SeaWaves Naval News May 10, 2006

Royal Singapore Navy (RSN) Launches its Final Frigate

Singapore May 9, 2006 - The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) sixth frigate, RSS Supreme was launched on 9 May 2006 by Dr Ivy Ng, wife of Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defense, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Singapore Technologies Marine shipyard. Dr Ng officiated at the launching ceremony.

The launch of RSS Supreme marks another significant milestone for the frigate program. It is the final frigate to be built locally. In the next phase of construction, RSS Supreme will undergo harbor and sea trials.

The RSN's stealth frigates are equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems, and have enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A key enabler to the third generation (3G) RSN, the frigate will enable the RSN to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and carry out its missions of defending Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) more. The sensor and weapon systems will undergo shore-based integration testing and modifications during the construction phase of the stealth frigates. This enables a significant reduction in the overall duration and cost of constructing the frigates.

In March 2000, MINDEF signed a contract with Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) of France for the construction of six frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). DCN is a reputable shipyard that designed and built the French Navy's low signature La Fayette-class frigates. Under the technology transfer arrangement, DCN will design and build the first ship while the remaining five will be built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine. The six new frigates will replace the RSN's Missile Gunboats, which have been in service for more than 25 years.

The new frigates are highly capable warships designed to be stealthy and are equipped with advanced combat systems. They also have greater endurance and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time. Each frigate is designed to carry a Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopter capable of complementing the ship in Anti-surface and Anti-submarine warfare. By leveraging on a high level of automation and enhanced work processes, each frigate will only require a crew of 71.

The frigates will be equipped with state-of-the-art combat capabilities allowing them to perform a wide spectrum of missions and to deal with various threats in all dimensions of naval warfare - surface, air and underwater. These systems include the Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR), the MBDA Aster SAM System, the EDO Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS) system, the Eurotorp A244S torpedo and the Boeing Harpoon missile system. Command and control of the various sensor and weapon systems onboard each frigate is achieved via an indigenously developed Combat Management System (CMS).

The frigate program is progressing smoothly. All six frigates are in various stages of construction today. Five of the six frigates had already been launched till date and they are undergoing various stages of their construction. The lead ship of the Formidable-class stealth frigates arrived in Singapore on 8 Jul 2005 from France. RSS Formidable is currently undergoing Combat Systems checkout, integration and testing. She is expected to be fully operational in 2007.

In parallel to the construction activities, the combat system integration effort has also gradually intensified over the course of this year. The Shore Based Integration Center (SBIC) has been set up in Changi Naval Base to allow the combat system suppliers, using the actual equipment and software, to test and demonstrate that they could exchange messages correctly over the local area network, similar to the one onboard the ship. The laboratory environment of the SBIC would allow the integration team to run all the necessary sequence of tests in order to do trouble shooting and rectification before testing onboard the ship.

Through the use of simulators, the systems are put through the various operational scenarios for extensive testing. This shore-based integration testing approach has reduced overall integration duration, speeding up the delivery of the frigate by almost a year.

The frigate program represents the continuous effort of the RSN to improve its capabilities in order to complement and enhance the operational effectiveness of the SAF.

Taiwan Denies Planning to Call off US Arms Deal Over Stopover Decision

Taipei May 8, 2006 - The government dismissed reports on Monday that it would cancel a planned huge US arms deal after Washington refused to let President Chen Shui-bian make a stopover in his preferred cities within the United States en route to Latin America.

"The defense ministry cannot possibly change the policy carelessly," Deputy Defense Minister Chu Kai-sheng said in response to questions in parliament.

"The report is just speculation," he said, referring to a China Times report that an angry Chen is likely to scrap the arms procurement plan. The paper said Chen might also tighten controls on civilian exchanges with China.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kao Ying-mao also denied the report.

Chen last week dropped plans to transit in the United States after Washington said he could only make a refueling stop in Alaska rather than in New York or San Francisco as he had requested. Many outside the president's ruling party saw the decision as a direct result of Chen's defying the US by seeking to abolish the National Unification Council and guidelines.

Chen instead made transit stops in Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam en route to Paraguay and Costa Rica, two of only 25 nations that recognize Taiwan diplomatically.

Politicians from Chen's Democratic Progressive Party accused Washington of "bowing to Beijing's demands" and defended Chen's decision to bypass the United States altogether.

Chen had previously been allowed unofficial visits to New York, Miami, Anchorage, Seattle, Houston and Los Angeles.

Taiwan's opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou has called on Chen to make a refueling stop in Alaska on his way back home, as offered by the United States.

Increasingly concerned about China's rapid military expansion, Washington has repeatedly voiced complaints to Taipei about parliament's blocking of the controversial arms package.

The latest reduced package calls for the purchase of eight conventional submarines and 12 P-3C submarine-hunting aircraft and six PAC-3 Patriot anti-missile systems for around NT$340 billion (US$10.8 billion).

The United States remains the leading arms supplier to Taiwan despite its switching of diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Prime Minister of Australia to visit Canada

Ottawa May 8, 2006 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Australian Prime Minister John Howard will visit Ottawa from May 18 to 20, 2006.

"Canada and Australia have enjoyed a long friendship built on numerous similarities and shared values," said the Prime Minister. "Prime Minister Howard's visit underscores this highly productive and strong relationship. I look forward to meeting with him to explore opportunities to further develop our partnership."

The two leaders will have the opportunity to discuss key issues of interest to both countries, including the fight against terrorism, international security and international trade negotiations.

On May 18, Prime Minister Howard will address Parliament and meet with the speakers of the Senate and of the House of Commons. That evening, he will attend a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Harper.

On May 19, Prime Minister Howard will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial. Prime Minister Howard will also attend a business round table and luncheon organized by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

French Forces Rejoin Operation Enduring Freedom

Washington May 9, 2006 - The French Navy Carrier Air Wing returned to the coalition fight last week, flying their first missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since November.

"Our main mission while we are here is to support troops on the ground and contribute to reconnaissance efforts as well," said Lt. Col. Gerard Brunel, commander of the French detachment at the Combined Air Operations Center. It is Central Command Air Forces policy not to disclose the specific location of its forward headquarters or the CAOC.

The French also hope to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Indian Ocean and the Asia-Pacific region and reinforce their operational capacity, he added.

"We welcome the return of our French allies to the CAOC," said US Air Force Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, deputy Combined Force Air Component commander. "With continuing rotations of airpower provided by our allies from around the world, the effort to support our troops on the ground is a truly a coalition operation."

Peck added that the French delegation at the CAOC plays an important role in the mission, coordinating the French airpower contribution, which includes close-air support, tactical reconnaissance and aerial refueling. "They ensure their assets are used effectively to support Operation Enduring Freedom," he said.

During its last tour in Southwest Asia, the French air force flew more than 400 sorties, logging nearly 2,000 flying hours. These included about 720 hours flying the M-2000 Mirage, 550 hours in the F-1 Mirage and 680 C-135 SR tanker hours.

The French air force also enhanced the coalition combat capability during its last tour by performing six successful air strikes using laser-guided bombs against enemy forces.

French officials said that though the political choices of France and the United States may sometimes be different, there has always been a good understanding at the technical level between the two nations.

"This is not the first time we have joined the fight; the French and Americans have worked together for many years to fight international terrorism, and we will continue in the future," Brunel said. "We are proud to be a part of the coalition effort in Afghanistan."

Cohasset Native Awarded DHS Secretarial Meritorious Service Award

Boston May 9, 2006 - Jay F. O'Brien, from Cohasset, Mass., a technical advisor at the US Coast Guard Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic in Virginia Beach, Va., is scheduled to receive the 2005 Department of Homeland Security's Secretarial Meritorious Service Award (silver medal) at 10 a.m., May 10 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington DC.

O'Brien will be recognized with DHS's second highest award for contributing outstanding leadership and service. In his current position, he's demonstrated unique initiative and skill by successfully bringing together many different agencies and allies to help create and develop a comprehensive, fused and dynamic tactical maritime intelligence picture of the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and federally regulated US ports and navigable waterways east of the Rocky Mountains.

"I'm honored to have been nominated and selected for this prestigious award," said O'Brien, "It's truly been a privilege to work with the men and women of the Coast Guard over the last few years and I accept this award in recognition of my shipmates' contributions and hard work."

"Jay's efforts to improve our ability to provide awareness of the tactical maritime situation have been groundbreaking and impressive," said Capt. Daniel A. Laliberte, commanding officer of the Coast Guard's Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic. "I'm overjoyed at Jay's selection for this important award."

This award is presented annually to one DHS civilian employee to recognize exceptionally outstanding leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance to the department.

Navy Pushes for Israeli Barak on all Warships

INS Brahmaputra at Sea May 8, 2006 (XI) - When the Indian Navy gave Prime Minister Manmohan Singh an operational demonstration last Saturday of a Barak missile intercepting and destroying an incoming anti-ship missile, there was a subtle message embedded in the brazen firepower.

The navy has emerged as the first of the three armed forces to successfully induct anti-missile defense into its operational profile and, owing by the accuracy of the Israeli-made Barak system, now wants to put Baraks on all its frontline warships, starting with this missile frigate three months from now.

Barak launchers are currently operational on aircraft carrier INS Viraat, two Delhi-class destroyers, two Godavari-class frigates and two Rajput-class destroyers among a few others. The three indigenously built Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigates will be armed with Barak launchers and missiles over the next three to six months.

The government cleared the procurement of seven more Barak systems for the navy in December last year. Each Barak system consists of six-eight vertical tube launchers and six or more missiles, track and guidance radar and a fire-control system. The missiles intercept and destroy incoming missiles, hostile aircraft and unmanned drones.

Skipper of INS Brahmaputra Captain Kapil Gupta told The Indian Express, "They have proved to be very successful with the navy. This ship is heavily armed already, and we will be getting a Barak system in the next three-four months."

On Saturday night, following the demonstration of Baraks’ firepower for the Prime Minister, Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash said, "Not many navies can boast of this technology. In time, every one of our ships will be equipped with this.’’

Considering that DRDO has been unable to effectively produce an anti-missile system — the Trishul has not worked out and the Akash has still not been modified for the anti-missile role — the navy had pushed hard for more Baraks. After months of negotiations, on January 27, Barak’s manufacturer Israeli Aircraft Industries and Hyderabad-based DRDL entered into an agreement to jointly develop and make next-generation Baraks, with a range much higher than the current 8-12 km.

These missiles, when developed and ready for use are likely to be integrated onto future platforms.

Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense Categorically Denies Reports on Espionage

Kuwait May 8, 2006 (KUNA) - The ministry of defense emphatically denied on Monday reports published by local newspapers about arrest of an espionage cell that spied on sensitive sites in the country.

Colonel Nader Shaaban, the acting director of the morale guidance of the ministry of defense, stated the reports were baseless.

The press reports claimed that the military authorities arrested and set free five military personnel after being suspected of shooting pictures of sensitive air, ground and sea sites for the Iranian intelligence.

Helicopter Search and Rescue – The Next Stage

London May 9, 2006 - The Ministry of Defense and the Department for Transport have today announced that the Joint Search and Rescue – Helicopter (SAR-H) Project is entering into its next stage.

Together the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will provide a helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) capability for the UK well into the 21st century.

Lord Drayson, Minister for Defense Procurement and Stephen Ladyman, the Minister with responsibility for shipping have approved SAR-H going forward as a joint MOD/MCA Private Finance Initiative competition. This important step will bring greater benefits to UK SAR operations as a whole.

The MOD and MCA together provide a 24-hour military and civil helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) service for the UK SAR Region from 12 bases around the UK. Currently this SAR helicopter service is provided by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea Kings and civilian helicopters under contract to the MCA.

It is planned to replace this capability with a single contract that will still however retain a high proportion of military aircrew alongside civilian aircrew trained to the same high standards. The service will continue to be managed jointly by the MOD and the MCA.

Although decisions regarding helicopters, basing and contract duration have yet to be taken and will now be subject to dialogue with industry, the SAR-H project has developed a detailed requirement specification to ensure that all aspects of the service requirement are met. Key performance indicators will be set and performance measured against these to ensure the high level of service is maintained.

Lord Drayson said:

"We recognize that the current UK SAR Helicopter providers deliver a first-class service. However, the fact remains that the helicopters will need replacing over the course of the next decade. This project provides the opportunity to bring together the three strands of the current SAR providers into one harmonized service. This high quality service will be as effective as the present one, while delivering better value for money for the taxpayer."

Stephen Ladyman said:

"The MCA and MOD SAR providers currently give a service second to none but now we can work towards even greater collaboration and co-operation for the benefit of all who get into difficulties at sea or around the UK coast. We welcome this move to harmonize the UK Search and Rescue helicopter service."

New Secretary of State for Defense Sends Message to Service and MOD Personnel

London May 9, 2006 - On 5 May 2006, the Prime Minister announced that the Rt. Hon Des Browne MP is to be the new Secretary of State for Defense.

In addition Tom Watson MP has been appointed as the Under-Secretary of State for Defense and Minister for Veterans.

Mr Browne sent the following message to all staff in the Department, both Service and Civilian:

"It is a huge privilege for me to be asked to take on the role of Defense Secretary.

"I am honored that the Prime Minister should have asked me so to do, and I am looking forward to it. It is a huge job, not least because of the responsibility of leading the defense community, the men and women of the armed forces and those within the MOD who support them and their role in defending Britain and its interests.

"I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, John Reid, for the outstanding work he did in his twelve months at MOD. He believed passionately in what we do here, and he was a formidable advocate of our achievements.

"It has been a somber start, though. The terrible events in Basra over the weekend have demonstrated clearly to me, indeed to all of us, the courage and dedication of those who serve their country in uniform, and the risks they face every day. I know everyone in Defense will want to offer our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

"It is hard, at times like this, to think ahead, but I have already been impressed enormously by those of you, both civilian and military, who have told me in the last two days that you have a job to do and you intend to get on and do it. I know that you will. We face challenges together in the months ahead dealing with operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans and across the world, in implementing the Defense Industrial Strategy, in meeting the policy challenges of NATO's changing role and the emerging EU defense capability and in continuing to improve the way we look after and train our people at home and abroad.

"There is much I can't say in this brief introduction, of course. I have worked with a few of you before during my time in Northern Ireland and in some cases at the Home Office and Treasury. I very much look forward to meeting and working with as many of you as possible in the future."

Veterans' Minister Remembers Allies From the Former Soviet Union

London May 9, 2006 - Tom Watson, the new Minister for Veterans and Under Secretary of State for Defense, has carried out his first official engagement since taking up his appointment.

Mr Watson has today, Tuesday 9 May 2006, been remembering veterans from the Soviet Union who helped the British war effort in World War Two at a ceremony in London. He said:

"I am thrilled to be joining the Ministry of Defense this week as Veterans’ Minister and Under Secretary of State for Defense, although it is obviously tinged with enormous sadness following the deaths of five of our brave personnel in Iraq at the weekend.

"I look forward to continuing the important work of representing our Armed Forces veterans, who have given so much, so willingly in defense of our freedoms, as well as working to provide the best support and duty of care possible to our serving military personnel.

"Today was my first opportunity to represent the Defense community and I was pleased to help remember our wartime allies from the former Soviet Union, who sacrificed so much in World War Two. All of us who enjoy our freedom in the UK today owe a debt of thanks to the Soviet people.

"Their incredible courage, endurance and, above all, determination is truly humbling. The fact that they succeeded in this serves as an example of what the human spirit can achieve in such difficult times."

Mr Watson lives in Sandwell, West Midlands, with his wife Siobhan. Following his election to Parliament in June 2001 he has served on the Home Affairs Select Committee and acted as Parliamentary Private Secretary to The Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo. His most recent appointment, from the end of 2004, was as a member of the Government’s Whips’ Office.

Rapid Reaction Rescuers Parachute Into the Solent

London May 9, 2006 - A crack team of Royal Navy personnel demonstrated their capability for maritime rescue by parachuting into the Solent from an RAF Hercules aircraft flying, dramatically, at only 610 meters (2,000 feet).

On 8 May 2006 nineteen members of the team, based at the Submarine Escape Training Tank facility on the Gosport shoreline, demonstrated their flexibility and mobility to support any possible incident or accident at sea.

Led by Lieutenant Commander Andy Mills, the purpose of the unit is primarily to assist submarine rescue from the air, and is known by the acronym SPAG - Submarine Parachute Assistance Group.

When on operations the team numbers ten personnel drawn from a larger group of SPAG-trained personnel. In about 90 minutes the nineteen parachutists were dropped in waves of three and four, along with two inflatable boats, which were inflated in the water, and two life rafts. A team manning fast boats and support craft was standing by in support of them. Lieutenant Commander Mills said:

"Few associate the Submarine Service with parachuting into the sea, but our role, which we take very seriously, requires us to be able to provide a rapid reaction force that would be dropped into the vicinity of a maritime incident.

"We would be able to provide immediate communications between a stricken vessel and the secondary support organizations, specialist advice and medical services, to help the crew and escapees and survivors on the surface."

A Ministry of Defense Police launch was also on the scene throughout the exercise, and a warning notice was issued to mariners via the Queen's Harbor Master at Portsmouth beforehand. During the exercise vessels were directed, over VHF radio, to stay clear of the drop zone, around which a 1,000-metre exclusion zone for safety was enforced.

MOD Welcomes Select Committee Report on the Defense Industrial Strategy

London May 9, 2006 - The Ministry of Defense today welcomed the publication of the House of

Commons Defense Committee's report on the Defense Industrial Strategy. In a wide-ranging report, the Committee looked at issues including how the defense industry needs to reshape itself; competition and partnering arrangements; research and technology; and international issues.

Lord Drayson, Minister for Defense Procurement said:

"I am pleased that the Committee welcomes both the Strategy's publication and the clarity it has given to industry. It is gratifying that they, like we, recognize that both industry and the MoD had to change our approach if we are to sustain in this country the industrial capabilities we need to maintain our national security. They rightly identify the importance of implementation, and I agree fully, indeed, I look forward to updating the Committee as we continue to put the Strategy into practice."

One of the key suggestions that the Committee makes is that further work, in order to maintain both our industrial competitiveness and our military effectiveness, is required on the area of research and technology.

In response, Lord Drayson, said:

"Further work on research and technology is well under way. I am pleased that the industry is continuing to work very closely with us on implementation and in particular in revising the Defense Technology Strategy.

"In addition, the Committee made a number of other observations which we will respond to formally in due course, but I would say today that we concur with many of their observations. For instance, as we conclude partnering arrangements with suppliers in particular sectors, I anticipate we will be able to demonstrate practical examples of how we have in those agreements incentivized our partners for the long-term and ensured their subcontractors are treated fairly."

New Orleans May 8, 2006 - The National World War II Museum has presented its highest honor, The American Spirit Award, to former Secretary of State George P. Shultz at a gala event in San Francisco. The Museum, founded in New Orleans in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum, has been designated by Congress as the country's official National World War II Museum.

Governor Wilson, incoming Chairman of the Museum's Board of Trustees, noted that The American Spirit Award has been given only twice in the Museum's history: posthumously, to Stephen E. Ambrose who founded the Museum and, last year, to Senator Bob Dole. "Secretary Shultz has honored this country with a lifetime of remarkable public service," Wilson said, "from his duty as a young Marine in the South Pacific during World War II, to his remarkable career as an educator, business leader and four-time Cabinet officer. He is an exceptional statesman and scholar and a visionary leader." Shultz served as Secretary of State in the Reagan Administration from 1982 to 1989.

Dr. Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, Museum President and CEO, noted the special significance of the award: "The American Spirit Award recognizes an individual who epitomizes the core values that inspired our soldiers to fight and prevail against tremendous odds in World War II: courage and teamwork, sacrifice and optimism. America's gift of democracy, given so unselfishly by these citizen soldiers to liberated and defeated nations alike, was an act unparalleled in the course of human history. The American Spirit Award celebrates their heroism as we honor our heroes today."

Proceeds from The American Spirit Award Dinner will support the ongoing work of The National World War II Museum to honor the veterans of that war and preserve their stories, to illuminate the American WWII experience, and to educate future generations. An endowment will be established to create and fund The George P. Shultz Forum on World Affairs, a new initiative to present annually one or more programs on issues of war and peace, world governance and the global economy. Distinguished leaders in academia, government, the military and business will be invited to explore important contemporary issues and their links to the foreign and domestic legacies of the World War II era.

The award itself is a bronze replica of the Higgins Boat sculpture originally designed by New Orleans boat builder Andrew Jackson Higgins during World War II. Higgins created the sculpture during the war to give to heroes of that era, both famous and little known. He presented one to General George C. Marshall. A similar statue in the Museum collection was given by Higgins to the Louisiana paperboy who won the bond sale contest to raise funds to build more Higgins Landing Crafts. The Higgins boat is an icon of the Museum and of World War II. Higgins built more than 20,000 boats that carried soldiers and marines ashore in every amphibious invasion of World War II.

The National World War II Museum has just completed the first phase of a multi-year, $282 million expansion which will occupy several blocks in downtown New Orleans. The new addition, E.J. Ourso Discovery Hall, is a 10,000 square foot education wing which includes an Orientation Center and lecture hall, Teacher Resource Library, Student Resource Room, Special Exhibits Gallery, two large meeting rooms/classrooms, and a Distance Learning Studio equipped for teleconferencing. Discovery Hall's state-of-the-art technology will extend the Museum's outreach to potentially millions of students and teachers nationwide, to examine artifacts, take virtual tours, speak directly with veterans, and interact in real time with Museum educators. When complete, the expanded Museum campus will offer visitors unique, interactive experiences and powerful personal histories covering all campaigns and service branches of World War II.

=============================================================

NASA Awards Boeing S-3B Viking Modification Contract

St Louis May 8, 2006 - NASA has awarded Boeing a competitively bid contract to modify the communication, navigation and electrical systems of an S-3B Viking aircraft.

NASA obtained the S-3B from the US Navy to facilitate research requirements for the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The contract marks the first time an S-3B has been made available for non-military applications since the Navy announced its decision to retire the Viking fleet.

The award follows the successful S-3B Viking modification program between the Navy and Boeing from 2000 through 2005, when Boeing installed more than 500 modifications into the Navy's S-3B anti-submarine warfare, all-weather aircraft fleet.

The NASA upgrade includes the installation of baker audio panels and navigation equipment such as weather radar, a commercial marker beacon and a new transponder. Boeing will modify the aircraft at its Cecil Field facilities in Jacksonville, Fla., under the direction of NASA Glenn.

Curtiss-Wright Names Albert E. Smith to Board of Directors

Roseland NJ May 8, 2006 - Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced today that Albert E. Smith has been named to its Board of Directors. A former executive vice president and officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation, Mr. Smith currently serves as Chairman of Tetra Tech, Inc., a resource management company located in Pasadena, California.

"Al represents an impressive and welcome addition to our Board of Directors," commented Martin R. Benante, Chairman and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "It is reassuring to know that we will have the benefit of his exceptional business experience and leadership as we continue to position Curtiss-Wright for the future."

Mr. Smith brings an impressive array of aerospace industry experience to the Board of Directors of Curtiss-Wright. At Lockheed, he attained some of the highest levels of leadership, which included a four-year tenure as Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, leading the company's renowned space, launch vehicle and ground systems.

Mr. Smith began his career with the CIA in 1972 where he received the Intelligence Medal of Merit. He joined Lockheed Martin Corporation in 1985 as Director of Communications Systems Engineering in the company's Space Systems Division. During the following 10 years, Mr. Smith advanced through various leadership positions, including serving as Vice President of the MILSTAR program, and President of the Space Systems Division. After spending two years with Harris Corporation as President of their Electronics business, Mr. Smith rejoined Lockheed Martin. He also served as President and Chairman of Lockheed Khrunichev Energia, a Proton rocket joint venture with Russian industry.

Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University and completed executive education programs at Dartmouth College and Stanford University. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees for Aerospace Corporation, Mr. Smith heads the Corporation's audit committee. He is a former American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Senior Member, and also served on the Defense Science Board from 2002 through 2005.

Melbourne FL May 9, 2006 - Harris Corporation today announced that it has been selected by Lockheed Martin for a 2-year, $10 million development contract to provide the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range (JASSM ER) weapon data link (WDL) transceiver. The WDL will enable the JASSM ER to engage relocatable and time-critical targets. JASSM is the world's first stealthy conventional cruise missile.

"We are pleased that Lockheed Martin has selected Harris to supply the data link transceiver for JASSM ER," said Dan Pearson, group president of Defense Programs for the Harris Government Communications Systems Division. "Harris has a legacy of successfully developing weapon data links, and the JASSM WDL will incorporate the very latest in Software Defined Radio (SDR) and encryption technology from our government communications and RF businesses."

Harris will design, fabricate, test and deliver a state-of-the-art, miniaturized, two-way data link transceiver module for JASSM beyond-line-of-sight communications. The WDL incorporates the company's latest SDR technology -- which is compliant with the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) -- and incorporates the Harris Sierra(TM) II Type-1, NSA-certified COMSEC module in order to satisfy current and future data link waveform and encryption requirements.

The addition of the weapon data link to the JASSM ER significantly enhances the battlespace commander's situational awareness through real-time weapon-in-flight tracking. In addition, a weapon data link-equipped JASSM ER can be re-tasked in-flight, allowing adjustment for "pop-up" targets.

The WDL transceiver award follows Harris' recent participation in the WDL Network (WDLN) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) for the US military. Recently developed Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Interface Configuration Document (ICD) messages defined by the ACTD will be incorporated into the WDL for the JASSM ER program. Harris was a key contributor to the combined government and industry team that developed the message set as part of the military's recent WDLN ICD ACTD contract.

Farnborough May 9, 2006 - The UK MOD has just awarded an £8.45 million, two year contract to a team that comprises QinetiQ, Thales UK and SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems (S&AS) which also has the management lead, to develop world class high performance Thermal Imaging (TI) technology for a wide variety of military applications.

This new program, known as ALBION will develop the next generation thermal imaging technology, which offers higher resolution, greater sensitivity and lower cost than the current second generation technologies.

This important work will see three types of thermal imagers developed using cadmium mercury telluride (CMT) focal plane arrays. These new sensors will offer significant military advantages in the detection, recognition and identification of targets at night and in poor visibility. This technology can be applied in a range of environments and will be used on land, at sea and in the air.

Potential applications include advanced sensors on future armored vehicle programs, naval infrared search and track (IRST) systems and missile seekers for precision attack against difficult targets.

In 2008 it is hoped that the MOD will seek to further develop the ALBION program moving from a pilot to an operational phase and widening its use for specific applications identified in the initial phase.

Simon Bennett, MD of QinetiQ's Technology & Products Division said: "This contract builds on several earlier thermal and infrared imaging programs and acknowledges the progress the joint team has made. This phase of the program will enable us to move much closer towards the eventual industrialization of these capabilities which could be integrated into a wide range of military programs both in the UK and with allied forces."

Bob Gee, SELEX S&AS Director Electro Optics Sector & Site General Manager Basildon said: "The ALBION program is firmly focused on affordable solutions for advanced military applications and we will have particular emphasis on lowering the cost of manufacture whilst, as always, maintaining high performance. We are pleased to be working again with QinetiQ and Thales on this important program and look forward to a successful program."

Concluded Chris Gane, MD of Thales Optronics Ltd: "The Albion objective of improved performance at reduced cost is fundamental to future programs. We look forward to applying the Albion technology in a range of potential military platforms and in different environments."

Farnborough May 9, 2006 - Culminating a £6.3m contract for both development and trials activity over a three year period, a QinetiQ led industry and MOD team has successfully fitted a tactical intranet system in ships deployed for a Royal Navy (RN) exercise. The team delivered a new Network Enabled Capability (NEC) for the first time empowering all ships to achieve integrated Command and Control and Situation Awareness whilst simultaneously reducing Task Group reliance on Satcom. Minor war vessels and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries (RFAs), previously disadvantaged through limited communications in RN exercises, will now be able to flexibly use whatever communications bearers are available to them to join the UK's new Global Information Infrastructure.

The NEC system developed for the RN had to be easily manageable by ship's crews, support current and future in service command and control and 'war-fighting' systems and be able to be fitted into ships during operational Fleet time. As its Maritime Tactical Network (MTN) applied research program focuses on providing real capability to provide secure and interoperable solutions by technology insertion, QinetiQ was able to meet these criteria.

One of the fundamental requirements was to provide the MOD with a major new maritime communications capability without major investment in new equipment. This required a more effective use of existing equipment despite the problems of operating in a harsh tactical communications environment. Additionally, the solution had to fully meet a stringent set of quality of service, security and coalition interoperability requirements.

The ships chosen to trial the system were deliberately selected to provide a complete cross section of ship fitting challenges. HMS Ocean is the largest ship in RN Service whereas the Sandown class single role mine hunters (HM Ships Ramsey, Blyth, Grimsby) are some of the smallest. QinetiQ also fitted HM Ships Quorn and Brocklesby and RFAs Sir Galahad and Sir Bedevere. Highlighting the flexibility of the MTN capability, HMS Grimsby was fitted with an MTN solution in just four days. QinetiQ also provided an MTN node at PJHQ Northwood to provide a Network Operating Center, operated by staff from the Defense Communications Service Agency. This allowed the ships to connect into other legacy command support systems that were hubbed from the UK and supported other UK deployed forces using legacy Satcom solutions.

QinetiQ provided overall lead and technical integration to ensure all component parts worked seamlessly together to create the TacWAN(M) using innovative dynamic router technology and a closely coupled intelligent network management system. EDS provided the RN Command Support System (RNCSS), including an experimental Remote Client giving RNCSS capability on a laptop PC - ideal for mine hunters providing situational awareness and other collaboratory planning tools. ITT(UK) Ltd provided the UK's BOWMAN high capacity data radios re-roled to operate in a maritime wide band mode. Rhode & Schwarz provided state of the art M3SR UHF radios. Riverbed Technology provided its Steelhead WAN accelerator to optimize end-to-end Internet working performance. Thales eSecurity Internet protocol cryptos enabled multiple virtual private networks to be established over all bearers.

The sea trial followed on from a successful shore demonstration of MTN carried out in October 2005, when it was operated by RN and RFA communications staff working at a number of different locations in the Portsmouth area, but brought together through the TacWAN(M).

Feedback from MTN users during the sea trial was very positive: The Commanding Officer of HMS Ramsey: "The system was excellent." The Commanding Officer of HMS Blyth: "It proved the utility of a flexible communications network." From the Communications Office on HMS Quorn - Leading Operator Mechanic (Communications): "I found the system to be very versatile and experienced few problems. Everyone commented on what a great tool it was." An Able Rate said: "MTN has been an amazing asset to our operations, easy to use and will be missed when removed."

MTN allows the huge investment in international standards and commercial networking products to be judiciously leveraged for the benefits of UK Defense bringing benefits of the Internet revolution firmly into the military environment.

San Diego May 9, 2006 - M Ship Co. today announced the US Navy's Office of Naval Research has awarded the firm a $750,000 contract, including options, to validate the potential of the innovative M-hull technology.

The Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract calls for tank testing and sea trials for the M-hull technology, and the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools for quantifying the hull's performance.

Earlier this month, M Ship Co. delivered the M 80 Stiletto, an 88-foot vessel that uses the patented M-hull technology. M Ship Co. built the M 80 Stiletto for the Pentagon's Office of Force Transformation (OFT) as part of the OFT's Wolf PAC Distributed Operations Experiment, conducted in association with USSOCOM.

"In building the M 80 Stiletto, we had to empirically predict the scalability of this technology through experimental testing on the water with prototype models and confidence in our practical experience. Currently there are no computer tools or mathematical models that would allow us to accurately predict how the M-hull would perform," said Chuck Robinson, co-founder of San Diego-based M Ship Co. and a former deputy secretary of state with Henry Kissinger. "This contract will enable us to develop those tools and explore different applications of the M-hull."

The Navy SBIR contract announced today represents phase II of research into the M-hull. Phase I of the study, conducted in 2003 and 2004, studied the hydrodynamic phenomena of the M-hull as a captured air plenum design, investigated performance prediction methods and evaluated its potential as a future Naval ship concept, with the Stiletto being one variant of the concept.

The proprietary M-hull technology has demonstrated the ability to transcend the limitations of conventional hull form categories. The hull geometry and the captured air plenums allow the ship to automatically and naturally seek the most efficient form of lift-displacement, hydrodynamic, and aerodynamic -- depending on speed, payload and sea condition.

In initial testing, the M 80 Stiletto has achieved speeds over 50 knots while maintaining an exceptionally smooth ride quality. The vessel's shallow draft also enables it to operate in littoral, or shallow-water regions, an area of particular focus for the Navy. The M 80 Stiletto marks a breakthrough in naval architecture and provides a stable yet fast platform for mounting electronic surveillance equipment or weapons, or for conducting special operations.

"The challenge now is to develop tools to quantify the potential of the M-hull and other captured air hulls and explore the full potential of the design for a broad range of defense and commercial applications, such as fast ferries and cargo ships," said Bill Burns, project leader and co-founder of M Ship Co. In this effort, M Ship Co. has put together a team of experienced leaders from the Navy (Carderock), Academia (Cal State University Long Beach & Stevens Institute of Technology), and Industry (BMT/SMS) to understand the broad potential of this technology.

Falls Church VA May 9, 2006 - "Receiving this year’s Minnesota Business Ethics Award is a positive reflection on our company’s value system, which our employees and leadership embody each day," said Jim Stockdale, vice president with the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems business for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. "We are proud of our culture of honesty and integrity."

The annual Minnesota Business Ethics Award is sponsored by the Twin Cities Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, the Center for Ethical Business Cultures, and the Rotary Clubs of Edina and White Bear Lake. The award was presented during a banquet on May 4.

General Dynamics was honored for its exemplary standards of business ethics and conduct that go beyond commonly accepted practices. Of note are the company’s annual President’s Ethics Award, given to a peer-nominated employee who has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and ethical business conduct, and the systematic training its management receives regarding their role as ethics leaders.