THE TENSION

Combat Camera: Troops in Afghanistan Conduct Operation Mountain Fire

2009-07-18T21:38:00.004-04:00

U.S. Army soldiers search through a weapons and ammunition cache found while searching a hotel during Operation Mountain Fire in Barge Matal, a village in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. The hotel is a known for harboring anti-Afghanistan forces. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

Rocket-propelled grenade rounds are displayed after being discovered by U.S. Army soldiers and Afghan forces during Operation Mountain Fire in Barge Matal, a village in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

Stacks of ammunition are displayed after being discovered by U.S. Army soldiers and Afghan forces during Operation Mountain Fire in Barge Matal, a village in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

U.S. Army soldiers fire mortar rounds at suspected Taliban fighting positions during Operation Mountain Fire in Barge Matal, a village in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. U.S. and Afghan forces secured the remote mountain village, which had been overwhelmed by insurgent forces. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier calls for an airstrike on the hills surrounding the remote village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier scans for insurgents hiding in the hills surrounding the tiny village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier fires his weapon at insurgent positions in the hills surrounding the remote village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier fires his weapon at insurgent positions in the hills surrounding the remote village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier fires his weapon at insurgent positions in the hills surrounding the remote village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

An Afghan Border Police member calls out insurgent positions in the hills surrounding Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier fires at insurgent positions in the hills surrounding the village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A U.S. Army soldier scans for insurgent forces as small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades hit near U.S. and Afghan military positions inside the village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

U.S. Army Sgt. Arturo Islas checks the pulse of a suspected Taliban fighter injured during an early morning airstrike with U.S. and Afghan forces outside the village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. Islas is assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

U.S. Army soldiers and Afghan forces medically evacuate an insurgent, wounded after attacking coalition forces, to an American base to receive further medical treatment during Operation Mountain Fire in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

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Wire: Taliban Video Shows Captive US Soldier

2009-07-18T19:02:00.006-04:00

This video frame grab taken from a Taliban propaganda video released Saturday, July 18, 2009 shows an American soldier who went missing from his base in eastern Afghanistan June 30 and was later confirmed captured. The soldier, whose identity has not yet been confirmed by the Pentagon, says his name, age and hometown on the video. (Photo grabbed from militant video.)

This video frame grab taken from a Taliban propaganda video released Saturday, July 18, 2009 shows an American soldier who went missing from his base in eastern Afghanistan June 30 and was later confirmed captured. The soldier, whose identity has not yet been confirmed by the Pentagon, says his name, age and hometown on the video. (Photo grabbed from militant video.)

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2009 -- Newswire services this evening reported that the American soldier who went missing June 30 from his base in eastern Afghanistan, and was later confirmed captured, appeared on a video posted Saturday to a web site by the Taliban, two U.S. defense officials said.

The soldier is shown in the 28-minute video with his head shaved and the start of a beard. He is sitting and dressed in a nondescript gray outfit. Early in the video one of his captors holds the soldier's dogtag up to the camera. His name and Social Security number are clearly visible. He is shown eating at one point and sitting on a bed, according to an Associate Press report.

The soldier, whose identity has not yet been released by the Pentagon pending notification of members of Congress and the soldier's family, says his name, age and hometown on the video, which was released Saturday on a Web site pointed out by the Taliban. Two U.S. defense officials confirmed to The Associated Press that the man in the video is the captured soldier.

AP noted the following details:

The soldier said the date is July 14. He says he was captured when he lagged behind on a patrol.

He is interviewed in English by his captors, and he is asked his views on the war (extremely hard), Islam ( wants to learn more it) and the morale of American soldiers (which he said was low.)

Asked how he was doing, the soldier said:

"Well I'm scared, scared I won't be able to go home," he said on the video. "It is very unnerving to be a prisoner."

It is unclear from the video whether the July 14 date is authentic. The soldier says that he heard that a Chinook helicopter carrying 37 NATO troops had been shot down over Helmand. A helicopter was shot down in southern Afghanistan on July 14, but it was carrying civilians on a reported humanitarian mission for NATO forces.

On July 2, the U.S. military said an American soldier had disappeared after walking off his base in eastern Afghanistan and was believed to have been taken prisoner. No further details were released.

This is a developing story.

(Report from newswire sources.)

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US Airpower Summary, July 18, 2009: B-1Bs Strike Enemy Forces

2009-07-18T15:41:00.002-04:00

A B-1B Lancer departs on a mission. The B-1B can deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons rapidly against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Miller.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 18, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Surkhabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and B-1B Lancers released numerous guided bomb unit-31s and 38s on enemy positions. Enemy forces at these positions were directing small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades on friendly forces. All weapons fire from the enemy positions ceased upon impact of the bombs. This action eliminated any possible imminent threat to friendly forces and civilian forces.

At Asadabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15Es rolled in to provide cover for friendly forces taking RPG and small-arms fire. Numerous strafing runs, several GBU-38s and MK-82 general purpose bombs destroyed the enemy position eliminating the threat to friendly forces.

Air Force B-1B Lancers at Sangin rolled in to provide cover for friendly forces taking RPG and small-arms fire. During this skirmish, there were shows of force and numerous flares expended causing the enemy to stop the attack on friendly forces.

Asmar saw F-15Es during the day as they destroyed several enemy positions that had been firing RPGs and small arms on coalition and friendly forces. This was accomplished with the release of several GBU-38s on the enemy positions. Armed overwatch was provided for several more hours.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

Twenty-four Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In total, 60 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 24 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 149 airlift sorties were flown, 1,133 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,540 passengers were transported. Airlift included about 164,300 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On July 16, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported eight patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard the helicopters located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60Gs transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.95 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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US Air Force F-15E Crew Killed in Afghanistan Crash

2009-07-18T15:35:00.004-04:00

An F-15E Strike Eagle, like the one shown here, has crashed in eastern Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 18, 2009 -- Two Air Force officers were killed July 18 in the crash of an F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft, assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., was flying in support of coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones...and to the Airmen and the joint and coalition team members who called them friends and will miss their fellow warriors," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander.

A team of U.S. and coalition forces immediately responded to the crash site, secured it and recovered the Airmen.

Notification of the officers' next of kin is ongoing, and the names have not yet been released, consistent with Department of Defense policy.

The Airmen will be returned to their families through a dignified transfer from Afghanistan to the United States.

The crash was not due to hostile fire. A board of officers will be convened to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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US Air Force F-15E Crashes in Eastern Afghanistan

2009-07-18T11:31:00.003-04:00

News from the U.S. Air Force.
News in Balance:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 18, 2009 -- An F-15E Strike Eagle conducting coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan crashed at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time. The crash was not due to hostile fire.

Two crew members were on board. Their condition is unknown at this time.

A board of officers will investigate the incident.

WIRE UPDATE: The Associated Press reported Saturday morning that a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed early Saturday in central Afghanistan, killing the two crew members, the U.S. military said.

A statement by the Air Force Central Command said the crash was not due to hostile fire, and a board of officers would be convened to determine the cause. Names of the crew members were not released. Their deaths bring to 50 the number of international service members killed in Afghanistan in July — already the deadliest month of the war for NATO forces.

Additional details will be provided as they become available.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release and a commercial news article.)

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US Navy, Marines Storm Australian Beach for Talisman Saber 2009

2009-07-18T11:12:00.003-04:00

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia (July 15, 2009) Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 10, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Det. Western Pacific, departs Freshwater Bay to return to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) to embark Marines and equipment supporting Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a joint exercise between the U.S. and the Australian Defense Force that includes participation from more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio.)

QUEENSLAND, Australia (July 16, 2009) Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Kevin McClure, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 1, checks the line attached to a mock improvised explosive device during a training exercise at the Port of Gladstone, in Queensland, Australia. EOD-1 is participating in Talisman Saber 2009, a biennial joint military exercise between the U.S. and Australia focusing on operational and tactical interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Maurice Dayao.)

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia (July 15, 2009) Seaman Nyja Allen, from New York assigned to Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1, directs Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 21, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Det. Western Pacific as it comes ashore at Freshwater Bay during a training exercise supporting Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a joint exercise between the U.S. and the Australian Defense Force that includes participation from more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio.)

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia (July 7, 2009) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) disembark Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 21, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Det. Western Pacific, during a training exercise at Freshwater Bay supporting Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a joint exercise between the U.S. and the Australian Defense Force that includes participation from more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio.)

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia (July 15, 2009) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), move out on patrol in light armored vehicles during an exercise at Freshwater Bay supporting Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a joint exercise between the U.S. and the Australian Defense Force that includes participation from more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio.)

Focus On Defense:

QUEENSLAND, Australia, July 18, 2009 -- The combined forces of the U.S. military and Australian Defense Forces landed on Freshwater Bay beach in Queensland to commence the land phase of Talisman Saber 2009. After days of practice and battle preparations, the combined force made the landing.

"We secured the beach to allow other forces to land," said Marine 1st Lt. Marco Rossi, executive officer for Company L Battalion Landing Team 3/5. "We will also be the first to push inland and continue the attack while other elements come in for support."

Vehicles that could not float to the shore arrived aboard the U.S. Navy's landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vehicles. Australian and U.S. Marines from USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46), as well as the HMAS Kanimbla and HMAS Darwin made the landing to begin the ground battle of the exercise.

"We arrived with the LCACs, dropped our trucks on the beach, and we provide security until we move out," said Cpl. Nathan Blackwood, Weapons Company 3/5.

"We have a lot better traction here than anywhere else," said Lance Cpl. Alex Ciborowski, with Weapons Company BLT 3/5. "I've never had the opportunity to train with Australians, so I want to see how that goes."

Marines from Company L arrived on the shore of Freshwater Bay beach on amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) to push on to Samuel Hill, the exercise objective.

"We have ten days of operations trying to find bad guys," said Gunnery Sgt. Ed Brickert Weapons Company BLT 3/5. "We are a combination of Reservists and Australian Army. We have our work cut out for us, experience has shown that the Aussies are pretty good at camouflage and concealment. It's their home territory."

Exercise Talisman Saber is the biennial combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations, which will help improve bilateral combat readiness and interoperability.

The mock battle will place the Marines in various scenarios for the next few days. Umpires or referees from both nations' services will administer the exercise and its progress.

(Report by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose Lopez Jr.)

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Wire: Obama Pentagon Budget Expected to Kill More US Defense Jobs

2009-07-18T09:16:00.003-04:00

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2009 -- Newswire services Friday reported that defense contractors could be poised to shed jobs as the Pentagon cuts weapons spending.

The Reuters news service said industry leader Lockheed Martin Corp said this week it would cut 600 jobs, mainly in Owego, New York, as a result of the U.S. Defense Department's decision to terminate the VH-71 presidential helicopter program.

Aircraft maker Boeing Co said announced Pentagon cuts would claim 1,000 jobs in its defense business, affecting staffing at various U.S. work sites in missile defense and in the Army's Future Combat Systems modernization program, which is being opened to more competition.

Boeing, which has also been hit by the slump in commercial aerospace, declined to say whether the defense staff cuts were included in 10,000 jobs set to be pared company-wide this year, Reuters noted.

Congress is debating the Obama administration's fiscal 2010 defense budget request and has proposed changes, including keeping funding for some programs that the administration seeks to cut.

Despite the congressional bid, some industry experts are betting more job cuts will come as U.S. defense budget growth slows, Reuters said.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: More job cuts expected in U.S. defense sector

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Pentagon Identifies Army Casualties (OIF)

2009-07-18T09:05:00.000-04:00

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2009 -- The following news release made available Saturday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying casualties:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died July 16 in Basra of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using indirect fire.

Killed were:
Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn.;
Spc. James D. Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn.; and
Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, Minn.
All three soldiers were assigned to the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minn.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Wire: Iraq Restricts US Forces

2009-07-18T08:55:00.003-04:00

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2009 -- Newswire services this morning reported that the Iraqi government has moved to restrict the movement and activities of U.S. forces in a revision of the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement.

In an order issued by the Baghdad Operations Command on July 2 -- the day after Iraqis celebrated the withdrawal of U.S. troops to bases outside city centers -- Iraq's top commanders told their U.S. counterparts to "stop all joint patrols" in Baghdad. It said U.S. resupply convoys could travel only at night and ordered the Americans to "notify us immediately of any violations of the agreement."

The strict application of the agreement coincides with what U.S. military officials in Washington say has been an escalation of attacks against their forces by Iranian-backed Shiite extremist groups, to which they have been unable to fully respond, The Washington Post reported.

The Washington Post noted the following details:

If extremists realize "some of the limitations that we have, that's a vulnerability they could use against us," a senior U.S. military intelligence official said. "The fact is that some of these are very politically sensitive targets" thought to be close to the Shiite-dominated Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The new guidelines are a reflection of rising tensions between the two governments. Iraqi leaders increasingly see the agreement as an opportunity to show their citizens that they are now unequivocally in charge and that their dependence on the U.S. military is minimal and waning.

The Iraqi order runs "contrary to the spirit and practice of our last several months of operations," Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger, commander of the Baghdad division, wrote in an e-mail obtained by The Washington Post.

"Maybe something was 'lost in translation,' " Bolger wrote. "We are not going to hide our support role in the city. I'm sorry the Iraqi politicians lied/dissembled/spun, but we are not invisible nor should we be." He said U.S. troops intend to engage in combat operations in urban areas to avert or respond to threats, with or without help from the Iraqis.

"This is a broad right and it demands that we patrol, raid and secure routes as necessary to keep our forces safe," he wrote. "We'll do that, preferably partnered."

U.S. commanders have not publicly described in detail how they interpret the agreement's vaguely worded provision that gives them the right to self-defense. The issue has bedeviled them because commanders are concerned that responding quickly and forcefully to threats could embarrass the Iraqi government and prompt allegations of agreement violations, The Washington Post said.

This is a developing story.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: Iraq Restricts U.S. Forces

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US Airpower Summary, July 17, 2009: F-16s Support Warfighters

2009-07-17T20:46:00.003-04:00

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off on an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission. The F-16 jet provides close-air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for ground forces during combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tony R. Tolley.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 17, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Surkhabad, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons demonstrated a show of force over a possible enemy position. This action eliminated any possible imminent threat to friendly forces and civilian forces.

At Asmar, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released guided bomb unit-31s on an enemy position and destroyed it. There was small-arms fire from the enemy position onto coalition forces that ceased immediately.

Several coalition aircraft and Air Force B-1B Lancers at Surkhabad rolled in to provide cover for a friendly force patrol taking rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. During this skirmish, there were shows of force and numerous munitions expended to include GBU-12s and GBU-38s and Hellfire missiles. The enemy fighting position was destroyed allowing the friendly force patrol to continue.

Asmar saw Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts several times during the day as they destroyed several enemy positions that had been firing RPGs and small arms on coalition forces and friendly forces. This was accomplished with several strafing runs and the release of several GBU-38s on the enemy positions. Armed overwatch was provided for several more hours.

At Qalat, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets carried out shows of force over a suspected enemy position. Enemy forces were forced back into their compound without any shots fired at friendly forces.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 71 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-four Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 24 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 37 airlift sorties were flown, 1,102 tons of cargo were delivered, and about 4,158 passengers were transported. This included about 109,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On July 15, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported eight patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60G transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

Air Force tanker crews flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 227 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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OEF Summary, July 17, 2009: Troops in Afghanistan Raid Terrorist Compounds

2009-07-17T19:43:00.001-04:00

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 17, 2009 -- Coalition and Afghan forces raided several terrorist compounds in eastern and southern Afghanistan in the past two days, disrupting bomb networks and seizing suspects and weapons, military officials reported.

The combined forces killed several insurgents in a gun battle in Paktia province last night, and a dozen militants were detained in raids in Logar, Paktika and Khost provinces in the East and Helmand province in the South.

Afghan and coalition forces searched an enemy encampment last night in the remote reaches of Paktia province in an effort to disrupt the flow of foreign fighters and weapons by the Haqqani terrorist group through the Khost-Gardez Pass along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The force targeted the site, southeast of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. Several insurgents engaged the force with small-arms fire throughout the operation. The force used direct fire and close-air support to repel the attacks, killing several shooters. The force continued the search and uncovered large munitions caches throughout the encampment. All munitions were destroyed in place.

In Logar province, Afghan and coalition forces searched a compound thought to be used by a known Haqqani commander as a bomb-making cell for attacks on coalition and Afghan forces.

The force targeted the compound near the village of Ebad, southwest of Kabul, after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force conducted the search without incident and confiscated an AK-47 rifle and a chest rack. Three suspected militants were detained.

Two groups of joint Afghan and coalition forces searched known militant compounds July 15 in Khost and Paktika provinces to disrupt Haqqani communication lines and the flow of money and weapons into the regions.

The combined force targeted a compound north of the city of Khost after intelligence indicated militant activity there. The force conducted a search of the compound without incident and two AK-47 rifles and a shotgun were confiscated. The force detained five suspected insurgents.

In Paktika province, the combined force targeted a compound southeast of Ghazni where intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident and four suspects were detained.

No Afghan National Army or coalition force or civilian casualties were reported during either incident.

Afghan and coalition forces searched a compound last night in Helmand province thought to belong to a key Taliban commander believed to be responsible for directing suicide and bomb attacks in the area.

The force targeted the compound in the Nad Ali district where intelligence indicated militant activity. The force conducted a search without incident and uncovered a hand grenade in one of the targeted buildings. The force detained four suspected militants.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)

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Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OEF)

2009-07-17T12:57:00.001-04:00

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2009 -- The following news release made available Thursday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason J. Fabrizi, 29, of Seffner, Fla., died July 14 in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his mounted patrol was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group Begins Talisman Saber

2009-07-17T12:50:00.002-04:00

YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 10, 2009) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship departs on her first summer deployment since arriving at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis.)

Focus on Defense:

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea, July 17, 2009 -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, began participating in Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09) July 13.

TS09, a biennial exercise hosted by the Australian Defense Force, is designed to enhance combat readiness while maintaining the highest levels of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

"With both nations dedicated to enhancing security and stability in the region, Talisman Saber 2009 provides us with the unique opportunity to train together across the full spectrum of missions from high-end combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," said Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of Battle Force 7th Fleet. "The end result is the enhanced efficiency that comes from extensive interoperability among our joint military services."

Capt. Michael S. White, commander of CVW 5, said the exercise will present some new and unique training opportunities for CVW 5 pilots embarked on the carrier.

"Northern Australia, where we are working for TS09, really has some great flying opportunities — and the fact that we'll be working with our Air Force, Marine Corps and Royal Australian counterparts," said White. "The events are complex and challenging, but the training value is very good. It's a great opportunity for us to go get better at what we do."

USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) Combat Direction Center (CDC) Officer, Cmdr. Peter Walczak, said the purpose of GW's participation is to build and foster relationships with Australians while practicing responses to possible crises or small conflicts.

"We'll be performing simulated strikes on targets in central and northern Australia," said Walczak. "The scenarios are simulated for the purpose of dislodging a hostile element from a region of a local country. We'll also be simulating attacks on GW."

Walczak said the ship will then devise a simulated air plan in order to defend the ship and strike group from air attack.

"GW is performing typical operations, but our attitude is different. We're putting our game face on, where drills are not just at a departmental or divisional level; we're looking at where we fit within the strike group as a whole."

Cmdr. Mark Stoops, GW's air officer, said the exercise will allow the ship's air department to work in a high-tempo flight operations environment.

"We're launching and recovering aircraft every day regardless, but throughout the exercise our volume of operations will be much higher," said Stoops. "This is good because this way we can continue to practice and keep our skills sharp."

Capt. David A. Lausman, commanding officer of GW, the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, is currently making its inaugural summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

GWCSG is comprised of CVW 5, Destroyer Squadron 15 and guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

(Report from a USS George Washington Public Affairs news release.)

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Pentagon: Citing Stress on Troops, Gates Considers Expanding Army

2009-07-16T16:54:00.000-04:00

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is considering proposals to temporarily expand the Army to relieve stress on the force, a Pentagon spokesman said.

Gates has discussed the possibility of a temporary expansion with Army Secretary Pete Geren, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., and others, Geoff Morrell said at a Pentagon news briefing yesterday after being asked by reporters about the proposal.

Army leaders, as well as U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, are "advocating to increase the size of the Army to get them through what is still a stressful period as we draw down in Iraq and continue to plus-up in Afghanistan," he said.

Asked how Gates feels about the idea, Morrell said, "I think he obviously has a great deal of concern about the stress that the Army has been under for a number of years now. And he understands that his prescription that they reduce their dependence upon stop-loss to keep units intact when they deploy has created additional stress on the force.

"He obviously appreciates the stress that the force is under and is listening intently to the arguments that are being made by General Casey and others," he added.

Gates earlier this year announced a phase-out of the Army's "stop-loss" policy, which keeps some soldiers in uniform beyond the terms of their enlistment contracts.

Morrell stressed that Gates has made no decisions about increasing Army troop strength. "He is right now still in the consultation process," he said. "But he is clearly considering it."

Casey has argued for the expansion as a "temporary fix to a near-term problem" of about two more years of considerable stress on the force due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said.

Even temporary, a plus-up "will be very expensive," he said. "Our personnel costs, in total I think, in the 2010 budget are north of $160 billion. Our health-care costs alone are $42 billion. Every person you add has enormous costs -- legacy costs, especially. And that is clearly part of the consideration here."

Gates spoke out this week against efforts in Congress to fund more F-22 aircraft than the department has requested, and Morrell reiterated those concerns yesterday.

"It looks as though the Army believes it needs additional soldiers to do the job that we have asked them to do," he told reporters. "So, buying more F-22s would very much inhibit our ability to even temporarily grow the force."

Although any increase is meant to be temporary, Morrell said, "It is always hard to do things on a temporary basis in this building. They have a way of becoming permanent."

(Report by Lisa Daniel, American Forces Press Service.)

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Dawn of the Atomic Age, July 16, 1945: Trinity Test

2009-07-16T16:51:00.003-04:00

The Trinity test was the dawn of the atomic age. (Image courtesy Los Alamos National Laboratories.)

Living History:

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2009 -- On July 16, 1945, at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time, the world's first atomic bomb exploded 100 feet over a portion of the southern New Mexico desert known as the Jomada del Muerto, the Journey of the Dead Man. As the orange and yellow fireball stretched up and spread, a second column, narrower than the first, rose and flattened into a mushroom shape, providing a visual image that has become imprinted as a symbol of power and awesome destruction. The world had never seen a nuclear explosion before, and estimates varied widely on how much energy would be released. The bomb exploded with a force of 21,000 tons of TNT, evaporating the tower on which it stood. Before the test, some scientists at Los Alamos privately had doubts that it would work at all.

The elaborate instrumentation surrounding the site was tested with an explosion of a large amount of conventional explosives on May 7. Preparations continued throughout May and June and were complete by the beginning of July. Three observation bunkers located 10,000 yards north, west, and south of the firing tower at ground zero would attempt to measure key aspects of the reaction. Specifically, scientists would try to determine the symmetry of the implosion and the amount of energy released. Additional measurements would be taken to determine damage estimates, and equipment would record the behavior of the fireball. The biggest concern was control of the radioactivity the test device would release. Not entirely content to trust favorable meteorological conditions to carry the radioactivity into the upper atmosphere, the Army stood ready to evacuate the people in surrounding areas.

On July 12, the plutonium core was taken to the test area in an Army sedan. The non-nuclear components left for the test site at 12:01 a.m., July 13. During the day, final assembly of the "Gadget" took place in the McDonald ranch house. By 5:00 p.m. on the July 15, the device had been assembled and hoisted atop the 100-foot firing tower. Leslie Groves, Vannevar Bush, James Conant, Ernest Lawrence, Thomas Farrell, James Chadwick, and others arrived in the test area, where it was pouring rain. Groves and Oppenheimer, standing at the S-10,000 control bunker, discussed what to do if the weather did not break in time for the scheduled 4:00 a.m. test.

Oppenheimer himself had bet $10 against George Kistiakowsky's entire month's pay that the bomb would not work at all. Meanwhile, Edward Teller was making everyone nervous by applying liberal amounts of sunscreen in the pre-dawn darkness and offering to pass it around. At 3:30, Groves and Oppenheimer pushed the time back to 5:30.

At 4:00, the rain stopped. Kistiakowsky and his team armed the device shortly after 5:00 and retreated to S-10,000. In accordance with his policy that each observe from different locations in case of an accident, Groves left Oppenheimer and joined Bush and Conant at base camp. Those in shelters heard the countdown over the public address system, while observers at base camp picked it up on an FM radio signal.

Seconds after the explosion came a huge blast wave and heat searing out across the desert. No one could see the radiation generated by the explosion, but they all knew it was there. The steel container "Jumbo," weighing over 200 tons and transported to the desert only to be eliminated from the test, was knocked ajar even though it stood half a mile from ground zero.

(From a U.S. Air Force report; information compiled from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of History and Heritage Resources, and image courtesy Los Alamos National Laboratories.)

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Pentagon Discuses Operation Khanjar, New Afghanistan Strategy

2009-07-16T15:28:00.001-04:00

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2009 -- Defense leaders are encouraged about operations in Afghanistan, but meeting long-term objectives there will require “an enormous” worldwide commitment to train and grow Afghan forces, a Pentagon spokesman said.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates “is encouraged thus far by how things are going operationally” in the U.S. Marine-led offensive that began two weeks ago in Afghanistan’s southern provinces, Geoff Morrell told reporters at a Pentagon press briefing yesterday.

Morrell acknowledged it has been “an extraordinarily difficult month” with 22 U.S. servicemembers and 17 other coalition members killed in the offensive dubbed Operation Khanjar, or “strike of the sword,” primarily in Helmand province.

Despite those losses, troops “have met little resistance” as they've moved into the Nawa and Garmsir districts and have “generally, been welcomed” by residents, he said.

“But, obviously, as we move into areas where we have not traditionally been operating, we are confronting insurgents along the way, those who are not running and hiding,” Morrell said. “There are those who, through [improvised explosive devices] and indirect fire, hit-and-run operations, are trying to impede our progress.”

The combined force of some 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan soldiers were deployed quickly to the provinces to secure the area from the Taliban in time for next month’s scheduled national elections, he said.

“The security situation, particularly in the South, was not conducive for holding free and fair and safe elections in August,” Morrell said. “Everybody agreed we had to change that dynamic on the ground, and the only way to do it was to get forces there and get them there fast. And that's what we have done, and that's what our allies have done, and that's why we are moving out and trying to improve the situation in the limited window of time that we have.”

With the roadside bomb threat growing in Afghanistan, Morrell said, Gates pushed to move some 3,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles to Afghanistan. At least 5,000 more MRAPs -- newly designed as an all-terrain vehicle -- are to be shipped there, as well, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets also are increasing, he said.

“We've got to tackle this threat from 360 degrees,” Morrell said. “We've got to get them from the air. We've got to monitor the roads. We've got to watch patterns of life for these [improvised explosive device] networks. We've got to provide force-protection measures that will keep our troops safe if they do encounter them. And we've got to increase our intelligence on the ground to ultimately dismantle these groups.

“But fundamentally, you got to win over the population. You got to have them believe that you are there for the long haul; you are there for their best interests. We are the ones they should trust, and we are the ones they should provide information for about the people who are trying to make their lives miserable.”

Securing the southern provinces is part of the Obama administration’s long-term strategy to move control from the Taliban and to the Afghan government, he said.

“We are committed, for the long run, to maintain a force presence in as many populated areas as possible to protect the population from the Taliban and other terrorists, and to help the Afghan government to be able to exert itself more throughout the country to provide services, to provide economic development so that people there have something else they can believe in other than the bankrupt ideology and the fear that is promoted by the Taliban,” he said.

Ultimately, Afghan security forces will need to take over, and that will require much more training and recruitment to build those forces, Morrell said. Plans are under way to grow the Afghan National Army from its current 90,000 members to 134,000 by the end of next year, and to train some 28,000 soldiers per year, he said.

Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who recently took over command of both the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, is considering whether the Afghan force needs to grow bigger and faster, Morrell said.

Gates has said even getting to 134,000 trained Afghan soldiers “is going to be a real challenge,” Morrell said. “Trainers have been at a premium. We’ve had to contribute more of them than we would like because it’s been difficult getting them from our allies. If we all believe that it is necessary to grow the Afghan National Security Forces even beyond that, it’s going to take an enormous commitment from not just us, but with the world to provide the trainers necessary to get it done in a time that can have an impact on the ground, and also to pay to sustain this force in the long run.”

Defense Department officials budgeted $7 billion this year to grow and sustain Afghan forces and plan to deploy a training brigade to Afghanistan this fall. That will “make a big difference,” but it won’t be enough, Morrell said.

“If we are serious about this, if the world is committed to this, it's going to require all of us accepting additional responsibility and burden in this area, both in terms of trainers and in terms of financial contributions,” he said.

Morrell declined to say how long Operation Khanjar might last. “Suffice it to say, this is not the only operation we are going to undertake. There will be many such operations. If this operation is ultimately not sustained over the long run, trust me, there will be many more to follow. This is all part of a renewed focus and effort to protect the population in Afghanistan. And you have a new commander and a new strategy, and that's where we're headed.”

(Report by Lisa Daniel, American Forces Press Service.)

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US Airpower Summary, July 16, 2009: Reaper Provides Topcover

2009-07-16T11:33:00.001-04:00

An armed MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle taxis down a runway in Afghanistan. During operations July 15, a Reaper released several guided bomb unit-12's on possible improvised explosive devices located in a roadway near Qalat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 16, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Qalat, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper released several guided bomb unit-12's on possible improvised explosive devices located in a roadway. This action eliminated any possible imminent threat to friendly forces and civilian forces.

At Asadabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's strafed an enemy position and destroyed it. The enemy position was firing rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire on coalition forces.

Several A-10's at Asadabad rolled in to provide cover for friendly forces taking RPG fire. They destroyed the enemy fighting position by strafing the position with cannon fire.

Asmar saw several A-10's execute a show of force in the vicinity of coalition forces. The enemy forces withdrew after the aircraft arrived on scene.

After a friendly force convoy started taking small-arms fire in an ambush near Orgun-E, A-10's carried out shows of force over the suspected enemy position. Friendly ground forces reported that the shooting stopped following strafing runs on the enemy position. Armed overwatch was continued after a vehicle in the convoy was struck by an IED.

A-10's flying over Gardez conducted a show of force on an enemy position preventing friendly forces from coming under small-arms fire.

Qalat saw action as Navy F/A-18C Hornets flew a show of force, ensuring there was no small-arms fire from enemy forces, after a coalition force's convoy lead vehicle struck an IED.

In the vicinity of Balocan, F/A-18's expended flares in a show of force when several suspicious individuals began firing on coalition forces. This show of force stopped the small-arms fire.

Qalat saw action as coalition aircraft flew a show of force for a friendly convoy departing its position ensuring there was no small-arms fire from enemy forces.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 76 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-three Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 804 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,997 passengers were transported. This included about 75,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On July 14, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported seven patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60G transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Photo Essay: Littoral Combat Ship Independence (LCS 2) Builder's Trials

2009-07-16T11:06:00.007-04:00

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics.)

Related imagery: US Navy's New Littoral Combat Ship Independence (LCS 2)

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USS Harry S Truman Fires Missiles, Certifies Air Defenses

2009-07-16T10:18:00.003-04:00

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July, 15 2009) A RIM-7P NATO Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daron Street.)

Focus on Defense:

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, at sea, July 16, 2009 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) successfully completed a NATO Sea Sparrow Missile exercise at sea July 15 to certify that the ship's missile system is sufficiently capable of warding off certain types of threats.

Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Harold Vernon said the exercise included two parts: the first being to hit an air target and the other to hit a surface target.

To simulate protecting the ship from an aerial threat, sailors employed two drones, which approached the ship in a stream-raid flight pattern. On board Truman a missile was fired to intercept the drones, hitting both targets.

Another missile was fired to intercept a surface target the size of a sail boat moving at 10 knots. The purpose was to test a new camera sensor installed on the NATO Sea Sparrow launcher.

The cameras are designed to give improved range and the ability to visually identify any surface crafts in the area, said Vernon.

Sailors on board Truman endured a lot of hard work and preparation to ensure a successful evolution.

"It took approximately 70 hours of preparation from four NATO technicians and combat systems (CS-7) division in support to get this program done," said Vernon. "They have been preparing for this missile shoot for the last month."

"Teamwork is essential," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Clifford Maass. "There are certain steps in loading the missiles that require at least three people at a time. The whole evolution takes six people on deck to complete, and each person is vital."

Safety was also an important issue in the missile exercise.

"We all have our ammo handling physical qualification, and we have to get ammo handling qualified, which gets done with the ordnance handling officer," said Maass. "Once we are all qualified, we actually go to schools in Dam Neck, Va., to qualify ourselves on shore before we are allowed to do this on a ship."

USS Harry S. Truman is currently conducting work-up evolutions in preparation for deployment later this year. With the recent completion of composite training unit exercise, Truman and its attached battle group are nearing certification as the Navy's ready deployable carrier strike group.

(Report by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman David Finley, Truman Public Affairs.)

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US Navy Updates Confirmed Cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) to 470

2009-07-16T10:14:00.002-04:00

News from the U.S. Navy.
News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2009 -- The U.S. Navy updated its confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza July 15 to 470 sailors, of which 346 have returned to duty.

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), the headquarters for Navy medicine, continues to monitor the health of the force to ensure necessary precautions are being taken to educate and safeguard Sailors, civilian personnel and family members.

Additional information on the H1N1 influenza is available at:

The Center of Disease Control website: www.cdc.gov/flu/swine or call 1-800-CDC-INFO

The Department of Defense website: www.dod.mil/pandemicflu.

The Department of Health and Human Services website: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.

(Report from a U.S. Navy news release.)

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Pentagon Discusses Tobacco Policy for Deployed Troops

2009-07-15T19:39:00.000-04:00

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has made it clear he does not plan to restrict tobacco use among troops in war zones, the Pentagon’s press secretary said today.

Gates has yet to see a report commissioned by the Defense Department that proposes a ban on smoking in the military, Geoff Morrell said.

The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine completed the study last month, which reportedly recommends strict controls to limit new users from entering the military and to curtail use among those already serving.

The secretary is likely to consider some of the report’s recommendations, but none that ban tobacco use among deployed forces, Morrell said.

“[Gates] has been very clear to me up front that one of the things he is not prepared to do is to restrict use of tobacco products in combat zones,” he said.

“We are fighting two wars right now using a force that we are demanding more of than we ever have before,” Morrell said. “They are under enormous stress and strain, and the secretary does not want to compound that stress by taking away one of the few outlets they may have to relieve that stress.”

The secretary shares the concerns of those who prepared the report about the health and well-being of the force and understands the administration’s goal of a smoke-free America, Morrell said.

“Obviously, it is not our preference to have a force that is using tobacco products,” he said.

Morrell noted the enormous cost to the department in terms of health care. “By some estimates, it costs us nearly a billion dollars a year in tobacco-related health problems,” he said.

(Report by Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service.)

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Combat Camera Video: IED Engagement in Helmand Province

2009-07-15T19:35:00.001-04:00

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 15, 2009 -- While conducting operations in southern Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Force AH-64 Apache helicopters, from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, observed insurgents placing an improvised explosive device. The location of the IED was on the main highway connecting the Helmand capital of Lashkar Gah with Kandahar City.

Insurgent operating along that highway routinely target Afghan national security forces and coalition forces with their deadly IEDs. Unfortunately, local civilians often become the victims of these indiscriminate attacks.

After taking all necessary precautions to ensure civilian safety, the ISAF helicopters used a precision weapon against the insurgents, preventing further IEDs from being placed.

"We are determined to assist our Afghan and Coalition security forces in protecting the Afghan people from the deadly and indiscriminate effects of insurgent emplaced IEDs," said Col. Paul Bricker, commander, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. "We remain most deliberate in our efforts to ensure battlefield effects do not harm innocent civilians.

"Our rotary wing aviation operations will continue to focus on supporting ISAF and local security forces in establishing the conditions necessary for a safer environment in southern Afghanistan and to assist in the Afghan people living their lives without fear of insurgent attacks," he said.

(Report and video, International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs, Length: 00:01:24.)

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Pentagon: Debate Over F-22 Reflects Broader Defense Acquisition Challenges

2009-07-15T16:55:00.002-04:00

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is pressing his point with Congress that the Defense Department doesn’t need more than 187 F-22 aircraft, the Pentagon’s press secretary told reporters today.

If the department is forced to buy more than it needs, other defense needs will suffer, Geoff Morrell said.

Gates will address the issue tomorrow with the Economic Club of Chicago, where he will point to the F-22 issue as an example of the acquisition challenges the department faces and the reforms he is promoting.

“F-22 is just indicative of what we are facing in this department,” Morrell said. “We need to rise above narrow, parochial interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our overall national security. We need to change the way we have been conducting business in this department.”

The F-22 issue, being debated on Capitol Hill, is a “vitally important issue” to the department, and Gates is making his and President Barack Obama’s stand on the issue clear, Morrell said. Obama has threatened to veto any bill that funds more aircraft than the Pentagon has requested.

Nobody debates the aircraft’s capability, Morrell said. “This is the best air-to-air fighter that, to date, has ever been built. There is no denying the extraordinary capabilities of this aircraft.

“What is at debate here is how many do you need of that exquisite niche capability for the threats we face, the operations we see ourselves conducting potentially in the future?” he said. “And it is the unanimous belief of all the decision makers in this building that 187 is more than enough to meet the need, particularly when they are used in conjunction with the array of other aircraft we will have at our disposal.”

Morrell called the F-22 issue an example of the choices that need to be made to properly fund U.S. defense. “You cannot continue to be all things to all people,” he said. “There are tradeoffs that have to be made.”

Buying more F-22s than needed will limit the military’s ability to buy other weapons systems and equipment, Morrell said. “It has to come out of something else we do vitally need,” he said.

Such tradeoffs, he said, will be “painful and detrimental to our overall national security if we are forced to make them.”

(Report by Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service.)

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Wire: New Obama Afghanistan Strategy Makes July Deadliest Month of War

2009-07-15T16:11:00.005-04:00

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2009 -- Newswire services today reported that July is shaping up as the deadliest month of the Afghan war for U.S.-led international forces, with the number killed already matching the highest full-month toll of the nearly eight-year conflict, according to figures compiled by the Associated Press.

As of Wednesday, at least 46 international troops, including 24 Americans, had been killed in Afghanistan this month, according to statements by the U.S. military and the NATO command. That matches the tolls for the two previous deadliest months -- June and August of 2008.

The rate of deaths in July -- about three a day -- is approaching some of the highest levels of the Iraq war, AP said.

The latest reported deaths occurred Tuesday. They include an American soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan and two Turks, including a colonel, who died in a traffic accident in the north of the country.

AP noted that U.S. commanders have been expecting higher casualties since President Barack Obama ordered 21,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan this year to curb a resurgent Taliban that threatens not only the U.S.-backed Kabul government but also Afghanistan's nuclear-armed neighbor, Pakistan.

Obama's decision has effectively shifted the focus on the global war against Islamic extremism from Iraq, where the United States still maintains about 130,000 troops. Only two U.S. service members have died in Iraq this month -- both from non-hostile causes -- according to the Pentagon, AP reported.

The U.S. is sending thousands more soldiers to train Afghanistan's police and army.

During last year's election campaign, Obama accused President George W. Bush of diverting U.S. resources from the war in Afghanistan, where al-Qaida's leadership planned the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington, to what he termed an unnecessary war to oust Saddam Hussein in Iraq, AP noted.

(Report from newswire sources.)

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USS Bataan Conducts Amphibious Operations in 5th Fleet

2009-07-15T14:44:00.000-04:00

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 11, 2009) Amphibious assault vehicles from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during an amphibious training exercise. Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tony Sisti.)

Focus on Defense:

USS BATAAN, At Sea, July 15, 2009 -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently conducted full-scale amphibious operations training, which allowed the crew to maintain proficiency and readiness on four different types of crafts.

Bataan opened its well deck to the sea, allowed up to seven feet of water to enter the specialized compartment and launched and received landing craft air-cushions (LCAC), landing craft utility, amphibious assault vehicles and lighter amphibious resupply cargo craft from the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15).

For Bataan's engineering and deck departments, launching and recovering LCACs is routine, but working with the other craft is a bit more uncommon, so when the chance came to sharpen their skills, the crew was eager and ready for the challenge.

Deck department sailors stationed at well-deck control, the craft access ramp and the along the parallel "wing walls" of the well deck brought aboard each craft, unloaded their cargo and then launched them back out to the sea.

"As far as proficiency, that's our job. We need to be ready for anything," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Eric Peterson from Hoisington, Kan., leading petty officer for deck's 2nd division. "Overall, you're only as strong as your weakest link."

Each amphibious craft presents unique challenges for the engineering team responsible for keeping the well deck flooded at the proper level, or "ballasting." Whether the requirement was six inches of water or seven feet, the operators and equipment were ready to execute.

"It really is assault and repair divisions that work diligently to maintain all ballasting equipment at peak performance," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) James Welch, a native of Fresno, Calif., and one of Bataan's ballasting control officers. "When the time comes to do the job, we don't have any doubts about how the equipment will perform."

Bataan is serving as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

(Report by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy L. Grisham.)

Tags: DOD, Military, Focus On Defense, GWOT, terrorism, United States, U.S., Open Thread, LHD 5, USS Bataan
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