September 20, 2005

Taipei September 18, 2005 (TIS) - The Ministry of National Defense yesterday confirmed a news report that a nuclear submarine from China had surfaced near navy vessels and passed through waters off Kinmen in late June.

The navy monitored the process by radar and no conflicts occurred during the incident, the ministry added.

"The Chinese submarine surfaced when it passed through the country's waters. According to international practice, a submarine that comes to the surface on a waterway is showing that it is not hostile, so the navy monitored its passage and did not raise security levels," ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Liou Chih-chien said yesterday.

Liou made the remarks in response to a report in a local Chinese-language newspaper yesterday that a fleet group consisting of two Cheng Kung class frigates and three landing ships in July encountered a submarine that had surfaced and was moving toward the fleet.

While confirming that the event had occurred, Liou said it had taken place in late June, not July.

Liou said that several of the navy's vessels remained in the area as the submarine passed through waters off Kinmen. They monitored the submarine by radar, but did not confront it, Liou said.

According to the newspaper report, the vessels had just finished a mission in Kinmen and were near Kinmen's Liaoluo Harbor, headed for Kaohsiung naval base, when a Cheng Kung class frigate discovered the submarine.

The fleet swiftly identified it as a Chinese Han-class nuclear-powered submarine by its number "045," the report said.

Because the submarine did not reduce its speed or turn away, and it was only 6km away from the fleet, the vessels immediately reported the matter to the ministry and then raised their alert level, staying at the higher level of security for 10 minutes, the paper said.

Liou, however, denied that alert levels had been raised.

Three gunboats were sent from Kinmen to support the fleet as the submarine approached, the paper said, but to avoid a confrontation, the fleet decided to make way so the submarine could pass.

The paper, citing remarks by an unidentified navy official, said Han-class submarines are deployed in China's North Sea Fleet based at Qingdao in Shandong Province, and these submarines are rarely seen in south China.

Ou Si-fu, a researcher with the Institute for National Policy Research, said Han-class (or Type 091) nuclear-powered attack submarines are the first generation of Chinese nuclear attack submarines, and China's navy was believed to have about five of this type of submarine.

Ou said China is reportedly building a new type of nuclear attack submarine -- Type 093 -- to replace the obsolete Han-class submarine, with the first one expected to be in service late this year.

Manama, Bahrain September 17, 2005 (NNS) - The Desert Hawks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 took over the combat logistics mission in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) area of responsibility from the Desert Ducks of Helicopter Support Squadron (HC) 2 in a change of detachment ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 14.

After more than 30 years of forward-deployed service, the era of the Desert Ducks is coming to an end as the Navy plans to replace all remaining H-3 airframes with the H-60S airframe.

The H-3 Sea King completed a transition phase in the mid-1990s, but a few of them were configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions like the ones flown by HC-2.

Rear Adm. John W. Miller, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, the guest speaker at the ceremony, said the transition from the H-3 to the H-60S will benefit maintenance crews - and ultimately the fleet.

"With the switch we gain increased reliability, decreased maintenance time and maintenance cost and increased commonality with other helicopter assets in the region," said Miller.

"For the entire time the Desert Ducks have been in service they've done a fantastic job. But these aircraft have been around since the 1960s, and it's time for the sun to set on the H-3," said Miller.

Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Randy Eaton, of HSC-26, a Blair, Neb., native, also feels the change to the Desert Hawks is for the better.

"There's more we can do to the H-60S airframe than the H-3, such as add-ons," said Eaton. "But the Ducks have done an incredible job over the years."

Lt. Cdr. John Compton, the officer in charge of HC-2, said the H-3 airframe has a bigger cargo capacity, but the Desert Hawk, or H-60S, is much faster, flies better, and the avionics are greatly improved. To compare the two is like comparing a 1957 Chevy Nomad to a 1999 Cadillac Deville, he said.

"One is more comfortable and has air conditioning. It's a pilot's aircraft. The other one's a workhorse. It has old gauges and has been around for 40 years, but it's done a good job," said Compton.

The Desert Ducks have provided "premier" helicopter logistics services to the U.S. 5th Fleet, exemplifying the spirit of combat support, for 30 years, according to Cdr. Jeffrey Connor, commanding officer of HC-2.

The Ducks have played a vital role in NAVCENT's area of responsibility. Now the Hawks play a major role in NAVCENT maritime security operations (MSO).

"As far as maritime security operations go, our mission is to provide logistics support to the ships in the region. It doesn't matter if we're at war or at peace. Our mission stays the same," said Compton.

Although the Ducks are gone, they won't be forgotten. Cdr. Kenneth Inglesby, commanding officer of HSC-26, said their standard of excellence will always be remembered.

"The Desert Ducks of HC-2 have a long history of outstanding service and support to the fleet. I congratulate them and all those who have served with the Ducks and have set the standards of excellence so high," said Inglesby.

The Desert Ducks may be retiring from the Navy, but they will continue to serve once in the states, said Aviation Mechanic 1st Class Michael Glidewell, of HC-2, from Louisville, KY.

"It's sad to see them go, but they've done their duty. They've been very reliable over the years, now they'll go to Moffin, Ariz., where many of them will be sold and hopefully do as good a job as they've done for us," said Glidewell.

Washington September 17, 2005 (NNS) - The U.S. Navy successfully achieved a significant milestone for the multimission DD(X) destroyer with the completion of a system-wide Critical Design Review (CDR) Sept. 14.

The review represents the culmination of years of design effort that encompassed the ship, mission system, human and shore designs that now comprise DD(X).

DD(X) is the Navy's planned next-generation destroyer, tailored for land attack and inland support of joint and coalition forces. It is designed to meet Marine Corps, Army and special operations requirements for precision strike ashore, but also be able to outmatch current and projected threats in the air, on the surface and under water.

The completion of CDR marks the end of Phase III development, which resulted in the design, construction and test of 10 engineering development models (EDM) that will make DD(X) the Navy's most capable multimission surface combatant ever constructed.

"DD(X) System CDR brings this incredible warship class one step closer from next generation to current generation," according to Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton, the Navy's program executive officer for ships. "The Navy and National Team have accomplished the most thorough ship design and integration process in the history of Navy shipbuilding. I am proud of their achievement and believe their accomplishment sets a new standard in acquisition."

"DD(X) CDR reflects a disciplined, rigorous process of risk mitigation in 10 EDMs. CDRs for each of the 10 EDMs have achieved both technical maturity as well as significant cost insight," he said. "Completion of the ship CDR is the culmination of three years of work executed on schedule and within one percent of stated budget," Hamilton said.

"The National Team and Navy have achieved an unprecedented level of system design integration to deliver a balanced design that provides the required warfighting capability," said Rear Adm. Chuck Goddard, DD(X) program manager. "We've matured the systems we need to build this class, and are ready to proceed to Milestone B and begin detail design and construction."

Under the Navy's proposed dual-yard acquisition strategy, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works will simultaneously build lead ships beginning in fiscal year 2007. Pending final approval of the plan, the Defense Department has authorized the Navy to award advance contracts to assist both shipyards to prepare to transition into detail design after the Milestone B decision. Development of major ship systems will continue under separate contracts.

Ottawa September 16, 2005 - The Department of National Defense has exercised a $7.66 million option to purchase 706 pairs of night vision goggles and test equipment for the Air Force as part of an existing contract with U.S. based ITT Industries. The new equipment will consist of helmet-mounted night vision goggles and associated equipment for all tactical and search and rescue aircraft.

"As stated in the Defense Policy Statement, the government is dedicated to providing new equipment to our Canadian Forces members, ensuring they can perform operations safely and efficiently," said Defense Minister Bill Graham. "This new, top-of-the-line night vision equipment is an example of our commitment to the modernization of the Canadian Forces."

"Night vision equipment is critical to a modern air force," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defense Staff. "This new equipment will enhance our aircrew ability to carry out challenging tactical and search and rescue missions, and, most importantly, enhance our ability to save lives."

In January 2005, the Department of National Defense awarded a $1.15 million contract to ITT industries for 80 pairs of night vision goggles for the CF-18 fleet. Also included in the contract was the option to purchase the additional night vision goggles (AN/AVS 9 Aviation Goggles) and test equipment for the remaining aircraft fleets. This contract, titled the Omnibus Night Vision Capability Project, will ensure commonality of night vision equipment, reduce life cycle cost, simplify training, and reduce procurement time for the Air Force.

It is expected that the Canadian Forces will begin taking delivery of the new night vision goggles in February 2006.

The ability to conduct operations at night is critical to a modern air force. In order to accomplish these tasks safely and effectively, advanced night vision equipment is required. The current Omnibus Night Vision Capability Project will assist in this requirement by providing helmet-mounted night vision goggles and night vision aids to all tactical and search and rescue fleets. This project will ensure commonality of night vision equipment, reduce life cycle cost, simplify training and reduce procurement time.

The Air Force currently uses night vision technology in the CH-146 Griffon and CH-149 Cormorant fleets; however, the new night vision goggles and the associated aircraft equipment will enhance operational performance.

The CP-140 Aurora, CC-130 Hercules, and the CC-150 Polaris fleets will benefit from new night vision equipment as a result of the Omnibus Project. The CH-124 Sea King will also gain night vision goggle capability allowing the maritime helicopter community to obtain training that will be directly transferable to the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopter fleet.

The Omnibus Night Vision Capability Project will provide the Air Force with new technology to increase accuracy and minimize risk to aircrews during night operations. The tactical helicopter, fighter and transport aircraft communities require additional night vision equipment to provide assistance while in hostile territory. Night vision equipment will enable downed aircrew to move to a rendezvous point at night with the ability to carefully observe their surroundings. This capability will be achieved through the use of a compact lightweight monocular carried in the aircrew survival vest.

Search and rescue missions frequently occur at night in mountainous terrain and over water and in most cases timing is critical. The new night vision capability will greatly increase safety and capability when undertaking these challenging missions.

In January 2005, the Department of National Defense awarded the CF-18 Night Vision Equipment Contract - a $1.15 million contract that includes 80 pairs of night vision goggles and test equipment - to U.S. based ITT Industries. In July 2005, the Department exercised an option to purchase an additional 706 pairs of night vision goggles (AN/AVS 9 Aviation Goggles) and test equipment valued at $7.66 million. It is expected that the Canadian Forces will begin taking delivery of the new night vision goggles in February 2006.

Powell River BC September 15, 2005 - Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, announced today the naming and dedication of a new 47-foot multi-task high-endurance lifeboat, the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Cape Caution at the Canadian Coast Guard Station at Powell River, British Columbia.

"Search and rescue lifeboats, like this one, are key to our maritime search and rescue program," said Minister Regan. "Their strategic placement along our coasts provides the highest level of protection for both commercial and recreational vessels."

CCGC Cape Caution is the latest vessel to be named and dedicated in the second phase of new lifeboats for the Pacific Region. Victoria Shipyards constructed these lifeboats. The first phase included three for the West Coast; bringing the total number to 11.

All Canadian Coast Guard 47-foot lifeboats are all named after capes located on the coast where they operate. This effectively caused this class of lifeboats to be referred to within the department as the "cape class" vessels. CCGC Cape Caution was named after the cape located near Smith Sound, to the north of Vancouver Island in the Central Coast area of BC.

Mrs. Tristan Wingham, wife of recently deceased CCG Station Powell River crewmember Bob Wingham, was the sponsor of the vessel. Mrs. Wingham joins Mrs. Sylvia Montgomery and the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Iona Campagnolo in being sponsors for Coast Guard cutters this year. This past June, Her Honor named and dedicated CCGC Cape Ann and CCGC Cape Edensaw in a ceremony at the Victoria. Earlier this week, Mrs. Sylvia Montgomery, named and dedicated CCGC Cape Cockburn in a ceremony at CCG Station French Creek.

The self-bailing and self-righting CCGC Cape Caution has a long cruising radius for its size. The design of the vessel means that it is built to withstand the most severe conditions at sea, and is capable of effecting a rescue under the most challenging circumstances. In addition to its primary function of search and rescue (SAR), the vessel will carry out fisheries conservation and protection operations, environmental response, and provide support to other departmental and government operations.

Paul Steckle Announces the Dedication of the Cape Commodore in Tobermory, Ontario

Tobermory ON September 14, 2005 - Paul Steckle, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Huron-Bruce, announced today on behalf of Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the naming and dedication of the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue vessel CCGC Cape Commodore. The vessel is currently assigned to the Coast Guard Station in Tobermory, Ontario, where it is tasked to operate in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

"Dedicated search and rescue lifeboats, like this one, demonstrate the federal commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety to our boating public and shipping industries", said Mr. Steckle "Continuing to enhance our search and rescue capabilities provides undeniable benefit to all of us who utilize and enjoy the many advantages that the Great Lakes provide to Canadians."

The vessel was christened by Holly Dunham of Tobermory.

The CCGC Cape Commodore is part of the new class of Search and Rescue cutters put into service across Canada. This class of vessel is named after significant geographic features found in the Central and Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and takes into account both the Arctic and Great Lakes waters which the Region serves. The feature for which the Cape Commodore is named is located in Grey County on the eastern side of the Bruce Peninsula on a headland at the western entrance to Owen Sound.

Built in 2004 by the Victoria Shipyards Ltd. in Victoria British Columbia, the CCGC Cape Commodore is a multi-task medium endurance lifeboat capable of operating in all weather conditions in semi-sheltered waters. The vessel is 47 feet in length with twin diesel engines, and can reach a speed of 25 knots for rapid deployment from homeport to search and rescue areas. The vessel maintains a full crew complement of four and will provide search and rescue coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week during the operational season.

French Creek BC September 13, 2005 - Dr. Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt–Juan de Fuca, announced today on behalf of Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the naming and dedication of a new 47-foot multi-task high-endurance lifeboat, the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Cape Cockburn at the Canadian Coast Guard Station at French Creek, British Columbia.

"It’s an honor and a privilege to be present as we christen the newest member of the Coast Guard family — the CCGC Cape Cockburn," said Mr. Martin. "I’m sure that the vessel will become an important and instantly recognizable member of communities along the coast."

CCGC Cape Cockburn is the latest vessel to be named and dedicated in the second phase of new lifeboats for the Pacific Region. Victoria Shipyards constructed these lifeboats. The first phase included 3 for the West Coast, bringing the total to 11.

All Canadian Coast Guard 47-foot lifeboats are all named after capes located on the coast where they operate. CCGC Cape Cockburn was named after the cape located in the Malaspina Strait, just 50 kilometers to the north of French Creek on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia.

Mrs. Sylvia Montgomery, wife of retired longtime CCG Captain Monty Montgomery, was the sponsor of the vessel. The self-bailing and self-righting CCGC Cape Cockburn has a long cruising radius for its size. The design of the vessel means that it is built to withstand the most severe conditions at sea, and is capable of effecting a rescue under the most challenging circumstances. In addition to its primary function of search and rescue (SAR), the vessel will carry out conservation and protection operations, environmental response, and provide support to other departmental and government operations.

Lagos September 16, 2005 (AA) - The Senate Committee on Navy has said the evacuation of ships arrested for illegal oil bunkering by the Eastern Naval Command was tardy.

The committee's Chairman, Senator Oladapo Ehinlanwo, observed that most of the ships and other facilities used in the illegal bunkering were yet-to-be cleared from the naval waterfronts a year after their arrest.

Ehinlanwo stated this while on a tour to the naval facilities of the command in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with other members of the committee.

He said apart from blocking the waterfront, which made naval operations difficult, the recovered facilities were rusting and the crude was contaminated.

The committee lauded the Navy for controlling bunkering and piracy in the zone, adding that the country was losing much from the non-conversion of the seized materials to money.

He promised to take up the matter with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on getting formal report from the Navy.

The Flag Officer, commanding the Eastern Naval command, Musa Ajadi and the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Navy Captain Peter Oraka, had earlier told the committee that the delay in the evacuation of the ships was caused by judicial process.

Oraka told the committee that the duty of the Navy was to make arrests and hand over to the police and EFCC for prosecution while Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would evacuate the crude contents.

He said the seized facilities constituted environmental hazards and hindered effective naval maneuvering.

The seized facilities included the controversial MT Lott and MT Jimoh, barges, boats, over 40 outboard engines, welding machines and hoses used to siphon crude through long distances.

Beijing September 15, 2005 (Xinhua) - China will work with Thailand to promote the all-round development of relations between the two countries and armed forces, a senior Chinese military leader said Thursday.

The close relations and cooperation between China and Thailand and the two armed forces benefit the economies, national defense and common prosperity of both countries, as well as regional and world peace and stability, said Xu Caihou, vice chairman of the Chinese Central Ministry Commission.

As close neighbors, China and Thailand maintain good relations built on mutual trust, setting an example of close relations for countries of different social systems, Xu said at a meeting with Sampop Amrapala, visiting commander-in-chief of the Thai Royal Navy.

Xu thanked the Thai government and military for the support to China on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

Sampop said the Thai government and armed forces attached great importance to developing friendly relations with China, and the Thai armed forces would continue to promote bilateral exchanges with the Chinese military at all levels.

The Thai government and armed forces will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, he said.

Pascagoula MS September 10, 2005 - Crew members on board the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived at Pier Gulf's Bayou Casotte Terminal here Sept. 10 to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) effort to provide medical support and humanitarian aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Comfort brings with it unique capabilities for humanitarian relief missions, including helicopter lift capability, advanced medical equipment, a wide range of medical capabilities, berthing and personnel support, and logistical supply assets to support medical operations ashore.

Specific components of the ship's mission have not yet been determined due to the fluid nature of the relief effort; however Comfort's leadership says the ship's crew remains flexible and ready for any task.

Comfort and its more-than-500-person crew are initially slated to function at a 250-bed capacity for patient care. Should there exist a need to support a respite care role for relief workers, the ship's capabilities can be stretched to accommodate more than 700 beds.

In addition to the 59 Sailors and 63 civil-service mariners who make up the reduced operating staff aboard the ship, the crew was augmented with Sailors from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD and Naval Medical Clinic, Annapolis MD as well as several other Navy Military Treatment Facilities across the eastern United States.

In preparation for the mission, Comfort loaded more than 245,000 pounds of supplies, including more than 48,000 bottles of water prior to departure from Baltimore, Md., Sept. 2.

The 894-foot ship then stopped in Mayport, Fla. en route to the Gulf Coast to receive more than 300 medical and support personnel, to load an additional $800,000 of medical supplies including pharmaceuticals, intravenous fluids and vaccines, and took on $3 million in donated medical supplies from the Non-Governmental Organization, Project HOPE.

In coordination with FEMA and other agencies, Navy and Marine Corps assets are continuing to provide assistance to displaced persons, medical aid for affected people, mobility and logistics support, as well as assistance in restoring other critical infrastructure and civil services.

Additionally, in light of communications difficulties created by Hurricane Katrina, the Navy has established a 24-hour help line for Sailors, DoN civilians and their families to call information. The phone number is (877) 414-5358. Volunteers staff the line with connectivity to FEMA and other government agencies.

Washington September 12, 2005 - The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) awarded the first non-Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Virtual Systems (VS) Command SeaPort-e task order Aug. 18. The $1.3 million award to G2 Software Systems is for SPAWAR’s provision of Defense Travel System Administration, Help Desk and Training Support.

Jon Wester, SPAWAR Contracting Officer, reported that SeaPort-e’s streamlined concept of operations, coupled with the process efficiencies afforded by the portal, allowed for task order solicitation and award for this first non-NAVSEA SeaPort action in significantly less time than originally planned.

"SeaPort-e’s streamlined, web-based procedures are efficient and effective. All involved have been pleased with the results," said Ellen Polen, SPAWAR’s Corporate Contract’s Branch Head.

SeaPort-e provides services for all phases of weapon systems acquisition, including Research and Development Support, Prototyping, Acquisition Logistics, Modeling, Test and Evaluation Trials and Engineering Support for more than 650 contracts. The SeaPort-e electronic, web-based portal provides a "paperless" system for solicitation through task order award and promotes time efficiency and a reduction in administrative costs.

A quantum step forward for VS initiatives occurred May 31, as the Navy awarded 503 Multiple Award Contracts for support services under SeaPort-e’s Rolling Admission provision. SeaPort-e changes how the Navy is doing business in the 21st century by providing a common vehicle that promotes efficiency and provides a win-win effort for our industry partners.

In 2002, the VS was created by the NAVSEA, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Supply Systems Command and SPAWAR Commanders with the goal to collaborate on the implementation of cost-wise and integrated business and technical practices to better support the Navy. The VS partnership continues to expand with the addition of Naval Facilities Engineering Command in 2005.

The Navy’s systems commands focused on leveraging the skills, processes, facilities, and the resources of the functional communities. The functional communities have been given the responsibility of examining practices and capabilities in order to optimize collective effectiveness and reduce the cost of doing business with the ultimate target of achieving a seamless continuum of integrated capabilities in order to fulfill the Chief of Naval Operation’s vision of "Sea Enterprise."

Norfolk September 12, 2005 - Following a recent week long review of safety practices at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, a Department of Labor on-site team has recommended the facility for Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) "Star" status. "Star" status means that the shipyard has operated at a safety rate superior to the national average for injury and illness incidence in similar workplaces, and recognizes continued excellence in work health and safety.

"The shipyard had requested the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) team to visit NNSY in the spirit of cooperation, to validate whether or not we have a model OSH program," said Shipyard Commander, Capt. Joseph Campbell.

Since NNSY kicked off its VPP program in August 2003, it has put in place a number of safety initiatives that include all shipyard employees and operations.

As a result, there has been a downward trend in employee injury rates, and an upward trend in personal protective equipment compliance.

From safety banners to special publications to departmental meetings, NNSY labor and management have stressed the importance of employees taking charge of protecting themselves, and their co-workers.

The on-site Department of Labor team noted that NNSY had zero 90-day carryover items for corrections. The team also identified five best practices, including weight handling, industrial hygiene/ergonomics, emergency response, Personal Protective Equipment personnel knowledge, and Lean implementation.

As part of ongoing VPP activities, NNSY has established four focus teams. These teams are: Education & Awareness; Prevention and Ergonomics; Recognition; and Leadership and Accountability.

The shipyard also started a VPP Passport program, which gives all eligible employees the opportunity to successfully complete 20 of 26 safety activities that will result in a cash payout. These activities include participating in a blood drive, reading the Commander’s Comments in the employee newspaper and sharing information at departmental safety meetings, among others.

"I’m pleased that our employees are taking safety seriously on and away from work, which contributed greatly to NNSY’s joining other naval shipyards in achieving "Star" status," said Campbell.

Washington September 13, 2005 - Air Force Lieutenant General Henry "Trey" Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced today that the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) Radar successfully transmitted a radar beam for the first time on September 11, 2005. Much like an aircraft's first flight, initial radar operation demonstrates that the radar's critical hardware and software components are working together as intended by the design team.

This event followed an extensive integration and test program to verify individual component functionality, operating procedures, radar software, and all radar-related safety systems. The SBX consists of a semi-submersible platform of the type used for oil drilling, and the integrated X-band radar. It is currently involved in sea trials in the central Gulf of Mexico, and will soon start high-power operations and a period of radar calibration.

The SBX is being developed by the Missile Defense Agency to serve as a primary radar for the Ballistic Missile Defense System and will be used to track ballistic missiles for both defensive operations and developmental testing. The powerful X-band radar will provide tracking of ballistic missile warheads, and also advanced discrimination of possible decoys and countermeasures that could be aboard a hostile ballistic missile during an attack on the United States.

The SBX stands 282 feet high and displaces more 50,000 tons at operational depth. Its on-board propulsion system allows it to deploy throughout the world's oceans, giving it the capability to support both operations and testing. It will be home-ported at Adak Island in Alaska's Aleutian Island chain. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is the prime contractor, and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems is responsible for development and manufacturing of the X-band radar installed aboard the platform.

Washington September 12, 2005 - The U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) is coordinating critical hydrographic survey, wreck removal and salvage, and oil pollution abatement efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Most recently SUPSALV coordinated commercial dive teams for the clearing of fouled pump intakes critical to the pumping effort in the city of New Orleans. They are also working with the Dutch Foreign Ministry to confirm the Dutch government’s commitment to provide requested assistance for this crucial task.

SUPSALV took part in a hydrographic survey teleconference with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) sectors and both U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) districts to identify priorities for Navy minesweeper and side scan sonar employment to identify obstructions to facilitate port opening. The decision was made to apply minesweeping capabilities to the Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform (LOOP) and other offshore site. Navy organic and SUPSALV side scan assets are engaged in surveys of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to the Gulf. Mississippi River is already partially opened for traffic flow based on fathometer readings down the center of the channel. If obstructions are found, then divers will later deployed to identify and if necessary remove them.

Read Admiral Joseph Kilkenny, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten/Commander Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, wrote in an email of Sep. 9 to Capt. Jim Wilkins (SEA 00C), "Great work. I mentioned to Vice President Cheney today in my brief what you have been doing to ensure U.S. commerce keeps flowing on these crucial waterways and he passed his appreciation."

In a major step forward for salvage efforts, both USCG Sectors and the two USACE Districts have agreed to use the existing SUPSALV east coast salvage contract for all future U.S. government contractual work in support of post Hurricane Katrina salvage efforts. This allows all stakeholders opportunity for input; for SUPSALV to pool industry and U.S. Navy salvage capability in a coordinated, prioritized fashion; and to work all efforts through SUPSALV’s coordination structure.

The American Salvage Association (ASA) and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) support this unified approach. This is indicative of the concern involved and the importance of expeditious recovery in this area.

SUPSALV also has the capability to respond to pollution incidents anywhere in the world and is the DOD representative on the National Response Team. An extensive system of equipment, personnel, planning and training provides complete support to all Navy activities and vessels for emergency oil and hazardous substance spill response. Capt. Jim Wilkins (SEA 00C) reports that for oil pollution abatement purposes, SUPSALV sent project manager, Bill Walker, to support forward deployed USCG Gulf Strike Force.

Currently the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the contractor salvage team are formulating a rough order magnitude of the scope of the total salvage effort, in terms of time and funding required. They are also working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USCG and USACE to establish an inter-agency agreement to quickly fund the first 30 days of effort.

Navy organic salvage commands from Second Fleet, USS Grapple (ARS 53) and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two are on site providing critical salvage opening up all Federal waterways and support assisting the relief effort.

Gulfport MS September 15, 2005 (NNS) - Sailors and Soldiers from two of three Canadian ships operating in the Gulf of Mexico joined U.S. Sailors Sept. 14 in providing support to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts here.

Canadian service members from HMCS Ville De Quebec (FFH 332) and HMCS Toronto (FFH 333) joined Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 Detachment Key West, Fla., along with Sailors from USS Bataan (LPD 5).

Canadian sailors and soldiers left their homeport just days after the hurricane to come help aid in relief efforts. Their first stop was Pensacola, Fla., where the ships dropped off more than 50 tons of supplies, from water to tools and equipment.

"We were all excited to come down and help the Americans out," said Command Master Chief Luc Tremblay, of Toronto. "We spent the long Labor Day weekend getting ready for the mission, after recalling our ship's company Aug. 27."

Tremblay explained how, when hurricane Juan came through Halifax in 2003, Americans were up there helping them in similar relief efforts.

"We're neighbors, [Americans and Canadians], why wouldn't we do everything possible to help each other out," added Tremblay. "I can't imagine not coming to aid in relief."

Seabees from CBMU 202 have been camped out at the Gulfport Armed Forces Veterans Home since Aug. 30. Their mission has been to provide security and safety for the veterans home, along with salvaging anything that didn't get lost in the hurricane.

"We got word from our [commanding officer] two days before the hurricane to get ready," said Chief Warrant Officer Charles Heatherly, CBMU 202's officer in charge. "Katrina hit Key West as a tropical storm, but turned into a hurricane right on top of us. When we heard it was headed up toward the Mississippi area, we were ready to go."

Heatherly said besides the Seabee's main mission, they're also cleaning the compound up of debris brought up by Katrina.

Also helping out in the relief efforts, Bataan Sailors have been coming to Biloxi's beach every day.

"This is the first chance I've been able to get out and help out," said Seaman Anthony Moreno, of Bataan's Deck Department. "I've been anxiously awaiting my chance to come out and contribute to the efforts; there's nothing I'd rather be doing. I think the veterans home is the perfect place for us to be aiding."

The staff of the veteran's home said there's a very noticeable difference in the compound since the military came aboard to help. They couldn't be happier with the military support and all the help they've given, the staff added.

Canadian soldiers and sailors and Bataan Sailors said they're more than happy to be coming to the beach every day to provide all the assistance they can.

Washington September 15, 2005 - The following is being issued by the House Committee on Homeland Security - Democratic Office:

"Since the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard have been on the frontlines saving lives. They have been a shining light in one of America's darkest hours. I fully support H.R. 889, the Coast Guard Authorization and Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2005. Congress must do everything it can to provide the Coast Guard with the best equipment to protect the American people."

Washington September 15, 2005 - Less than two weeks after Katrina made landfall, ports along the Gulf coast and channels on the Mississippi River are once again navigational and safe for ship traffic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency responsible for providing the nation's nautical charts, has played a key role in a major interagency effort to ensure that navigational areas affected by Hurricane Katrina are clear of obstructions and debris.

NOAA led the surveying effort to open the region's ports and shipping channels as soon as possible, and anticipates all needed surveys will be completed by Saturday. NOAA has survey teams in the Mid-Atlantic pre- positioned to survey shipping channels immediately after Hurricane Ophelia passes.

"Our teams have been working around the clock to help restore safe navigation channels," said Captain Roger Parsons, NOAA Corps, who is director of NOAA's Office of Coast Survey. "The currents of the Mississippi River are so rapid that obstructions that are identified are sometimes washed away before they can be removed, requiring our Navigation Response Teams to go back and resurvey. However, substantial progress has been made, and much of the river and ports have been reopened by the Coast Guard."

"It requires an immense coordination between the various divisions of NOAA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, local port authorities, state officials and our assets on site to ensure that all critical waterways are clear," said Parsons.

Beginning August 26 -- three days before Katrina hit -- NOAA dispatched NRTs, or Navigation Response Teams, to the Gulf area in preparation for the storm's aftermath. NOAA deployed four NRTs in the region, along with one hydrographic survey ship (Thomas Jefferson), one coastal oceanography research ship temporarily outfitted with hydrographic survey equipment (Nancy Foster), and a contract hydrographic services provider to scan the sea bottom.

NRTs, which can be quickly dispatched to emergency sites, use small survey launches equipped with side scan sonar to survey waterways for underwater hazards to vessels. When sonar detects an obstruction on the sea bottom, divers determine what it is. Sonar also provides exact water depth over the obstruction. NOAA and contract hydrographic survey ships use both multi-beam and sidescan sonar, covering a broader area. Survey launches are also deployed from the ships to cover shallow areas.

Waterways must be surveyed and cleared before oil tankers, cargo ships, and other vessels can safely transit the area. In recent years, ships have gotten longer, wider and deeper, and determining precise water depths is imperative for safe navigation. Hurricanes can play havoc with the sea bottom, rendering the depths and obstructions on nautical charts obsolete.

NOAA's Office of Coast Survey is maintaining a Web site with current information relating to post-Katrina surveys, including areas of operation and findings. Please see: <http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/nsd/katrina.htm>.

NOAA is using its surveying capabilities to conduct emergency scans of the sea bottom in areas identified as critical by the U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and local port officials. Surveys are conducted to locate wrecked vessels and oil rigs, large debris, and shoaling that can damage or ground passing vessels.

These findings are reported to the Coast Guard, which has authority to open and close waterways, mark shipping channels with aids to navigation (buoys), and send out its daily Report to Mariners that publishes changes to nautical charts. The Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for dredging the Mississippi River and port areas to maintain safe depths, is removing the obstructions NOAA finds. The U.S. Navy also has dispatched salvage ships and divers to the area to aid in removal of wrecks, and check out obstructions in the extremely polluted waters. The efforts are being orchestrated through daily conference calls among agency representatives.

"We've focused first on opening up shipping lanes for emergency response and commercial transport to Pensacola, including petroleum shipments to the Naval base there; for coal shipments to Biloxi and Mobile power plants; and for crude and refined petroleum shipments to and from refineries and oil facilities in Pascagoula, Port Fourchon, and along parts of the Mississippi River," Parsons said.

Kurt Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities praised the NOAA survey effort in an AAPA Internet posting on September 13 and said the federal response "moved quickly and effectively to help save lives, restore services and keep supplies and commerce moving. Without the help of the public port authorities and agencies such as the Coast Guard and the Corps, NOAA and MARAD, the crucial services needed in times of crisis and the goods we depend on in our everyday lives may not be available with the timeliness that consumers and manufacturers require."

Other NOAA offices participating in the Katrina effort include National Ocean Service's Office of Response and Restoration, which is monitoring the area for hazardous spills; the National Geodetic Survey, which has collected more than 7,100 aerial images of the devastation, and NOAA's Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services which is responsible for the tide gauges that measure water levels and storm surge. Many of these tide gauges were lost or destroyed, and are being replaced by NOAA personnel as part of NOAA's mission to promote safe and efficient commerce and transportation.

Ninety-five percent of overseas trade goods -- more than two billion tons of both domestic and foreign commerce -- pass through American ports each year. The port of New Orleans, on the Mississippi River, is the fifth largest U.S. port.

New Delhi, Sep 9 (PTI) A joint venture company of Indian and Russian defense firms has been set to resolve the long-standing problem of shortage of spares for maintenance of Indian naval assets, a high-level Russian military delegation today said.

In a presentation before the Defense Ministry and the Indian Navy, a 20-member defense delegation informed them that the joint venture firm, Rosoboronservice (India) would create a bonded warehouse in Mumbai for spares and maintain the Indian naval assets of Russian origin.

Almost the entire range of naval assets like surface vessels, submarines, missile systems and aircraft of the Indian Navy would be taken care of by the JV, they said.

Earlier talking to reporters, chief of the delegation Maj Gen V Dzirkaln, Deputy Director of Russian firm 'FS MTS', said the Rosoboronservice within a few months would also take responsibility for the Soviet or Russian origin assets of the Indian Air Force.

The Rosoboronservice (India), they said, would become a "one-stop shop" for all after-sales service, repair, maintenance, upgrade and training needs of all assets of Indian Navy of Russian origin.

The problem had become acute following disintegration of the Soviet Union with the armed forces having to negotiate with scores of different companies for supply of spares or maintenance. At times, this had also affected the battle- worthiness of certain equipment of the Indian armed forces.

The Indian firm, with which eight Russian companies have created the JV firm, is Mumbai-based Krasny Marine Services.

Auckland September 8, 2005 - She came alongside Devonport Naval Base at 10.30am. After completing a busy exercise program with the Royal New Zealand Navy, her crew was ready for some relaxation and recreation. Commander Tony Raeside, RAN, entertained the Mayor of North Shore City, Mr. George Wood, to luncheon onboard that day. In the afternoon a powhiri was held at Te Taua Moana Marae to formally welcome Melbourne's ship's company.

Melbourne is a long-range escort ship, with roles including area air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. She is capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface. Powered by modern gas turbines, Melbourne can be underway from cold in 30 minutes. Two forward mounted retractable auxiliary propulsion units provide a secondary means of propulsion plus excellent maneuverability in confined waters.

The ship's motto, 'VIRES ACQUIRIT EUNDO', translates as 'She Gathers Strength As She Goes'.

Moscow September 9, 2005 - The official delegation of the Rosoboronexport State Corporation participated in the Naval Show ExpoNaval -2005 that took place in the Venezuelan capital Caracas at the end of August.

The bilateral contacts in defense area between Venezuela and Russia have been drastically intensified during this year. The contracts signed between the two countries, totaling more than $250M serve as a solid proof of the fact. Most of the contracts signed have applied to the Land Forces materiel.

Rosoboronexport has offered Russian products and services in the military-technical domain to the Venezuelan Navy. The representatives of the Company outlined a package nature of the deal and pointed out that Russia is ready to consider the potential joint projects related to the military-industrial complex offered by the Venezuelan side. There were about 100 samples of the military hardware and armaments for the Navy in the Russian pavilion, including those of the "Izhmash" Group and the helicopter plants of Kazan and Rostov.

The attention paid to the Russian exhibits, such as the diesel-electric submarines, air-cushion ships, coastal-weapon systems, indicates that there are good prospectives for the military cooperation between Russia and Venezuela in the naval domain.

The Rosoboronexport State Corporation expects practical results to be made soon as a further development of the Russia' s participation in ExponNaval- 2005.

Bangalore September 14, 2005 (PTI) - The US has offered to sell eight P-3C Orion naval reconnaissance aircraft to India and New Delhi is examining the proposal, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash said today.

The US has offered to modernize eight old P-3C Orion planes and supply to India, he told reporters here.

"We are examining that offer," the Naval Chief said.

Admiral Prakash said India needs some maritime reconnaissance aircraft as "we lost a few and some have retired." "So, we are looking out for a replacement. This (the US offer) is one of the candidates."

Brussels September 13, 2005 (Xinhuanet) - Dutch frigate Van Amstel concluded its hurricane relief mission off the Mississippi coast on Tuesday, the Dutch news agency ANP reported.

Land routes into the coastal city of Biloxi have been reopened and therefore the Dutch vessel is no longer needed, ANP quoted a navy spokesperson as saying.

Van Amstel, which has been at anchor off the coast since Wednesday, used its two Lynx helicopters to fly in water and food supplies to difficult-to-reach areas in the Biloxi region east of New Orleans. The ship's 190 crewmembers have also helped clear roads and guard supply routes.

Because Hurricane Katrina changed the contours of the sea bottom, the frigate cannot sail close to shore. Landing craft of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan provided the necessary transportation to shore.

The crew's last task was helping to unload massive pumps flown in from the Netherlands on an Antonov transport plane. The pumps are being used to help combat the flooding caused by the hurricane in New Orleans.

Washington September 16, 2005 (AFPS) - President Bush concurred with and sent the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's report to Congress on Sept. 15 for legislative review, White House officials announced.

Congress now has 45 legislative days to accept or reject the report in its entirety. Congress cannot make changes to the final report.

The commission delivered its final report to the president on Sept. 8. The report lists the commission's recommendations for revamping the U.S. military's infrastructure and force structure.

The president chose to approve the commission's report. He could have rejected it or returned it to the commission for revisions.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld cited the 2005 BRAC process as an opportunity "to reset our force." DOD took two and a half years to study and compile its recommendations for the 2005 BRAC. The department's BRAC report was released May 13.

The BRAC commission approved 86 percent of DOD’s original recommendations -- 119 with no change and another 45 with amendments. However, the commission rejected 13 recommendations, significantly modified another 13, and made five additional closure or realignment recommendations on its own initiative.

DOD’s BRAC recommendations would reduce excess military infrastructure between 5 and 11 percent and save $48.8 billion over 20 years, Rumsfeld said.

Naples, 15 September 2005 - A joint meeting of the Committees for Order and Public Security of the Provinces of Naples and Caserta was held today at Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples Headquarters, Bagnoli. The meeting was hosted by Admiral H. G. Ulrich III who is Commander, JFC Naples and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe. It is the fourth meeting held since 2003 as a forum to discuss security concerns related to U.S. and NATO military communities in the Naples area.

Also in attendance were the Prefects of Naples, Dr. Renato Profili and Caserta, Dr. Carlo Schilardi; the Consul General Suneta Halliburton; and representatives from Carabinieri, Police and Guardia di Finanza organizations at Regional and Provincial levels.

Information sharing between NATO, U.S. Navy, and Italian representatives on preparation and response to local crimes and emergency situations was the primary focus. Participants presented and discussed data on crime statistic trends, crime prevention awareness and education efforts and emergency management.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Adm. Ulrich and the Prefects praised the continued spirit of cooperation between Italian, NATO and U.S. Navy law enforcement and emergency management personnel, and expressed appreciation for their constant hard work and dedication in the protection and security of our shared communities. Their efforts were indeed reflected in a progressively reducing number of crimes against our communities over the past two years.

The first public safety meeting was initiated by Prefect Dr. Profili and conducted on 10 July 2003 in Bagnoli. A second meeting took place on 9 December 2003 during which statistics were provided about criminal acts conducted against the Allied military communities in their respective residential areas, which are located within the Provinces of Naples and Caserta. The information sharing was continued with a meeting on 27 January 2004, when the decision was made to continue to expand the exchange of data in order to monitor criminal acts in specific areas so as to apply appropriate preventive measures.

In addition to several NATO and US Navy senior officers, participants in the meeting also included: Lt. Gen. Salvatore D'Amato, Inspector General Southern Italy, Guardia di Finanza; Maj.Gen. Leonardo Gallitelli, Commander, Carabinieri "Campania" Region; Mr. Oscar Fiorolli, Naples Police Commissioner; Mr. Mario Papa, Caserta Police Commissioner; Mr. Domenico Masi, Police Commissioner, representing the Commander, Interregional State Police; Col. Giuseppe Vicanolo, Commander, Guardia di Finanza, Naples; Col. Carmelo Burgio, Commander, Carabinieri Caserta; Col. Giancarlo Pezzato, Commander Guardia di Finanza, Caserta.

New Delhi September 14, 2005 - An order for six French submarines announced early this week is just the latest step in India's drive to modernize its armed forces. The submarines are part of India's plan to flex its military muscles more forcefully.

Indian officials say the six French Scorpene-class submarines will be assembled at a naval dockyard in Bombay. The submarines will replace aging vessels in India's fleet of 14 French and Russian-built subs.

The nearly 2 billion dollar submarine deal was confirmed earlier this week during a visit to Paris by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Rahul Bedi, a correspondent at Jane's Defense Weekly, says over the next few years, India plans to increase its submarine strength substantially.

"It wants to bolster its submarine fleet to between 20 and 30. It is a fairly formidable navy. It has a long reach, it is growing longer sea legs," said Bedi.

The submarine deal is the latest in a series of big-ticket defense purchases by India, which is modernizing its military equipment, most of which was bought from the former Soviet Union.

A report prepared for the United States Congress says that last year, India emerged as the largest buyer among developing nations of conventional arms. The report says India agreed to deals worth 5.7 billion dollars.

Uday Bhaskar, the head of the government-funded Indian Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis, says the recent purchases will help plug the gaps in all three of India's military branches, the air force, navy and army.

"It is a case of being able to redress the situation of obsolescence, where in many major platforms, aircraft, ships and certain equipment for the army, which could not be acquired due to funding constraints, are now gradually being redressed," said Bhaskar.

Big defense deals struck in the past year include an agreement to buy a Russian aircraft carrier. The Indian air force is also acquiring advanced jet trainers for its fighter pilots. And New Delhi has signed a deal with Israel for the supply of three sophisticated early-warning radar systems.

Rahul Bedi of Jane's Defense Weekly says the purchases are part of nuclear-capable India's plans to flex its military muscles in South Asia.

"India is now embarked on a regional power projection exercise, and for this exercise it needs more sophisticated platforms for its navy and its air force, and these acquisitions are in fact going to continue over many years," said Bedi.

Much of India's defense equipment is still purchased from Russia, but Israel is also emerging as a key supplier, as are the Western European countries. The United States, the largest supplier of arms to developing nations, is also feeding the Indian market.

Santiago September 14, 2005 (MERC)- Argentine and Chilean naval forces participated last week in joint exercises in the South Atlantic with the purpose of increasing the two navies’ capabilities and in a near future operating as a "Multinational Task Force".

The whole operation in the framework of the annual Integration exercises involved two Chilean missile frigates, "Ministro Zenteno" and "Almirante Lynch", plus the Argentine destroyer "Sarandí", frigate "Rosales", and auxiliary fleet tanker "Patagonia" which are currently docked in Punta Arenas.

Chile contributed with 520 servicemen and Argentina, 500.

Exercises included high seas supplying, joint helicopter operations alternating landing pads, radar and tracking techniques, interlocking and communications as well as high seas crew exchange.

Chilean units took off from Puerto Williams, the Argentine from Ushuaia and joined at the Beagle channel from where they sailed through the Chilean channels finally calling in Punta Arenas. Chilean destroyer "Pratt" and oil tanker "Araucano" will be joining the task force for the next stage of the exercise.

Rear Admiral Gerardo Cocacevich commander of Chilean Navy Operations and his Argentine counterpart R/A Eduardo Luis Avilés praised the ease and efficiency with which both forces, command and crews interacted.

"Not only are our capabilities coordinated operationally but also institutionally," underlined R/A Cocacevich who recalled the ongoing bilateral cooperation under the Viekaren joint exercises with the Combined Antarctic Naval Patrol particularly in summer months during the cruise season.

Other areas of bilateral cooperation are the joint peace missions under United Nations command and the agreement to build fast high seas patrol vessels for Argentina in Chilean navy yards.

Boston September 19, 2005 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard will facilitate a port security exercise Tuesday in the Port of Boston to evaluate preparedness, prevention and the ability to respond to and recover from a terrorist-related incident. The Port Security Training Exercises Program (PortSTEP) is focused on building links within the Area Maritime Security (AMS) Committee, which assists the Captain of the Port in writing, reviewing and updating an AMS Plan as well as assisting other transportation entities that depend upon the port being secure.

The exercise is part of a series that involves the entire port community, including both public governmental agencies and private industry, in a partnership intended to improve connectivity of various surface transportation modes and enhance current Area Maritime Security Plans. Nationally, scenarios range from how officials react to discovering a suspect cargo container to an explosion at a seaport rail yard.

Communication and coordination abilities of the government and maritime industry will also be tested. This series of exercises will take place at 40 of the nation’s largest seaports over the next three years. "PortSTEP is designed to benefit maritime and surface transportation security communities throughout the U.S. via a suite of training exercises, evaluations and accompanying information technology products," said Noreen A. Brown, Transportation Security Administration, PortSTEP Project Officer.

"This information will prove invaluable as we continue to ensure freedom of commerce while protecting our nation’s transportation system." "Protecting this port is a team effort," said Coast Guard Capt. James McDonald, the Federal Maritime Security Coordinator for the Port of Boston. "This exercise will assess how well we are prepared to work together and will help us identify areas for improvement." For more information see www.TSA.gov or www.USCG.mil.

Canberra September 17, 2005 - About 20 Australian companies are joining forces in London this week to promote Australian Defense industry capabilities at the largest tri-service defense exhibition in the world.

Defense Minister Robert Hill today visited the Australian companies at the Defense Systems & Equipment International exhibition held in London's docklands area.

Senator Hill said he was pleased the Government was able to sponsor a 'Team Australia' stand at the exhibition to ensure as many companies as possible could be represented at this important defense exhibition, including many small companies that would otherwise not be able to be there.

"About 26,000 visitors are expected to visit the exhibition over four days including 83 overseas delegations from 60 countries," Senator Hill said.

"More than 1200 companies are exhibiting from 34 countries and there are 21 national pavilions including Australia."

The exhibition focuses on Defense, Emergency Services and Homeland Security sectors of industry and will showcase eight warships alongside.

Senator Hill said DSEI is the most significant trade show of its type in the world and provides great networking and business opportunities on a very large scale.

"Australian industry will benefit from being involved through increased exposure of our niche capabilities to major international defense and security firms, as well as other potential customers," Senator Hill said.

"The 'Team Australia' stand aims to increase other countries' knowledge of the depth and extent of Australian industry capabilities and demonstrate Australian Government support to the Defense industry.

"Companies will be able to pursue the Joint Strike Fighter's industry program and promote recent technology advancements to the Northern Hemisphere.

"Australian defense industry, whilst small, has niche capabilities that are equal to or leading the world. However, most of the major defense & security firms are based in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Whilst Australia has overcome many of the issues related to distance for European companies doing business with Australia, this is another opportunity for Australian companies to demonstrate that distance and time zones are no obstacles."

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New York September 15, 2005 - EDO Corporation has been awarded a contract to provide its ES 3701 Tactical Radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Surveillance System on the new Danish Flexible Support Ships and Patrol Ships. The contract was awarded in an international competition by the Naval Material Command of Denmark and is valued at approximately $10 million.

The new 6,300-ton Flexible Support Ships are the largest and most versatile units of the Danish Navy. This next generation of multi-role ship is intended to cover a broad range of tasks, such as command vessel for managing land, naval and air forces, supply vessel, helicopter platform, or military field hospital. The ships are being equipped with the most advanced technology available.

The ES 3701 is a state-of-the-art precision ESM system that detects, identifies and locates hostile ship and missile radar signals early and efficiently. This will enable the ship's commanding officer to quickly react with an appropriate defensive response.

"With the threat of modern weapons, a high-precision ESM system is essential for ship survivability," said James M. Smith, EDO's chief executive officer. "Our system is in demand not only for its superior situational-awareness capabilities, but also for its human interface. Our engineers work closely with customers to understand what they really need and how to display the information effectively. That is why the ES 3701 is in such demand by navies worldwide."

Tewksbury MA September 15, 2005 - Raytheon Company Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), Portsmouth, RI, is being awarded an undefinitized Firm Fixed Price/Cost Plus Fixed Fee letter contract at a Not-To-Exceed price of $54,964,000 for the Low Rate Initial Production of the AN/AQS-20A Sonar, Mine Detecting Set. The U.S. Navy Program Executive Office for Littoral and Mine Warfare is acquiring the system to detect, classify, and localize mines to help ships avoid them and support mine-clearing operations.

The AQS-20A is the primary mine-hunting system to be integrated into the U.S. Navy's MH-60S Airborne Mine Countermeasures Helicopters. It is also the primary minehunting Mission System for the Littoral Combat Ship Flight 0, where it will be towed by the AN/WLD-1 semi-submersible autonomous vehicle. This reliable system is towed undersea to scan the sea bottom and the water in front and to the sides of the vehicle for anti-shipping mines, providing the Navy this critical detection capability. The system uses sonar and electrooptical sensors to provide high-resolution images of mine-like objects and high-precision location information.

"With the AQS-20A, the fleet will have the most advanced mine counter- measure capabilities in the world," said Dan Martin, vice president, Surveillance & Sensor Systems of Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems.

"This contract is a testament to our on-going partnership with the U.S. Navy and the advanced technology we offer in undersea sensor systems," added Martin.

Work on the contract will be performed at Raytheon IDS's Naval Integration Center in Portsmouth RI and Arete Associates in Tucson, Ariz.

Hengelo, The Netherlands September 16, 2005 - Recently, the SMART-S Mk2 program management team of the Danish Navy confirmed that Thales' SMART-S Mk2 radar successfully completed a Critical Program Review at the Thales Nederland production site.

The engineering and initial production phases of the first SMART-S Mk2 have been completed.

"The program is on schedule and fully complies with the Royal Danish Navy's requirements," says Harrie Havinga, Thales' SMART-S Mk2 program manager. "This is a significant milestone as it demonstrates our ability to scale the 3D multibeam SMART technology into various highly advanced configurations. We succeeded in building a brand-new radar in just eighteen months."

The SMART-S Mk2 radar will commence an eighteen month period of testing and integration and, in January 2007, it will be installed on the first Flexible Support Ship that is presently being built for the Danish Navy.

SMART-S Mk2 is a S-band 3D-multibeam radar designed to excel in complex littoral environments. The radar makes use of solid-state technology, open architecture and commercially available parts to deliver high availability, graceful degradation and low total cost of ownership.

This new and highly sophisticated radar enhances Thales' extensive radar portfolio, meeting many navies' current and future requirements. The development of SMART-S Mk2 confirms Thales' worldwide leading position in radar technology.

San Diego September 15, 2005 - National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has begun construction on the third ship in the T-AKE program, a new class of combat logistics force ships designated the Lewis and Clark class.

Mrs. Jennifer Stanton, wife of U.S. Navy Captain Mike Stanton, Commanding Officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Bath, Maine, made the first cut on the ship's first steel plate to signify the start of construction. Captain Stanton's San Diego detachment is responsible for overseeing construction on the T-AKE program.

The U.S. Navy has awarded NASSCO contracts for eight dry cargo/ammunition ships and holds options for an additional four ships. If all the options are exercised, the 12-ship program would have a total value of $3.7 billion and become the largest contract in NASSCO's history.

The contracts will provide sustained employment for 1,500 to 1,800 NASSCO employees and contribute millions of dollars per year in payroll, tax revenues and purchases from local suppliers during the life of the contract, which could run through 2010.

The first T-AKE, named the Lewis and Clark to honor the two legendary explorers who led an expeditionary force from 1804 to 1806 to explore the American West, was launched on May 21, 2005. The ship is in the final stages of construction alongside NASSCO's pier, with delivery scheduled for early next year. The second T-AKE, to be named the Sacagawea in honor of the Shoshone Indian woman who acted as guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark is scheduled to be launched in the spring of 2006.

The T-AKEs are 210 meters (689 feet) in length and 32.2 meters (105.6 feet) in beam, with a design draft of 9.12 meters (29.9 feet). The ships will carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of cargo fuel. The T-AKEs will be the first modern Navy ships to combine proven international marine technologies such as an integrated electric-drive propulsion system that can achieve a speed of 20 knots, and commercial design features that will minimize their cost of operation and maintenance over their expected 40-year lives.

In addition to the eight T-AKEs, NASSCO is building four double-hull oil tankers for BP Shipping Company of Alaska. Two of the tankers have been delivered to BP and the remaining two are under construction. "Our 10-ship backlog affirms NASSCO's position as the leading U.S. builder of commercial ships and the U.S. Navy's 'Center of Excellence' for the construction of auxiliary and support ships," said Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO.

Washington September 15, 2005 - The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents 300,000 workers at the Department of Defense (DOD), decried DOD’s refusal to reveal the costs of its new National Security Personnel System (NSPS). For nearly two years, DOD has been developing NSPS for its 700,000 workers. AFGE is working to ensure that the personnel system does not impair national security by undermining the civilian defense workforce.

AFGE filed a request for information under United State Code 7114, with DOD in August regarding NSPS implementation costs. DOD recently turned downed the request.

"It is amazing that DOD can't answer a simple request for information," says AFGE National President John Gage. "Americans have a right to know how many of their tax dollars the government will waste in creating a system that will curtail worker rights, lower worker morale, gut pay and threaten national security."

In addition to the 5 USC 7114, AFGE filed an additional information request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The FOIA request is still pending.

"We simply want to know how much this system is going to cost," says Gage. "It's a simple question that deserves a straightforward answer."

Gage noted that Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract for $175 million solely for the purpose of designing the new personnel system for the Department of Homeland Security.

"If NSPS is going to cost as much as the new personnel system for DHS, then we all should be concerned," says Gage. "This money would be better spent supporting the men and women who protect America especially in light of Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of thousands of people are jobless and homeless and our government wants to spend millions, if not billions, on a personnel system that will undermine the civilian workforce? This clearly shows that the priorities of DOD and the administration are not in order."

New York September 14, 2005 - L-3 Communications announced today that its SPD Electrical Systems (SPD) subsidiary, a unit of L-3's Power and Control Systems Group, has been awarded a contract for the detailed design and production of motor controllers for the U.S. Navy's CVN-78 aircraft carrier. The contract, valued at $4.9 million, was awarded by Bechtel Plant Machinery Incorporated, located in Schenectady, NY, and has a period of performance extending into 2009.

"We are proud to be a long-term major supplier of power distribution equipment to the U.S. Navy," said Jay Wilcox, president of SPD Electrical Systems. "This contract will place SPD equipment on the new CVN-78 carrier class, which will serve the U.S. Navy for several decades."

Charlottesville VA September 13, 2005 - Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by the U.S. Navy to develop the Shipboard Protection System, intended to enable naval vessels to counter asymmetric terrorist threats while moored to a pier, at anchor or during restricted maneuvering.

Under the terms of the $6 million contract, Northrop Grumman will provide surface combatants, amphibious ships and aircraft carriers with a fully integrated and seamless sensor, analysis and response system. The system will provide constant 360 degree situational-awareness and engagement capability to counter such threats, with no increase in manning.

"The Shipboard Protection System represents an important step forward in our anti-terrorism/force-protection program and lays the foundation for follow-on capabilities," said Rear Adm. William E. Landay, III, program executive officer for Littoral and Mine Warfare, NAVSEA. "It's about adding technology and automation to increase the range, flexibility and time a ship's crew has in which to react to potential threats."

During the first phase of the system development and demonstration effort, to be completed next March, Northrop Grumman will provide an integrated surface- surveillance system and non-lethal weapons and devices. The surface-surveillance system will incorporate electro-optical and infrared sensors, and radar into a common tactical-surveillance system.

"Northrop Grumman has assembled a world-class team of technologically advanced defense companies to provide the Navy with a total systems solution to protect ships and their crews," said John DeMaso, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems Division. "By using a scalable, open-architecture design, the Shipboard Protection System can readily incorporate new technologies and expand to meet the Navy's force-protection needs."

For the first contract phase, Northrop Grumman will act as the system integrator; provide system design, mission-specific hardware, software, and firmware components; and implement performance-based logistics.

Other teammates and their charters include:

• Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation, Carlsbad, Calif., which will provide situational awareness and non-lethal engagement software, user interfaces and concepts of operation;

• Science Applications International Corporation, Bloomfield, Ind., which will manage the system assembly and test, as well as shipboard installation and logistics; and

• General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., which will be the lethal engagement systems integrator and support the weapons-system safety certification.

The next phase of the Shipboard Protection System program, to be implemented in fiscal year 2007, will incorporate swimmer- and diver-detection capabilities, with an unmanned surface-vehicle capability to be added in the future. Additional future plans may include adding non-lethal technologies, providing capability to deal with air threats, and developing predictive-awareness tools.

The Shipboard Protection System program will be managed from Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems headquarters in Charlottesville, Va., with additional work to be performed at the company's locations in Annapolis, Md., and Ocean Springs, Miss.

Melbourne FL September 13, 2005 - Northrop Grumman Corporation recently received a $124.5 million U.S. Navy letter contract for the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). Operating from the MH-60S helicopter, ALMDS uses a light detecting and ranging blue-green laser to detect, localize and classify near-surface, moored and floating sea mines.

The initial contract awarded a total of $45.5 million for a low-rate initial production (LRIP) of three AN/AES-1 ALMDS pods. The contract calls for options totaling $79 million for an additional six LRIP pods, one full-rate production lot of six pods, two training systems and integrated logistics support for the system.

"Northrop Grumman has been aggressively pursuing emerging technologies to combat the growing threat from mines," said Robert Johnston, director of Northrop Grumman's Mine Countermeasures Program. "The transformational mine-detection technology used in ALMDS is critical for creating safer passage around the world for our servicemen and women."

The ALMDS program is managed by the Program Executive Office, Littoral and Mine Warfare, Mine Warfare Program Office, PMS-495. The Navy plans to buy 57 ALMDS pods between 2005 and 2011. The overall program is valued at approximately $200 million.

"This contract represents an important step forward: now we are producing the next generation in mine-countermeasures technology," said Gary A. Humes, the Navy's Mine Warfare Program manager. "ALMDS provides the maneuvering force with the essential capability to dominate the complex, high-operational tempo environment of the littorals."

ALMDS is an important element of the mine-warfare mission package designed for the littoral combat ship. The ship will host five airborne mine-countermeasures systems, developed to provide aircraft carrier battle-strike groups and expeditionary-strike groups with full-spectrum organic mine-hunting and reconnaissance capability.

Production of the ALMDS pods will take place at Northrop Grumman's Airborne Ground Surveillance & Battle Management Systems facility in Melbourne, Fla. Melbourne is the home of two additional Navy mine-countermeasures programs and a U.S. Army counter-mine/reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition program.

Johnstown PA September 16, 2005 - Northrop Grumman Corporation is opening a new office in Johnstown, Pa., to support its work for the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal government agencies, Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) and Daniel L. Montgomery, Northrop Grumman vice president and deputy general manager, announced today.

Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector plans to hire as many as 50 employees over the next two years to develop advanced collaboration technology, software-based tools that enable people to share information, coordinate and solve problems.

The company has leased 14,000 square feet at the Commerce Center (formerly known as the Reliant Energy complex) for a state-of-the-art facility, which will be equipped with advanced communications, simulation, modeling and visualization systems and linked with other Northrop Grumman operations, laboratories and networks.

"I'm delighted to welcome Northrop Grumman to Johnstown," Murtha said. "The arrival of another prestigious, internationally known company in Johnstown is an indication of our success in attracting new business to the region and our growing reputation as a hub for high-tech industries."

"We're excited about becoming part of southwestern Pennsylvania's vibrant technology community," Montgomery said. "The Mission Systems sector has strong established relationships with area companies that support our missile-defense and tactical systems programs. We aim to build collaborative partnerships with area universities, as well."

Among those relationships, Kuchera Defense Systems in Winber, Pa., is a subcontractor on Kinetic Energy Interceptors (KEI), a mobile, land-based missile-defense system that, when deployed, will be able to destroy a hostile threat during its boost and ascent phase of flight. Kuchera is also performing research and development for hardware variants of the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2)-Blue Force Tracking system, which provides joint coalition forces with a clear, continuous common operating picture of the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Other Kuchera contract awards include a helicopter radar-warning system, transmitters for Navy shipboard radar, and automatic test equipment for the Army's Integrated Family of Test Equipment Electro-Optics Test Facility.

In southwestern Pennsylvania, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems also works with A.C. Coy Company (Canonsburg), Relex Software Corp. (Greensburg), Concurrent Technologies Corp. (Johnstown), DRS Technologies Inc. (Johnstown) and NuRelm Inc. (Uniontown).

Lystrup, Denmark September 13, 2005 - Terma's new radar for surveillance operations at sea monitors both sea level and airspace in a radius of up to 160 km. It can, thus, become a very efficient tool on board the Royal Danish Navy's new Offshore Patrol Vessels.

On Friday, 9 September 2005, Terma and the Royal Danish Navy Materiel Command signed a contract for two radar systems to the new Offshore Patrol Vessels which will patrol the North Atlantic. The contract is a result of a multi-annual development project between the Royal Danish Navy and Terma.

With a detection range of 160 km and a unique ability to detect and maintain even small targets during harsh weather conditions, Terma's new SCANTER 4100 radar is particularly suitable for surveillance and rescue operations at sea.

The principal tasks for the Offshore Patrol Vessels are sea surveillance, rescue service, fishery inspection, and enforcement of Danish sovereignty in the North Atlantic.

Surveillance and rescues at sea are highly in these parts of the world. The weather is unpredictable, and sometimes harsh. The requirements for the radar to detect and maintain even small objects in low visibility and high sea are excessive. It is this ability which makes Terma's new SCANTER 4100 particularly suitable for these purposes.

Furthermore, the SCANTER 4100 is even suitable for guiding helicopters to land on board the ship during weather conditions that normally would exclude helicopter flights. In the end, it could be a matter of life or death during difficult rescue operations at sea.

In the last few years, the increased focus on terror protection, smuggling, and, in some parts of the world, even hold-ups at sea intensify the demands for effective surveillance tools. Despite an increased use of surveillance from planes and satellites, the radar is still the most reliable equipment for these types of surveillance jobs. Regardless of the weather conditions, the navy vessels and coast guards are provided with reliable data about vessels and lanes, which have not made themselves known.

On this background, Terma predicts great interest and demand for the new generation of radars.

The SCANTER 4100 systems will be delivered to the Royal Danish Navy in 2008. It is the same type of radar which Terma delivers to the Royal Navy's new Ocean Patrol Vessel which will be deployed in the South Atlantic surrounding the Falkland Islands in the summer of 2007.

Terma will also deliver command and control systems to the Royal Danish Navy's new Offshore Patrol Vessels. The Offshore Patrol Vessels will replace two of the existing cutters in Greenland, and due to bigger dimensions, increased endurance and higher capacity they are more suitable for operating in waters near Greenland as well as for participating in international operations. The first vessel is planned to be delivered from Karstensens Skibsværft, Denmark in 2008 and is expected to be in operation same year.

Denver September 14, 2005 - Lockheed Martin has selected Aerosystems International, Ltd. (AeI), of the United Kingdom, as a partner in its team for Project Helix, a reconnaissance upgrade to the Royal Air Force's fleet of Nimrod R aircraft.

The Nimrod R is the UK’s electronic reconnaissance aircraft that examines radio and radar emissions and provides electronic combat support to the military commander. AeI will offer its human-factors integration expertise to the Lockheed Martin-led team, as well as provide engineering expertise in other areas of the program.

"Aerosystems International brings to our team an understanding of the unique U.K. Ministry of Defense operational drivers for Project Helix," said Jerry Lindfelt, vice president of Lockheed Martin's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

"This improves our ability to provide the Ministry of Defense with the architecture required to achieve its strategic vision of a full network-enabled capability for future operations."

As lead systems integrator, Lockheed Martin's Integrated Systems & Solutions leads one of two teams selected by the U.K. Ministry of Defense for Project Helix's "program-definition" phase. One team will be selected for a "risk-reduction" phase in 2006. This will be followed by a system demonstration and ultimately a production contract for the electronic reconnaissance equipment starting in 2007.

AeI is a leading company in the analysis, design, development and delivery of complex, software intensive systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. It also develops cutting edge systems and smart technologies for various industrial applications. AeI is based in the United Kingdom, with offices in the United States. With more than 400 personnel, its range of skills allows the company to provide cost-effective solutions.

Washington September 16, 2005 (HalliburtonWatch.org) - A former contracting officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) told a congressional committee today that Halliburton regularly threatens government officials who complain about contracting abuse.

Christy Watts, who was Chief of Contracting at USACE in Louisville, Kentucky, said Halliburton and USACE "habitually" violate contracting regulations and demand employees conceal it from the public. She described a culture of fear and intimidation designed to protect Halliburton's bottom line.

"One point I need to make very clear: in my 18 years in contracting, I had never, with any other company except Halliburton, been treated in such a demeaning and intimidating manner," Watts told the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. "When pointing out to Halliburton personnel their contractual non-compliances, I was threatened verbally and physically intimidated for performing my job," she said.

Watts told the committee about frightening examples of Halliburton officials throwing temper tantrums or telephoning her home after midnight to scream at her for awarding contracts to competitors. In one instance, she was verbally accosted after informing the company that it violated regulations by failing to award 20 percent of subcontracts in Alaska to small businesses.

Watts, who worked for USACE for 12 years, is a self-described Republican who voted both times for President George W. Bush. She says contracting abuse and intimidation by her employer occurred in the Clinton administration as well.

"The problems are systemic and have been occurring for decades - through both Republican and Democrat administrations," she said. "Please serve the interests of the American people and address this as an issue of right and wrong - nothing more, nothing less."

Her superiors apparently have contempt for the government. She said USACE "views contracting professionals as a drag on their ability to do what they want." If a contracting officer speaks out against abuse, "they can expect to be terminated," she said.

When Watts left her employment with USACE, her superiors were worried she might go public with her allegations. So, they demanded a settlement agreement, which banned her from contacting the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which would be tasked with investigating her complaints. "I have concluded that the act of preventing me from communicating my concerns of contract abuse and unlawful activity freely to the Special Counsel is evidence of waste, fraud, abuse and corruption," she said.

Watts also disclosed an internal Army memorandum from her superior who admitted that Watts could make USACE "look really bad, if all the problems are found that I think they will find."

Another USACE whistleblower, Bunnatine H. Greenhouse, also spoke before the committee. Greenhouse's allegations of contracting abuse are being investigated by the Justice Department and the Pentagon's inspector general. Nevertheless, USACE recently demoted her after she disclosed her complaints to Congress. "I was removed because I steadfastly resisted and attempted to alter what can be described as casual and clubby contracting practices by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanders, and because I presented testimony before this body on June 27, 2005," she said.

Although USACE officials were invited to the committee hearing, they declined to appear.

Halliburton's KBR subsidiary stands to gain additional contracts to repair damage left by Hurricane Katrina. Estimates of the federal government's reconstruction costs have been as high as $200 billion. USACE has already utilized KBR's Navy contract, or CONCAP, to hire the company for Katrina clean-up work. The Navy has currently provided two task orders to KBR, one worth $12 million for cleaning up and repairing navy installations in Pascagoula and Gulfport, Mississippi. The other, worth $15 million, will be used by USACE and KBR for pumping water and building temporary morgues in New Orleans.

But some members of Congress are demanding an oversight committee to prevent contracting abuse. Sens. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME), who is chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced a bill that would expand the role of the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction to include oversight of contracts awarded in response to Katrina.

Maynard MA September 19, 2005 - Belarc, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has successfully deployed its BelManage IT management system on more than 23,000 of its desktops, servers and laptop computers. BelManage will shortly cover all of the USCG's 40,000 computers.

"The USCG's IT network is typical of many large, geographically distributed organizations", said Greg Botard, Belarc National Accounts Manager. "BelManage is ideal for this environment, because it runs automatically over the USCG's internal Intranet, with a single server and single database. Information from the entire network is updated on a daily basis, so there is never a need to do a data-call or audit."

The USCG is using BelManage to help manage its software license contracts, hardware re-fresh process, security patches, hotfixes, and more. Both headquarters IT staff and local administrators have immediate access to the up-to-date information they need to make the right decisions.

Clarksburg MD September 19, 2005 - Thales Communications, Inc. announced today that it has won a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

The contract, with a base period of 2 years followed by four 2-year option periods, has a potential total value of approximately $32 million. The first order against the contract encompasses equipment deliveries for five 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC). Thales will supply its Series 5000 HF equipment, which includes transceivers, power amplifiers, couplers, Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) modems, and associated spares. Under previous contracts, Thales delivered eight upgrade HF systems for the WMECs, and this IDIQ contract will complete the upgrade of the entire 270-foot WMEC fleet.

"From my first look at the products that Thales Communications, Inc. provides I knew the Coast Guard would benefit from this product line," said Mark Roebuck, Maintenance and Logistics Command-Atlantic, U.S. Coast Guard. "I was very impressed with the system flexibility and modular design that will enable our support personnel to quickly and efficiently repair failures in the field, and our system designers to tailor systems to meet mission requirements throughout our fleet of legacy cutters. Thales

Communications, Inc. managers and engineers have set themselves apart from others by providing superior customer support and have employed a customer oriented business model that other companies should follow."

"This upgrade will provide the Coast Guard with significantly increased communication capabilities over its legacy HF systems," said Aaron Brosnan, naval programs manager for Thales. "Our software-defined solution is more reliable than other shipboard HF systems and more cost-efficient than other methods, such as satellite communications."