Eight Associations Urge President Bush to Implement Modern Export Control System to Enhance US Security, Competitiveness

Washington March 6, 2007 - Eight leading associations representing business, manufacturing, aerospace and technology today said they have formed a coalition urging President Bush to enhance America’s national security, economic strength, and technological leadership by implementing a modern US export control system that is more efficient, predictable and transparent.

The Aerospace Industries Association, Association for Manufacturing Technology, Coalition for Employment through Exports, Electronic Industries Alliance, Information Technology Industry Council, National Association of Manufacturers, National Foreign Trade Council and US Chamber of Commerce announced formation of the Coalition for Security and Competitiveness. They have jointly signed a letter sent to President Bush. It calls for administrative changes that can be implemented within current law to significantly improve the performance of the US Government’s export control system.

"We strongly believe that export control modernization is needed and that the opportunity is now," the coalition member associations stated in their letter sent today to President Bush.

"We must continue to protect our sensitive military technologies from our adversaries and rivals, while also maximizing the benefits of trade and technology cooperation with our allies and friends," the letter continued. "It is essential that our system of controlling US technology exports is modernized in a way that enhances our ability to counter rapidly and decisively evolving threats, and to maintain our global technological leadership and industrial competitiveness."

The letter added that, "The Coalition is committed to working closely and cooperatively with the Administration and the Congress to provide a more efficient, predictable and transparent export control system that supports national security and competitiveness."

The Coalition seeks an improved export control system that:

• Accurately identifies and safeguards sensitive and militarily critical technologies;
• Enhances US technological leadership and global industrial competitiveness through more responsive and efficient regulatory management;
• Facilitates defense trade and technological exchange with allies and trusted partners;
• Supports a strong US technology industrial base and highly-skilled workforce; and,
• Promotes greater multilateral cooperation with our friends and allies on export controls.

The current system regulating the export of defense and "dual-use" items (i.e., those with both civil and military application) is administered by the US Departments of State and Commerce, respectively, but often involves other federal agencies. The Commerce Department processes more than 18,000 authorizations per year. The State Department processes more than 65,000 licenses each year, a figure that has been increasing about 8 percent annually. Some cases take months to process, causing a detrimental impact on allies, trading partners, and exporters in general. Last year, the State Department had a 10,000-case backlog that is still being whittled down.

Among the coalition’s recommendations to improve the current system, while maintaining effective controls on sensitive items, are hiring additional licensing and agreements officers to ease processing delays and developing new types of authorizations for exports.

US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue said these proposed steps would go a long way toward keeping America secure and prosperous.

"Technological leadership provides enormous benefits for our national security and our economy," Donohue said. "The country needs a more modern export control system to maintain the nation’s edge in the global marketplace, and we look forward to working with the Administration to achieve that goal."

NAM President and CEO John Engler agreed that the recommended changes would have wide-ranging benefits.

"Security and competitiveness go hand in hand," Engler said. "A strong, innovative industrial base not only helps us maintain the best military in the world but also keeps our economy growing and supports US global leadership.

The international marketplace is changing rapidly with new competitors emerging in both developed and transitioning economies. We need a modern export control system that recognizes this new environment and enables US companies to compete and continue their technological leadership."

AIA President and CEO John Douglass said modernizing the export control system will boost US national security and enhance our diplomacy.

"Making these improvements will increase our ability to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and friends around the world," Douglass said. "Past experience has made it clear that multilateral operations enhance success, and military interoperability is vital to this endeavor. Improved defense trade and technology cooperation also helps ensure our brave men and women in uniform have the best weapons and equipment available to do their job. It is hard to overstate how important this is to our nation."

EIA Interim President and CEO Charlie Robinson said the regulatory process must catch up with industrial advances.

"We measure modern technology in nanoseconds, but it often takes two months or more to complete this regulatory process," Robinson said. "Federal officials are making strides to bridge that gap, but we must do better. We need an export control policy that puts security first, while helping our allies abroad win and our companies at home compete. These changes can make America a more secure, prosperous nation."

National Foreign Trade Council President Bill Reinsch said a more efficient and transparent process would make the country more secure and more competitive.

"The Coalition’s reform program will create a system fit for the 21st century – one that is more efficient and transparent for business and one which is focused on controlling the things that really affect our security," Reinsch said. "If the Administration adopts our reforms, the country will be safer and our high tech industries healthier, which, in turn, will enable us to continue to run faster than our competitors."

Information Technology Industry Council President Rhett Dawson said the Coalition’s proposed modernization reforms would increase US companies’ competitiveness.

"The technological leadership of US companies underpins the economic and military strength of America," Dawson said. "We need to improve our export control system to reflect the global nature of innovation and security and to enable American businesses to remain competitive in the world economy. The modernization initiatives proposed by the coalition are a much-needed step in the right direction."

Curtiss-Wright Receives $13M Contract From Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Roseland NJ March 6, 2007 - Curtiss-Wright Corporation, through its Motion Control segment, has received a contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the supply of RAST probes to be fitted on 28 of the H-92 helicopters destined for the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program. Valued at over $13 million, the contract includes all design, development, testing and delivery of production probes for the contracted helicopters.

The helicopter probe is required to interface with the shipboard RAST system provided by Curtiss-Wright under a separate contract awarded in 2004 to the Canadian Department of National Defense. RAST is a helicopter handling system, which fully integrates all of the functions, required to safely operate and stow large ship-borne helicopters. In addition to enabling safe launch and recovery, RAST facilitates the securing, maneuvering and hangaring of helicopters, day or night, even in adverse weather and high sea state conditions.

"Curtiss-Wright has a long standing relationship with Sikorsky and is very pleased to be working on this exciting new helicopter program," said Martin R. Benante, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Curtiss-Wright. The RAST system continues to prove its superior capabilities and best value."

The RAST system is a state-of-the-art deck handling solution for shipboard helicopter operations and is currently in use by a number of navies around the world including those of the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Spain and Taiwan. The helicopter installed probe forms an integral part of the securing and handling system by providing the structural attachment point between the ship-installed RAST system and the helicopter.

The H-92 helicopter, to be designated the CH148 Cyclone in Canadian service, is a marine-capable version of Sikorsky's successful S-92 helicopter. It was selected in 2004 following an open and extended competition, to replace the vintage SH-3 Sea King helicopters currently in operation aboard Canadian naval vessels. Shipboard trials with the Cyclone are currently scheduled for 2008.

Work for this contract will be performed at Curtiss-Wright's facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. RAST Production deliveries are scheduled from 2008 to 2010.

AgustaWestland and Eurocopter Jointly Confirm Commitment to the Success of the NH90

Orlando March 5, 2007 - In the frame of the HAI 2007 convention in Orlando, Florida, which has been the occasion for both companies to reassess their respective commercial successes, AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Eurocopter, an EADS company, took the opportunity to confirm their joint commitment to the NH90 program.

The two Companies also underline their willingness and common dedication to satisfy, together with all the industrial partners and suppliers, the NH90 customer community.

This commitment will be reaffirmed during the next meetings which will be held in the coming weeks between the NAHEMA [NATO Helicopter Management Agency] and their government representatives.

The NH90 program is one of the most successful industrial program ever with a backlog of 545 NH90 contracted (445 firm plus 100 options) to equip 18 Armed Forces of 14 countries.

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No.1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion Euros, orders for 615 new helicopters. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, including American Eurocopter.

AgustaWestland is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers an unrivalled range of helicopters, training and support solutions to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Parvus Contracted to Develop Ruggedized Cisco 3825 Routers for Navy Littoral Combat Ship Program

Salt Lake City March 5, 2007 - Parvus Corporation today announced a contract with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Panama City, Florida to develop a ruggedized version of the Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router (ISR). This is for installation onboard the Navy’s newest class of surface warships, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Initial shipments of these enhanced routers are planned for next month.

Central to the transformation of the Navy's surface combatant fleet is this new breed of focused mission ships, the Littoral Combat Ship. While complementing capabilities of the Navy's larger multi-mission surface combatants, LCS ships will be networked to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines, and joint units.

"Parvus is honored to support the United States’ Navy Littoral Combat Ship program with our expertise in rugged systems development and communications technologies," said Parvus President Les Goodman. "We expect the ruggedized Cisco 3825 routers supplied by Parvus to bolster the Navy’s Net-centric capabilities with best-in-class Cisco IOS® software, robust Layer 2 LAN switching and flexible Layer 3 WAN routing."

Designed to meet MIL-STD-901D Grade B shock levels and MIL-STD-461 EMC standards, the ruggedized Cisco 3825 routers will incorporate mechanical packaging enhancements for naval military installations. In selecting Parvus for the program, the US Navy desired to couple proven Commercial-Off-the Shelf (COTS) technology from Cisco Systems with Parvus’ systems engineering knowledge with harsh military environments.

The Navy’s LCSs are designed for Special Operations Forces (SOF) support, high-speed transit, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP).

German Navy Orders Two Further Submarines with Siemens Fuel-Cell Technology

Erlangen March 5, 2007 - The Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S) is equipping two new submarines of the type U 212A with the latest propulsion and control system on behalf of the German navy. This increases the number of orders received by Siemens from different navies for submarine equipment in the last 50 years to 150. Handover of the two submarines to the German navy is scheduled for 2012 and 2013. The volume of the order is around 55 million Euros.

Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) is building the submarines in Kiel and by Nordseewerken GmbH in Emden. Both shipyards belong to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The order for Siemens includes a Permasyn Motor (permanently excited synchronous propulsion motor), PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) Fuel Cells as the main part of the Air Independent Power Supply, DC- switchgears and the platform management system. The solutions and systems used are part of the Sinavy SUB product family, specially developed for submarines.

The electrical drives with the Permasyn Motor for direct-current supply are characterized by their extremely low signature, high availability, compact design and ease of operator control. A PEM fuel cell system is responsible for supplying power, thus enabling air-independent propulsion (AIP) when the submarines are submerged. The AIP system, which is being supplied by HDW, will incorporate Siemens fuel-cell modules as well as control and monitoring devices. The integrated platform management system will control, monitor and coordinate all the equipment and systems. Operator control and visualization will be centralized at the engineering control console. This will relieve the operator from having to perform routine tasks, facilitate operation of the submarines, and increase their safety and reliability. The scope of supply also includes DC- switchgears specific to submarines and documentation in electronic form.

The equipment delivered by Siemens is the currently most up-to-date technology that is available for non-nuclear submarines. In the past, Siemens had already received orders from the navies of Germany, Italy, Greece, Korea and Portugal. At the moment, 17 conventional submarines with air-independent propulsion and Permasyn motors have been ordered are being built or have already been put into service. For the German navy alone, four U 212A submarines fitted with Siemens technology are in service or about to be handed over.

Harris Corporation Awarded $33.5M Follow-on Production Contract for Military Tactical Communications System

Melbourne FL March 5, 2007 -- Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received a four-year, $33.5 million follow-on contract from ViaSat, Inc. for additional hardware for integration into the Multifunctional Information Distribution System terminals that provide US military forces with secure, jam-resistant digital tactical communications. The follow-on award brings the overall value of the contract to Harris to $140 million.

Harris is providing an enhanced voice card, power supply assemblies, processor modules, and the chassis for each of the terminals, as well as comprehensive environmental testing of the completed assemblies for ViaSat's Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT). This provides US military forces with voice and data transmission capabilities based on the Link-16 protocol for digital tactical communications.

Most US Air Force and NATO fighter aircraft today have only voice or limited data communications capabilities that can connect with only selected aircraft. MIDS provides interoperable data communications that link fighter aircraft to airborne controllers, surveillance radars, collection assets, and ground-based command and control nodes. The MIDS LVT Link-16 protocol provides combat aircraft with integrated information from the battlefield, including threat and targeting data in near real-time. All US-allied nations are strong potential customers for the MIDS application.

"The MIDS program combines the very best of Harris Corporation's proven expertise in communications systems integration, and highlights the success of the strong, long-term relationship we have with ViaSat," said Sheldon Fox, vice president and general manager of Department of Defense Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems Division. "The ViaSat/Harris team continues its commitment to providing superior, interoperable, tactical communications solutions to the warfighter."

The ViaSat/Harris team is under contract to the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) for full-rate production of various models of MIDS. These are installed in military aircraft such as the US Navy F/A-18 and the US Air Force F-16, and also used in ground-based applications in shelters, vehicles and weapon systems such as the Patriot.

More Accurate Technology Will Provide Navigation for Autonomous Shipboard Landings in All Weather Conditions

Phoenix March 5, 2007 - Honeywell announced today that it has been selected to provide research and development support for the US Navy's sea-based Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS).

Under the terms of the $4.2 million contract, Honeywell's team, including Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Boeing, will help the Navy develop concept and architectural solutions for precision approach and landing system technologies. The team will test key elements, perform architecture development studies and conduct program analysis for the shipboard relative global positioning system (GPS).

"Due to adverse weather and visibility conditions, shipboard landings are complex and often difficult," said Scott Starrett, Vice President, Military Aircraft, Honeywell Defense and Space. "Our research and development expertise will reinforce the Navy's efforts to develop a system that improves boarding rates during sea-based air operations."

The JPALS program will develop differential GPS-based systems that provide rapidly deployable, mobile, day-night, all weather precision approach and landing capability for military aircraft. It will replace various legacy approach and landing systems with a single system that will be used by all branches of the US military. The system is also interoperable with Honeywell's civil Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) currently slated for 2008 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category One approval.

"We are working to validate the maturity of this innovative technology to help the Navy ensure timely execution of this valuable, life-saving program," said Starrett. "JPALS is a critical component of both the Joint Strike Fighter and CVN-21 aircraft carrier programs."

EADS to Equip German Navy Vessels in Lebanon with the Latest Identification Systems

Munich March 2, 2007 - EADS Defense & Security Systems (DS) will equip German naval vessels off the Lebanon’s coast with identification systems, which will help to avoid confrontations with unknown aircraft. The so-called IFF systems (IFF = Identification Friend or Foe) work on the basis of state-of-the-art digital and encryption technology in line with the latest Mode S identification process. This is intended to prevent critical situations through fast recognition of aircraft, as was the case with the ferry flights by the Israeli Air Force last year.

As the company announced on Friday, EADS Defense Electronics, the Avionics and Electronics House within DS, will deliver five MSSR 2000 I identification systems. These will be installed on the F123 frigate Schleswig-Holstein and on the high-speed S 143a patrol boats, in their homeports of Wilhelmshaven and Warnemünde, as well as in the operational area in Limassol/Cyprus.

The vessels have the task of monitoring Lebanon’s coast and airspace as part of the UNIFIL UN peace mission in order to prevent arms smuggling. The systems were produced and fitted in the record time of two months, in time for the beginning of operations in February.

"On account of the increasing complexity of combat situations and scenarios, both on the ground and in the air, identification is today an existential matter during all military operations," explained Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of EADS Defense Electronics. "Only fast and reliable identification of one’s own and friendly forces can ensure that dangerous or even fatal incidents can be prevented."

The identification systems, so-called MSSR 2000 I secondary radars, provide an overview of the air situation based on queries, that are in part transmitted in encrypted form, and automatic replies from the aircraft. This supplements the information previously supplied by primary radars and in this way improves monitoring of crisis regions. As a result accidental attacks on one’s own forces can be avoided.

NBO-105 for Indonesian Navy

Jakarta March 2, 2007 - Dirgantara Indonesia has successfully delivered a unit of NBO-105 helicopter to Indonesian Navy on Friday, 2 March 2007 at Dirgantara Aircraft Hangar, Bandung, West Java.

Two units of NC-212-200 MPAs, a unit of CN-235-220 Troop Transporter and a unit of Puma NSA-330 helicopters were delivered on November 29, 2006 to Indonesian Air Force and Indonesian Navy.

The latest delivery, which is the realization of August 2006 contract order, is personally signed by Dirgantara Director of Production, Budiwuraskito and Indonesian Navy Logistics Assistant, Admiral Yoedoko.

A unit of NC-212 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) will be delivered next week to the same customer. While in the near time Indonesian Army will have deliveries of a unit NC-212 standard version and two units of NBO-105 helicopters.

Imtech Acquires Seacoast Electronics Inc USA

Gouda, The Netherlands, 5 March 2007 - Imtech NV (technical service provider in Europe) announces its acquisition of Seacoast Electronics Inc. USA. Seacoast Electronics is a full-service maritime contractor and service provider with a strong position in the US maritime market. The acquisition fits in with Imtech's strategy for further growth in the global maritime market for construction, maintenance and services and contributes directly to the profit per share. The acquisition price came to 4.5 million Euro, including earn-out, and was paid in cash.

René van der Bruggen, Chairman of Imtech's Board of Management, is pleased about the acquisition: 'Although the acquisition is not that large, it still means a sizeable step forward on the US maritime market. We are now finally managing to establish a network of American relations around the US Marine Corps, something that is nearly impossible to set up from Europe. The number of maritime branches in the USA will also be increased to sixteen, and internal collaboration allows great scope for further growth.'

QinetiQ Receives £7m Contract Extension from Defense Fuels Group

Farnborough March 2, 2007 - QinetiQ has secured a two-year contract extension worth £7m to continue the provision of technical support to the MOD’s Defense Fuels Group (DFG) for fuels and lubricants.

The core of the contract is to provide, through a team of industry recognized experts, consultancy and support to the MOD on all matters relating to fuels, lubricants and their use, including laboratory analysis of samples to ensure the military’s fuel is fit for use. A dedicated 24/7 call-out service is also part of the service provision, to instigate defect investigations and provide immediate operational support.

In addition to providing support for current in-service fuels and lubricants, the QinetiQ team will assist the MOD in developing policy for the sustainable use of fuel and undertake research into the future use of fuels within the military, including bio-fuels, synthetic fuels and fuels for special applications. Where appropriate it will also identify and support cost savings through the reduction of MOD product inventory, and will look to develop novel methods to quickly, accurately and safely test fuel in the laboratory and on the battlefield.

Guide Dog 9-11 Survivor to Retire

San Rafael CA March 6, 2007 - Roselle, the trusty Guide Dog that led her partner, Michael Hingson, from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center and away from the collapsing buildings to safety on 9-11 is about to hang up her harness. She will spend the rest of her life as a pampered pet in the Hingson home, and will volunteer as a good will ambassador, greeting visitors to the campus of her alma mater, Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Navy to Commission Amphibious Transport Dock Ship New Orleans

Washington March 6, 2007 - The Navy will commission the USS New Orleans, the newest amphibious transport dock ship, at a ceremony in New Orleans on March 10 at 11 a.m. CST.

Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. The ship’s sponsor is Carolyn Shelton, wife of Gen. Henry H. Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She will give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

New Orleans honors the largest city of Louisiana and one of the world’s three largest seaports. In the past century, three naval ships have carried the name New Orleans: a protected cruiser, eventually designated CL-22, which served from 1898-1905 and 1909-1922; a cruiser designated CA-32, which served from 1934-1947; and an amphibious assault ship designated LPH-11, which served from 1968 -1997.

Designated LPD-18, New Orleans is the second ship in the Navy’s new San Antonio class. As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups; the ship will support the Marine Corps mobility triad, which consists of the LCAC (landing craft air cushion), the expeditionary fighting vehicle, and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship also provides improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capacity in vehicle and cargo-carrying capability and advanced ship-survivability features.

Cmdr. John B. "Brad" Skillman, of St. Paris, Ohio, is the first commanding officer of the ship. The ship has a crew of 360 and can embark a landing force of about 800 Marines. Built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Avondale Operations in New Orleans, the ship is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces about 24,900 tons.

Four turbo-charged diesels power the ship to sustained speeds of 22 knots. The ship will be homeported in San Diego.

Somalia Ship Hijacking Hinders UN Effort to Contract Vessels to Bring Urgent Food Aid

New York March 6, 2007 - The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) today that it is facing increasing difficulties in contracting ships to deliver urgent food aid to hungry Somalis. This follows the hijacking of one of its chartered vessels, now in its 10th day, off the coast of the East African country.

WFP already has 2,423 metric tons of food aid waiting at port in Tanzania, and despite calling for shipping contracts a week ago; there has been no expression of interest. Usually competitive bids are received within days.

"This is a direct result of the hijacking, and it threatens our ability to get food into Somalia ahead of the upcoming rainy season," WFP Country Director Peter Goossens said. "It's vital that this situation is fully resolved quickly, and that all groups respect humanitarian access and delivery corridors in Somalia."

The next rains are expected in mid April and even light rainfall is enough to close down key sections of the dilapidated road network that has seen little or no repair work since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991. That was when the country has been torn by factional fighting and lacked an effective central government. Food stocks need to be moved to strategic locations well in advance.

WFP has more than 14,000 metric tons of food within Somalia, enough for immediate needs, but supplies must be continually replenished. While a vessel can carry thousands of tons in a single voyage, the largest trucks with trailers moving through Somalia can take only 30 metric tons each and many carry less.

While WFP uses road convoys to move food across the border from Kenya into nearby regions, transporting large amounts the length of the country is up to 40 per cent more expensive, slower, and also dangerous. WFP-contracted truck convoys are vulnerable to hijacking and hold-ups at impromptu checkpoints mounted by local militias and armed groups.

As he has done since MV Rozen was hijacked on 25 February shortly after it unloaded 1,800 metric tonnes of food aid and equipment in northern Somalia, Mr. Goossens appealed for the release of the 12 crewmembers. They were seized with the vessel, which is now anchored off Gara'ad close to the border of the northern and central regions of Somalia.

"With every day that goes on, the ordeal becomes so much worse for the crew and their families; we need to get them home safe," he said. "It's vital that the crew and the vessel are released - safely and immediately."

The hijacking was the fourth such attack on UN supply vessels off Somalia in 20 months.

In 2005, after two earlier hijacks, WFP temporarily had to suspend deliveries of food aid by sea for some weeks. But since then sea deliveries have been uninterrupted, even during the worst days of the conflict between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) at the end of last year. MV Rozen itself escaped an attempted hijack in southern Somali waters last year.

In 2006, WFP delivered some 78,000 metric tonnes of relief food to 1.4 million people affected by drought and floods in southern Somalia.

Russia Navy Boss Urges Submarine Navigation Agreement

Moscow March 6, 2007 (RIAN) - Russia has called for an international agreement on the safety of submarine navigation to be signed soon, the Navy commander-in-chief said Monday. "We have an agreement with 14 countries to prevent incidents at sea covering territory outside our waters. Our Navy meticulously observes it. We would now like to sign agreements to ensure submarine navigational safety," Adm. Vladimir Masorin said. But he said the United States was reluctant to sign.

He also said the Russian Navy will continue its participation in the NATO-led anti-terrorist Operation Active Endeavor in the Mediterranean.

"Our Navy cannot exist on its own. We need to integrate into international structures," he said.

Adm. Masorin said Russian warships will call at US ports later this year as part of the FRUKUS exercise.

FRUKUS is a multinational exercise, which takes place in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and includes naval forces from France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"It is very important that the United States does not forget that Russia has a navy," he said, adding the Russian Navy command had invited the US Navy to exchange submarine visits, but the US side declined the proposal.

Chinese Navy Arrives in Karachi for Joint Exercises

Karachi March 5, 2007 (Xinhua) - The Chinese navy task group arrived here Monday for the multinational naval exercises (AMAN-07) to be held in the Arabian sea off Pakistan from Tuesday.

The task group, composed of two guided missile frigates, Lian Yungang and Sanming, received warm welcome by Pakistani navy officers, folk dancers, and the Chinese working in Karachi.

Pakistani navy captain Asif Hameed greeted head of the Chinese task group senior captain Qiu Yanpeng and held talks with senior Chinese navy officers on board Lian Yungang.

Qiu thanked Hameed for the Pakistani navy's help and later showed him around the Chinese warship.

Military attaché major general Li Mengyan and general consul Chen Shanmin were present at the meeting.

Pakistan initiated the multinational naval exercises AMAN-07 or Peace-07.

From March 6 to 13, Bangladesh, China, France, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, the Britain, and the US will have joint naval exercises in the Arabian Sea to display united resolve against terrorism.

Minister Announces $14M Boost for HMAS Cerberus

Canberra March 5, 2007 - I am pleased to announce that the Government has approved a project to redevelop the Small Arms Training Range at HMAS Cerberus, in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Victoria.

The redevelopment comprises civil works, refurbishment and adaptive re-use of existing heritage listed buildings, construction of new buildings, services works and demolition works.

The project budget of $14.432 million consists of $10.749 million for works and $3.683 million of training range targetry equipment.

This project will support HMAS Cerberus as the Royal Australian Navy's lead training establishment, providing training in schools of Gunnery; Engineering; Communications; Seamanship and Survivability; Supply; Health; and Catering in support of ADF operations and activities.

The Small Arms Training Section of the Gunnery School (SATS) provides initial and re-qualification training. The Training Range upgrade will provide new range technology, replace obsolete infrastructure and redevelop buildings at HMAS Cerberus for working and training accommodation.

HMAS Cerberus is an important part of the Mornington Peninsula community. The redevelopment of the training range reaffirms our commitment to providing modern facilities to support and train our people.

I congratulate the Member for Flinders, the Hon Greg Hunt MP for his tireless advocacy on behalf of HMAS Cerberus and the Mornington community.

Construction is planned to commence in mid 2007 and will be completed by the end of 2008.

Minister of National Defense Announces Senior Promotions & Appointments

Ottawa March 6, 2007 - The Honorable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defense, is pleased to announce the senior Canadian Forces (CF) promotions and appointments for 2007.

"The men and women of the Canadian Forces are taking many challenges head on and with great success. Solid leadership is key," said Minister O'Connor. "There is no doubt in my mind that these General Officers, with their knowledge and skills, will rise to the challenge ahead of them".

"The soldiers of the Canadian Forces deserve the best senior leadership there is. I know these General Officers and am confident in their ability to excel in leading the men and women under their command," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defense Staff. "They bring a wealth of experience, values, forward thinking and innovation that will benefit the Canadian Forces."

Once the promotions and appointments for 2007 have taken place, the number of Regular Force generals and naval flag officers will be 72, a reduction from last year's total of 74. This number includes Gen. Ray Henault, who is not performing a CF function.

The 72 are further broken down into 65 core and seven non-core positions. Core positions are required for the command and control of the CF. The non-core positions are temporary leadership, command or training positions that the CF have been asked to fill by the Government of Canada. In other words, these officers are temporarily away from their regular work of commanding the CF.

The following promotions and appointments have been approved by the Minister of National Defense and will take place in 2007:

• Maj.-Gen. J. Arp was appointed Lt.-Gen. (acting while so employed) and appointed Chief of Staff Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Va., replacing Lt.-Gen. J.O.M. Maisonneuve who retired.

• Maj.-Gen. J.J.C. Bouchard will be promoted Lt.-Gen. and appointed Deputy Commander NORAD, replacing Lt.-Gen. E.A. Findley who is retiring.

• Maj.-Gen. W.A. Watt will be promoted Lt.-Gen. and appointed Chief of the Air Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Lt.-Gen. J.S. Lucas who is retiring.

• Maj.-Gen. J.P.Y.D. Gosselin will be appointed Commander Canadian Defense Academy in Kingston, replacing Maj.-Gen. P.R. Hussey who is retiring.

• Maj.-Gen. J.D.A. Hincke will be appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Maj.-Gen. W.A. Watt.

• Maj.-Gen. D.W. Langton was appointed Commander Canadian Defense Liaison Staff (Washington), replacing Maj.-Gen. J. Arp.

• Maj.-Gen. J.G.M. Lessard will commence pre-deployment training in preparation for his appointment as Commander Regional Command (South) Afghanistan.

• Rear Admiral T.H.W Pile will be appointed Commander Joint Task Force Pacific in Esquimalt, replacing Rear Admiral R. Girouard who is retiring.

• Acting Rear-Admiral P.D. McFadden will be promoted Rear Admiral and will remain as Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic in Halifax.

• Brig.-Gen. C.J.R. Davis will be promoted Maj.-Gen. and appointed Director General International Security Policy at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Maj.-Gen. J.P.Y.D. Gosselin.

• Commodore A.B. Donaldson will be promoted Rear Admiral and appointed Director of Staff - Strategic Joint Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Rear Admiral R.D. Murphy who is retiring.

• Brig.-Gen. J.M. Duval will be promoted Maj.-Gen. and appointed Commander 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, replacing Maj.-Gen. J.J.C. Bouchard.

• Brig.-Gen. Grant will be promoted Maj.-Gen. and appointed Deputy Commander Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command Headquarters in Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. D.A. Davies.

• Brig.-Gen. M.G. MacDonald was promoted Maj.-Gen. and appointed Chief of Defense Intelligence at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. G. Nordick who is retiring.

• Commodore J.A.D. Rouleau will be promoted Rear Admiral and appointed Chief of Programs at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Maj.-Gen. J.D.A. Hincke.

• Brig.-Gen. W. Semianiw will be promoted Maj.-Gen. and appointed Chief Military Personnel at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Rear Admiral T.H.W. Pile;

• Brig.-Gen. G.R. Thibault will be promoted Maj.-Gen. and appointed Assistant Chief of the Land Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Maj.-Gen. J.G.M. Lessard.

• Brig.-Gen. D.A. Davies will be appointed Director General Plans - Strategic Joint Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. J.Y.R.A. Viens.

• Brig.-Gen. D. Fraser will be appointed Commandant Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

• Brig.-Gen. J.M.M. Hainse will be appointed Deputy Commander Regional Command (South) Afghanistan.

• Brig.-Gen. A.J. Howard will be appointed Commander Land Force Central Area in Toronto, replacing Brig.-Gen. G.R. Thibault.

• Brig.-Gen. H.F. Jaeger will be appointed Director General Health Services/Commander CF Health Services Group in Ottawa, replacing Commodore M.F. Kavanagh who is retiring.

• Brig.-Gen. J.P.P.J. Lacroix was appointed Chief of Staff Canada Command Headquarters in Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. J.M.M. Hainse.

• Commodore J.R. MacIsaac will be appointed Director General Recruiting and Military Careers at NDHQ Ottawa.

• Commodore P.A. Maddison will be appointed Assistant Chief Military Personnel at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. W. Semianiw.

• Brig.-Gen. D.E. Martin will be appointed Chief Executive Officer Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Maj.-Gen. D.W. Langton.

• Brig.-Gen. M.E. McQuillan will be appointed Assistant Chief of Staff Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Rear Admiral I.D. Mack who is retiring.

• Brig.-Gen. J.Y.R.A. Viens will be appointed Deputy Commander Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR) in Tyndall AFB, Fla., replacing Brig.-Gen. J.M. Duval.

• Col. P.J. Atkinson will be promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Director General Operations - Strategic Joint Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. A.J. Howard.

• Col. J.A.J.Y. Blondin will be promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Deputy Commander Force Generation 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg, replacing Brig.-Gen. W.J. Neumann who is retiring.

• Col. J.G.J.C. Collin will be promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Director of Operations Defense/International Security Foreign and Defense Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office in Ottawa, replacing Brig.-Gen. C.J.R. Davis.

• Col J.R. Ferron was promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Chief Combined Joint Intelligence International Security Assistant Force Headquarters in Afghanistan.

• Navy Capt. N.S. Greenwood will be promoted Commodore and appointed Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific in Esquimalt, replacing Commodore A.B. Donaldson.

• Col. G.J.R.M. Laroche will be promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Commander Task Force Afghanistan, replacing Brig.-Gen. T.J. Grant.

• Col. T.J. Lawson will be promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Commandant Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, replacing Brig.-Gen. J.P.P.J Lacroix.

• Col. E.N. Matern will be appointed Brig.-Gen. (acting while so employed) and appointed Deputy Commanding General XVIII Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg, N.C.

• Navy Capt. C.L. Mofford will be promoted Commodore and appointed USNORTHCOM Deputy Director of Plans, Policy and Strategy in Colorado Springs, Colo., replacing Brig.-Gen. M.E. McQuillan.

• Col. J.J. Selbie was promoted Brig.-Gen. and appointed Director of Staff operations at SHAPE in Casteau, Belgium, replacing Brig.-Gen. M.G. MacDonald.

• Col. J.R.A. Tremblay will be promoted Brig.-Gen. and remain as Director General Land Capability Development at NDHQ Ottawa.

• Col. C.T. Whitecross will be appointed Brig.-Gen. (acting while so employed) and will remain as Commander Joint Task Force North in Yellowknife.

• Navy Capt. K.E. Williams will be promoted to Commodore and appointed Assistant Chief of the Maritime Staff at NDHQ Ottawa, replacing Commodore J.R. Sylvester who is retiring.

The following officers have retired or will retire in 2007:

• Lt.-Gen. E.A. Findley
• Lt.-Gen. J.S. Lucas
• Lt.-Gen. J.O.M. Maisonneuve
• Maj.-Gen. J.I. Fenton
• Rear Admiral R. Girouard
• Maj.-Gen. P.R. Hussey
• Rear Admiral I.D. Mack
• Rear Admiral R.D. Murphy
• Commodore M.F. Kavanagh
• Brig.-Gen. W.J. Neumann
• Brig.-Gen. G. Nordick
• Brig.-Gen. J.A.D. Pepin
• Commodore J.R. Sylvester

Minister Fortier Announces Two Appointments to Defense Construction Canada

Ottawa March 6, 2007 - The Honorable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced today the appointments of Ms. Kris Matthews and Mr. T. L. (Lloyd) Callahan to the Board of Directors of Defense Construction Canada.

"I am very pleased to announce the appointments of Kris Matthews and T. L. (Lloyd) Callahan as Directors of Defense Construction Canada for terms of four years each," said Minister Fortier. "They have extensive experience in the accounting and construction fields and will add valuable skills and direction to the Board."

Ms. Kris Matthews is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Principal in the Matthews Group, a Management and Accounting Firm in Calgary. She is a Member of the Committee to Define Entry Standards for CMA in Public Practice, Chair of the CMA Public Practice Committee and Past Chair of CMA Alberta Board.

Mr. T. L (Lloyd) Callahan of Kelowna, British Columbia is President & CEO of Callahan Construction and Director of Argus Industries. He is also Past Chairman of Montreal Trust and the British Columbia Advisory Board, and Past Director of both the Export Development Corporation and Labatt Breweries of British Columbia.

Defense Construction Canada is a federal Crown corporation, which reports to Parliament through the Minister of Public Works and Government Services. The corporation provides contracting, construction contract management and related infrastructure services to the Department of National Defense.