierces us with pain. Tom Fox's body was found in Baghdad yesterday.

Christian Peacemaker Teams extends our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and community of Tom Fox, with whom we have traveled so closely in these days of crisis.

We mourn the loss of Tom Fox who combined a lightness of spirit, a firm opposition to all oppression, and the recognition of God in everyone.

We renew our plea for the safe release of Harmeet Sooden, Jim Loney and Norman Kember. Each of our teammates has responded to Jesus' prophetic call to live out a nonviolent alternative to the cycle of violence and revenge.

In response to Tom's passing, we ask that everyone set aside inclinations to vilify or demonize others, no matter what they have done. In Tom's own words: "We reject violence to punish anyone. We ask that there be no retaliation on relatives or property. We forgive those who consider us their enemies. We hope that in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."

Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, we stand in the light of his strong witness to the power of love and the courage of nonviolence. That light reveals the way out of fear and grief and war.

Through these days of crisis, Christian Peacemaker Teams has been surrounded and upheld by a great outpouring of compassion: messages of support, acts of mercy, prayers, and public actions offered by the most senior religious councils and by school children, by political leaders and by those organizing for justice and human rights, by friends in distant nations and by strangers near at hand. These words and actions sustain us. While one of our teammates is lost to us, the strength of this outpouring is not lost to God's movement for just peace among all peoples.

At the forefront of that support are strong and courageous actions from Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world for which we are profoundly grateful. Their graciousness inspires us to continue working for the day when Christians speak up as boldly for the human rights of thousands Iraqis still detained illegally by the United States and United Kingdom.

Such an outpouring of action for justice and peace would be a fitting memorial for Tom. Let us all join our voices on behalf of those who continue to suffer under occupation, whose loved ones have been killed or are missing, and in so doing may we hasten the day when both those who are wrongly detained and those who bear arms will return safely to their homes. In such a peace we will find solace for our grief.

Despite the tragedy of this day, we remain committed to put into practice these words of Jim Loney: "With the waging of war, we will not comply. With the help of God's grace, we will struggle for justice. With God's abiding kindness, we will love even our enemies." We continue in hope for Jim, Harmeet and Norman's safe return home safe.

DR. DOUG PRITCHARD, CPT CO-DIRECTOR

and REV. CAROL ROSE, CPT CO-DIRECTOR

Statement OF VAdm Thad W. Allen on his Nomination to be Commandant of the US Coast Guard Before Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Washington - Good afternoon Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee. I am honored to be before you today and look forward to listening to your views and answering your questions. I am grateful for the confidence of President Bush in nominating me to be the 23rd Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. I can think of no greater honor and no better way to continue serving our Nation than through our Coast Guard, a Service whose embedded responsibilities impact every American. Today I will discuss my priorities and objectives and provide an overview of where I intend to lead the Coast Guard. First, let me comment on our world of work.

The Coast Guard's "world of work" is our oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, bays, sounds, harbors and our waterways - this is the maritime domain and it is unique. Distinct from land borders characterized by clear legal boundaries, our oceans represent the last global commons. As the Committee knows well, we live in an interconnected world. Nowhere is this fact more exemplified than in the maritime domain. It is fundamental to our own and the international community's economic prosperity. As a result, maritime safety and security are not just issues of US national interest and security, but of global stability. The maritime domain is also enormously complex, with an unparalleled variety of users. From the world's largest cruise ships and tankers to professional fishermen and weekend boaters, the profiles of maritime users are as varied as the jagged coastlines surrounding our country.

Thankfully, the nation has built a Coast Guard able to successfully operate in this complex and unique environment. Single-purpose agencies such as the Revenue Cutter Service, the Lifesaving Service, and the Lighthouse Service have been integrated over the last century into the uniquely effective and efficient Service we are today. The Coast Guard you oversee, the Coast Guard that we have collectively built has a relatively straightforward purpose - exercise authorities and deploy capability to guarantee the safety and security of the US maritime domain. That is who we are, what we are charged to do, and represents the core character of the service. We are military, multi-mission, and maritime.

While the character and nature of our Service are clear, our missions are not static. New threats emerge as others are mitigated and Coast Guard capabilities, competencies, organizational structure, and processes must change accordingly. If confirmed, my enduring goal will be to lead a Coast Guard that is steadfast in its character but adaptive in its methods.

The work of this committee helped ensure that the Coast Guard was transferred intact to the Department of Homeland Security. We now must adapt to the reality of an ever-changing maritime domain. Our mandate and responsibility, indeed our passion, is serving the Nation with the best leadership, authorities and capability we can muster.

Secretary Chertoff has set forth a six-point agenda to guide near term Department of Homeland Security priorities and initiatives:

1. Increase overall preparedness, particularly for catastrophic events;
2. Create better transportation security systems;
3. Strengthen border security, interior enforcement, and reform immigration processes;
4. Enhance information sharing with our partners;
5. Realign the Department of Homeland Security organization to maximize mission performance; and
6. Improve DHS financial management, human resource development, procurement, and information technology.

These are the Secretary's priorities, and they are mine. If confirmed, I will work collaboratively throughout the Administration and with the Congress to translate this agenda into action. I will focus on:

Mission execution ... performing the right tasks with the right doctrine that reduce risk, mitigate threats, improve response, increase preparedness, and enhance our ability to recover from events that occur; Capabilities and competencies ... we are nothing without our people, and our people cannot be effective without the right tools; and Coast Guard organizational structure that optimizes mission execution ... aimed at field support, leveraging partnerships at all levels of government, and internally aligned with DHS systems.

The nature of the maritime domain requires an integrated, layered approach to its security. With 95,000 miles of coastline and 360 primary commercial ports, there is no fence or barrier that can be erected to protect our maritime borders. We are bounded by the oceans but we're not protected by them. It is precisely this reality that led the President to issue in September 2005 the National Strategy for Maritime Security. This strategy is unprecedented in its dedicated focus on the maritime domain and the necessity for its global security. The NSMS addresses the full range of maritime threats and is not limited to terrorism. With the structure provided by the Congress in both the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, together with the International Ship and Port facility Security code, the requisite pieces are in place to provide a maritime policy framework appropriate to the risks we collectively face.

To further strengthen maritime border security, I will develop and deploy a supporting Coast Guard Maritime Strategy. In December 2002, the Coast Guard published its Maritime Strategy for Homeland Security and it has served us exceedingly well. Under Admiral Collins' leadership, we have moved boldly to accomplish its objectives and execute its directed initiatives. Now is an appropriate time to "take a fix", and lay out a track line for the future. The Coast Guard's Maritime Strategy will directly support both the NSMS and MTSA and integrate our activities related to security, safety, preparedness, response and recovery. With that strategy as a foundation, I will work closely with DHS, the Administration and with the Congress to align legislative, budgetary, and rulemaking activity in support of national policy.

The Coast Guard's capstone doctrinal publication, what we call "Pub 1," is entitled America's Maritime Guardian. It describes how, while executing multiple missions, we "harmonize what seem to be contradictory mandates. We are charged at once to be policemen and sailors, warriors, humanitarians, regulators, stewards of the environment, diplomats, and guardians of the coast. Thus we are military, multi-mission, and maritime."

Our value proposition to the American public lies in our ability to shift among roles with the same platforms and personnel, capable and competent of performing a range of missions. This is made possible by adhering to Coast Guard principles of operations that have evolved, and been tested, over two centuries of maritime operations. They are codified in "Pub 1" and listed below:

• Clear objective,
• Effective presence,
• Unity of effort,
• On-scene initiative,
• Flexibility,
• Managed risk, and
• Restraint.

The application of these principles across a wide-ranging mission portfolio is the mission model of the Coast Guard. The exercise of these principles by our ship captains, pilots, aircrews, and boat crews was never more evident than in the response to Hurricane Katrina. These principles were also the tools I used in the execution of my duties as Principal Federal Official for the response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. From national incidents to day-to-day operations, from local responses to interagency efforts across broad regions, from domestic enforcement to international partnership - these principles empower and enable execution of all our missions. If confirmed, I intend to build on the time-tested strength of this operational model and ensure it is ready for the dynamic maritime domain we face.

The Coast Guard is well versed in operating land-based and large mobile assets such as cutters and maritime patrol aircraft. However, deployable units such as strike teams and port security units have evolved in the last thirty years and are relatively new force structures in the Coast Guard. After September 11, 2001, additional capability was added to these forces in the creation of Maritime Safety and Security Teams. Based on my experience leading the Federal response to the Gulf hurricanes, I am convinced we can better exploit the special operational capabilities inherent in these deployable units. By grouping these capabilities into tailored force packages under a unified chain of command, we will sharpen our own tool kit for maritime disaster and threat response. More importantly, we will be better able to integrate these Coast Guard capabilities with other DHS and Federal capabilities such as Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement, urban search and rescue teams, disaster medical assistance teams and, when deployed, DOD forces.

If confirmed, my first step will be to align Coast Guard deployable forces internally and then seek opportunities to integrate these forces with other DHS and Federal capabilities.

The Coast Guard has embarked on a comprehensive re-capitalization of our cutters, aircraft, and C4ISR architecture through the Integrated Deepwater System. Delivery of these assets to relieve aging ships, aircraft, and systems is essential to our forces' near-term readiness and long-term effectiveness. Extensive effort has been expended to adjust this program to meet new post-9/11 requirements and address gaps arising from the increased operations tempo required to meet current threats. I am personally committed to executing this program in the most effective manner possible. Our nation needs these platforms and the improved operational capability they deliver.

My focus will be on program management, effective cost control, integrated logistics support, and platform effectiveness. In addition, successful stewardship and program execution associated with both the Rescue 21 and Response Boat - Medium acquisitions are critical to current and future operations of our shore-based and coastal operating forces.

Under Admiral Collins' watchwords of Readiness, People, and Stewardship, we have significantly grown and improved the competency of the Coast Guard's work force. This unflinching focus on people has benefited the Service at every level. The challenge I accept is to continue to provide Coast Guard personnel the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to effectively contribute to mission execution and at the same time further individual growth, career development, and life-long learning. Identification of core competencies needed to operate and maintain new boats, cutters, aircraft, and sensors must be accelerated and completed to allow delivery of new platforms at full operational capability. The terrific work of the current Master Chief of the Coast Guard Frank Welch to provide leadership training at key accession and transition points must be sustained. Leadership training and broader exposure to homeland security policy and operations should be provided to mid-level managers. Finally, initiatives to improve law enforcement competencies, language proficiency, and officer specialty management must continue.

The Coast Guard has taken bold steps to consolidate shore-based forces at the port level into single, mission-focused Sector commands. This consolidation will provide a single point of accountability for operations. It will also unify resource allocation and enable risk based decision-making tools to focus Coast Guard capability and competencies to reduce risk and mitigate threats.

Based on the new Sector mission delivery system and the new requirements for deployable forces, I will conduct a comprehensive review of existing command and control structures, and logistics and maintenance systems to ensure that the Coast Guard is optimally organized to support field operations. In addition, we will develop and enhance partnerships within DHS and at all levels of government to improve interoperability, joint operating procedures, and employment of finite resources.

The vastness and complexity of the maritime domain make public and private partnerships a prerequisite of preparedness and effective response. For example, the standards-based approach of MTSA and ISPS regulatory efforts explicitly recognize that security and commerce cannot be competing interests. The combination of detailed performance standards and rigorous Coast Guard enforcement has made us safer. Additionally, the creation and regulatory enforcement of security partnerships at the port and national level will allow us to make continual enhancements to our collective effort.

In the public arena, I believe the Coast Guard is well positioned and uniquely equipped to contribute to the growing relationships between DHS and the Departments of Defense and Justice, as well as the Director of National Intelligence. For example, the recent issuance of a revised Navy-Coast Guard National Fleet Policy by the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant focuses on our shared world of work and the best combined use of our respective capabilities and competencies in support of the NSMS. Similarly, the recently published Quadrennial Defense Review speaks directly to the need and value of fully integrating Coast Guard capabilities into defense planning. Further, the President has laid out a specific vision for global maritime intelligence integration. As a member of the Intelligence Community, I will seek to strengthen the Coast Guard's relationship across the community to help facilitate DHS' achievement of the President's vision.

In too many cases, the Coast Guard's current finance, maintenance, and logistics systems are based upon platforms (e.g., aviation, surface) rather than common functions or processes. A unified financial accounting system is a requirement for effective support to the field, necessary for the deployment of internal control systems, and fundamental in addressing material weaknesses identified in recent audits. At the same time, the Integrated Deepwater System acquisition is transforming our maintenance and logistics systems. The inadequacy of the status quo as well as future requirements require that the Coast Guard develop and deploy an integrated, transformational business architecture that aligns with DHS and, above all, facilitates more effective mission execution.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee - I have spent my entire life in the United States Coast Guard. I was born while my enlisted father, a Seaman on the deck force, was underway on a Coast Guard cutter. In 1967, I traded my dependent's ID card for an active duty card when I entered the United States Coast Guard Academy. I have seen life from the junior enlisted ranks as a dependent, and I have been lucky enough to advance through the organization as an active duty officer.

The entirety of this experience has prepared me to sit before you today, and I am truly honored by the trust that the President and Secretary Chertoff have placed in me. My Coast Guard service has ingrained in me an abiding respect for its people, their work, and the value this work provides to the Nation. My pledge to the Committee and the public we serve is to effectively lead and improve a tested and trusted organization that provides value to people's lives every day.

Sheean Awarded Duke of Gloucester Cup

Canberra February 16, 2006 - HMAS Sheean was today awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup in a ceremony held at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia. This Cup is awarded annually to the Royal Australian Navy ship or submarine judged as the most proficient in all aspects of operations, safety, seamanship, reliability and training. Royal Australian Navy ships and submarines have vied for the Duke of Gloucester Cup since it was first presented 49 years ago.

"Winning the Duke of Gloucester Cup is a great achievement," said the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery after presenting the award. "For two submarines to win the Cup in as many years is proof of the high level capability of our submarines and the professionalism and dedication of the men and women working in them."

"2005 was a big year for us," said Commander Andrew Keough, the former Commanding Officer of HMAS Sheean. "Our five-month deployment took us to ports including Japan, Thailand and Singapore. We also achieved 55 days at sea which is the longest period ever undertaken by a Collins class submarine. The crew and the boat performed magnificently and I feel extremely proud of what we achieved."

In 2005, Sheean also won the Voyager Trophy, awarded annually to the ship or submarine that displays the best overall fleet efficiency in Anti Submarine Warfare operations and, the Electronic Warfare Proficiency Shield which is awarded annually to the ship or submarine judged to be the most efficient in Electronic Warfare. Sheean was also the runner up for Submarine Fighting Efficiency Award, for demonstrating proficiency in all aspects of warfare, training, safety and weapons handling.

Long-term plan for Canadian Forces Remains in limbo

Calgary March 13, 2006 - Canadian Defense & Foreign Affairs Institute (CDFAI) released a report today, The Strategic Capability Investment Plan: Origins, Evolution, and Future Prospects. This report is a critical assessment of one of the Department of National Defense’s central planning documents, the Strategic Capability Investment Plan (SCIP).

The report, by Dr. Elinor Sloan of Carleton University, suggests that unless and until the new minority Conservative government finalizes a broad Defense Capabilities Plan (DCP) and an accompanying more detailed SCIP, DND will continue on a path of reacting to crises in CF equipment and manpower requirements, instead of embarking on a more long-term, strategic route.

The SCIP will establish a mechanism by which all of the equipment, infrastructure, construction, human resources, technology and concept development of the Canadian Forces will work together in holistic fashion to create military capability.

Both the DCP and the SCIP must first overcome a number of hurdles including endorsement from the Minister of National Defense, the Treasury Board and the Cabinet itself. Only once in recent memory has a Minister of National Defense put his signature on a long-term planning document and sent it to Treasury Board for approval but that was a decade ago under a majority government.

"As it stands today, Defense could build a facility that is central to improving military capability, but once complete, lack the people needed to work there," says Dr. Sloan.

Until the DCP and accompanying SCIP are approved there will be no effective long-term planning for the Canadian Forces. The result will be ineffective spending by the military, the use of equipment that is past its prime, and the distinct possibility of lives being lost.

The complete report The Strategic Capability Investment Plan: Origins, Evolution, and Future Prospects is available online at www.cdfai.org

CDFAI is a "think tank" pursuing authoritative research and new ideas aimed at ensuring Canada has a respected and influential voice in the international arena.

CDFAI produces and distributes research papers on a quarterly basis.

Come Celebrate Fifteenth Annual Blessing of the Fleets!

Washington March 13, 2006 - The United States Navy Memorial will celebrate its 15th annual Blessing of the Fleets on Saturday, April 8.

The ceremony is a grand maritime tradition that pays homage to the sailing fleets of the world. The tradition is a special event for the United States Navy Memorial because it is also a celebration of spring, and the beginning of our very busy tourist season.

Blessing of the Fleets also ties directly to the United States Navy Memorial's mission to honor the men and women of the United States Navy -- past, present and future.

With the men and women of the Navy in mind, this year's guest speaker is Vice Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., Chief of Naval Personnel. In his dual position as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Harvey oversees all of the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education programs for the more than 356,000 officer and enlisted members of the active duty force.

Blessing of the Fleets will be hosted by Retired Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan, USN, President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial Foundation. Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. John Kalantzis will give the Blessing.

Festivities begin outside, on the Navy Memorial Plaza at noon, with a concert by the United States Navy Band's ensemble, "The Cruisers." The Blessing of the Fleets ceremony follows at 1 p.m., with the United States Navy Ceremonial Band.

As a maritime tradition, a "blessing of the fleet" occurred when a local parson would bless the fishing boats before they departed on their seafaring journeys. The Navy Memorial's blessing extends from the entire local fishing communities around the world to today's national maritime defense forces, such as the United States Navy.

Once the Chaplain gives his blessing at the Navy Memorial, Sailors from the Navy's Ceremonial Guard will proceed across the Plaza with beakers of water from the Seven Seas. United States Navy ships located in various parts of the world bring in the water. The water is then poured into the Navy Memorial's surrounding fountains, "charging them to life!"

After the ceremony, the public is invited into the Naval Heritage Center for the traditional serving of Navy Bean Soup by Navy Sailors from the White House Mess. The Sailors who cook and serve the soup donate their time each year to this wonderful event.

The public is invited free of charge and all ages are welcome!

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St Louis March 10, 2006 - Boeing has named Mark McGraw vice president of Tanker Programs, under Integrated Defense Systems' recently created Precision Engagement and Mobility Systems unit.

Based in St. Louis, McGraw is responsible for sales, development, production and support of Boeing's tanker programs. Currently, Boeing is building KC-767s for two major international customers -- Italy and Japan. Each country will receive four tankers with initial deliveries scheduled for later this year.

The KC-767 Global Tanker is a fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft specifically sized for diverse air-refueling; cargo, troop and passenger transport; and aeromedical evacuation missions.

Most recently, McGraw served as vice president and program manager of the Weapons Enterprise Capability Center (ECC) and managed the Boeing-St. Charles Missouri site. The ECC included management of major programs such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition, Small Diameter Bomb and Harpoon anti-ship missile.

He has held other leadership positions since joining the company in 1980 including director of Naval Weapons, deputy program manager of Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft and various assignments on the F/A-18 program.

McGraw holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in Engineering Management from Washington University in St. Louis.

Boeing Awarded $240 Million JDAM Contract

St Louis March 10, 2006 - Boeing received a $240 million contract March 6 from the US Air Force to produce 10,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits for existing 500-, 1,000- and 2,000-pound bombs purchased by the US Air Force and Navy.

"We are proud to continue to provide the warfighter with this needed capability," said Rick Heerdt, JDAM program manager for Boeing.

Known as the world's most accurate bomb, JDAM is a Global Positioning System-aided, near-precision weapon that has been used extensively in global operations by the US Air Force and Navy.

The new contract, known as Lot 10, is slated for completion in February 2008. Since 1998, Boeing has produced more than 140,000 JDAM tail kits.

Raytheon and ATK Demonstrate Advanced SM-3 Third Stage Rocket Motor Design

Tucson March 10, 2006 - Raytheon Company and Alliant Techsystems have successfully completed the first hot-fire test of a Standard Missile-3 Block IA third stage rocket motor (TSRM), employing new nozzle design enhancements to improve performance and reliability.

The test, conducted Feb. 28 at ATK's Elkton, Md., facility, marked a major milestone in the evolutionary enhancement of this proven system design. The TSRM is used to boost the SM-3 out of the atmosphere and to carry the Mk142 kinetic warhead (kW) to its intended target.

The TSRM test performed multi-pulse operations representative of a simulated mission designed to rigorously stress the system. All test objectives were met. These features are planned to be part of an SM-3 Block IA flight demonstration later this year.

The SM-3 is part of the Missile Defense Agency and US Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to counter ballistic missile threats in outer space. The SM-3 kW separates from the TSRM during the terminal intercept phase to track the target with its infrared seeker and homes to a kinetic hit-to-kill intercept. During flight testing, the Aegis BMD system has successfully intercepted six ballistic missile targets.

"This test is a great example of our engineering discipline and our focus on mission assurance. In partnership with our MDA customer, we have laid out a thorough ground test program to validate every component so that when we fly, we know it will work exactly as planned, with no doubt," said Ed Miyashiro, Raytheon vice president of Naval Weapon Systems.

"The demonstrated technology present in this test promises to push the SM- 3 into the next generation of capability. This evolutionary enhancement builds upon flight-proven design and processes," said Bart Olson, president and general manager, ATK Elkton.

SM-3 and its kW are produced by Raytheon Company at its Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz. ATK provides the TSRM as well as the solid divert and attitude control system for the kW under a subcontract to Raytheon.

Aker Yards to Modernize Minelayers

Helsinki March 10, 2006 - Aker Yards and the Finnish Navy have signed a contract for modernizing two mine layers.

The order worth EUR 27.9 million means 200 man-years of work for Aker Yards, Rauma where the conversions take place for deliveries in January and August 2007.

The vessels called "Hameenmaa" and "Uusimaa" were originally delivered from Rauma in 1992.

Now they will be modernized in order to conform with the new performance requirements, and a general overhaul of the ship systems will take place. The combat systems will be modernized as well.

"The Finnish Navy is a very important customer for our company. Aker Yards aims to further develop its competitiveness in the naval craft market in order to remain as the preferred builder for the Finnish Navy," says Yrjö Julin, President responsible for both Aker Yards Finnish yards and the Group's Cruise & Ferries business area.

Aker Yards is the purveyor of the Finnish Navy, over the years more than 100 naval craft were delivered. The co-operation dates back to the 1930`s. In the eighties and nineties several missile boats were delivered, the last series being so-called Hamina-class. The fourth vessel of the series is presently building at Aker Yards, Rauma for delivery in summer 2006.

The minelayers to be modernized are 77 m long and 11.6 m wide. In addition to the main task, laying mines, the vessels are suitable for surveillance, securing Salinas communication, command and support vessel tasks as well as sea transport.

Teamsters Accept Governor's Offer to Help End Sikorsky Strike

Stratford CT March 10, 2006 - Striking Sikorsky workers praised Gov. M. Jodi Rell for stepping in today to urge the company to return to the bargaining table and end its stalemate against the Teamsters.

Leaders of Teamsters Local 1150 immediately accepted the governor's offer of using her own table to help restart negotiations. About 3,600 Sikorsky workers walked out February 20 over the company's drive to dramatically increase health care costs for its lower-paid workers.

"We've said for weeks now that we are ready, willing and able to meet Sikorsky at the negotiating table and work out a fair contract that gets our people back to work and lets them maintain affordable health care benefits," said Rocco J. Calo, Local 1150 Secretary-Treasurer.

Gov. Rell's statement came a day after thousands of Teamsters gathered outside Sikorsky Aircraft for a rally led by General President Jim Hoffa in support of the 3,600 workers. Hoffa pledged the force of the 1.4 million- member Teamsters Union to help the striking Sikorsky workers prevail.

Sikorsky answered the massive rally with scare tactics, announcing Thursday afternoon that it was hiring replacement workers and moving work out of Connecticut. Gov. Rell rightly condemned Sikorsky's threats. "What I do want is for both sides to fully understand the wide-ranging effects this situation is having on individuals, families, communities and the state as a whole," the governor said.

Sikorsky has refused to negotiate with the union, demanding that workers accept its unreasonable demands for cuts in health care benefits despite recent soaring revenues.

Vietnam War Deserter Arrested at Border

Toronto March 11, 2006 - On Thursday, March 9 Allen Abney, a US Marine who deserted and came to Canada in 1968, was detained by US Border officials as he crossed the border from British Columbia into Idaho. Abney, a dual Canadian/ US citizen, was held in Idaho until he could be transferred to US Marine Corps custody and sent to Camp Pendleton, California, where he faces penalties under military law.

Abney, 56, lives in Kingsgate, BC, close to the Canada/US border, which he crossed often to go shopping, to do errands, and for other purposes. He is retired. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Abney came to Canada with his family in 1959. In 1968 he enlisted in the US Marines. Later that year, he joined thousands of others who fled to Canada because of their opposition to the Vietnam War. He has lived here ever since.

Abney's daughter, Jessica Abney, is shocked and worried by what has happened to her father. "It's been so long since my dad left the military. Why have they suddenly decided to do this now?" she asked. "My dad is not a young man, so of course I'm worried about what's going to happen to him." Ms. Abney is also concerned about the seeming lack of interest shown so far by the Canadian government. "When we called the 800 number, they seemed to just shrug their shoulders. But isn't it their job to help out in these cases?" she said.

"The War Resisters Support Campaign is deeply concerned about what has happened to Allen Abney. Many of our supporters are, like him, Vietnam War resisters. We will do what we can to support him and to help him regain his freedom as soon as possible," said Lee Zaslofsky, Coordinator of the Campaign.

"The detention and possible punishment of Mr. Abney comes at a time when growing numbers of US military personnel, including Marines, are coming to Canada because of their opposition to the Iraq War. It seems pretty clear that Mr. Abney's sudden difficulties are a response to this. As well, it seems the Marine Corps is trying to prevent further desertions by making an example of Mr. Abney. Besides being vindictive, this is unlikely to be effective. The best way to end the US military's problems is to end the war in Iraq immediately," said Zaslofsky.

The detention of Mr. Abney highlights the growing urgency of a Canadian government decision to offer sanctuary to Iraq war resisters, of whom there are now more than twenty in Canada. "Our country is still seen as what Pierre Trudeau called a "refuge from militarism" by many Americans -- and by most Canadians. It's time for the Harper Government to uphold that tradition, and make a provision that will make it possible for Iraq War resisters to settle in Canada as so many Vietnam War resisters like Mr. Abney did several decades ago," Zaslofsky added.

Pentagon Says Halliburton May be Overcharging for Hurricane Cleanup

Washington March 11, 2006 (HalliburtonWatch.org) - Halliburton's KBR subsidiary may have over-billed the Navy for labor costs during clean-up work in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, the Pentagon's inspector general reported March 3rd. The report said KBR's subcontractors had been billing for labor at rates "significantly higher" than the prevailing market rate.

Hurricane Ivan came ashore near Gulf Shores, Alabama, on September 16, 2004 as a Category 3 storm.

"The rates paid to some KBR subcontractors for labor were significantly higher than the prevailing Bureau of Labor Statistics rates for the area impacted by the hurricane (Pensacola, Florida)," the report said, adding that "additional review" is needed to make a final conclusion. The inspector general is conducting a follow-on audit.

The report contained language seen in previous audits by the military of Halliburton's contracts, including criticism of the company's notoriously flawed cost documentation system that conceals overcharges. It states: "The underlying documentation for the invoice that KBR submitted in January 2005 for the Hurricane Ivan recovery effort causes us concern about the ability of the Navy to obtain a fair and reasonable price for the labor and material needed to accomplish the tasks associated with natural disaster recovery efforts."

The possible over-billing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan occurred under Halliburton's Emergency Construction Capabilities III contract (or CONCAP III) with the Navy, worth up to $500 million over five years.

The inspector general's report chided the Navy for failing to consider Halliburton's past delinquent performance before awarding the CONCAP contract to KBR, including bribery and overcharges under its $13 billion Iraq logistics contract (or LOGCAP).

Although a company's past performance on government contracts is supposed to be considered before handing out new contracts, both the Army and the Navy failed to do so with regards to KBR, the report concluded. So, KBR's delinquent and illegal practices in Iraq were not entered into a military database that tracks contractor performance. The database is used by contracting officials to determine whether new contracts should be awarded.

Of the 36 task orders completed on the LOGCAP contract in Iraq, only one, worth $1 million, had made it into the database. The $209 million task order that included kickbacks worth $6 million paid to KBR employees was not entered into the database, and therefore was not considered by the Navy in its source selection. The Army has since entered the missing information, according to the inspector general's report.

Raytheon Delivers Software Design Lab for P-8A MMA Radar Integration

McKinney TX March 13, 2006 - Raytheon Company successfully achieved a significant milestone for the P-8A MMA (Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft) program, having recently delivered the Software Design Lab (Radar) Protocol Emulator (SDL-PE) to Boeing.

Raytheon's first P-8A hardware delivery, the SDL-PE will emulate the Raytheon radar interface and allow Boeing to begin early integration of the maritime surveillance radar into the aircraft mission systems backbone.

This is the first of a series of iterative milestones that will culminate in delivery of the production radar in 2008 -- a deliberate approach aimed at ensuring a tightly coupled integration of the radar into the P-8A mission system with minimum risk.

"The SDL-PE and the whole teaming approach to execution reflect the program's commitment to the Navy to deliver on time and under budget," remarked Mack Moorman, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) program manager for the P-8A radar. "Everyone's attitude is that we are going to get there, and we are going to get there together."

For the P-8A aircraft, Raytheon is providing a surveillance and tracking radar currently referred to as the APY-XXX. This new, next-generation maritime radar will be fully integrated with the Boeing mission system and contain numerous improvements, including a color weather mode, high speed data collection, and an enhanced tracker. It will also be smaller and weigh less than previous generation radars of its type.

Raytheon's same radar was cited among other possible industry team contributions for Boeing's recently announced 737 SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) Variant.

L-3 Communications' Network-Centric Common Data Link Completes Factory Qualification and Test

New York March 13, 2006 - L-3 Communications announced today that its Multi-Platform Common Data Link (MP-CDL) System successfully completed Factory Environmental Qualification, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Factory Acceptance Tests at the company's Communication Systems-West (CS-West) facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Developed under contract with the Aeronautical Systems Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, the MP-CDL program has pioneered the development of high capacity, high data-rate, network-centric communication systems.

Two dual-channel airborne systems and two dual-channel surface systems implementing the airborne Network-CDL (N-CDL) waveform were successfully tested. N-CDL is the first wideband data link waveform to provide a self-forming, self-healing, jam resistant, adaptive data rate, Internet Protocol (IP)-compatible multiple-access network with an aggregate capacity of 137 Mbps (outbound) and 67 Mbps (inbound), while supporting 50 active nodes. The airborne terminals also demonstrated the Advanced CDL (A-CDL) waveform, a jam resistant, adaptive data rate and robust IP-enabled air-to-air waveform capable of 274 Mbps between airborne platforms.

Major Christopher Nelson, Flight Commander of the unit responsible for this development, stated, "This is a major first step in providing a true network-centric wideband airborne data link. Airborne platforms now have the capability to provide a robust, low-latency, high-capacity network supporting tomorrow's bandwidth needs today. This capability enables real-time information dissemination to ground forces as well as to other airborne platforms."

The MP-CDL systems are in compliance with the current CDL waveform specification, including Annex B, as validated by the Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC) against existing network-enabled CDL surface terminals. The hardware includes both a software-configurable modem that is in-flight configurable to many different system configurations and an 8-Gbps embedded software-configurable IP router supporting dual simultaneous channels with spare slots for a third simultaneous channel. Each channel supports up to 274 Mbps data of throughput, with future growth to 548 Mbps. The systems are fully software-programmable, secure, ruggedized and support backward compatible modes with CDL terminals provided by multiple industry suppliers. Automatic network formation, dynamic ingress/egress, automatic hub hand-off, automatic data rate adjustments and dynamically assigned independent data rates (per node) have all been verified through laboratory test.

The MP-CDL terminals support industry standard networking protocols including Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), IP, User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Ethernet, Generic Framing Protocol (GFP) and others. Plans are in place to perform extensive flight demonstrations of these terminals during 2006 and 2007.

CS-West, located in Salt Lake City, UT, is the preeminent supplier of wideband data links and mobile surface and airborne satellite terminals for military applications in the world. CS-West has over 40 years of experience in providing robust, mobile microwave, satellite terminals and wideband data links for airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned platforms, operating in a variety of environments.

American Technology Corporation SoundSaber(TM) for USS Harry S Truman

San Diego March 13, 2006 - American Technology Corporation (ATC) today announced it has received another order for NeoPlanar(R)-based SoundSaber(TM) acoustic panels for installation in the hangar bays of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The order and installation for the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) comes on the heels of the successful installation of SoundSaber acoustic panels aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in December 2005. The aggregate amount of the orders is approximately $405,000.

The SoundSaber acoustic panels are a part of a mission critical system for general announcing and emergency notification. The SoundSaber line has passed Grade "A" shock and vibration and received a Common Intelligibility Standard grade of 0.95 out of 1.00; typical outdoor public address systems grade between 0.75 and 0.79.

Ken Winter, ATC's director of NeoPlanar Programs, noted, "Hangar bays are one of the toughest acoustic environments, since they are essentially big steel rooms. Because our SoundSaber acoustic panels provide outstanding clarity and intelligibility, with low total harmonic distortion under the most challenging acoustic conditions. We are experiencing increasing military, government and commercial interest for our NeoPlanar-based product lines."

SoundSaber is a hardened NeoPlanar-based solution for providing highly intelligible sound in challenging acoustic environments such as airports, hangar bays, warehouses and other large commercial and government facilities.

ATC's patented NeoPlanar technology features high output and exceptional clarity in a versatile, thin form factor. NeoPlanar products are being offered for a diverse range of applications from home theaters to large entertainment venues. NeoPlanar products are currently installed in arenas, on-board US Navy vessels and on a large private yacht, and are being utilized for home and outdoor entertainment. NeoPlanar has also been licensed for automotive use.

NOAA Testing ADA Technologies' WeatherPod(TM) Station

Denver March 2, 2006 - A micro-weather station developed by ADA Technologies is being installed today on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship, where it will undergo rigorous testing of its ability to provide automated weather observations.

The test of ADA's WeatherPod(TM) technology on the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, is in response to NOAA's need for an easy-to-operate weather monitoring system that can inexpensively be purchased and installed on the more than 900 US ships that participate in NOAA's Voluntary Observation Ship (VOS) program. Measurements being made with the ADA WeatherPod technology include barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature and relative humidity.

Voluntary Observation Ships are the primary weather observation platforms available for the majority of oceans and coastal areas. These ships, which are typically commercial container ships, provide data for the nation's most sophisticated weather/ocean monitoring satellites and are a vital component of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems. These ships also provide vital information for the severe storm warning system used to keep ships safe.

According to Jeff Jenner, NOAA VOS project manager: "The ADA system is the first available weather observation technology that addresses NOAA's needs for a low-cost, easy-to-install system. Currently available automatic weather systems cost between $15,000 and $30,000 and require specialized experience and knowledge to install and maintain, making them prohibitively expensive to install on hundreds of VOS ships."

Under development since 2000, the ADA WeatherPod hardware costs less than half of a comparably configured system. Additional cost savings are realized due to the ease of installing the system. ADA's system is very small, solar-powered and includes satellite communications, which eliminates the need for modifications to the ship.

In addition to its shipboard uses, ADA's WeatherPod technology is being used to gather and transmit information to help military leaders make decisions related to battlefield plans and troop deployment. It also has applications for emergency evacuation planning and for gathering critical weather information to assist in fighting wildfires.

The shipboard test is scheduled to run from March 2 through early April or May.

AVIO to Produce the Engines for the FREMM Frigates

Brindisi March 10, 2006 - Avio has been entrusted with the motorization of the frigates in the FREMM Italian-French program. Today, Avio signed the main contract with the French shipyard DCN and with Fincantieri for the 27 turbines, starting with the option for the first 8 turbines for DNC.

Avio was awarded the order, after a selection process that lasted over three years, thanks to the competitiveness of its offer, and to the technology of the propulsion module based on the LM2500+G4 turbine produced in partnership with General Electric.

The FREMM order, worth ca 150 million Euros to Avio, is the most important in Europe since World War II. The new frigates, 10 for the Italian Navy and 17 for the French Navy, will enter into service between 2011 and 2022. The first lot of 8 turbines will be delivered between 2008 and 2013.

The Italian company is responsible for the order and, besides the engines, will also supply other high-technology components such as the electronic management system (TCS), developed by Avio using its electronics experience in the field of aero engines. The TCS will simplify operations as regards the handling of the ship and reduce the maintenance time of the turbines.

Avio will also be responsible for final assembly, on-board installation as well as in-service support activities.

This contract will enable Avio to operate in the marine propulsion sector for the next 20 years.

"We are very satisfied with this success. The joint decision by the Italian and French Navies is recognition of the competitiveness of our proposal," underlined Saverio Strati, Avio CEO, "and it also expresses continuity with the recent choices relative to the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour, and the Italian-French Horizon program. The FREMM contract is a success that we share with our partner, General Electric, whose product is market leader worldwide."

Avio will partly produce and assemble the turbine modules and relative auxiliary systems for the new FREMM at its Brindisi plant, a Center of Excellence for activities in the Defense sector, which provides work for 800 people.

The LM2500+G4 is the latest in the LM family of aeroderivative turbines, produced in over 2,000 units for marine and industrial applications, during the last 30 years. The US Navy and the Navies of 29 countries worldwide have adopted the LM2500. To this day, the units produced have accumulated more than 40 million hours of service, with a reliability level of 99.6%. In particular, 167 turbines of the LM2500+ version have been installed in the marine and industrial fields, with an operational experience of about 2 million hours. Over the years, the GE gas turbine has undergone continuous improvement. Today, the LM2500+G4 version offers an installed power of 32 MW.

Avio is present in Italy and abroad with 15 industrial and office locations, and 4,800 employees. It works in four sectors of activities: modules and components for aircraft engines, civil and military engine MRO services, and space and aeroderivative turbines for marine propulsion. It is a world leader in mechanical transmissions and turbines, and Europe's leading operator for solid-propellant space propulsion.

EADS Chosen for F125 Frigate FüWES

Berlin March 10, 2006 - EADS has been chosen by the Workgroup for the F125 Frigate to supply the command & control and weapons deployment system (Führungs- und Waffeneinsatzsystem: FüWES) for the next generation of the German Navy surface ship.

The Workgroup for the F125 Frigate is made up of the shipyards ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Friedrich Lürssen Werft. The contract with EADS is for the development and delivery of the complete software, hardware and infrastructure as well as the performance verification for all four ships.

The command & control and weapons deployment system (FüWES) is based on the cutting-edge technology used for the Advanced Naval Combat System (ANCS) which is already being successfully used on the .Fast Attack Craft of the Hamina class in Finland. In addition, the EADS software components already successfully deployed on the F124 frigates and the K130 corvettes will be extensively used for the system solution of the F125.

"The decision to integrate our EADS technology into the modern F125 frigate of the German Navy once more confirms the high efficiency of our integrated system solutions," explained Dr. Stefan Zoller, member of the EADS Executive Committee and CEO of Defense & Security Systems. "With the concepts developed by EADS for the command & control and weapons deployment system (FüWES) the Group will continue to strengthen its competitive position in the world market in this segment. Our intention is to run the project at Atlas Elektronik; this will give our systems house capabilities in Bremen a new impetus."

The F125 frigate is the primary ship class of the German Navy, which is being procured specifically for joint assignments in a multinational environment of network-centric operations management. This new ship class can counteract asymmetric threat scenarios and therefore guarantee the highest possible degree of safety for the ship and its crew. With the selection of the command & control and weapons deployment system (FüWES), with its consistently open and modular structure making it extremely flexible, decisive steps have been taken regarding the course that the German Navy is taking.

With revenues of about EUR 5.6 billion in 2005 and roughly 23,000 employees across ten nations, EADS Defense & Security Systems Division (DS) forms the defense and security pillar within EADS. As a Large Systems Integrator, it offers integrated systems solutions to the new challenges confronting armed forces and global security. It is active in the areas of manned and unmanned integrated combat and mission air systems, including related training services, and in missile systems, battlefield management systems for all branches, global security solutions, secure networks, defense electronics, sensors and avionics, as well as related services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of EUR 34.2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113,000.

Air T Announces Receipt of USAF/USN Orders

Maiden NC March 13, 2006 - Air T, Inc. announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Global Ground Support, LLC has received orders for 40 mobile de-icing trucks to be supplied to the United States Air Force and United States Navy for a total of approximately $12 million. The orders were pursuant to Global's existing multi-year contract with the Air Force. Of the $12 million in orders, approximately $3.6 million were from the Navy and followed the completion of Global's 2005 supply of mobile de-icing trucks for the Navy. Global started production on these recent orders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and expects to complete the orders over the course of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2007.

Walter Clark, Air T's CEO, stated that, "We are proud that both the Air Force and the Navy have again reconfirmed their confidence in Global's de- icing equipment to support their operational requirements. We place a high value on our long-term relationship in supporting the US military."

Air T, through its subsidiaries, provides overnight air freight service to the express delivery industry and, through its Global Ground Support subsidiary, the manufacture, sale and servicing of aircraft ground support and special purpose industrial equipment. Air T is one of the largest small aircraft air cargo operators in the United States and currently operates a fleet of single and twin engine turbo-prop aircraft nightly in the eastern half of the United States and Canada, South America, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.