SeaWaves Naval News December 14, 2006

Northrop Grumman and Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc. Join Forces to Pursue US Navy Combat Boat Opportunity

Bellingham WA December 12, 2006 - Northrop Grumman Corporation and Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc. (ACB), Bellingham, Wash., jointly announce that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore future combat system requirements and capabilities for the US Navy's anticipated Riverine/Coastal Warfare program. The companies have also agreed to design and build a riverine craft technology demonstrator that will integrate Northrop Grumman's leading-edge navigation, surveillance, network and command and control systems onboard an innovative, ACB-designed riverine-class hullform.

The two companies will develop a system that will meet the emerging Riverine/Coastal Warfare program requirement. The program is designed to integrate the 21st century expeditionary warfighter into the US Navy's service-wide FORCEnet network-centric warfare architecture. This will give expeditionary warfighters dynamic, real-time command and control capability with greatly expanded situational awareness and vastly improved survivability.

Aluminum Chambered Boats will design an industry-unique, riverine craft technology demonstrator that will be highly maneuverable, fast and stable. Northrop Grumman will outfit the platform with weapon and sensor systems, all of which will be integrated with onboard and off-board systems-of-systems and command and control architecture. Sailors and Marines in the expeditionary force will use the demonstrator to explore concepts of operation for coastal and inland waterway operations.

The team also plans to pursue an emerging global market that is seeking similar capabilities. Applications include the global war on terrorism and allied requirements for coalition interoperability as part of the US Navy Chief of Naval Operations' vision for a "1000 ship navy."

"A primary aspect of the Riverine/Coastal Warfare program will be its concept of operations, which embodies distributed and networked operations and brings C4ISR into coastal operations and up river," says David Stafford, vice president of Maritime Systems for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "It will advance our ability to collaborate with host nations and allies and enhance our maritime domain awareness using geospatial and temporal information. This is imperative if we are to advance cooperation with littoral nations. It is particularly important for theater security and, if we are to operate collectively in territorial waters, for the preclusion of terrorism expansion into the global commons of the sea.

"Programs like Riverine reflect a new national security paradigm founded on shared perspectives and common interests that will create real capacities in prevention, protection and consequence-management of these common waters," Stafford said. "ACB's boats have earned a stellar reputation for performance on some of the most difficult rivers and open waters in the world and will be an excellent partner to bring our sailors and Marines out of the littorals and into the shallows."

Larry Wieber, ACB founder and chief executive officer, said, "We are confident that this joint relationship will develop a new class of state-of-the-art, systems-integrated modular Riverine craft."

ACB president and chief operating officer Tim Metz said, "We are excited about working with Northrop Grumman on this project. ACB and Northrop Grumman share a similar vision: to provide those who are in harm's way with the best possible resources to keep them safe and help them accomplish their mission, whatever that may be. This is a major step in the continuing growth of ACB."

Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc. is an aluminum boat manufacturer headquartered in Bellingham, Wash. Aluminum Chambered Boats provides rugged state-of-the-art aluminum boats to Government, Recreational and Commercial customers on a global basis. Aluminum Chambered Boats was selected as the fleet replacement for the US Marines Corps Bridge Erection Boat. The US Navy deemed ACB "Urgent Mission Essential" after 9/11.

Nation's Railroads Sponsor Special Train For Veterans Wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan Wars

Washington December 7, 2006 - For the second consecutive year, the nation's railroads were sponsors of a special train taking some very special guests to the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia.

The special guests on "The Liberty Limited" were service personnel from all branches of the armed forces who are being treated at either Walter Reed Army Hospital or the Bethesda Naval Hospital after being wounded in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

The train ran from Washington's Union Station to a spot near Lincoln Financial Field, where the game was played.

"It is an honor to co-sponsor of this very special train," said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger. "The soldiers, sailors and airmen on this train have given everything they could to our nation. And it is a privilege to thank them in this special way.

"The railroad industry has a long history of providing support for the military, going back to the Civil War," Hamberger noted. "That support continues today. Many of the weapons, tanks and other motorized vehicles currently being used in Iraq and Afghanistan were delivered to port by US freight railroads."

Railroads provide support for military personnel in other ways as well. Thousands of veterans are now employed by the railroad industry. "We are proud of the fact that four railroads were recently singled out as being among the top 50 military-friendly employers in the United States," Hamberger said.

The train itself was also very special, consisting of 18 privately owned historic rail cars that were built between the 1920s and 1950s. All have been luxuriously restored. The locomotives powering the train were built in 1950 specifically for passenger service and are owned by Eric and Bennett Levin's Juniata Terminal Company.

The owners of the cars and locomotives all donated them for use on the train.

The old Pennsylvania Railroad first ran special trains to the Army-Navy game back in 1936 and continued the tradition for several decades. During the 1950s as many as 20,000 people rode a number of special trains that the railroad ran directly to the stadium. After a hiatus of many years, that tradition was resumed last year, thanks largely to the efforts of Vivian and Bennett Levin. Mr. Levin is a trustee of the Army War College foundation that served as coordinating agency of the special train.

On the way to Philadelphia, the veterans received a catered breakfast, and on the way back, they were treated to gourmet dinners served in the dining rooms of the restored rail cars.

The train operated over tracks owned by Amtrak, CSX Transportation and Conrail.

Tm Bioscience Respiratory Viral Panel selected by US Navy

Toronto December 13, 2006 - Tm Bioscience Corporation, a leader in the commercial genetic testing market, today announced that its ID-Tag(TM) Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP), a proprietary, comprehensive test for the detection of the majority of strains and subtypes of respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus A and B, influenza A (with subtyping) and influenza B, will be evaluated by a US Navy research laboratory.

The ID-Tag(TM) RVP will be used to establish a comprehensive public health surveillance program in countries in the South East Asia region. In collaboration with regional health authorities, the US Navy research laboratory will conduct infectious diseases surveillance activities using the ID-Tag(TM) RVP to focus on detection of acute respiratory pathogens including avian influenza.

"We are delighted that our test will be thoroughly evaluated by a key player in the global effort to manage potential pandemics. The multi-virus panel will be evaluated as a first line surveillance tool in one of the areas at highest risk for pandemics," said Mr. Greg Hines, President and CEO of Tm Bioscience. "This is an important step in our strategy to make the ID-Tag(TM) RVP product a worldwide standard for use in public health programs as well as for use in patient and resource management in clinical environments."

The ID-Tag(TM) RVP from Tm Bioscience is a reliable and cost-effective test designed to play a key role in patient management, infection control and in countering the pandemic threat of respiratory diseases, all with results in less than six hours.

The ID-Tag(TM) RVP has received CE mark certification and the Company is focused on gaining regulatory clearance from the FDA for the ID-Tag(TM) RVP as an in vitro device (IVD) in the United States and is also working towards Health Canada approval. The CE marked IVD product probes for 20 viral sequences and Tm is seeking a license for an equivalent IVD product in Canada. In the United States, the IVD application is for a product, which excludes the SARS sequence.

In January 2006, Tm Bioscience made the ID-Tag(TM) RVP commercially available as an IUO (Investigational Use Only) device. Most recently, the Company has signed distribution agreements for ID-Tag(TM) RVP in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Greece and Turkey. Tm anticipates securing additional distribution agreements for the product with the goal of making the test available globally.

Sacagawea Goes to Sea for the First Time on December 14

San Diego December 13, 2006 - Sacagawea will depart from General Dynamics NASSCO’s pier (located south of the Coronado Bridge) and transit through the San Diego harbor to open water.

Sacagawea is named in honor of the Native American woman who helped guide and interpret for Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their legendary exploration of the American West. The General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego began construction of the ship in September 2004. The ship is 210 meters (689 feet) long, displaces nearly 41,000 metric tons and will travel at speeds up to 20 knots.

The three-day sea trial of Sacagawea is the fourth major milestone in the Navy’s T-AKE (pronounced as individual letters without the dash) program this month. The NASSCO shipyard christened and launched T-AKE 3 (Alan Shepard) on December 6; started construction of T-AKE 6 (yet to be named) on December 7; and laid the keel of T-AKE 5 (Robert E. Peary) on December 12.

With modular cargo holding and handling systems, the Sacagawea will be able to resupply combat ships at sea with ammunition, food or fuel in one mission and then be quickly reconfigured to conduct a humanitarian sealift of supplies on its next mission. The ship is scheduled to be delivered into the Navy’s Military Sealift Command fleet next summer. When in service, the ship’s name will be preceded by "USNS" for United States Naval Ship. It will carry a crew of about 160 civilian mariners and a dozen Navy sailors.

Ted Hengst Named President of Harris Technical Services Corporation

Falls Church VA December 12, 2006 - Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has named Ted Hengst president of Harris Technical Services Corporation (HTSC), a wholly owned subsidiary and industry leader in providing information technology and support services to a broad range of US government agencies. Mr. Hengst will report to Jeremy Wensinger, group president, Integrated Systems and Services, Harris Government Communications Systems Division.

"Ted brings to Harris a wealth of experience in providing mission support services and an in-depth understanding of doing business with the federal government," said Mr. Wensinger. "In addition to leading all aspects of HTSC's business operations, Ted will be working closely without customer and division management teams to shape the company's growth strategies going forward. We are very pleased to have his exceptional leadership skills at the helm of one of Harris' fastest-growing businesses."

Prior to joining Harris, Mr. Hengst was senior vice president, Army Solutions, at General Dynamics Corporation in Fairfax, Virginia, where he was responsible for the division's daily operations and integration activities. Prior to this, he was vice president and general manager of General Dynamics' Army and Civil Solutions, where he led the capture of several large Army and Homeland Security programs.

Before joining General Dynamics, Mr. Hengst served in the US Army, retiring as Colonel in 2002. His last assignment was as chief information officer (CIO) and J6 at the US Special Operations Command at MacDill AFB, Florida. As CIO, he was responsible for planning, funding and executing all phases of information, computing and communications resources for the 46,000-person command.

Mr. Hengst received a bachelor's degree in engineering from the US Military Academy at West Point and a master's degree in management information systems from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. He will be based at HTSC's headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.

Japan Coast Guard Selects Three Bombardier Q300 Aircraft for Maritime Patrol

Toronto December 12, 2006 - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the Japan Coast Guard has selected the Bombardier Q300 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) as its next-generation patrol and surveillance aircraft.

Sojitz Corporation of Japan is the prime contractor to the Coast Guard and will acquire three Q300 turboprops from Bombardier. Field Aviation Company inc. of Toronto will provide the mechanical modifications to the aircraft and install the surveillance equipment.

This order is the fourth instance in which the Q300 aircraft has been ordered for the maritime patrol role. In March 2006, National Air Support ordered three Q300 aircraft to supplement the five Dash 8/Q200 aircraft in the Surveillance Australia Coastwatch program. The Swedish Coast Guard selected three Q300 aircraft for its maritime surveillance mission. In 2005, the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) chose the Q300 aircraft for low- and medium-altitude navigation aids inspection and calibration.

US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Office selected three Q200 turboprops for use as Multi-Role Surveillance Aircraft (MRSA) as a key element of their Department of Homeland Security programs.

"More and more operators around the world are recognizing the merits of the Canadian designed-and-built Q-Series aircraft for non-airline missions," said Derek Gilmour, Vice-President, Specialized Aircraft Solutions, Bombardier Aerospace. "This is a strong endorsement of the quality, reliability, ruggedness, cabin comfort and low operating costs of Bombardier aircraft."

A total of 39 Q-Series aircraft are operating, or have been ordered by, operators in Japan. In September 2006, Bombardier announced that it is establishing a spares depot in Japan to provide Bombardier business and regional aircraft customers with comprehensive spare parts support. The new facility, scheduled to open in 2007, will be strategically located near the Narita International airport, and will enhance Bombardier's already established parts distribution network in the Asia-Pacific region.

More than 700 Bombardier Q-Series aircraft are operating in various roles around the world today.

LaBarge Awarded Lockheed Martin Aegis Weapon System Program Contract

St Louis December 12, 2006 - LaBarge, Inc. has been awarded a contract from Lockheed Martin to continue its role producing circuit card assemblies for the Aegis Weapon System's signal processor. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Lockheed Martin-developed Aegis Weapon System is the world's premier naval surface weapon system. It seamlessly integrates the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar, the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System and a family of US Navy missiles with its own command and control system. Aegis also is the heart of the US Navy's sea-based missile defense system, one of the first operationally deployed components of the nation's layered network of defenses against cruise and ballistic missile attacks. Currently, Aegis Weapon Systems are on 80 Navy cruisers and destroyers around the world. Plans are currently underway to install the system on an additional 25 US and international warships.

Production on this contract is expected to begin in July 2007 and continue through April 2008 at LaBarge's Huntsville, Ark., facility.

A four-time recipient of the US Navy's prestigious Aegis Excellence Award, LaBarge's long-term involvement with the Aegis program includes a variety of high-performance electronic assemblies, which it has manufactured for more than a decade.

Todd Shipyards Corp Announces Exercise of Option on Overhaul of USS Shoup

Seattle December 11, 2006 - Todd Shipyards Corporation announced today that the US Navy has awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation, a $3.5 million modification (approximate) to previously awarded contract N00024-00-C-8514. The award is provisionally funded to $2,695,904.00 with the remaining funds to be added to the modification within approximately 20 days. This modification represents the exercise of an option for pier side maintenance, repairs and alterations of various ships systems and equipment throughout the USS Shoup (DDG 86.) Work will be performed at Naval Station Everett commencing January 10, 2007 and is expected to be completed April 4, 2007.

The overhaul of the Shoup will be performed pursuant to the Company's Combatant Maintenance Team ("CMT") contract with the Navy for the repair and maintenance of surface combatant class vessels (frigates and destroyers) stationed in the Puget Sound area. The Navy initially awarded a five year, cost-type contract to Todd Pacific in 2000 and issued a modification adding an additional five years to the contract in 2005.

Wal-Mart's 'Operation Christmas' Brightens Holidays for Injured US Soldiers

San Antonio December 13, 2006 - As part of a $500,000 donation to Operation Homefront to support military families this Christmas, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club announced today the donation of more than 100 laptops to seriously injured servicemen and servicewomen. The special computers are equipped with voice-activated software and other special features for soldiers to access the Internet and email family without having to use their arms or hands.

"The voice-activated software of this laptop offers me the independence I thought I had lost," said Staff Sgt. Pio Paau of Ft. Hood, TX, one of the recipients of the computer donations. Paau was the only survivor when his convoy was hit by an IED in Iraq. "The voice-activated software offers me a way to study and learn a new trade without having to worry about using my hands."

Operation Homefront launched "Operation Christmas" this holiday season with a generous donation by Wal-Mart. Operation Christmas, a campaign to spread Christmas cheer to military families with loved ones deployed overseas, has brought major events to six military communities across the country so military families may delight in Christmas activities as a break from their worries.

In addition to the laptop donation, "Operation Christmas" festivities include visits by Santa, craft tables, food, music and fun. Every participating military family leaves the event with toys for the children and Wal-Mart gift cards as part of Wal-Mart's nearly $500,000 total donation of gift cards, toys and cash to Operation Homefront.

"Christmas is a wonderful time -- but it can also be a difficult time for the families of those who courageously serve our country overseas," said Pat Curran, executive vice president, Store Operations of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "Operation Christmas gives us a chance to give a little back to those who sacrifice so much to preserve our safety and freedom."

For the past eight years, Wal-Mart's long-standing commitment to the US military has included programs to help children deal with the stress of military life, pre-paid phone cards to deployed troops and morale-boosting message boards in stores.

"Wal-Mart has done a phenomenal job supporting organizations like Operation Homefront by stepping up to the plate with a generous donation and really embracing the Christmas spirit of giving," said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and architect of the America Supports You program. "Wal-Mart's continued support for the America Supports You program and its many grassroots organizations like Operation Homefront makes it easier for Americans to come together to serve those who are serving us at home and abroad. The men and women of the armed forces have sacrificed greatly for our freedom and now we have amazing opportunities to thank them for their service."

In an effort to raise awareness of the unmet needs of military families, ABC's "Good Morning America" is broadcasting live from the final three military celebrations. The top-rated national morning show will shine the spotlight on Operation Homefront and honor the troops who are serving overseas and their families who sacrifice so much, particularly during the holidays.

Operation Homefront provides assistance to military families while service members are deployed. Operation Homefront supports our nation's troops by allowing them to focus on the dangerous mission at hand instead of the crises back home. Over the past five years, Operation Homefront has raised and distributed over $6 million in aid to more than 35,000 military families in all branches of the armed forces. The organization operates with a small national staff of ten that coordinates the efforts of 2,500 volunteers across the country.

Dreams Come True at New Doubletree Hotel Annapolis

Annapolis MD December 13, 2006 - Dreams really can come true at the stylish new Doubletree Hotel Annapolis, which is offering several "Dream" packages, a special for New Year's Eve, and more.

The 219-room Doubletree Hotel Annapolis opened in September after an extensive $7 million transformation and repositioning, with a design that celebrates the charm and character of the historic city of Annapolis. It also includes the new "Ports of Call," the upscale casual restaurant with outstanding cuisine from seaport destinations around the country and the area's first entirely "By the Glass" wine menu (with more than 100 different vintages). The hotel -- which participates in Hilton's frequent traveler program, Hilton HHonors(R) -- offers all the amenities of the Hilton Family of Hotels, including Doubletree's famous warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in.

Synopsis of information on Smith's Guide to Maritime Museums of North America

The sixth update guide format has been upgraded to be a proper guidebook with text in two columns per page to over 650 museums in North America.

And the number of pages in the spiral-bound guide will be approximately 260 making it an easily carried book for the maritime history/heritage buff to carry.

All these museums; maritime, lighthouse, canal, and canal lock museums whose entries are contained in the guide, which also includes a compact disk (CD) in a sleeve be inside the back cover with over 400 photo images of museums, boats, ships, artifacts and more.

ISBN-13 978-0-941786-07-2

ISBN-10 0-941786-07-2

250 pages, 6 x 9 inches

over 400 photo images of museums/ships/boats/artifacts on CD disk

Suggested retail: $19.95 4 to 9 copies - 40% discount

Canada: $22.50 10 or more - 45% discount

AN EXCELLENT GIFT and the guides can be shipped immediately.

BearingPoint Wins $5.9 Million Navy Contract to Support NMCI Transition Project

McLean VA December 13, 2006 - BearingPoint, Inc., one of the world's largest management and technology consulting firms, has been awarded a $5.9 million contract by the United States Navy to support the Navy's Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM) and US Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) to provide information technology services in support of transition to the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI).

The one-year project will be based in Hampton Roads, Va., and will provide support in major fleet concentration areas across the continental United States. BearingPoint's work will encompass the following areas of service:

• Transition and technology refresh support
• Legacy network and application lifecycle support
• IT portfolio management services
• Training and user support
• IT program management support

"We are excited NETWARCOM has selected BearingPoint to support its mission-critical Fleet IT requirements," said Beth Smith, senior vice president of BearingPoint's Navy sector. "Our experience with Navy enterprise IT and NMCI will help accelerate the roll-out and retirement of legacy networks and applications across NETWARCOM and USFFC."

F-35 Finishes All Taxi Testing, Prepares for Flight

Fort Worth December 12, 2006 - The first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II successfully completed all ground taxi tests today, among some of the last activities clearing the way for its inaugural flight.

In a series of tests that began on Dec. 7, F-35 Chief Pilot Jon Beesley guided the fighter along the runway at increasing speeds to evaluate the aircraft's ground handling and systems. On Dec. 12, Beesley executed two final taxi runs, the first at 80 knots (~ 92 mph) and the last at 110 knots (~ 127 mph). Pushed along by the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan -- the most powerful fighter engine in history -- the Lightning II performed its final taxi runs successfully and as predicted.

Over the next 24 hours the flight test team will review all taxi-test data, and although the date for first flight is not definite, the flight window will be from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CST when all conditions -- weather, etc. - - are "go."

The stealthy F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5TH Generation fighter designed to replace a wide range of existing aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 Lightning II with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

General Dynamics NASSCO Lays Keel of Fifth T-AKE Ship, USNS Robert E. Peary

San Diego December 12, 2006 - General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, today held a keel- laying ceremony for the fifth ship in the US Navy's T-AKE program. The ship is named USNS Robert E. Peary in honor of the former Navy rear admiral who was one of the first men to explore the Arctic.

A keel-laying ceremony is a shipbuilding tradition that signifies an important milestone as full-scale production begins. In recognition of that milestone, Phebe Novakovic, senior vice president of Planning and Development for General Dynamics, was the honoree for the event and welded her initials into the keel.

The Robert E. Peary is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy's Military Sealift Command in the second quarter of 2008. When it joins the fleet, the ship's primary mission will be to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea.

Smith & Wesson Expands Military & Police Pistol Series With .45 Caliber Model

Springfield MA December 12, 2006 - Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 154-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that it will expand its Military and Police (M&P) Pistol Series with the launch of the M&P45, a .45 ACP model, at this year's Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, January 11-14, 2007 in Orlando, Florida.

The M&P45 is the newest addition to the company's growing M&P Series of advanced design polymer pistols engineered to the exacting standards of global law enforcement and military personnel. Michael F. Golden, Smith & Wesson's President and CEO, said, "During the development process of the M&P Series, it became evident that numerous law enforcement agencies prefer a sidearm chambered in the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, and one that incorporates the same performance and safety features we designed into the entire M&P family of pistols.

We are also aware that multiple branches of the US Military including Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Air Force (USAF) and the Army have recently expressed a desire to shift from their current 9mm weapons to either a .40 or .45 caliber for greater stopping power. The addition of the M&P45 allows us to provide a broader portfolio of high-performance polymer pistols to military organizations, law enforcement agencies, sports shooters and consumers desiring personal protection."

The M&P45 will initially be available in two configurations for consumers and multiple configurations for law enforcement professionals. The polymer-framed sidearm will be offered with a traditional black frame, or in a bi-tone, dark earth brown frame. The bi-tone model will be a striker fired polymer pistol featuring an external ambidextrous thumb safety. As with the entire M&P Series of pistols, both models are made in the United States and are manufactured with enhanced ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and proven safety features that make the new pistols well suited for professional use and for personal protection.

The bi-tone M&P45 will be manufactured with additional features such as an ambidextrous, frame-mounted thumb safety. The new thumb safety acts as a passive safety device allowing the slide to be pulled toward the rear, clearing the firearm without disengaging the safety. Another feature of the bi-tone model is the specially designed take down tool that includes a lanyard attachment. The M&P45 will also be available with a traditional black frame and will be manufactured with the same standard features that are found in the M&P Pistol Series. Shipments of both versions of the M&P45 are expected to begin in February 2007 into both the sporting goods and law enforcement channels.

Both M&P45 models feature a 4.5-inch barrel with an overall length of 8.05 inches. The full size pistols will ship with a 10+1 capacity, with an option for 14+1 capacity. Featuring one of the smallest grip sizes available on any .45 ACP pistol, the M&P45 benefits from the addition of three interchangeable grips, allowing the user to customize grip size to their preference. The M&P45 utilizes a steel dovetail mount front sight and a steel Novak(R) Lo-mount carry rear sight. Tritium sights are also available for low light conditions. A universal Picatinny style equipment rail has been incorporated for tactical lights and lasers. The polymer pistol has an empty weight of 29.6 ounces.

The full size pistols feature a Zytel polymer frame reinforced with a ridged stainless steel chassis and a thru-hardened black melonite finished stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear release lever that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release, as well as an enlarged trigger guard designed to accommodate gloves. The Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy is standard with each pistol.

Herley Receives a $6.3 Million Contract Award for Shipboard Communication Hardware for the Republic of South Korea Navy

Lancaster PA December 12, 2006 - Herley Industries, Inc. announced today that the Republic of South Korea Navy has awarded Herley Industries an initial $6.3 million contract on IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) shipboard Interrogators, Transponders and ancillary equipment for installation on a series of new patrol vessels. This is a follow-on contract to previous Republic of South Korea Navy contracts with Herley for similar and other types of combat vessels.

These new patrol vessels will replace previous conventionally powered ships and employ water jet propulsion for high-speed coastal and littoral operation. Herley's IFF system will interface with the ship's air search radar, surface search radar, and central fire control system, along with the ESM (Electronic Support Measure) equipment.

In addition to furnishing all hardware and installation materials, Herley will provide the necessary on-site field engineering while performing the ship's radar integration and assisting in the cryptographic certification.

John M. Kelley, Herley President, stated, "We are very pleased with this follow-on contract from the Republic of South Korea Navy. We are focusing on foreign sales, and this contract demonstrates the market's confidence in Herley products."

Raytheon Successfully Completes DDG 1000 Deckhouse Integration Design for Apertures

Tewksbury MA December 12, 2006 - Raytheon Company has successfully completed the so-called Delta Interim Detailed Design Review for the DDG 1000 Integrated Deckhouse and Apertures (IDHA) Element.

The DDG 1000 is the Navy's next generation multi-mission destroyer.

The IDHA Element is responsible for the integration design of apertures into the DDG 1000 composite deckhouse. The apertures comprise a system of antenna arrays for functions such as radars and communications that are to be mounted flush on the deckhouse. Flush mounting of these advanced arrays allows the ship to meet the stringent stealth requirements that make it such an effective multi-mission vessel.

The review, which took place at the Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) Sensors and Surveillance Center in Sudbury, Mass., confirmed that all design and performance requirements were clearly defined and that the design is sufficient to meet those requirements.

The successful completion of this milestone allows the IDHA Element to begin the detailed design phase, moving the program closer to production. Fabrication - and ultimately installation of the apertures - is set to begin in mid-2008, after the production readiness review in late-2007.

"The fact that this critical step was successfully completed on schedule can be attributed to the teamwork between the Navy and industry, as well as team dedication," said Ed Geisler, Raytheon vice president and DDG 1000 program manager. Geisler is responsible for all IDHA activity.

Under the Navy's DDG 1000 Detail Design and Integration contract awarded in 2005, Raytheon IDS serves as the prime mission systems equipment integrator for all electronic and combat systems for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer program.

McAfee, Inc. Reports on New Generation of Cybercriminals

Santa Clara CA December 12, 2006 - McAfee, Inc. today announced the findings of new research that reveals how organized crime is grooming a new generation of cybercriminals using tactics reminiscent of those employed by the KGB during the cold war. McAfee Virtual Criminology Report 2006 marks the second annual McAfee report into organized crime and the Internet. The study, which used input from Europe's leading high-tech crime units and the FBI, suggests that crime gangs are targeting top students from leading academic institutions in order to provide them with the skills they need to commit high-tech crime on a mass scale.

The study reveals how Internet savvy teens as young as 14 are being attracted into cybercrime by the celebrity status of high-tech criminals and the promise of monetary gain without the risks associated with traditional crime. The report also shows how cybercriminals are moving away from bedrooms and into public places such as Internet cafes and wi-fi enabled coffee shops.

Other key findings from the McAfee Virtual Criminology Report 2006 include:

• The Cult of Cybercrime: Cybercrime has established a cult following with online offenders rising almost to celebrity status within hacking communities. Specialist forums to highlight potential security issues have also served to showcase 'black hat' tricks and criminal opportunity
• The Malware Milkround: Organized crime is now employing KGB-style tactics to ensnare the next generation of hackers and malware authors. Cybercriminals are actively approaching students and graduates of IT technology fields to recruit a fresh wealth of cyber-skill to their ranks
• Inside Jobs: Taking advantage of inadequate company security procedures, current and former employees, contractors and suppliers are instigating the vast majority of hacking attacks.

Cybercriminals are sponsoring graduates with a view to gaining the lucrative insiders' view of enterprises

"Cybercrime is no longer in its infancy. It is big business," said Greg Day, security analyst, McAfee, Inc. "Criminal entrepreneurs can make fast money with minimal risk and their ranks are growing with that realization. With technology continually evolving, criminal opportunity is evolving into something that is global and unrestricted by geography, language or appearance."

The McAfee Virtual Criminology Report 2006 highlights how the virtual anonymity and stealth of attack that the online environment affords means detection is a growing challenge for law enforcement. McAfee has highlighted the following as the main threats, tools and opportunities that organized crime is exploiting:

• Mind Games: Cybercriminals are increasingly resorting to psychological warfare in order to succeed. Phishing emails have increased by approximately 25% over the last year but are harder to detect as they increasingly trick unsuspecting people with ordinary scenarios instead of improbable ones such as sudden cash windfalls. 'Spear phishing' is growing in prevalence, tricking users into giving away user names and passwords by seemingly coming from employers or fellow colleagues. These more tailored mind games achieve high success rates and slide under the mass attack radar, seeking out smaller institutions and consumers with targets changing almost daily.
• Social Scams: Cybercriminals are being drawn to the huge crowds of the social networking and community sites. Loading fake profiles and pages with adware, spyware and trojans, money making malware authors are cashing in on their popularity. They are also collating personal information divulged online to formulate virtual twin identities for fraudulent purposes.
• Data Seepage: Data is continually exposed without need for sophisticated attack and cybercriminals are cashing in. Password proliferation for consumer and work devices means often simple guesswork unlocks the door; unsecured removable media devices such as USB sticks provide an easy route for information-transfer and increasing convergence of technologies means inadequate security and integrated risk.
• Botnets: As predicted in last years report, botnets -- robot networks of illegally linked computers that can be controlled remotely -- are now the preferred method for Internet thieves to effectively execute attacks. At least 12 million computers around the world are now compromised and are used for phishing schemes, illegal spamming, spreading pornography and stealing passwords and identities. Open-source criminal collaboration is also generating more robust and reliable botnets with guaranteed ROI.
• The Future: The report also highlights threats that will become much more prevalent over the next 12 months. Smartphones and multifunctional mobiles are making portable computers essential lifestyle accessories and predictions are that cybercriminals will increasingly mine them for valuable information in the coming months. The increasing use of Bluetooth and VoIP will also lead to a new generation of phone hacking.

New from World Vision: Gift Catalog to Help Empower Girls and Women

Seattle December 12, 2006 - The number of shopping transactions by and for women each day around the globe is mind-boggling. Meanwhile, millions of girls and women work tirelessly but still lack the minimal resources needed to protect themselves and to feed and care for their families. Of the 1.3 billion people worldwide living in extreme poverty, 70 percent are women.

With the new "Girls and Women Gift Catalog" from World Vision, Americans can purchase gifts to empower these hard workers while honoring friends, colleagues, and loved ones. The new catalog, located at www.worldvisiongifts.org/girlsandwomen , offers twenty important ways to make a difference in the life of a girl or woman.

After choosing these important gifts -- such as new mother and baby kits, small business loans, and income-producing animals -- you can designate them in honor of others and send personalized cards describing the gifts and their impact. Gifts purchased help girls and women in the developing world in the following year.

"So many women and girls around the world lack life's basics like clean water, health care, and the means to care for their families," said Patricia Heaton, actor and producer. "World Vision is making a difference in their lives and this catalog offers an opportunity to be part of this important work."

Choices in the catalog include:

• Help a girl or woman receive HIV testing ($50)
• Provide a new mother and baby kit ($77)
• Purchase a bicycle for a girl student ($85)
• Train local birth attendants and provide delivery kits ($116)
• Purchase a sewing machine and training ($270)

To order World Vision gifts, visit the web site at www.worldvisiongifts.org/girlsandwomen . To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free 888-511-6511. All items are tax-deductible.

Pratt & Whitney's F135 Powers the First F-35 Low Speed Taxi Test

East Hartford CT December 11, 2006 - The F-35 Lightning II, powered by Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine, successfully completed its first low-speed taxi test. This significant milestone is one of the engine's final ground tests before the F-35 is cleared for the first flight. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp.

During the testing, the F-35 taxied to the runway at a speed of 10 knots and reached a maximum speed of 30 knots on the runway. In addition to testing the aircraft throttle and braking systems, the low-speed taxi test demonstrated that all systems powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine are functioning properly prior to first flight.

"The successful low-speed taxi test is another demonstration of the consistent performance of the F135 engine," said Bill Gostic, vice president, F135 engine programs, Pratt & Whitney. "Every milestone this engine achieves is a testament to the commitment and partnership between Lockheed Martin, the Joint Program Office and Pratt & Whitney."

Powering the low-speed taxi test is one in a series of significant milestones the F135 engine has accomplished. In October, the F135 engine was granted Initial Flight Release by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), which declared all F135 tests and verification reports complete. The engine has recently surpassed 6,600 hours of ground testing in addition to the more than 3,600 hours accumulated during the concept demonstration phase of the F-35 program, reflecting the F135's maturity and reliability.

Pratt & Whitney is the lead propulsion system supplier for the F-35 program. The technologically advanced F135 engine is an evolution of the highly successful F119 engine for the F-22 Raptor. Together the F135 and F119 will have logged more than 800,000 hours before the F-35's introduction into operational service in 2012.

Rated at more than 40,000 pounds of thrust, the F135 is the most powerful fighter engine ever built.

The F135 propulsion system team consists of Pratt & Whitney, the prime contractor with responsibility for the main engine and system integration; Rolls-Royce of the United Kingdom, providing lift components for the STOVL (short takeoff, vertical landing) F-35B; and UTC's Hamilton Sundstrand unit, provider of the F135's control system, external accessories and gearbox.

In addition to the F135 engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F119 powering the F-22 Raptor, Pratt & Whitney military engine models include the F117 for the C-17 Globemaster III; F100 for F-15 and F-16 fighters; J52 for the EA-6B Prowler; TF33 powering AWACS, Joint STARS, B-52, C-141 and KC- 135 aircraft; TF30 for the F-111, PT6 for T-6A and UH-1N aircraft; and JT15 for the T-1A trainer and Pegasus UCAV.

Raytheon Ships Second Ballistic Missile Defense System Radar

Tewksbury MA December 11, 2006 - Raytheon Company has shipped ahead of schedule and under budget the second Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Forward Based X-Band Transportable (FBX-T) radar to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for final testing and acceptance.

"With the completion of the factory testing and acceptance of the second FBX-T radar, we've taken another significant step toward implementing an effective capability to protect the US, deployed forces and allies from ballistic missile threats," said Pete Franklin, vice president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) Missile Defense Business Area. "Raytheon's BMDS program is leading the way, providing advanced sensor capabilities and enhanced affordability."

Raytheon IDS, which was awarded a BMDS radar contract by the MDA in April 2003, delivered the first FBX-T radar under budget and ahead of schedule in November 2004. The radar, currently deployed in Japan, is the first new MDA system to be developed and deployed as an operational asset outside the US

Raytheon IDS designed and built the FBX-T radar by drawing on extensive sensor knowledge from its X-Band "Family of Radars." The FBX-T is a high- power, transportable X-Band radar designed to detect, track and discriminate ballistic missile threats early in flight, maximizing the capability of the BMDS to identify, assess and engage threats to the US, deployed forces and allies.

ViaSat Finalizes $35 million Subcontract With Boeing for FAB-T Information Security

Carlsbad CA December 11, 2006 - ViaSat, Inc. finalized a $35 million dollar subcontract modification with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems for the Family of Advanced Beyond-line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) program. As part of the Boeing team, ViaSat is developing protected communication equipment that will provide the U. S. Government with secure strategic and tactical communications. This award adds additional technical requirements to the ViaSat subcontract and extends ViaSat product development and support through 2011.

ViaSat has completed two major FAB-T program deliveries. Acceptance testing on the Prototype phase is complete and has been delivered to the US Air Force as part of the Boeing team FAB-T terminal delivery. Boeing has also taken delivery of the engineering development model hardware and software.

FAB-T is an Air Force initiative to provide a multi-mission capable family of terminals that is based on a common design and open system architecture so it can communicate with different satellites. These radio systems enable information exchange between ground, airborne, and space platforms. Once operational, FAB-T is designed to provide critical, protected beyond line-of- sight communications for warfighters via the new Advanced Extremely High Frequency (Advanced EHF) System, a new class of secure military satellites. In subsequent increments, FAB-T is expected to enable interchange with other beyond line-of sight and national satellite communications systems.

9th Annual Society for Military and Strategic Studies Student Conference

WAR AND SECURITY: THE COSTS OF CONFLICT 2 & 3 March 2007 ¨ University of Calgary

This conference is dedicated to facilitating discussion, debate and contributions to the knowledge of military, security and historical events that have influenced the international arena. Students are given a multidisciplinary forum within which they can engage academic, military and corporate communities dedicated to the study of these important topics.

The SMSS welcomes undergraduate and graduate paper submissions from all disciplines. Due to a high volume of submissions, limit proposals to 250 words. Presentations should conform to a 15-minute format.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to: War and Economics, Conflict throughout History, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the United Nations, Peacemaking and Peacekeeping, the European Union, the African Union, the "Revolution in Military Affairs", Terrorism, Intelligence, Insurrection, Revolutionary War, Counter-Insurgency, Warfare in Literature, Military Anthropology, Empires and Occupation. This list is by no means exhaustive. Original ideas are encouraged.

PAPER PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 20 DECEMBER 2006

Please submit proposals via e-mail or regular mail to:

stratnet@ucalgary.ca

Society for Military and Strategic Studies, Center for Military & Strategic Studies, University of Calgary

MLT 701, 2500 University Drive NW • Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4

Phone: (403) 220-4030 • Fax: (403)282-0594

Website: www.smss-uofc.com <http://www.smss-uofc.com>

For information, contact

Nancy Pearson Mackie

Center for Military and Strategic Studies

University of Calgary

2500 University Drive, NW

Calgary, AB T2N 1N4

Telephone (403)220-4030

Fax (403)282-0594

njmackie@ucalgary.ca <mailto:njmackie@ucalgary.ca>

Harris Corp Demonstrates APCO P25 Interoperability with Its Falcon(R) III AN/PRC-152(C) Handheld Radio

Rochester December 13, 2006 - Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, demonstrated a new software-programmable waveform that enables its Falcon(R) III AN/PRC-152(C) to interoperate with the commercially available APCO P25-based radios. This waveform allows communications interoperability among military users, civil authorities, and first responders. The AN/PRC-152(C) will be the first tactical radio to use the APCO P25 waveform.

The Harris AN/PRC-152(C) radio, now deployed by the US military, provides Type-1 secured SINCGARS, Havequick II, HPW, VHF/UHF, and MIL-STD-188-181B UHF SATCOM communications capabilities. It is a Software Communications Architecture (SCA)-based, Software Defined Radio (SDR) with an optional embedded GPS module. The radio is also part of the AN/VRC-110 system that is used by US forces to provide vehicular communications.

The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. (APCO International) is dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications and has been working to provide interoperable communications through its APCO P25 initiative.

"The addition of the APCO P25 waveform to tactical radios enables military and agency users, including the National Guard and Reserves, the FBI, and FEMA, to communicate with first responders," said Andy Adams, vice president of Product Line Management, Harris RF Communications. "The addition of this new waveform validates the flexibility of the AN/PRC-152(C) SCA-based architecture and demonstrates the Harris commitment to continually add features to the Falcon III family."

The production version of the APCO P25 waveform will be available by summer 2007 in new AN/PRC-152(C) radios or as an optional software upgrade for fielded units.

Rockwell Collins Hits Milestones for DAGR and SAASM

Cedar Rapids IA December 13, 2006 - Rockwell Collins announced today that the company has delivered 100,000 Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receivers (DAGR) for use by US and international warfighters and has reached the 225,000 unit sales milestone for its Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM).

"These milestones demonstrate Rockwell Collins' commitment to delivering on-time, on-budget solutions to our military customers," said Greg Churchill, executive vice president and COO of Rockwell Collins Government Systems. "Our ability to accelerate production rates makes it possible to quickly equip our troops with advanced GPS technology that will improve their situational awareness while enhancing their safety."

Building upon the company's highly successful Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR), with more than 200,000 units delivered worldwide, the Rockwell Collins DAGR incorporates five times the capabilities and functions of the PLGR while reducing the overall size, weight and power requirements. Rockwell Collins was selected for full-rate production of DAGRs in October 2003.

Primarily used by the US Army, the DAGR is considered the handheld standard for GPS position, navigation and situational awareness. The receiver provides precise timing to synchronize tactical radios for the digital battlespace and includes a graphical user interface that greatly enhances the soldier's effectiveness and safety.

The Rockwell Collins SAASM is a single, tamper-resistant multi-chip security module that can be combined with other components and software into a complete GPS receiver. The latest version of the Rockwell Collins SAASM is extremely small and consumes very little power.

Rockwell Collins was the first in the industry to receive security approval for production of the SAASM that incorporates a next-generation Precise Positioning Service (PPS) security module.

Smiths Aerospace Enters $60 Million Program for F404 Engine

Asheville NC December 12, 2006 - Smiths Aerospace, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has entered into a Risk and Revenue Sharing program with GE Aviation. The program has a potential sales value to Smiths Aerospace of more than $60 million over its lifetime.

The program involves five F404 components that are manufactured at the Smiths Aerospace Components facility in Asheville, North Carolina. Under the program, Smiths will produce these parts for new and spare engines. Deliveries will continue through 2023.

Peter Wright, President, Smiths Aerospace Components, said: "Smiths has proven technical capability and strong customer relations with GE Aviation. This Risk and Revenue Sharing program represents a unique opportunity for Smiths to extend our participation on the F404 for the life of the program. We anticipate that the F404 will have decades of use in powering the F/A-18s."

The performance and reliability of F404 engines have set the standard for modern fighter engines. The engine family powers multiple aircraft performing a broad spectrum of missions from low-level attack to high-altitude interceptors. In addition to powering the US Navy’s fleet of F/A-18 A/B/C/D carrier-capable aircraft, the F404 is on other international aircraft such as the Swedish Gripen and Korean T-50 trainer. Some 3,700 of F404-GE-400 engine family have been built. The US Navy inventory for the F404 is currently at more than 1,300 engines.

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Sea Trials for Tortuga Symbolizes Successful SRA

USS Tortuga at Sea December 13, 2006 - After completing a successful selective restricted availability (SRA) period, Sailors aboard USS Tortuga (LSD 46) brought the dock landing ship back to life Dec. 6 and set out to sea for an extensive sea trial in the vicinity of its forward-deployed home of Sasebo, Japan.

The SRA culminated what has been a long haul for Tortuga, being a primary asset in the Hurricane Katrina relief in fall 2005, before coming to Sasebo as part of a hull swap in April 2006, where it left almost immediately for CARAT 2006.

According to Tortuga’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Michael T. Talaga, the ship’s SRA period went well.

"The amount of work Tortuga was able to complete in the allotted time and with all of the compressed planning because of the recent hull swap back in April was superb," said Talaga.

Talaga gave special credit to Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Sasebo detachment, specifically noting the excellent work of the ship’s superintendents, in a recently released message.

"The main thrust of the availability was the engineering plants and main engines, which were in need of special attention, and they got all of the work done that was needed to get this ship operational and reliable," Talaga stated.

In addition to all the engineering work, the ship’s combat system received several upgrades to the Command and Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence (C4I) equipment. Communicating both with the embarked Marine Corps landing force and the other ships within the expeditionary strike group will be easier and more reliable with Tortuga’s newly updated systems.

Once underway the crew worked out all the kinks, getting fully up to speed by the second day of sea trials.

"The engineering department has worked hard to correct numerous, minor generator discrepancies. A lot of the work was due to the fact that the ship has been stationary for three months," Talaga said.

By the end of sea trials, Talaga said he was very pleased.

Tortuga, previously homeported in Little Creek, Va., was hull swapped with USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in an Exchange of Command Ceremony in April 2006.

Tortuga is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG), operating out of Sasebo, Japan, which is a part of Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

PCU Kidd Remembers Pearl Harbor During 'Stepping the Mast'

Pascagoula December 13, 2006 - In attire reminiscent of the moment 65 years ago at 7:55 a.m. Dec. 7, Sailors assigned to Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) Kidd (DDG 100) commemorated the loss of lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor at the exact moment the first bomb fell on the same day in 1941.

Kidd Sailors dressed in dungarees and dixie cups; officers and chiefs dressed in working khakis and combination covers, all in formation on the ship’s flight deck.

In addition to the attire of the period, Kidd Sailors practiced the old tradition of "stepping the mast."

Beginning with the construction of USS Constitution, the ancient custom of "stepping the mast" is the act of placing coins under the step, or bottom, of a ship’s mast. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians placed coins under the mast for good luck or to help deceased Sailors pay for the ferry ride into eternity. Nowadays, coins totaling the ship’s hull numbers are typically placed under or near the mast in a small ceremony.

Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas, Kidd’s commanding officer, decided this would be the best day for the ship’s mast stepping.

"Because of the historical significance of this date in the history of our Navy and country, I chose today to carry out one of the oldest traditions in shipbuilding, the stepping of our mast. This tradition is as old as shipbuilding itself," said Thomas.

For Kidd, a box containing the following items was interred into the mast: two half dollars presented by the ship's sponsors, one from 1941 and one from 2004, the year Kidd was launched; the sum of the denominations of these coins equals Kidd’s hull number. Also included were a Kidd Captain’s coin, a Kidd chief petty officer mess coin, a DDG 100 christening coin, a plankowner crew alpha roster, a tracking chart depicting the path of Hurricane Katrina, a Kidd "Welcome Aboard" pamphlet, a photo of Kidd underway on super trials, and a jolly roger flag, to remember the crews of the first USS Kidd (DD 661) who called themselves the "Pirates of the Pacific."

Following the commemoration ceremony for those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, Kidd’s chain of command and representatives from Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS) adjourned to the 05 level for the mast stepping. As a mast of an older ship descends to the keel, the mast of a modern warship ascends upwards from the fifth level above the main deck. There, behind an access plate at the base of the mast, the box containing the items was welded into the mast by NGSS welder Vera Jeans.

Prior to interring the artifacts, the commanding officer and assembled guests bowed their heads and recited the Sailor’s Prayer of 1941, best summed by the final two lines of the prayer, "Bless and protect the officers and [crew] of this ship. Shield all I love from harm in my absence."

The commemoration also paid tribute to the ship’s namesake, Rear Adm. Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed aboard USS Arizona (BB 39) while defending the ship during the attack.

Kidd was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and sacrifice, receiving the award for conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life during the attack.

The receptacle was sealed at precisely 8:10 a.m., the moment when Kidd gave his life on the bridge of Arizona when an enemy bomb hit it. On the front is a silver label plate, which states, "Do not remove until decommissioning."

DDG 100 is the third Navy warship to bear the name of Kidd, preceded in service by DD 661 and DDG 993.

GW's Planned Incremental Availability Plus Docking Ahead of Schedule

Portsmouth VA December 13, 2006 - December marks the third month of USS George Washington's (CVN 73) (GW) Planned Incremental Availability plus Docking (PIA+D) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).

PIA+D coordinators are pleased with the progress that contractors, shipyard workers, and ship’s crew are making.

Lt. Cmdr. Bill Pollitz, GW’s maintenance manager and overall availability coordinator, said that since PIA+D began, team GW has completed ahead of schedule nine of the 18 milestones passed so far. The other nine have been completed on time.

Ninety-five additional milestones and key events are scheduled for the availability period.

"This is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and most importantly, teamwork, by team George Washington," said Rear Adm. Garry R. White, GW’s commanding officer. "And that team includes not just our Sailors, but all of the shipyard workers and contractors who have made this such a successful availability to date."

He added that he and his team are determined to continue that success through the completion of this yard period.

"We’re getting further ahead every day," said Pollitz. "When you come in ahead of schedule, you come in on or under budget. That’s a rule."

Last month, NNSY workers set a precedent by removing the ship’s main mast in one piece, saving both time and money. Pollitz said masts are usually removed in three sections.

The evolution, completed almost three weeks ahead of schedule, paves the way for the installation of Capstone, an electronic suite for combat systems and operations.

"By meeting this milestone three weeks ahead of schedule, we have been able to make the preparations for the new mast installation ahead of schedule as well," said Lt. Cmdr. Ralph Roe, GW’s combat systems maintenance officer and capstone coordinator.

Communication and planning were the keys to successful removal of the main mast, added Roe.

"Everything from the initial planning and calculations by the engineers to the actual rigging and lifting the 100,000 pound mast using the contracted commercial crane was orchestrated with precision," said Roe.

The new mast is expected to be installed in January, and then populated with antennae and cabling. The larger, more stable mast will provide GW with improved war-fighting capabilities.

But the main mast replacement is only one of the upgrades in progress aboard GW. The ship’s four propellers have been removed two weeks ahead of schedule, said Pollitz, and will soon be replaced by four state-of-the-art propellers.

Contractors from Earl Industries are blasting sections of the hull down to bare metal, and repainting the areas not painted during GW’s last availability period.

GW’s crew is getting involved as well, with more than 200 Sailors working to improve quality of life by refurbishing 273 staterooms, comprising 746 racks, and 14 berthing areas, comprising 561 racks. Pollitz said the habitability team remains ahead of schedule.

GW is undergoing the $300 million availability in preparation to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CVN 63) as America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

"We look forward to an on-time delivery in excellent material condition," said Pollitz.

5TH Anniversary of Operation Active Endeavour

Naples December 12, 2006 - On 15 December 2006, a ceremony to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Operation Active Endeavour will be held at the Allied Maritime Component Command Headquarters (CC-Mar), Naples.

Presiding over the ceremony will be Admiral H.G. Ulrich III, Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Guests will include several senior NATO and Partner Nation officials from contributing nations and local military and political authorities, representatives from Shipping Companies and families and friends of those serving at the HQ. Authorities from Partnership for Peace (PFP) and Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) nations will also be invited to join in this celebration.

The Ceremony will be conducted on Nisida Island where units from the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) will be anchored close by. During the Ceremony the CC-Mar Naples Flag will be awarded a Campaign Pennant in recognition of the Headquarters’ efforts in conducting this operation. A number of personnel will also be awarded the NATO medal, while HQ personnel will receive a Congratulatory Certificate.

Conference at Northwood This Week

London December 12, 2006 - MCC Northwood is to host the Maritime Surveillance and Information Exchange Conference from Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 December. The aim of the conference is to enhance regional maritime situational awareness and security in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic and foster a comprehensive cooperation between navies.

Representatives from 13 NATO and 2 Non-NATO nations, adjacent to MCC Northwood's Surveillance Coordination Area, will participate. Other agencies, originating from NATO and National Naval Headquarters, will attend. A wide range of topics will be discussed during the two day conference including International law developments, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) status in NATO and shipping and security information exchange between nations.

Nancy Pelosi Addresses NATO Parliamentary Assembly Members

Washington December 11, 2006 - Nancy Pelosi, Speaker-elect of the US House of Representatives, addressed today (Monday 11 December) some 70 members of the NATO PA in a meeting at the National Defense University in Washington DC.

Ms. Pelosi stressed the importance of Alliance solidarity in Afghanistan and commended the "key role" that NATO parliamentarians are playing to support this crucial mission.

Ms. Pelosi also declared that she intends to make environmental and energy security issues "a hallmark" of her work as Speaker of the newly elected US Congress. She therefore indicated her strong wish to work with the NATO PA on the issues of global warming and energy security. "As public opinion may well be ahead of governments on these issues", she said, "you can have a leading role".

Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi spoke at the Parliamentary Transatlantic Forum, organized by the NATO PA, the Atlantic Council of the United States and the National Defense University, and gathering legislators from NATO and partner countries on a yearly basis to discuss transatlantic security issues with the policy community in Washington, DC.

President Confers Special Rank on Retired Naval Captain

New Delhi December 7, 2006 - The President of India has conferred upon a retired Navy Captain Rajan Vir the honorary rank of Commodore. The rank was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution in fostering international understanding and cooperation in the maritime field as head of the Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF). The Indian Navy took up his case for the unique honor, which was forwarded to the President after due vetting by the Ministry of defense.

Captain Rajan Vir is the founder President of the IMF and has been responsible for its growth and development, through thick and thin since its inception in 1993. As a result of his indefatigable efforts, the IMF has come to occupy a high place amidst the maritime fraternity in India as well as internationally. The Foundation has been actively engaged in organizing seminars on contemporary maritime subjects to promote understanding among the academia and policy shapers in the country. They also conduct lectures and workshops in schools and colleges to spread awareness and foster better understanding among the youth on related issues. To promote international understanding and co-operation in the maritime field, the IMF has been inviting and hosting visits to India by distinguished professionals from abroad for lectures and exchange of ideas with serving and retired officers. They have also been interacting with several maritime organizations around the world such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The IMF was registered in1993 as a Public Trust with the Charity Commissioner and granted exemption from tax under section 80G by the Commissioner of Income Tax.

$28M Available for New Projects to Enhance Canada's Security Against Terrorism

Ottawa December 11, 2006 - defense Research and Development Canada announced today a call for proposals under the federal government’s CBRNE Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI). The Program, administered through DRDC’s new Center for Security Science (DRDC CSS), is designed to enhance national security against terrorism through chemical, biological, radiological-nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) threats.

The CRTI program, which was launched in 2002, has recently received approval for funding for the next five years for science and technology investments to strengthen Canada’s ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to CBRNE threats. The renewal of the program has expanded the scope to include explosive terrorist threats as well as the CBRN areas on which we were already focusing. Over the past five years, CRTI has approved $116.9 million in 79 projects and $29 million in 88 technology acquisitions.

In this sixth round for proposals, there will be up to $28 million available for new projects. CRTI is interested in receiving proposals across all the investment priorities, but is particularly interested in projects that focus on explosives and on the medical and casualty management activities related to CBRNE hazards. Projects are also being sought that address three other identified priority areas: quantifiable approaches for S&T Dimensions of Risk Assessment; pre-event preparation in Public Confidence and PsychoSocial Issues: and the management of contamination of evidence and casualties in National Security and Criminal Investigation Capabilities.

Proposals are sought from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and government institutions for all investment priorities in the following project categories:

• Technology Acceleration: Projects that hasten the delivery of technologies already in commercial development to first-responders.
• Research and Technology Development: Projects that close the gap between the scientific research community and developers of technologies that will be used against CBRNE threats in the field.
• Technology Demonstration: Projects that create opportunities and venues for demonstrating the impact and utility of emerging technologies to first-responders.

The CRTI selection process has two phases. In the first phase, applicants submit brief synopses of their proposals (due by January 18, 2007). The selection committee evaluates each synopsis to ensure that it is aligned to CRTI investment priorities and to identify opportunities for collaboration between proponents. Applicants whose synopses pass the first phase of selection will then be invited to submit a detailed proposal (due by April 16, 2007). Projects selected for funding will be announced in June 2007.

Participating departments and agencies have joined CRTI because their specific mandates and expertise are key to the overall safety and security of Canadians. The departments and agencies participating in CRTI are: defense R&D Canada (DRDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada, Health Canada, National Research Council of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council Office.

CRTI is led by the newly created DRDC Center for Security Science; a joint endeavour with Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) to provide S&T services and support to address national public safety and security objectives. The center’s capabilities lie in leading and administering research, development, testing and evaluation of technologies, and identifying future trends and threats. As well, a network of national and international S&T partners has been established within the public safety and security communities. DRDC, an agency within the Department of National defense, is comprised of a national network of seven defense research centers. The Agency works in collaboration with private industry, allied forces and academia to respond to the needs of the Canadian Forces.

Strengthening the Civil Service: Cabinet Secretary publishes second wave of capability reviews and establishes Civil Service Steering Board

London December 13, 2006 - Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, today made clear that there could be no slowing down of the Civil Service reform program as he published Capability Reviews for three more departments including his own, the Cabinet Office. Reviews for the Departments of Trade and Industry and Communities and Local Government were also published alongside a summary paper on the key themes emerging from all of the Reviews so far. He also announced the creation of a new Civil Service Steering Board.

At a Whitehall conference for top public servants, on the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Cabinet Office, Gus spoke about the importance of putting both influence and capability at the heart of Government.

He said:

"Ninety years and nine Cabinet Secretaries on, we are once again at a critical period in our history. The role of the state - or, more bluntly, what Ministers and the public expect from us - is changing just as profoundly and arguably even more rapidly, than it did at any time in the 20th century. Global trends and the pace of change internationally and domestically are asking tough questions of societies and Governments. How nations respond to these questions will determine their success in the 21st century. And because the challenges are complex and globally driven, the response will have to be about influencing others, not command and control.

"The Prime Minister, introducing the first batch of Capability Reviews in July, made clear that in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century the role of the state was not to control, but to enable. This is what those of us who support the elected Government are charged with delivering.

"Our challenge is to raise the whole of the civil service to the level of the very best: building a culture of excellence everywhere in the service. We have to improve management at the top, through rigorous performance management and intervention where necessary. We must listen to what those who use public services are saying to us. We have to improve our own capability and skills. And we need to drive improvements in quality.

"I see Capability Reviews as a watershed in the history of public administration in the UK. They are a public and published assessment of how well a department is placed to face the future. They are tough and challenging and most importantly focus on what action needs to be taken'.

Capability Reviews were announced for all Government departments in October 2005 and are robust, evidence based assessments of Departments' capabilities to meet significant future challenges. The first four Reviews were published in July 2006 for the Home Office and Departments for Constitutional Affairs, Education and Skills, and Work and Pensions.

Each of the three reports published today includes a formal assessment of departmental capability in ten key areas and a response from the respective Permanent Secretary outlining what actions they intend to take as a result.

Commenting on the three Reviews published today, Gus said:

'The first set of reviews was of four big delivery departments. The second are about smaller departments where the key is not just delivery but influence. So for the Cabinet Office - influencing Government, the DCLG - communities, the DTI - business. So perhaps it's not a surprise that the scores on delivery are slightly lower than in the first set, though the scores on leadership are strong. The reports show each department has had much success to celebrate in all its core areas.'

Of the Review for the Cabinet Office:

Gus welcomed the review of his own department and said that a key theme of all Capability Reviews had been sharpening the focus of the center. The review of the Cabinet Office was asking this question about the center of Government itself. He said:

'Like the rest of the civil service, the Cabinet Office has already embarked on a major program of reform. With the help of colleagues, I have already set in train measures to ensure we focus on our core functions, and strengthened the implementation of our own efficiency program. We had over 2,100 staff last year, now we have 1,500 - despite taking on new and critical functions By 2008 we expect to have reduced to around 1,350, a reduction of well over one third in just three years.

'Our plan moving forward has two core elements: actions to strengthen the way we lead from the center and action to improve how we manage ourselves as a department.'

Alongside a number of measures designed to improve the Cabinet Office's management of its own performance, he announced three major cross Government initiatives:

• Formation of a new Civil Service Steering Board of senior permanent secretaries and non-executives to oversee the implementation of, for example, the work of David Varney on service transformation, the need to drive sustainability in all the Government does, and employee relations.
• A radical overhaul of the unit of the Cabinet Office responsible for civil service skills.
• A review by Sir Suma Chakrabarti to determine how the Cabinet Office is best deployed in the management of the civil service and to work out what is best done centrally and what is best done by departments.

Gus also stated that he was in the process of undertaking the six-monthly stock-takes of the first departments reviewed and said he had been encouraged by the strong response of their leaders. He said it was already clear that real progress was being made and he would formally report on achievements next year.

In concluding his speech, Gus said:

'Our challenge is to raise our game - to add more pace and professionalism. What we've announced today will help us get there.

'By doing this we'll make sure the public gets the Civil Service it deserves into the future. A Service passionately committed to making Government work better for all its citizens.'

Naval Repair Ship Gets New Lease of Life

London December 12, 2006 - A naval repair ship that first saw service in the Falklands conflict gets a new lease of life under a refit contract announced by the DLO on 11 December 2006.

The 10,000 tonne Royal Fleet Auxiliary RFA Diligence will be equipped for service through to the middle of the next decade following a year-long £16 million overhaul by Northwestern Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Limited (NSSL) at Birkenhead on Merseyside.

The ship, which first saw naval service as the MV Stena Inspector on charter to the MOD as a battle damage repair ship in the 1982 conflict in the South Atlantic, is to have her accommodation, galley and propulsion areas renewed and upgraded.

Award of the contract follows a competition involving other UK shipyards. The proposal produced by NSSL was judged the best and is expected to sustain over 100 jobs during the life of the contract.

Defense Procurement Minister Lord Drayson said:

"RFA Diligence plays an invaluable role supporting both the Royal Navy and the forces of our allies on operations. This overhaul will equip her for many years’ further service with the MOD."

As well as her extensive service off the Falkland Islands, RFA Diligence has served all over the world, including supporting operations in the Gulf in 1991 and 2003, and, most recently, duties in support of the Iraqi Navy and off West Africa.

The ship forms part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian-crewed organization that supports the Royal Navy at sea, with the food, fuel, ammunition and spares it needs in order to maintain operations away from its home ports and the Army and RAF as necessary.

UK Signs up for Next Phase of Joint Strike Fighter Program

London December 12, 2006 - defense Minister Lord Drayson has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, following a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of defense Gordon England in Washington D.C.

Lord Drayson said:

"After an excellent meeting with Gordon England, I am delighted to be able to sign this MoU which will take the UK into the next phase of the JSF program. I have always been clear that the UK would only sign if we were satisfied that we would have operational sovereignty over our aircraft. I have today received the necessary assurances from the US on technology transfer to allow me to sign the MoU."

"This signature reflects our continuing commitment to providing our Armed Forces with battle-winning equipment; to procuring and supporting that equipment in the most cost-effective way; and to enhancing the UK's ability to operate effectively with our international partners."

JSF is a stealthy, multi-role combat aircraft, which will be a key component of the UK's expeditionary capability, operating from the future carriers, for decades to come.

UK companies are closely involved with the program - over 100 companies have already won development contracts and will now be able to compete for work in the next phase. The expected value of work for the UK is over $29Bn.

MOD's Overall Performance 'Satisfactory' say MPs

London December 12, 2006 - The Ministry of defense welcomes the defense Committee's report on its Annual Report and Accounts 2005-6. The Committee concludes that overall performance is satisfactory. It commends the Department's overall success in delivering its objectives, particularly in procurement. We welcome the fact that the Committee has recognized that these achievements are being made, despite the demands generated by the high tempo of operations.

The Committee also commends the MoD for its efforts to improve retention of military personnel. The MoD is keenly aware of the burdens which operations place on our people and, although the current level of operational activity is higher than planned, it is sustainable. Commanders are content that the Armed Forces can cope with the current level of military commitments.

The Committee raises concerns about how the MoD measures operational success. The process we use to judge success is scrutinized by the National Audit Office on Parliament's behalf. The MoD is saying more on this than any Government ever has, and this year won the national 'Building Public Trust' award for "Telling it how it is" for the quality of its reporting.

The MoD will respond formally to the Select Committee's report in due course.

Security Council Reiterates Concern Over Issue of Kuwaitis Missing Since 1990 War

New York December 13, 2006 - Welcoming the recent progress on identifying and recovering the remains of Kuwaitis and other nationals missing since the 1990 Gulf War, the Security Council today expressed concern over the fate of nearly 400 others whose whereabouts remain unknown.

In a statement to the press, Council President Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser of Qatar, which holds the rotating presidency this month, said the 15-member body offered its deepest condolences to the families of those missing persons whose remains have recently been found.

He reiterated the Council's condemnation of the executions of Kuwaitis and third party nationals during the 1990 war, adding that members "agreed that those responsible for these horrendous crimes should be brought to justice."

The statement was issued following a briefing to the Council by Yuli Vorontsov, the Secretary-General's High Level Coordinator on the issue. Earlier this week Secretary-General Kofi Annan released his latest report to the Council, noting that although the remains of three Kuwaitis have been found recently, the fate of 370 others remains unknown.

"This reflects disappointingly slow progress," Mr. Annan said in the report, adding that "serious security challenges in Iraq have impeded searches for graves and exhumation of known sites where Kuwaiti and other nationals are thought to be buried."

The press statement lamented the lack of progress on locating the missing Kuwaiti national archive, but welcomed the work of the Tripartite Commission and the International Committee of the Red Cross in attempting to determine the fate of the missing people.

It also noted the positive resolution of all issues relating to the transfer of Kuwaiti spare parts onboard Iraqi Airways planes in Tunisia.

"Council members look forward to the final closure of all the matters related to Kuwaiti spare parts," Mr. al-Nasser said.

Alleged Sexual Harassment of Women Defense Officers

New Delhi December 13, 2006 - There have been a few isolated cases where women officers have alleged sexual harassment and victimization by their senior officers. In two such cases reported during the current year, Courts of Inquiry were instituted. Only in one case some prima facie evidence could be found.

The defense forces take appropriate measures for the safety and security of its personnel including women. Any complaints of sexual harassment of women officers is viewed seriously and is investigated and dealt with in accordance with relevant provisions of respective services acts.

This information was given by the defense Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Motiur Rahman in Rajya Sabha today.

Poor Judgement Call on Frigates

Canberra December 7, 2006 - The Government today admitted it made a "judgement call" to pay more than $80 million for a contract that has to date delivered no value and faces a cost blow-out to $1.4 billion.

Senator Mark Bishop, Shadow Minister for defense Industry, Procurement and Personnel was given the information at a hearing into the Fast Frigate Guided Upgrade project.

The project -- originally scheduled to upgrade six frigates at a cost of $944 million – has not only blown-out, it has also been downgraded to refit just four ships.

Senator Bishop was also told the Government had learned from this costly mistake, by in future insisting on contracts with less milestone payments and more payments at the conclusion of the contract.

But the lesson is too late for the frigate project, which will end up costing taxpayers $1.4 billion for four frigates, which will only be sea-worthy for another five years.

In other evidence at today's public hearing, Senator Bishop was told the Government:

• Continued to pay the project contractor payments, even though it failed to deliver against milestones

• Topped-up the company's books with a further $80 million of taxpayers money, even though the company already banked more than $200 million from the contract

• Specified a contract that failed to provide for interest repayments for funds advanced to the company

"Again, the Government has failed to deliver value-for-money," Senator Bishop said. "It did not specify proper specifications on a multi-billion dollar contract, it failed to adequately manage the project and its risk analysis was flawed from beginning to end."

Of particular concern was the Government concession that earned-value payments were made as a mechanism to provide cash flow to a lowly capitalized company, Senator Bishop said.

"As well as considering legitimate requirements of industry, the Government should consider taxpayers' best interests in securing best value for money in likely future multi-billion dollar defense projects," he said.

Bishop Wrong Again - Frigate Upgrade

Canberra December 7, 2006 - Senator Mark Bishop has again ignored the repeated advice from the Department of defense and published a misleading press release.

Some facts about the FFG Upgrade project:

• There is no cost increase. The contract is a fixed price contract and the real cost has actually come down.

• The original budget was $1,266m, NOT the $944m that Sen Bishop claims.

• There was no such thing as an $80m payment and there was no decision of Government to make a "judgement call". This is fiction. The ANAO claim that by mid-2000 the contractor had accrued about this amount above its costs against payments. These payments were made against contracted milestone payments.

• The Navy will accept the Ships into operational service when it is satisfied with the ships’ capabilities. Provisional Acceptance is scheduled for 15 December and we remain on schedule.

• The upgrade FFGs will remain in service with Navy for many years to come, until the final Air Warfare Destroyer is delivered in 2018.

• The project will deliver a great capability to Navy. Since April, HMAS Sydney has been on Navy exercises, fired her missiles at sea and demonstrated the fundamentals of the capability.

• The project is running behind the original schedule and I am monitoring the schedule progress closely.

The Opposition spokesman has been advised many times of the revised schedule and that the project is not over-budget, but continues to announce the same issue time and time again.