SeaWaves Naval News December 20, 2006

Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine Powers Joint Strike Fighter First Flight

Fort Worth December 15, 2006 - Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine accelerated to full power and lifted the F-35 Lightning II to first flight at approximately 12:45 CST today. The ensuing 35 minute-long inaugural flight, a culmination and validation of more than 15 years of engine development saw the Pratt & Whitney engine effortlessly push the aircraft to 15,000 feet. The initial flight test also verified the F135's integrated flight control systems and its ability to power all of the aircraft's hydraulic and electrical components. Pratt & Whitney is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

"This is a major milestone for our engine and the aircraft, one we've all been building toward for years, and it is a testament to the commitment and partnership among Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin, the Joint Program Office (JPO) and the eight partner countries," said Bill Gostic, vice president, F135 engine program for Pratt & Whitney. "I'm looking forward to continuing this success when our F135 propulsion system powers the Short Take-off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 -- we're tremendously excited about our STOVL engine's capabilities."

"The Lightning II performed beautifully," said F-35 Chief Pilot Jon Beesley following the flight. "What a great moment for the program, and a testimony to the people who have worked so hard to make this happen."

Powering the F-35's first flight is one in a series of milestones the F135 has achieved. In October, the F135 engine achieved Initial Flight Release from the F-35 JPO, which declared all F135 tests and verification reports complete. The engine has recently surpassed 6,700 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 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 F- 35B; and UTC's Hamilton Sundstrand unit, provider of the F135's control and fuel systems, external accessories and gearbox. Hamilton Sundstrand also supplies the airframe's electric system and fire detection and suppression equipment.

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, TF30 for the F-111, PT6 for T-6A and UH-1N aircraft; and JT15 for the T-1A trainer and Pegasus UCAV.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Stealth Fighter Completes First Flight

Fort Worth December 15, 2006 - The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II lifted into the skies today for the first time, completing a successful inaugural flight and initiating the most comprehensive flight test program in military aviation history.

"The Lightning II performed beautifully," said F-35 Chief Pilot Jon Beesley following the flight. "What a great start for the flight-test program, and a testimony to the people who have worked so hard to make this happen." The most powerful engine ever placed in a fighter aircraft -- the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan, with 40,000 pounds of thrust -- effortlessly pushed the F-35 skyward.

The flight of the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35 variant began at 12:44 p.m. CST at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, when the jet lifted off and began a climb-out to 15,000 feet. Beesley then performed a series of maneuvers to test aircraft handling and the operation of the engine and subsystems. He returned for a landing at 1:19 p.m. CST. Two F-16s and an F/A-18 served as chase aircraft.

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.

"The first flight of the F-35 Lightning II is an historic moment because, for the first time ever, we are seeing the dawn of an aircraft with all the 5TH Generation attributes -- including advanced stealth, fighter agility, sensor fusion and greatly improved supportability -- combined in an affordable package," said Ralph Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. "The F-35 will be the most advanced and most capable multi-role fighter on the international market for many, many years to come."

Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, said the aircraft has continued to meet or exceed expectations during its assembly and pre-flight checkouts. It has now embarked on a 12,000-hour flight-test program designed to validate tens of thousands of hours of testing already completed in F-35 laboratories. "The F-35 will enter service as the most exhaustively tested, most thoroughly proven fighter system in history," Crowley said. "And thanks to its all-digital design, an exceptionally talented international engineering team and the world's best assemblers and mechanics, the F-35 has completely rewritten the book on fighter assembly precision and quality."

The United States and eight international partners are involved in the F-35's funding and development. The US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy plan to acquire a total of 2,581 F-35s. Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway also are partners in the program and are expected to add about 700 more aircraft to the total. F-35 sales to other international customers could push the final number of aircraft to 4,500 or beyond.

"We believe the F-35 is poised to become the world standard-bearer of fighter aircraft," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 program integration.

Three versions of the F-35 are under development: a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant for conventional runways, a short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant for operating off small ships and near front-line combat zones, and a carrier variant (CV) for catapult launches and arrested recoveries on board the US Navy's large aircraft carriers.

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 Awarded $10M to Continue Producing Submarine Multi-Purpose Processors and Monitoring Systems

Arlington VA December 18, 2006 - The US Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, a $10 million contract modification to continue producing multi-purpose processor systems and total ship monitoring system kits as part of the Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-The-Shelf Insertion (A-RCI) program for submarines.

Work under this contract includes the production of seven processor systems, nine ship monitoring systems and associated spares in support of submarine modernization. The multi-purpose processor system is a combination of hardware and software that enables submarines to process acoustic signals collected by towed and hull arrays, sphere arrays and the ship monitoring system. The processed data provides valuable information regarding the location of nearby vessels and increases the survivability and lethality of the submarine. These systems are installed in SSN 688, SSN 688I, SSN 774, SSN 21, SSGN and SSBN 726 class submarines, and are major subsystems of the A-RCI program.

Work under this contract modification will be performed in Fairfax, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.

This award modifies a contract originally awarded in December 2003; including this modification; the cumulative value of the contract is $127 million.

US Navy BuMed to Receive $500.000 from US Department of Defense to Evaluate Thermonor AS Temperature Management Technology

Stavanger December 18, 2006 - Thermonor AS, a Norwegian medical device company offering a novel temperature management device for treatment of stroke, cardiac arrest and hypothermia, announced today that it will deliver five units of these unique devices to the US Navy for evaluation. The United States Congress appropriated the funding in the 2007 Defense Appropriations Bill.

Thermonor is working closely with Drs. Wayne Horn and David Fothergill, researchers at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab (NSMRL), Groton, Connecticut. Their research has focused on submarine survival, hypothermia and heat stress.

Thermonor's research provides strong evidence that this novel non-invasive medical device alters the patient or crewmembers core body temperature significantly over a short time span. Development of the device is based on a sophisticated understanding of physiology and anesthesiology combined with a robust technical solution.

The device uses pulsating negative pressure inside a cylinder and circulates fluid in the cylinder. The result is a temperature management solution. NSMRL will evaluate the efficiency and suitability for military use.

"One of the oldest and most ubiquitous challenges in the Navy, Army and civilian community finally has a robust solution that can be applied in the environment where the soldier, sailor or patient needs it. This contract represents a valuable step forward in transitioning the product into the different applications," said Erling B. Rein, M.D., Thermonor's CEO.

Orbiting Space Shuttle Crew On 'Go Navy Radio' Show

San Diego December 18, 2006 - The sky's the limit, literally, as "Go Navy Radio" features live interviews from space. Mike Lopez-Alegria, Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) and Sunita L. Williams, who flew to ISS on the most recent Discovery flight, are expected to call in to the San Diego-based wsRadio.com Network from aboard the Space Station. These "long distance" calls are part of a special broadcast honoring past and present Naval Academy Astronauts. Legendary Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell will also be joining the show as a special guest. The show airs live, Monday, December 18th from Noon through 2 PM, Pacific Time (3-5 PM, Eastern.)

You won't find the show on AM or FM radio, or even on the XM Satellite or Sirius Networks. You will find it broadcast worldwide on the Internet ... at www.wsRadio.com. All shows on wsRadio.com broadcast live via the Internet and are archived for listening on demand 24/7 by topic and date. Podcasts are also available on iTunes.

The hosts of Go Navy Radio are the President/CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation and 1973 Academy graduate, George Watt along with 1983 Academy graduate and President of wsRadio.com, Chris Murch.

Guests on the show will include Major General Charles Bolden, Class of '68; Rear Admiral Stephen Oswald, Class of '73; 1980 graduates, Commander Joe Edwards and Captain Mike Lopez-Alergria; 1981 graduates, Captain Wendy Lawrence and Kathryn Hire; 1985 graduate, Commander Lisa Nowak and 1987 graduate, Commander Sunita Williams.

According to wsRadio.com VP and Program Director Lee Mirabal, "Everything wsRadio.com does in the way of programming mirrors traditional radio standards. To the listener, the only major difference is the delivery.

Instead of radio receivers, any computer with speakers and access to the internet, including dial up or wireless connections, can log onto wsRadio.com and listen." Lee, a 40-year radio veteran and Navy Brat explains, "Go Navy Radio is a great example of how niche programming with a global impact can be successful. The Naval Academy has alumni all over the world and it is great to get listener emails from places like Iraq, China, India or from ships currently underway."

For more than a century, the US Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation has worked to advance the interests, priorities and mission of the US Naval Academy. Their mission is to preserve and celebrate the customs and traditions that bind and enrich the organization and help to strengthen its life-long bonds.

"Go Navy Radio" special guest Jim Lovell is an icon for space travel and will add further dimension to the live broadcast. As the commander of Apollo 13, which suffered an explosion en route to the Moon, he and the crew brought the craft back safely to Earth. Jim Lovell flew in two Gemini missions along with the Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 missions.

Beyond his career as an astronaut, Jim Lovell remained with the Apollo program for the next lunar landing accomplished by Apollo 14, acting as a Mission Control advisor. He has also served vital roles in the space shuttle program.

SAIC Completes Acquisition of Applied Marine Technology, Inc

San Diego December 18, 2006 - Science Applications International Corporation announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Applied Marine Technology, Inc. (AMTI). Based in Virginia Beach, Va., AMTI provides a broad range of services, products and expertise to the special warfare community, military, law enforcement, the intelligence community and private industry, including the areas of homeland security and the global war on terrorism.

The acquisition integrates AMTI's offerings in training and exercises, systems engineering and integration, information systems and communications, and rapid prototyping of technical solutions with SAIC's technical and operational presence within the nation's intelligence, special warfare and homeland security communities.

AMTI joins SAIC's Operational Intelligence Solutions Business Unit, led by Senior Vice President and General Manager John Thomas in McLean, Va. "The solutions we apply to problems of national significance will be enhanced by the combined capabilities we now can bring to bear as a result of the acquisition of AMTI," said Thomas. "We are pleased to have AMTI's employees and leaders join the SAIC team."

AMTI employs more than 500 people supporting government and private sector clients in locations across the US, including Virginia Beach, Va.; San Diego, Calif.; Fayetteville, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Ponca City, Okla.; and Washington, D.C. In addition to its core offerings, AMTI designs, develops, and manufactures communications, information technology, personal protection, and explosive ordinance disposal products.

DCN Partnering the Chilean Navy

Valparaiso November 28, 2006 - In October 2006, DCN subsidiary DCN Log signed a memorandum of understanding with Chilean naval shipyard ASMAR on through-life support and maintenance services for the Chilean Navy's Scorpene submarines. This agreement is testimony to the DCN group's commitment to long-term cooperation with local contractors in Chile and throughout South America.

DCN is at the Exponaval international show in Valparaiso, Chile, from 28 November to 1 December to showcase its capabilities as a naval systems integrator. As illustrations of ongoing programs, the DCN stand features FREMM multimission frigates, Mistral LHDs (also known as force projection and command vessels) and the Scorpene conventional-propulsion submarine, with Spanish partner Navantia.

Carrera, the second Scorpene submarine ordered by the Chilean Navy, left Cartagena, Spain, on 24 October for her homeport of Talcahuano, Chile. Carrera's sistership O'Higgins made the same journey a year earlier. The delivery of this second submarine is further evidence of the DCN group's expertise in naval prime contracting and international industrial partnerships. With ten units delivered or on order, Scorpene has set a new standard for submarine fleets the world over.

The DCN stand also features the Subtics® combat management system developed by UDS International and installed aboard Agosta 90B and Scorpene submarines in service with the navies of Pakistan and Chile, respectively. Building on this success, UDS International won the contract, in partnership with Chilean contractor SISDEF, to modernize the combat systems of the customer's U209 boats. This program calls for the integration of tactical weapons deployment systems, Black Shark® heavyweight torpedoes and Migal interface units.

Outsourcing of Three Workshops Dalkia Becomes a Kockums Partner

Karlskrona December 15, 2006 - "We are continuing to implement the change process determined with respect to Dalkia’s planned takeover of the three units in question at the end of January 2007. We see this as a way to secure the continued development of these units, while retaining future access to the competence of their staff.

"So says Kockums’ production manager Mikael Södergren. The decision to outsource the operations of the machine, paint and electrical engineering workshops to Dalkia has been taken by Kockums’ executive management. This measure, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and improve profitability, affects some 40 employees.

This decision was reached by executive management following the presentation of a report by a special project group. Dalkia is now established at Kockums shipyard in Karlskrona, and will operate its workshops and office at the same site.

"When a unit is outsourced in this manner, the subcontractor maintains the operation as its core business. This means that the subcontractor will invest in and develop the business, and will also have the most appropriate resources to do so," states Mikael Södergren.

In this sense, outsourcing may also be defined as a means to secure the ongoing development of these three units, to the benefit of their staff.

Dalkia is a French company, with operations in 38 countries, totaling some 40 000 employees and with a turnover of SEK 57 billion. The part of the company that now becomes Kockums’ partner will be known as Dalkia Industripartner AB. The company was established in 2002, currently numbers 350 employees and posts a turnover in the range of SEK 400 million. Existing customers include Akzo Nobel, Swedish Meats, Trelleborg Industrier and ABB Cable.

Here Comes the 'Don't Sue Me Santa Claus,' Right Down Lawsuit Lane

Washington December 19, 2006 - With Christmas quickly approaching, millions of Americans are preparing to celebrate time-honored traditions like caroling, tree trimming, and leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. But in today's era of frivolous lawsuits, serving baked goods to the jolly old fat man could put you on the receiving end of a very un-merry obesity lawsuit. Before he wolfs down the cookies, the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) suggests demanding that Kris Kringle sign a "Christmas Cookie Liability and Indemnification Agreement."

Click here to download:

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/downloads/pro/docs/061217_christmas.pdf

This liability waiver includes an agreement that Santa won't haul you into court on the basis of:

1. Failure to provide nutritional information and a list of ingredients (the "Grandma's secret recipe" clause);

2. Failure to caution of the potential for overeating because cookies taste "yummy" and are provided at no cost;

3. Failure to advise that walking, biking, and jogging will shed pounds, but riding around on a reindeer-powered sleigh will not;

4. Failure to warn that Christmas lights, lawn ornaments (plastic reindeer, snowmen, etc.) and other holiday decorations may constitute manipulative marketing to lure Santa into over-consumption;

5. Failure to offer "healthier" cookie alternatives (e.g., tofu bars or carob blobs);

6. Failure to affix warning label acknowledging that milk, should it be provided, must not be consumed if Santa is, or could possibly be, lactose intolerant; and

7. Failure to notify that eating too many cookies and not exercising may lead to even greater levels of obesity for St. Nick.

With this waiver, families can spend Christmas morning opening presents, instead of retaining the services of a good lawyer. They can also protect themselves from humbug lawsuits filed by Scrooge-like attorneys who threaten to sue restaurants, food companies, school boards, doctors, and even parents for the nation's extra pounds.

"Saint Nick has been obese for centuries. Still, you never can be sure where the next frivolous lawsuit will come from. Insisting that Santa sign a waiver before he chows down may be the only way to protect against being hauled into court by a greedy legal Grinch," said Center for Consumer Freedom senior analyst J. Justin Wilson.

The Center for Consumer Freedom (/www.consumerfreedom.com) is a nonprofit coalition supported by restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices.

Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Praised as a Champion of Missile Defense By MDAA

Alexandria VA December 19, 2006 - Riki Ellison, President of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA) stated his appreciation for outgoing Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's support of missile defense during his years leading the Department of Defense.

"Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld brought Missile Defense from a research project into a deployed operational system of the Strategic Command of the United States of America within the Department of Defense. This Missile Defense system was in place and operational on July 4th, 2006 when a Long Range Ballistic Missile capable of Striking the United States of America was launched from Musudan-ri Missile Test Facility, in North Korea."

"He has protected the nation from a known threat and made it safer, as we have now deployed a missile defense capability to thwart the intimidation posed by North Korea," continued Ellison.

Ellison described the two most significant actions Secretary Rumsfeld initiated that have been instrumental in the development and deployment of our nation's missile defense systems:

• In 1998 The Rumsfeld Commission on Missile Defense issued a report that was used by Congress and President Bill Clinton to write the Missile Defense Act of 1999. The essence of the Act is that the United States government was tasked with deploying a missile defense as soon as it was technologically feasible.

• From 2002 to 2007, funding for missile defense has been about 2% of the total Defense Department budget. This sustained level of funding has resulted in a deployed and operational missile defense capability in sensors, command and control, interceptors and ongoing future development and deployment. When Secretary Rumsfeld took office, the missile defense system had nothing in terms of deployed assets. Today there are 13 ground based interceptors deployed and operational in Alaska and California, as well as up to a dozen Standard Missile 3's deployed and operational among 6 United States Aegis destroyers and cruisers.

"As Robert Gates takes the helm of the Department of Defense, we note that in his confirmation hearings he spoke in favor of our nation's missile defense programs. We look forward to Secretary Gates' leadership and support of missile defense as the United States enters a new era of relationships with North Korea and Iran.

"We are very fortunate to have had a leader like Secretary Donald Rumsfeld during this critical time of our development and deployment of our nation's missile defense program. He made the nation a safer place as we have developed and deployed a missile defense capability to thwart the intimidation posed by North Korea."

"We wish Secretary Rumsfeld the very best. We look forward to the new leadership of Secretary Robert M. Gates," Ellison concluded.

The mission of MDAA is to help make the world safer by encouraging the development of missile defense which would protect against all types of missiles during all times. This includes ground, sea, air and space-based missile defense systems. MDAA reflects the American public and the European public opinion on missile defense to build broad, public support for the development, testing, deployment, and evolution of a robust missile defense system.

New Poll Shows Military Personnel are Comfortable Serving with Gay Colleagues

Washington December 19, 2006 - A new poll from Zogby International and the Michael D. Palm Center reveals that US military personnel are increasingly comfortable serving with openly gay colleagues. The poll, released today, reveals that 73 percent of military members are comfortable with lesbians and gays. Nearly one in four (23 percent) service members report knowing for sure that someone in their unit is lesbian or gay, including 21 percent of those in combat units.

"Today's poll is one more nail in the coffin of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" said C. Dixon Osburn, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). "Those who defend the law have argued that openly gay personnel harm military readiness. This research highlights the absurdity of such a hypothesis. Not only are there more than 65,000 lesbians and gays serving in the armed forces, but many are serving openly. Their straight colleagues are just fine with that. At a time when our fighting forces are stretched thin and leaders are calling for the recruitment of more troops, it is time for Congress to do away with this archaic law."

The poll of 545 troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan also found that, even among those who did not know for certain if a gay colleague was in their unit, nearly half (45 percent) suspected as much. Among those who did know a gay colleague, few said their presence undermined morale. In 1993, only 13 percent of enlisted personnel supported open service.

The Zogby poll is the latest in a series of polls and public statements indicating readiness for a chance in policy. A 2004 Annenberg poll found that a majority of junior enlisted personnel favor allowing gays to serve openly, up from 13 percent in other polls from 1993. Among the general public, Gallup has found 79 percent support for repealing the gay ban. A recent Boston Globe poll also found that a majority of conservatives and regular churchgoers favor repeal, too.

Senior military leaders are increasingly speaking up in favor of reviewing the ban on open service as well.

Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy, USA (Ret.), the first female to achieve three-star rank in the Army, recently called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" a "hollow policy that serves no useful purpose." Lieutenant General Daniel W. Christman, former superintendent of West Point, told The New York Times that "It is clear that national attitudes toward this issue have evolved considerably in the last decade. This has been led by a new generation of service members who take a more relaxed and tolerant view toward homosexuality."

"There has been a seismic shift among the military and the public in favor of welcoming gay patriots in our armed forces," said Osburn. "Congress should follow the example of those who serve on the frontlines every day and repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' once and for all."

Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) will re-introduce The Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allows gays to serve openly, when Congress reconvenes in 2007. During the 109th Congress, a bipartisan coalition of 123 lawmakers supported the bill.

Lockheed Martin-Built GPS Satellite Declared Operational for Users Worldwide

Denver December 19, 2006 - The newest modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin, has been declared fully operational by the US Air Force following successful on-orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems.

The satellite, designated GPS IIR-16M, joins two other modernized Block IIR-M spacecraft and 12 original IIR satellites currently on-orbit within the overall 30-spacecraft constellation. The fourth GPS Block IIR-M satellite was recently delivered to Cape Canaveral to support a future 2007 launch, if requested by the Air Force for constellation sustainment.

Launched last month from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., GPS IIR- 16M is part of the eight-satellite Block IIR-M series that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems is developing for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The series includes new features that enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe.

"Our top priority is delivering mission success for our customer," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "The Block IIR series, combined with the improved capabilities of new modernized spacecraft, are providing exceptional navigation service to users worldwide and we look forward to further enhancing the GPS mission with the launch of the remaining IIR-M spacecraft."

Each satellite in the Block IIR-M series includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters.

The second GPS IIR-M spacecraft was launched successfully on Sept. 25 and was declared operational on Oct. 12 by Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., which manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

The modernized navigation payloads are being built by ITT in Clifton NJ. The satellite upgrades along with final assembly, integration and test is being performed at Lockheed Martin facilities in Valley Forge, Pa.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team in the competition to build the US Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The program will address the challenging military transformational and civil needs across the globe, including advanced anti-jam capabilities and improved system security, accuracy and reliability.

The team, which includes ITT and General Dynamics, recently completed a System Requirements Review and is now working under a $49 million contract to execute a System Design Review in March 2007. A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be awarded by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in 2007.

Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Chooses CommVault to Manage and Protect Global Infrastructure

Oceanport NJ December 19, 2006 - CommVault(R), a provider of Unified Data Management(R) solutions, today announced that its data management software has been selected and successfully implemented by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) as its backup and data management solution for its 30 worldwide locations.

CommVault software, including Galaxy Backup & Recovery and QiNetix ServiceManager (QNet), was selected for its ability to help DCMA meet the goal of streamlining backups worldwide by eliminating tape from its backup environment. With native direct-to-disk backup capability and robust management tools, the CommVault solution offers cost-effective, easy to manage data protection for the agency's weekly backups of more than 11 TB of data.

"On a worldwide network, eliminating tape from a backup infrastructure is a monumental task," said Peter Amstutz, Chief of Network Design for DCMA. "We were able to make it seem easy. Our vision was to treat backup as an enterprise-class competency. With CommVault, our administrators no longer have to worry about whether backups actually run or if data can be recovered. Managing Galaxy is simple, and QNet gives us an enterprise-wide visibility into our backup environment that we simply did not have before. It was a primary reason for going with QNet. We are now confident that backed-up data can be restored quickly and easily, freeing DCMA administrators for more critical tasks, such as patch management and security work."

DCMA recently received Computerworld's 2006 Best Practices in Storage award, in the category "Designing and Building a Strategic Storage Infrastructure", for its proactive adoption of new technologies.

DCMA's infrastructure consists of 30 sites, including 22 data centers in 14 countries, with over 600 servers.

CommVault software protects DCMA's distributed environment, which also relies on VMware virtualization and Network Appliance snapshot functionality. DCMA, working with CommVault and NetApp experts, developed a best-of-breed process, combining CommVault Galaxy's Auxiliary Copy (Aux Copy) feature with Network Appliance SnapMirror capability, to ensure that critical backup data is automatically copied to off-site locations for disaster recovery purposes. Nightly backups are performed directly to disk volumes on the NetApp R200.

Datasets identified as "critical" are then selectively copied to a secondary volume via Galaxy's Aux Copy.

This volume is then replicated to an alternate site using NetApp's SnapMirror, where it can be recovered in the event of a disaster.

DCMA's server environment consists of HP ProLiant DL360, DL380 and DL580 Wintel servers and HP ProLiant DL385s and DL585s servers running as VMware ESX hosts. The storage environment consists of EMC CLARiiON CX200s, CX500s, CX700s, Network Appliance FAS270Cs, FAS3020Cs, and HP MSA1000s. DCMA is in the process of replacing EMC CLARiioN CX storage with Network Appliance 6070As for primary SAN. The backup storage platform is the Network Appliance NearStore R200.

The installation includes CommVault Galaxy Backup & Recovery software with GridStor capability as well as QNet reporting software. The system supports direct-to-disk backup for systems running Windows Server (W2K, W2K3), Active Directory, Exchange Servers, Linux Servers, Oracle Servers, SQL Servers, and various custom web and application servers. The entire backup server infrastructure runs as Windows 2003 Virtual Machines on VMware ESX.

Raytheon Appoints Jay B. Stephens as Company Secretary

Waltham MA December 19, 2006 - Raytheon Company today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Jay B. Stephens as Secretary of the Company. Stephens will also continue to serve in his existing capacity as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Raytheon, a position he has held since joining the company in October 2002.

Herley Awarded a $1.2M Contract

Lancaster PA December 19, 2006 - Herley Industries, Inc. announced today that its Herley New England facility in Woburn, Massachusetts, has received a $1.2 million contract award from a major US defense contractor. The Herley division will manufacture complex integrated microwave assemblies on an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system for the SH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter.

Herley President, John M. Kelley, said, "This award is a follow on to a contract which we announced in October, which brings the contract to nearly $2 million. Follow-on contracts such as this are an important part of rebuilding Herley's backlog."

Palmdale CA December 19, 2006 - Northrop Grumman Corporation today reached two major milestones on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program: the delivery of the center fuselage for the first US Marine Corps (USMC) variant and the start of assembly of the center fuselage for the first US Navy variant. The company celebrated the milestones at a ceremony held at the company's F-35 manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif.

The center fuselage delivered today is only the second such unit to be produced under the F-35 program. The first, delivered in April 2005, was integrated on the first aircraft that took its maiden flight Dec. 15. Northrop Grumman plans to ship the USMC variant to Ft. Worth, Texas on Jan. 8 for the beginning of the aircraft's final assembly.

"With the completion of this center fuselage and the start of yet another, the F-35 team continues to usher in a new era for aircraft production," said Scott Seymour, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and Integrated Systems sector president. "Northrop Grumman has been able to do this by incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques into what will be a unique high rate production program."

The company's assembly line integrates advanced 3-D modeling techniques, state-of-the-art fabrication, quality methods and tooling technologies, and a factory that features characteristics similar to those of automotive plants to support the F-35's rigorous production schedule.

The assembly process on the center fuselage upper subassembly began in Sept. 2005 with the drilling, counter-sinking and assembly of the inlet ducts. New technologies developed by Northrop Grumman allowed each duct, made entirely from composite materials, to be assembled as a single structure instead of from numerous pieces.

The ducts were then mated to the upper portion of the center fuselage, the first fuel tanks were sealed, the system components were installed, and pressure and leak tests were successfully accomplished.

The lower subassembly, built of aluminum frames and keel components, was manufactured in parallel. In early July 2006, the two structures were mated and the composite skins drilled using advanced automation processes, completing the center fuselage structural assembly.

Final systems installation and testing of hydraulics, actuated doors, the power thermal management system and wire harnesses completed the assembly.

The naval variant of the F-35 center fuselage will follow a similar build process.

"Innovative design and outstanding craftsmanship, brought together by the thousands of aerospace experts from Northrop Grumman and its suppliers from around the world, were instrumental in the development of this shipset," said Janis Pamiljans, Northrop Grumman vice president and the company's F-35 program manager. "The future of military aircraft design, manufacturing and supportability has been dramatically altered and everyone-the F-35 team and our customers-will benefit from these new processes."

The F-35 is a stealthy, supersonic multi-role fighter designed to replace a wide-range of aging fighter and strike aircraft. Three variants derived from a common design will ensure the F-35 meets the performance needs of allied defense forces worldwide, while staying within strict affordability targets.

The inaugural flight of the first F-35, a preproduction conventional takeoff and landing variant (CTOL), took place on Dec.15. Fifteen F-35s will undergo flight test, six will be used for ground testing and another will validate the aircraft's radar signature. Continuing its march towards low rate initial production, Northrop Grumman currently has ten F-35 center fuselages in various stages of production.

Three versions of the F-35 are under development: the CTOL variant designed for the US Air Force for conventional runways; a short takeoff/vertical landing variant designed for the US Marine Corps for operating off small ships and near front-line combat zones; and a carrier variant for catapult launches and arrested recoveries on board the US Navy's large aircraft carriers.

Currently, US and United Kingdom sales alone account for nearly 2,600 aircraft. The Pentagon expects additional foreign purchases to be in the thousands.

As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin team, Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the development and demonstration of the F-35. The company's contributions total more than 25 percent of the aircraft and range from integrating a major section of the aircraft's structure to producing key avionics and communications subsystems to developing mission-planning software and training systems.

Northrop Grumman's F-35 work leverages decades of experience producing advanced tactical fighters and long-range strike aircraft, and integrating systems such as the F-14 Tomcat, the F/A-18, the B-2 and Global Hawk.

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HMS Endurance Collaborates on Antarctic Science Project

London December 19, 2006 - The Royal Navy, British Antarctic Survey and the BBC's Natural History Unit have collaborated on the first ever large-scale photographic survey of fur seal numbers on the island of South Georgia.

Despite persistent bad weather and some difficult flying conditions, over 380 fur seal breeding beaches were surveyed, covering 200 miles of rugged coastline.

The teams used a combination of a state-of-the-art high-definition aerial camera system called the Gyron and aerial photography from HMS Endurance's two Lynx helicopters.

The BBC Natural History Unit pioneered the Gyron's use for aerial filming of wildlife in the highly acclaimed BBC1 series 'Planet Earth'. In January this year, HMS Endurance assisted the 'Planet Earth' team in the filming of groundbreaking aerial footage of humpback whales feeding in Antarctica.

The Gyron-Lynx helicopter combination also captured the first high-definition aerial footage of the Antarctic Peninsula scenery which featured in 'Ice Worlds', the opening episode of the latest series of Planet Earth.

As well as capturing thousands of images of fur seal beaches which will enable accurate counting and analysis by the British Antarctic Survey, the highly experienced Royal Navy aircrew assisted the BBC with the filming of vast king penguin colonies, elephant seal beaches and nesting areas of the highly endangered wandering albatross.

This footage will be used for a new six part series on the polar regions, the 'Frozen Planet', which was commissioned as the sequel to 'Planet Earth'.

The Antarctic fur seal is one of the most abundant marine mammals in the world and its numbers have been increasing exponentially over the last decade or so.

At the height of the Antarctic summer some four million fur seals, 95% of the world's fur seal population, gather to breed on the coastline of South Georgia, drawn there by the rich stocks of krill in the Scotia Sea.

Although krill is highly abundant, its stocks vary due to fluctuating climatic conditions and consumption by whales, seals, penguins and many other seabirds.

Given the overwhelming presence of fur seals in South Georgia, understanding their role in the Scotia Sea ecosystem is critical to understanding the structure and function of marine food webs. This, in turn, is vital to the assessment and sustainable management of krill fisheries in the Southern Ocean.

Moscow December 19, 2006 (Interfax) - Russia will establish and launch three shipbuilding holding companies in 2007, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Tuesday after a meeting of the maritime board.

"I think these three holdings will be established in 2007 and start operation," he said.

Norwegian Coastal Administration Recommends Encasing & Covering Wreck of U-864

Horten December 19, 2006 - Based on field studies performed during the past three years, the Norwegian Coastal Administration recommends encasing the wreckage of U-864 and covering the sediments surrounding the wreck. Such an encasement would prevent the mercury in the wreck from leaking into the marine environment.

Worldwide, about 30 large-scale encasing and coverage operations of mercury contaminated debris have been performed in the past 20 years. Extensive documentation shows that these measures have been effective. Encasing and covering the wreck are regarded as permanent environmental protection measures.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration recommends covering the wreckage with a special type of sand as an absorption layer, and reinforcing the upper layer to prevent erosion.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration does not recommend raising the wreck of the U-864 due to a high operational risk and the considerable risk of further dispersal of the pollutant.

The German submarine U-864 was sunk on 9 February 1945, on its way from Germany via Norway to Japan with a cargo of war material. According to historical documents, the submarine was carrying about 65 tonnes of metallic (liquid) mercury, stored in steel containers. The Royal Norwegian Navy found the wreck of the U-864 in March 2003. It lies at a depth of approx. 150 meters, about two nautical miles west of Fedje.

GSA Awards Contract to Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Washington December 19, 2006 - The US General Services Administration (GSA) announced award of the Veterans Technology for Services (VETS) Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) to more than 40 serviced- disabled, veteran-owned contractors. Eligible contractors will now be able to compete for federal government procurements under this contract set-aside that has a five-year option period and potential overall value of $5 billion. VETS will provide cutting edge technology solutions to federal agencies without the expense and time involved in open market set-aside procurements.

"At GSA, we're doing our part to ensure that federal contracting opportunities are available to our nation's service-disabled veterans" said GSA's Administrator Lurita Doan. "These veterans placed the nation's security before their own lives, and that sacrifice creates a debt we can never fully repay, but we can and should try."

VETS' broad contract scope provides information security, information systems engineering and systems operations and maintenance. A complete list of industry partners is available on www.FedBizOpps.gov under solicitation number 6FG2005MTV00001 and on the VETS GWAC website at www.gsa.gov/vetsgwac. With the addition of VETS, GSA adds to its contract portfolio that includes offerings from small disadvantaged 8(a) firms and historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) small businesses, as well as large-business integrators. Awards were made by GSA's Small Business GWAC Center located in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Act and Small Business Development Act of 1999 established an annual government-wide goal of not less than 3 percent of the value of prime contract and subcontract awards for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. VETS is the result of Executive Order 13360 issued on October 20, 2004 by President Bush to strengthen opportunities in federal contracting for service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.

Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property management agency for the federal government. GSA manages more than one- fourth of the government's total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,300 government-owned or leased buildings and 170,000 vehicles. GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 420 historic properties, and as manager of FirstGov.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services. GSA's mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and e-travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.

Did you know? GSA almost doubled the percentage of dollars spent with service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. In FY04, .55 percent used GSA tools. That number went to 1.046 percent in FY 05 and 1.3 percent through the third quarter of FY 06. Dollars spent rose 65 percent from $65 million in FY04 to $103 million in FY 05.

Keel Laid for Second Inshore Patrol Vessel

Wellington December 15, 2006 - The keel was formally laid for the second Inshore Patrol Vessel, HAWEA, in Whangerei on Wednesday 13 December. HAWEA is affiliated to the Greymouth/Westport/WestCoast region and is one of four In-Shore Patrol Vessels being built for the Navy under Project Protector.

A giant truck and trailer unit gently moved Module 3 of IPV2 (HAWEA) on to the consolidation bay on Wednesday. Module 3 is the central module of five, which make up the HAWEA’s hull. HAWEA will be the second of New Zealand’s multi agency fleet of Inshore Patrol Vessels which form part of Project PROTECTOR, a project which will provide a significant capability for a range of Government agencies and the Navy to protect New Zealand’s maritime borders.

After Module 3 was placed in position, the central dock block was lowered, and a coin was placed into a special cavity carved into the wooden dock block; the block was then hammered home.

The Keel Laying Ceremony dates back hundreds of years to when a talisman was inserted into the keel of a vessel at the start of the build to protect the ship builders and future seafarers from bad luck. This tradition takes many forms in modern shipbuilding today. At Tenix Group the talisman is a coin placed under the keel of the vessel, in this case a special edition New Zealand silver five dollar coin which was retrieved at launch and will be presented to the ship’s company at a later date.

50th Anniversary of Antarctic Departure from Wellington

Wellington December 14, 2006 - Exactly 50 years ago, Sir Ed Hillary, the Ross Sea Party of the Trans Antarctic Expedition, and IGY Scott Base, left Wellington for Antarctica.

On December 15, 1956 the Navy’s supply ship HMNZS ENDEAVOUR sailed from Queen’s Wharf, Wellington destined for McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The ship sailed with men and supplies required to establish Scott Base, New Zealand’s own Antarctic research station.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Endeavour’s departure from Wellington, a plaque will be unveiled on the East Wall, Frank Kitts Park, at 2.30pm Friday 15 December.

The unique feature of the plaque is that only half of the image will initially be unveiled. The other half will be incorporated into the design and unveiled on 18 March 2008, to commemorate the anniversary of the return of that first wintering party and the successful Trans Antarctic Expedition. Navy artist Colin Wynn designed the plaque.

HMNZS Endeavour’s farewell from Wellington was a significant milestone in the development of New Zealand’s Antarctic activities, as New Zealand’s first permanent foothold in Antarctica began with the establishment of Scott Base.

Christchurch Commemoration for HMS Neptune

Wellington December 14, 2006 - Navy Veterans, friends and family members will gather at the Bridge of Remembrance at 10:30 am on Sunday 17 December to commemorate those who have lost their lives at sea during active service for New Zealand. Naval Volunteer Reserve Chaplain, Mike Baker, will conduct the service.

The service is conducted annually on the Sunday nearest to 19 December, as it was on that night 65 years ago (1941), off the coast of Tripoli, Libya, that HMS Neptune struck mines and sunk. All 150 New Zealanders on board, 21 of who came from Christchurch lost their lives that night.

The death of two officers and 148 ratings is the greatest number of casualties ever suffered by the Royal New Zealand Navy in a single incident. Neptune had been destined to become our country’s third cruiser, along with Achilles and Leander; hence the large number of New Zealanders on board.

A total of 561 New Zealander’s lost their lives in naval service during WWII, and a further 181 have been lost since the end of that war. These figures do not include the many New Zealand Merchant Navy men who also lost their lives.

Members of the public are warmly welcome to attend the Neptune Service.

Navy Survey Ship Changes Hands

Wellington December 11, 2006 - The Navy’s hydrographic survey vessel HMNZS RESOLUTION will start the New Year with a new Captain.

Commander Murray Tuffin, RNZN assumes the role of Commanding Officer, HMNZS RESOLUTION at a Change of Command ceremony at the Devonport Naval Base, commencing at 10.30am, Wednesday 13 December.

He relieves Commander David Mundy MNZM RNZN who has commanded the ship since March 2004.

Commander Tuffin was born and raised in Wanganui, attending Wanganui Boys College. He previously served onboard Resolution as the Executive Officer, second in command, and is pleased to be returning. "Having the opportunity to take command of a ship is a significant milestone in a naval career and I am looking forward to the challenges.

"Resolution maintains a high tempo with a considerable time away from Auckland each year. Her ships company are a very committed team which meets commercial survey outputs in a highly professional manner whilst also maintaining core navy mariner skills. I’m looking forward to again being part of this team."

The Commanding Officers indicate the change in command of the ship with the transfer of a Tewhatewha, the command symbol of Resolution. The Tewhatewha is a Maori ceremonial signal stick with strong links to the roles and tasks of Resolution as a survey vessel.

The Change of Command ceremony is a formal and official occasion to mark the transfer of authority between officers. It will be attended by the Chief of Navy, Deputy Chief of Navy, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand and the Maritime Component Commander.

A Nation's Gift - the HMS New Zealand Story

Wellington December 1, 2006 - A new exhibition, which opened at the Navy Museum last night, tells the story of HMS New Zealand the first battleship specifically paid for by the Government of New Zealand.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson, hosted the opening of "A Nation’s Gift – The HMS New Zealand Story", celebrating the depth of New Zealand’s naval history. The exhibition tells the stories of HMS New Zealand and her crew, some including facets of New Zealand’s early social history and connections with the Maori people.

The tale of HMS New Zealand’s piupiu is a highlight of the exhibition. The piupiu was gifted to the Commanding Officer of HMS New Zealand, Captain Lionel Halsey, during the ship’s visit to New Zealand in 1913.

Legend describes how the Maori Chief presenting the piupiu made three prophecies: the ship would be involved in three sea battles, she would be hit only once, and no one onboard would be killed.

The Chief requested that Halsey wear the piupiu in battle to protect the ship and her crew. The piupiu was worn by Halsey in the battles of Heligoland Bight and Dogger Bank, and by the next Commanding Officer, Captain J.F.E. Green at the battle of Jutland. During these three battles HMS New Zealand sustained heavy fire, however the prophecy was proven accurate – she was hit only once receiving minor damage, and there were no casualties.

MP Ann Hartley, the Guest of Honor, declared the exhibition open. "This is a special, most wonderful story and one which every New Zealander should know about," she said. "I would like everyone to spread the word and with school holidays coming up, encourage all our young people to come and see this very important part of our history."

Original artifacts on display from the ship include the silver dog collar of Pelorus Jack, the ship’s dog; paintings of HMS New Zealand; and the axe used to launch the ship in Scotland in 1911. Captain Halsey's sword and the original ship’s bell are also on display.

‘A Nations Gift – the HMS New Zealand Story’ is open daily from 10:00 am – 4:30 PM at the Navy Museum, Spring St, Devonport. The exhibition will run 30 November 2006 – March 2007.

Navy Fully Capable to Effectively Respond in Hour of Need: Admiral Afzal

Karachi December 12, 2006 (APP) - Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir Tuesday said that though Pakistan Navy is smaller in size as compared to Indian Navy but as far as capabilities are concerned it is always one step ahead. He stated this while talking to APP on board at the Combat Support Ship of PN, "NASR" during the war phase of ongoing exercise "SEAPARK-2006" in Arabian Sea.

In respect of capabilities the PN is better than India, he said. Speaking about the ongoing SEAPARK-2006 Exercises, he said this is a four-month long important regular biannual exercises of the force as all squadrons and organizations of PN are participating. He said that the objectives of the ongoing Exercises are to rehearse the procedures and adaptability to unforeseen situations to effectively response in the hour of need. Naval chief said that PN has also played a significant role in eradication of terrorism and along with the coalition forces PN with the support of a Destroyer had been participating for last three-and-half-year. The PN has also got the credit to have the command of the "Task Force-150" for a period of four-month.

Speaking about the acquisition process of P3C Aircraft, he said that the one aircraft is operating while the other one will be operational by the end of this month. He said two more upgraded P3C aircraft will be received in the beginning of next year while the whole processes will be completed in the about next two years. The naval chief witnessed the different operational maneuvers of surface, subsurface and air elements involving submarine and Anti Air Warfare displayed by the PN on open sea.

It’s The Man Behind the Gun Which Matters Says Admiral Afzal Tahir

Karachi December 12, 2006 (APP) - "Although the government is trying its utmost to equip Pakistan Navy with the latest equipment and sensors, every officer and sailor of Pakistan Navy should bear in mind the fact that it is always the man behind the gun which matters.

"The hard core training, rehearsing the procedures and adaptability to unforeseen situations would definitely lead to professional excellence and systematic working to ensure as effective response in the hour of need."

This was stated by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir while addressing the officers and man out at sea during the war phase of the ongoing exercise SEASPARK 2006.

The Naval Chief further said that Pakistan Navy has added responsibilities to fulfil in the wake of current geo-political developments in the region and its influence at sea. Being part of Coalition Maritime Force in the Arabian Sea, Navy’s role has increased manifold which makes it mandatory to rehearse new maritime concepts and achieve professional excellence to prove equal to the task of ensuring safety of sea frontiers, he added.

Admiral Tahir commended high morals and professional excellence of personnel. He also appreciated the standard of exercise being carried out on full scale involving all dimensions of Pakistan Navy.

Chief of the Naval Staff arrived onboard Pakistan Navy Ship NASR by PN helicopter. He witnessed various operational maneuvers and exercises of surface, subsurface and air elements involving Anti Submarine and Anti Air Warfare and maritime interdiction operations.

Exercise Seaspark 2006, after preparatory and mobilization phases is in its war phase and in full swing in the North Arabian Sea. The combat units have been suitably allocated to own and enemy forces. The war phase will be followed by a detailed analysis phase in which all war strategies and tactical doctrines will be critically analyzed and results drawn would be dwelt upon to evolve updated procedures commensurate with current maritime warfare.

India, Japan to Work Together to Secure Maritime Interests

New Delhi December 16, 2006 (APP) - India and Japan have put in place a mechanism of cooperation among their coast guard forces to secure maritime interests in their large Exclusive Economic Zones with a focus on the fight against piracy. The decision to enhance defense cooperation was taken at talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe with the aim of achieving the "common goal of promoting security, stability and prosperity in Asia and in the world as large", said a news report received here from Tokyo.

Condemning terrorism in all forms and manifestations, the two sides agreed to work together to fight the menace in "whatever garb it is cloaked", and asked all UN members to work towards expeditious adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

"Recognizing that Japan and India have large Exclusive Economic Zones and maritime interests, the two leaders confirm their intention to work closely to enhance cooperation in capacity-building, technical assistance and information-sharing between their respective agencies and undertake anti-piracy measures," said a joint statement signed by Singh and Abe.

The two leaders share the view that Japan and India must cooperate closely to ensure the safety and security of international maritime traffic that are vital for their economic well-being as well as that of the region.

India and Japan decided to hold regular exchanges between their Coast Guards through meetings of heads of these forces, mutual visits of Coast Guard ships and holding of combined exercises.

The two sides will undertake a goodwill exercise between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy next year, the joint statement said.

India and Japan also welcomed the coming into force of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships and reaffirmed their intention to enhance cooperation in respect of anti-piracy counter-measures under its framework.

During the talks, Singh and Abe decided to ask agencies of the two countries to develop an annual calendar of cooperation and exchanges related to defense and security, and to progressively enhance cooperative activities, including high-level exchanges and consultations between the services.

Referring to terrorism, the joint statement said the two leaders unequivocally condemned the menace in all its forms and manifestations while stressing that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror.

"We are determined to counter terrorism in all its forms, in whatever garb it is cloaked and wherever it raises its head," Singh told a joint press interaction with Abe after the talks.