SHIP'S EARLY DEPLOYMENT TO MIDDLE EAST UNDERSTOOD BY SAILORS

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks with sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in Bremerton, Wash., Aug. 22, 2012. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
Sailors: Early Deployment Tough, but 'We're Needed'

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

NAVAL BASE KITSAP, Wash., Aug. 24, 2012 - In July, the crew of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis learned their ship would deploy four months earlier than planned, and to a different part of the world than expected. Two months later, they report they're ready to go.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta visited the ship this week to thank the sailors for their service and their extraordinary effort in preparing the ship. During his visit, some of the crew discussed with American Forces Press Service what their summer has involved.

Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Armour has spent 10 years in the Navy, with two on the Stennis. Armour took part in the ship's last deployment, seven months in the Middle East, which ended in early March.

"We went from place to place [for] port visits," he said, "but we spent the majority of our time in the [Persian] Gulf."

Word of the next deployment -– back to the Middle East -- came in July, he said, while the ship was underway for training. Many of the sailors were anticipating the deployment that had been previously announced, which would have taken the Stennis carrier strike group to the Pacific later in the year, Armour added.

"A lot of people had made plans; they weren't planning on being out to sea [again] so quickly," he said. "The turn-around was really quick for us. ... We had to qualify the carrier and the strike group once again; just all this stuff got crunched into a four-month period. And that, I know, weighed a lot of stress [on] the personnel on board, as well as the chain of command."

Armour said he understands why the Stennis carrier strike group is headed out to the Gulf region again.

"I know we are needed there. I know there's a carrier presence that's required to be there," he said. "This is why we're on the Stennis; this is why we all joined. It is a lot quicker than we initially expected, but it is our job. ... It's not easy, but we're ready to do it."

Seaman Apprentice Azusena Roman is 19 and enlisted in the Navy a year ago. Right after her initial training she joined the Stennis for the final two months of its last deployment, she said, and she'll also take part in the upcoming one.

Roman's introduction to the Stennis carrier strike group "was intimidating," she said. "But I got along with people. Everyone welcomed me aboard, and I got the hang of things."

Word of the change in deployment schedule was shocking, she said, but added, "When they need us, they need us. [We've] got to be prepared at all times."

Roman, who got married in March, said she and her new husband had to change plans when they learned of the change in deployments. Both are from Los Angeles and her husband was planning to move this fall from there to Bremerton, Wash., the home port for the Stennis.

"He was upset about [the early deployment] as much as I was," she said. "But we should be getting used to this. We talk every day, pretty much, and we have plans for the future when [the ship] comes back. ... It's going to be tough, but we'll get through it."

Roman said she has professional goals she'll be working toward during the deployment, including earning the insignia of an enlisted surface warfare specialist, which requires study and, in some cases, qualification in various aspects of shipboard and combat operations.

"I want to get my ESWS pin, so I need to get qualified in many things," she said.

Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Harrell, public affairs officer for the Stennis, said since the new deployment was announced little more than a month ago, the sailors and leaders of the Stennis carrier strike group have managed both professional and personal challenges.

"Informing the sailors and the families was definitely a big priority for the command," he said. "The sailors and the crew found out directly from the admiral."

Rear Adm. Charles M. Gaouette commands Carrier Strike Group Three, the Stennis strike group. Gaouette put word on the deployment out to the crew as soon as he heard it last month, Harrell said.

"We gathered on the ship – we were underway at the time – had an all-hands call, and the admiral addressed the crew," Harrell said, adding that the admiral's main aim was to let everyone know what was coming so they could start to prepare.

The change in deployment date affected everything from supply timelines to stress management, he noted.

"We can't do what we do without sailors who have a good foundation with their families," Harrell said. "So that was definitely made to be a priority, so that the families knew and could prepare."

Ships' crews are normally encouraged to take leave at the end of a deployment, and again before they ship out for the next, Harrell said. Though the Stennis sailors had a lot of work to do getting ready for the Middle East, the command allowed as much leave time as possible, he added.

"We got seven or eight days less [leave time] than we would usually get, but we still had about 24 days where people could take time off, spend time with their families [and] get their personal lives in order," he said.

Morale among sailors on the Stennis remains high, Harrell said.

"People are always motivated to do what they've been trained to do," he said, adding leaders at all levels of the crew are working to ensure sailors have time to plan for their personal and family lives, while at the same time preparing the strike group for a seven-month mission.

Harrell said he and his wife, Amber, are both ready for the imminent separation.

"I've probably got the world's best wife," he said. "She's going to be working while I'm gone, and that helps. She's very supportive of what we do as a Navy and what I personally have to do when I leave home. I'm lucky to have her."

Other Navy spouses and families offer similar support, he said.

"They're the best people you could meet on this planet, as far as what they have to sacrifice, and their own personal strength of character," Harrell said.

                                                             Photo:  USS John C. Stenis.  Credit:  U.S. Navy.


The Stennis, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned in 1995, carries more than 80 tactical aircraft, rises some 24 stories from keel to mast, has a flight deck area of 4.5 acres and contains 900 miles of cabling and wires. As Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during a visit to the ship earlier this week, the ship exemplifies the high-tech, flexible force-projection capability the nation's defense strategy seeks to build across the forces.

The secretary also said, during his visit, that "none of that is worth a damn without men and women in uniform."

Harrell echoed those sentiments: "We can't do anything without well-trained and well-motivated people to support the system," he said. "That's how the mission gets done, and it gets done on their backs."

DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA DISCUSSES TRASITION WITH AFGHAN PRESIDENT KARZAI

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta spoke with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on the telephone yesterday, discussing the "significant progress" of American and Afghan forces as the transition process moves forward, said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little.
　
The two leaders talked about the challenges of insider attacks against coalition and Afghan forces, and Panetta thanked Karzai for his recent statements condemning such attacks, Little said in a statement.
　
"They expressed shared concern over this issue and agreed that American and Afghan officials should work even more closely together to minimize the potential for insider attacks in the future," Little said.


Panetta also encouraged Karzai to maintain ongoing rapport with Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, International Security Assistance Forces commander, in efforts to further strengthen ISAF-Afghan cooperation and counter the insider attack threat, Little said.
　
Measures to counter the threat include augmented counterintelligence, more rigorous vetting of Afghan recruits and heightened engagement with village elders, who often play a key role by vouching for Afghan security personnel, Little added.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA'S MESSAGE ON THE "ARAB SPRING"

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Trip Message: "Arab Spring" - Challenge and Opportunity
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, The Pentagon, Tuesday, August 07, 2012
To All Department of Defense Personnel:
Last week, I took a four-day trip to the Middle East and North Africa – my 13th international TDY as a Secretary of Defense. Now that I am back in Washington, I wanted to share some of my experiences from the trip with you.
My visit to Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Jordan took place during a critical moment for the region. Amidst a great deal of turmoil, a real confluence of challenges and opportunities is emerging. We've seen peaceful democratic transitions in Tunisia and Egypt, brutal violence in Syria, and a continued threat to regional stability posed by Iran and violent extremism.
As we left Washington on the way to Tunisia, it was clear that this trip would encompass many of these challenges and opportunities. Our first stop was Tunis, the capital of Tunisia and the site of the ancient city of Carthage. Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring, and one of the main purposes of the visit was to commend Tunisia's leaders, and the people of Tunisia, on the success of their revolution. In meetings with President Marzouki, Prime Minister Jebali and Minister of Defense Zbidi I told them that the United States strongly supported Tunisia's democratic transition. We all agreed that Tunisia's emergence as a democracy provides an opportunity to build an expanded relationship across a range of issues – including economic and security cooperation.
After a series of bilateral meetings, I had the opportunity to pay my respects at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Carthage, where nearly 7,000 U.S. personnel who were killed or missing during the North Africa campaign in World War II are memorialized. It was an incredibly moving experience to lay a wreath at the cemetery, which is immaculately maintained thanks to the dedication of the American Battle Monuments Commission. I paused beside the grave of Foy Draper, an American gold medalist who ran with Jesse Owens during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Draper was killed in the battle of Kasserine Pass in 1943. Like thousands of others who perished during that campaign, he will never be forgotten.
After visiting the cemetery, we made a brief stop to see the ruins of the old forum at Carthage, situated atop Byrsa Hill overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean. During a brief tour of the Carthage National Museum, I paused to look at beautiful, ancient mosaics – testament to the rich culture and history of the region.
My visit to Tunisia ended with an Iftar dinner graciously hosted by Minister of Defense Zbidi. It was an honor to break the Ramadan fast with the Minister and Tunisia's senior military leaders, who have played a very positive role in the revolution. Tunisia still faces a number of challenges as it continues its democratic consolidation, but I came away from my time their impressed with its leaders courage and vision, and pleased to be able to assure them that the United States supports Tunisia's democratic change.
Our next stop on this trip was Cairo. Egypt is also undergoing a peaceful democratic transition, and the main purpose of this visit was to meet with their newly elected leader, President Morsi, and with Field Marshal Tantawi, who has been instrumental in leading the historic transition to democratic, civilian rule. The U.S.-Egypt security relationship has been the bedrock of regional stability for more than 30 years. President Morsi affirmed his commitment to that partnership. In private and in public, my message to Egypt's leadership and the Egyptian people was simple: the United States strongly supports Egypt's democratic future through an orderly, peaceful and legitimate transition to a democratic system of government.
From Cairo I took a quick flight aboard a C-17 to Tel Aviv for my second visit to Israel as Secretary of Defense – and my fifth since joining the Obama administration in 2009. I have built a strong working relationship with my counterpart, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, and he joined me at my hotel in Jerusalem for a private dinner soon after I arrived. Our conversation focused on the range of pressing security challenges confronting Israel and the United States in the region – most notably Iran's nuclear ambitions and the violence being perpetrated by the Assad regime in Syria, on Israel's northern border. The challenges facing the U.S. and Israel are significant, but in the face of those challenges we have reached what Minister Barak has called the strongest levels of defense cooperation in our history.
One tangible sign of that cooperation is the $275 million we have provided Israel to acquire the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system. During my time in Israel, Minister Barak and I had the opportunity to travel to the outskirts of Ashkelon – about 45 minutes south of Tel Aviv – to tour an Iron Dome battery. Iron Dome has had a better than 80 percent success rate at hitting rockets fired from Gaza into Israeli population centers, and it has successfully intercepted more than 100 rockets. We can be proud of this system's record of saving lives and preventing wider conflict in that region.
At the Iron Dome battery, I spoke publicly of the United States's rock solid commitment to Israel's security, which extends to dealing with the threat posed by Iran. The United States shares Israel's commitment to preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, and I carried that message to President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu. While we are focused on increasing diplomatic pressure on Iran through sanctions, I also made clear, publicly and privately, that all options are on the table.
From Israel, I made the short trip to Amman, Jordan, to consult with King Abdullah. This was my first trip to Jordan as Secretary of Defense. The situation in Syria, and its impact on Jordan, dominated our discussion. I told the King we appreciate Jordan's efforts to keep his country's borders open to those fleeing the violence in Syria, and that we will work closely with the Government of Jordan to provide humanitarian assistance in support of those affected by the violence in Syria. We both agreed that strong international pressure needs to be sustained to make clear that Assad must go, and that the Syrian people deserve to determine their own future.
After my meeting with the King, I returned to the airport and boarded the Air Force E4-B for the twelve and a half hour flight back to Washington. On the flight, I reflected on the many challenges and opportunities that are facing the region.
In each country, there was a clear desire for closer partnership with our military, and once again I was struck by the deep respect foreign leaders have for our Department of Defense. That is a tribute to you – the millions of men and women who support our mission of protecting the country, and advancing U.S. security interests around the globe. In a time of challenge and turmoil, your efforts are helping American play a positive role in supporting change throughout the region.
You will always have my gratitude, and the gratitude of the American people, for your work in helping us achieve a safer and more secure future.

U.S. SEC. OF DEFENSE SAYS U.S. READY TO HELP TUNISIA

Map Credit:  U.S. State Department. 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

U.S. Ready to Help Tunisia With Democracy, Panetta SaysBy Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

CARTHAGE, Tunisia, July 30, 2012 - The 6,565 American troops memorialized at the North Africa American Cemetery here signify America's commitment to freedom, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during a visit today.

Panetta walked among the 2,841 graves and read the names of 3,734 Americans missing from battles that drove the Axis powers from North Africa in World War II.

In November 1942, the Allies launched Operation Torch to drive the Axis from the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. "After six months of fierce fighting and many lives that were lost, Tunisia was liberated from the Axis powers," he said after placing a memorial wreath.

The North Africa campaign and the fight against Nazi Germany was one chapter in the story that has been unfolding for centuries, the secretary said. "It is the story of people struggling to overcome tyranny and oppression," he said. "This struggle ... to achieve basic human rights and freedoms is guided by a simple dream: the dream to secure a better life for our children."

That story has a new chapter, written by the people of Tunisia, Panetta said. In January 2011, Tunisians peacefully took to the streets to demand freedom and basic human rights. "This is the birthplace of the Arab Spring, when the Tunisian people rose up in peaceful protest to demand democratic change," Panetta said. "It not only inspired the region, it inspired the world."

The secretary minced no words, telling the Tunisian people "that America stands with them and that we, too, are inspired by their revolution." The United States, he said, supports the Tunisian people as they continue to strengthen their democracy.

Earlier in the day, Panetta met with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali and National Defense Minister Abdelkarim Zbidi. He told them the United States is ready to help them strengthen their economy and talked about shared security concerns.

"I also had the opportunity in my meetings today to commend the Tunisian armed forces for the positive role they are playing in this critical time of change," the secretary said.

The U.S. and Tunisian militaries have long been partners, and the revolution now gives the two countries the opportunity to partner more closely.

"In my discussions today, I was pleased to begin a dialogue on how we can deepen that cooperation in a range of common concerns: countering violent extremism and terrorism to ensure regional stability," Panetta said. "I also conveyed that the Department of Defense stands ready to help Tunisia strengthen the capacity of its defense institutions as part of the broader effort to support Tunisia's democratic transition."

While there is uncertainty in the region deriving from the Arab Spring, there is also opportunity, Panetta said. "For generations, the United States has been the world's greatest force in advancing peace and freedom and prosperity," he added. "We have paid a heavy price to protect our country, as witnessed by this memorial. Today is no different."

The United States is committed to helping people across the region and around the world achieve the freedoms they deserve, Panetta said.

"We are all grateful for the Tunisian government's partnership, and we are inspired by their example to the world," he said. "The torch of greater peace and freedom and democracy burns brightly in this historic land."

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANNETTA COMMEMORATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIETNAM WAR

Photo Credits:  Wikimedia

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT DEFENSE

50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemorations Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC, Monday, May 28, 2012

I'm honored to be here today with all of you as we begin the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of America's participation in the Vietnam War. Memorial Day is an appropriate opportunity for all Americans to come together, to pay tribute to all those who have fought and died for our country, across more than two hundred years, and on battlefields near and far.  America's sons and daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberties, to give all of us a better life.


At this hour, at this hallowed and haunting memorial, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War – a war that occupies a central place in the American story.

Millions of Americans were sent across the Pacific to a little known place to fight in the service of the country they loved.

Not only at this hour, but at all times, we remember and carry in our hearts the more than 58,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen whose names are inscribed on this dark wall for eternity.

For me personally, this is an especially moving moment.  As a member and later chairman of the Vietnam Era Veterans Caucus in the House of Representatives, I had the honor to work on the endowment of this memorial.  To see the names of soldiers that I served with inscribed on this wall.  To see the names of officers who went through ROTC with me at Santa Clara inscribed on this wall.  To know my good friend Everett Alvarez, a hero from this war and a classmate of mine, who served with great distinction in that war.
No memorial better reflects the pain of the sacrifices that were made.

Many more came home from that war to a country that failed to fully acknowledge their service and their sacrifice, and failed to give them the honor they so justly deserved.
That experience, that failure to thank those who were willing to put their lives on the line for this country, was burned into the soul of my generation.  For too many Vietnam veterans, the recognition of their bravery came too late.

The Vietnam generation, my generation – is graying now.   But this commemoration effort gives the country an opportunity, today and in the years ahead, to try and right the wrongs of the past, to remember those who served in this war and what they did for us, their service, and their sacrifice on our behalf.

Last week, I had the opportunity to join the President in paying tribute to a fallen member of that generation, Specialist Les Sabo, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Les Sabo died in Vietnam saving his brothers-in-arms.  And it was those same brothers of his from the 101st Airborne Division who campaigned to re-open the Medal of Honor process for Les more than ten years ago.  The story of Les in many ways is the story of the Vietnam war.  We forgot, and now we finally remember.

Next week, as Secretary of Defense I will have the opportunity to travel to Vietnam to continue strengthening the growing ties our two countries have been re-establishing since in 1995.  We have come a long way since the war ended, and it was veterans of Vietnam who led the way for our two nations to begin the process of trying to heal the wounds of the war.

Today, Department of Defense personnel are working diligently to identify and locate the remains of fallen service members missing in action in Vietnam.  Let me assure you: this sacred mission will continue until all of our troops come home and are accounted for.

It reflects the determination of our military and our country to leave no man or woman behind, and to honor those who have honored us with their service, valor, and sacrifice.

During the last decade of war, another generation of warriors has answered the call to fight and sacrifice on foreign soil.  They have done all this country has asked them to do and more.

As they have returned from overseas, America, with our Vietnam veterans front and center in the effort – has embraced this new greatest generation of service members, showing that we have learned perhaps the most important lesson to come out of the Vietnam war – the debt we owe to those who fight and who die for our freedoms.

The President and Mrs. Obama have done so much to encourage Americans to do more to recognize and support these great patriots, they have led the fight for the men and women who fought for our nation.

As this country faces tough economic times, we must do everything we can to ease the transition of the thousands of service members who come home from war to civilian life.  They fought for us.  The least we can do is fight for them.
It is now my honor to introduce one of those Soldiers who fought in Vietnam, Senator Chuck Hagel.  He led an infantry squad in Vietnam during the bloody fighting following the Tet Offensive.  Like millions of our generation, he demonstrated bravery, patriotism, and heroism on the battlefield, and he also demonstrated that patriotism and that patriotism and that heroism in the life of public service that has followed.

Chuck, we thank you for honoring us with your presence today, and thank you for your commitment to the United States of America.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA BELIEVES DOVER SUPERVISOR WHISTLE-BLOWER RETALIATION PUNISHMENT APPROPRIATE

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Panetta Believes Dover Punishment Appropriate
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta believes the punishment of supervisors accused of retaliating against whistleblowers at the Port Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base was appropriate, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

Whistleblowers at the military mortuary in Delaware, which handles the remains of American service members who are killed or die overseas, pointed to problems at the facility in how some remains were disposed. The whistleblowers said that management at the mortuary retaliated against them.

The independent Office of Special Counsel investigated the allegations and found that supervisors did retaliate. The investigators found that Air Force Col. Robert Edmondson, Trevor Dean, and Quinton Keel engaged in reprisals. Air Force leaders reviewed the findings, conducted supplemental investigations and disciplined the men.
The Air Force offered Edmondson non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and he accepted. After a hearing and appeal, the final punishment was a reprimand and forfeiture of $7,000.
Dean received a 20-day suspension without pay.

Keel resigned from his position before action could be initiated. Still, the service issued him a letter of censure after his resignation. Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley reviewed the final disciplinary actions and considers them appropriate, Air Force officials said.

"The issues at Dover Port Mortuary are issues that the secretary of defense, indeed, the entire department -- we never want to see them happen again," Little told reporters during a news conference. "Our fallen heroes deserve the highest honor and respect. And we are committed to taking steps to ensure that lapses do not occur in the future."
The Office of Special Counsel commended the Air Force for rendering its decisions on disciplinary actions, Little said, and he pointed to the "very thorough and extensive process to review not just the lapses at Dover, but also the disciplinary actions that were levied. And the secretary is satisfied with that process."

Panetta was briefed on the whole process, and "he has faith in the process that the Air Force undertook, absolutely," Little said.

The punishment for the three supervisors for retaliation is in addition to other penalties imposed for gross mismanagement. Edmondson received a letter of reprimand and was denied further command opportunity. Keel received an involuntary downgrade to a nonsupervisory position outside the mortuary. Dean voluntarily took a downgrade to a nonsupervisory position within organization, but outside the Port Mortuary.
"Looking forward, Air Force leadership is reviewing instructional materials used to train supervisors and employees to ensure military members and civilian employees alike understand the rights of all employees to express important concerns in the workplace," said an Air Force spokesman. "We are committed to a workplace climate that makes individuals feel confident that they can raise any concerns they may have, that those concerns will be taken seriously, and that those raising the concerns will be treated with respect and appreciation."
Defense officials stressed that the whistleblowers performed an important service to the Air Force and the nation.

"These individuals continue in their positions at AFMAO; the Air Force has taken appropriate actions, including correcting their records to eliminate any negative information that resulted from any prohibited personnel practices committed," the Air Force spokesman said.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA THANKS DISTRIBUTION HELP FROM CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICES
Panetta Thanks Central Asian Nations for Distribution Network
By Nick Simeone
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta expressed his appreciation today to several Central Asian nations for allowing the transit of troops and goods through their territory to supply the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Panetta met with senior ministers from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and "expressed his deep appreciation for their support of the Northern Distribution Network, which is key to supplying ISAF forces in Afghanistan."

The meeting occurred at the NATO summit in Chicago.
The Northern Distribution Network took on added importance in supplying ISAF troops in Afghanistan after Pakistan closed cross-border supply routes into the country in November. The closure followed the accidental deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers killed in a NATO airstrike along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

In a written statement provided to reporters, Little added that Panetta "also provided assurances that the United States is committed to an enduring security relationship, including after 2014, with Afghanistan and the region to ensure Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists.

In addition, the Pentagon spokesman said Panetta and his NATO counterparts emphasized the need to step up cooperation on economic development in Afghanistan and the Central Asian region.

DEFENSE BACKS PRODUCTION OF F-35 STRIKE FIGHTER

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland look at the cockpit of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with Navy Capt. Erik "Rock" Etz on Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., Jan. 20, 2012. Panetta and Hoyer toured several facilities related to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which is in its test phases at the base. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo    



Officials Emphasize Commitment to Joint Strike Fighter
By Amaani Lyle
WASHINGTON, May 9, 2012 - Senior leaders from the Air Force and Navy affirmed yesterday that the F-35 joint strike fighter remains the centerpiece of the tactical aircraft program and will play a large part in the services' ongoing modernization plans.

Navy Vice Adm. David J. Venlet, F-35 Lightning II program executive officer, told the Senate Armed Services Committee's airland subcommittee that the F-35's basic engine designs were deemed sound and deliverable after a battery of tests and observations over the past year.

"While there is still risk in the program, it is risk-balanced," Venlet said. "I have confidence in the resilience of the plan to absorb further learning discovery and stay on track."

Still, Venlet said, the program will "not execute itself," and will require resources, tools and processes to enable disciplined decisions on development and incremental capability delivery.

Technical and cost issues exist, the admiral acknowledged, but he added that the joint strike fighter's enhanced capability can be the backbone of fifth-generation fighters.
Carrier test pilots conducting approaches at Patuxent River, Md., have lauded the handling characteristics of the F-35's aircraft carrier variant, he said, and short takeoff and vertical landing results have demonstrated solid performance.

"It is a testimony to the very effective and impressive marriage of engine and airframe," Venlet said, adding that measures will stay in place to ensure the program's long-term effectiveness. "Rigorous management control by the joint program office, supported by the service system commands, will be applied with a ... focus on production and affordable delivery capability -- our only meaningful external result."

Navy Vice Adm. W. Mark Skinner, principal military deputy in the office of the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, said affordability will be a key focus in delivering capabilities.

"During these austere times, we must persist in modernizing and recapitalizing our naval aviation forces and increase our capability through force multipliers, such as the Navy Integrated Fire Control Counter-Air and using 'should-cost/will-cost' processes to bring more affordable systems to our warfighters," Skinner said.

Lt. Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, told the panel the fiscal 2013 budget aligns with the Air Force's tactical aviation program as the service shifts its national security strategy to counter modern-day threats.
"Our rapidly aging aircraft fleet drives the urgent need to balance procurement of new inventory with sustainment of our current fleet," Wolfenbarger said.

PENTAGON FORCE PROTECTION AGENCY'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Photo:   Pentagon,  U.S. Department of Defense
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta delivers remarks at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's 10th anniversary event at the Pentagon, May 2, 2012. DOD Photo By Glenn Fawcett
Panetta Praises Military Professionals for Bin Laden Raid
By Jim Garamone and Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2012 – To most Americans the news that Navy SEALs had killed Osama bin Laden came as a shot from the blue.

But to Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, the mission was the culmination of years of painstaking intelligence gathering, put to good use by a joint service team.
Panetta spoke about the raid today at the Pentagon. “Just yesterday, the nation marked one year since the operation that successfully took down Osama bin Laden,” he said. “It was a day that I hope Americans take the time to thank the very dedicated intelligence and military professionals who planned and executed that raid that delivered justice to al-Qaida’s leader.”

“We will always be grateful for their service, their sacrifice and their professionalism,” the secretary added.

During a recent trip to South America, Panetta discussed the raid itself. Last year, he was the Director of Central Intelligence monitoring the operation from CIA headquarters in Langley, Va. The intelligence professionals with the CIA located the al-Qaida leader’s hiding place in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Still, it was far from absolute confirmation that the compound held bin Laden. Intelligence analysts used a lot of circumstantial evidence to deduce that the compound held the terror leader.

President Barack Obama made a gutsy call ordering the raid, the secretary said.
The special operations team flew to Abbottabad from Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The compound is 100 miles inside Pakistan from the border. Crossing into Pakistani airspace was just one gut-check moment for U.S. leaders monitoring the operation. “When they crossed the border and were going into Pakistan there were a lot of tense moments about whether or not they would be detected,” Panetta said.

Another “nail-biting moment” came when one of the helicopters carrying the SEALs lost lift upon arriving at the compound and make a hard landing. Panetta was on the phone with Navy Adm. William H. McRaven, then the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command and now commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. McRaven was monitoring communications from Jalalabad.

After the loss of the helicopter, Panetta recalled asking McRaven, “Okay, what’s next?” The admiral, the secretary said, replied, “Don’t worry, we’re ready for this.”
The SEALs entered the three-story building at the heart of the compound and it was 20 minutes before there was any report from the ground. “We knew gunshots had been fired but after that I just didn’t know,” Panetta said.

It was at that point that McRaven reported that he might have heard the code word -- Geronimo -- that would mean they had found bin Laden. “We still were waiting, and then within a few minutes McRaven said the words, ‘Geronimo KIA,’” the secretary said, which meant that bin Laden had been killed in action.

“And that was that,” Panetta said.

But even with the mastermind of the 9-11 attacks dead, there were still tense moments. U.S. officials were concerned about what the Pakistani government would do, and whether the U.S. team could get out of the country without problems. “The moment they crossed the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, we finally knew that the mission had been accomplished,” Panetta said.

With the success of the operation assured, there were no over-the-top celebrations. “We had some special forces people at the operations center at CIA and we all kind of looked at each other,” Panetta said. “As a matter of fact, I have a picture in my office of all of us putting our arms around each other, just [acknowledging that] we got the job done.”
The secretary told members of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency today that the bin Laden operation was a remarkable experience and “one of the greatest memories in 40 years that I’ve been in Washington.

“Having the opportunity to work with the intelligence professionals, to work with Adm. Bill McRaven, to work with the SEALs in that operation was incredible,” Panetta said. “This was because of the professionalism and great dedication involved with that mission. It was the kind of stuff that makes you proud to be an American.”

With the death of bin Laden and many other strikes on the al-Qaida leadership, the terror group is a shadow of its former self, the secretary said. Still, it remains a threat, he said, and the dedicated intelligence and military professionals will continue with this mission.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA STILL FOCUSSED ON AL-QAIDA

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

Panetta: U.S. Remains Focused on Pursuit of Al-Qaida

By Cheryl Pellerin

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, April 27, 2012 - America has become a safer place since a Navy SEAL team killed 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden in his Pakistan compound nearly a year ago, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.

Returning from a weeklong trip to South America to strengthen military ties in Colombia, Brazil and Chile, Panetta, who was director of the CIA on May 2, 2011, when the al-Qaida chieftain met his end, recalled the high-risk mission the Defense Department called Operation Neptune Spear.

"I don't think there's any question that America is safer as a result of the bin Laden operation," Panetta told reporters traveling with him.

"When you combine that with the other operations that have ... gone after al-Qaida leadership," he added, "I think it has weakened al-Qaida as an organization and certainly it has prevented them from having the command-and-control capability to be able to put together an attack similar to 9/11.

But al-Qaida remains a threat, the secretary said.

"It doesn't mean that we somehow don't have the responsibility to keep going after them wherever they are -- and we are," he said.

President Barack Obama's decision to give the bin Laden operation the green light was gutsy, the secretary said, since there wasn't absolute confirmation that bin Laden was inside the Abbottabad compound.

Officials had based the operation "on a lot of circumstantial evidence," the secretary said, yet it was the best lead on bin Laden's whereabouts since 2001.

However, the validity of the evidence, he said, was "still a big question mark."

Panetta said the operation provided "several fingernail-biting moments" for U.S. officials and military leaders who from Afghanistan, the CIA operations center and the White House were monitoring the raid as it happened.

One of those anxious moments occurred, the secretary said, when the military aircraft used in the operation -- two lead helicopters plus backups -- entered Pakistani airspace.

"When they crossed the border and were going into Pakistan there were a lot of tense moments about whether or not they would be detected," Panetta said.

Another nail-biting moment occurred as the helicopters entered the Abbottabad compound and one of them lost lift and had to be left behind and destroyed, Panetta said.

"What had happened was that we had picked up from weather reports what the heat conditions were going to be on the ground," the secretary said, "but it turned out to be hotter than we expected."

The heat, intensified by the compound's thick, high walls, caused the helicopter to lose lift and end up on the ground.

Panetta was at that time on the line with Navy Adm. William H. McRaven, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. McRaven was monitoring communications from Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

After the loss of the helicopter, Panetta recalled asking McRaven, "Okay, what's next?" The admiral, the secretary said, replied, "Don't worry, we're ready for this."

There was additional tension during a 20-minute period of silence that began after the SEALs entered the building where everyone hoped they would find bin Laden, the secretary said. Then they heard weapons fire.

"We knew gunshots had been fired but after that I just didn't know," Panetta said. It was at that point that McRaven reported that he might have heard the code word -- Geronimo -- that would mean they had found bin Laden.

"We still were waiting, and then within a few minutes McRaven said the words, 'Geronimo KIA,'" the secretary said, which meant that bin Laden had been killed in action.

"And that was that," Panetta said.

It was also tense when the team got back into the helicopters and began to leave the compound, he said.

"By that time they had blown [up] the helicopter that was down and you knew that we had woken up all of Pakistan to the fact that something had happened," Panetta said.

The concern revolved around what the Pakistanis were thinking and how they would respond, and whether the team could get out without problems, he said.

"The moment they crossed the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, we finally knew that the mission had been accomplished," Panetta said.

Yet, he said, there were no cheers or high-fives at the CIA's operations center.

"We had some special forces people at the operations center at CIA and we all kind of looked at each other," Panetta said. "As a matter of fact, I have a picture in my office of all of us putting our arms around each other, just [acknowledging that] we got the job done."

Today, nearly a year after bin Laden's demise, the United States and its allies continue to hunt down al-Qaida and other terrorists -- wherever they may be.

"The more successful we are at taking down those who represent their spiritual and ideological leadership, the greater our ability to weaken their threat to this country and to other countries," Panetta said.
 

U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA MEETS WITH SOUTH AMERICAN DEFENSE LEADERS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta observes a Brazilian Marine Corps demonstration with Adm. Ferando Antonio at Governor's Island Marine Base, Rio de Janeiro, April 25, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperation. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley  


Panetta: U.S., Brazil Partnership 'Is the Future'
By Cheryl Pellerin
RIO DE JANEIRO, April 26, 2012 - On the second day of his first official visit to Brazil, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addressed a war college audience, watched an amphibious assault demonstration by Brazilian Marines, and paid tribute to Brazil's fallen heroes of World War II.


Panetta has met so far this week with military officials in Colombia and Brazil on a South American trip that aims to expand defense and security cooperation with countries that are important in the region and, increasingly, the world.


"The United States and Brazil begin with a very important strength," Panetta told military officers at the Escola Superior de Guerra -- Portuguese for Superior War College. The secretary said the two nations share the same values and respect for human rights and democracy.


"And if, using that, we can begin to develop the kind of cooperative relationship that we have in the security area, I think our countries can not only help promote security in this hemisphere but can work together to try to promote peace in the world," he said.
"This is the kind of partnership that is the future," noted Panetta, who fielded questions after his lecture.


A Brazilian Navy fleet captain asked if a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan had reduced the power of the U.S. military and if recent and significant budget tightening represented a transformation or was just a way to save money.


"In many ways," the secretary replied to the Brazilian captain's question, "it represents taking into consideration all the factors you just talked about."
Panetta explained how in a time of fiscal constraints Congress directed the Defense Department to reduce its budget by $487 billion over 10 years.


"My problem is that, even though after 10 years of war we are seeing some successes in Iraq and Afghanistan and on the war on terrorism, we still [have] major threats to confront in the world," he said, noting the dangers posed by terrorist groups like al-Qaida, instability in North Korea and Iran, unrest in the Middle East, and cybersecurity threats.
In view of these threats, Panetta said he rejected across-the-board defense cuts in favor of four guidelines. The secretary vowed that the Defense Department would:
-- Maintain the world's finest military.


-- Avoid hollowing out the force. A smaller, ready and well-equipped military is better than a larger, ill-prepared force that has been arbitrarily cut across-the-board.
-- Achieve savings in a balanced manner, with everything on the table.
-- Preserve the quality of the all-volunteer force and not break faith with the men and women in uniform or their families.


Based on these guidelines and with input from all the services, the department developed "a defense strategy that would meet those goals and provide the force we need not just now but in 2020 and beyond," Panetta said.
"At the same time we can't avoid our responsibilities in the rest of the world," the secretary added, "and that's where this hemisphere comes into play."
The United States must work with other countries, including Brazil, to develop innovative partnerships, he said. The United States military, he added, must invest in the technologies of the future -- cyberspace, unmanned systems, and space -- and appreciate the unique capabilities provided by special operations forces.


"We feel very good about the strategy [because] ... it was developed not only because of the budget but because of what we felt we needed to put in place to keep our country strong for the future," Panetta said. "And I recommend to all of you as students, there are elements of the strategy that Brazil and other countries ought to consider as you move forward."


After the lecture, Panetta visited Brazil's World War II Memorial here in Flamengo Park, established in 1965 to honor Brazilian troops killed while serving alongside U.S. troops in Italy.


Panetta and other U.S. and Brazilian officials toured a small museum there, and then placed a wreath in honor of the fallen heroes as rose petals released from the memorial structure drifted down onto the solemn crowd.


Later, at the Governor's Island Marine Base, Panetta and his delegation watched from an observation post as Brazilian special operations troops staged an amphibious beach assault.


During the exercise, two special operations teams used inflatable boats to infiltrate the site of a radar station, "killing" an enemy lookout and reducing the station to splinters with a fiery explosion.


Automatic weapons fire, incoming helicopters, troops, amphibious craft, a tank-carrying landing craft and many colored-smoke-belching grenades completed the demonstration.
Toward the end of the day, Panetta visited the 130-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer, its arms outstretched at the top of the 2,300-foot Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city and the sea.
"In the world of today," Panetta had said at the war college, "we believe it is important for other countries to develop their military capabilities and provide for security for their people and security for this hemisphere."
The best way to deal with common challenges in today's world, the secretary said, "is to work together, not apart."


"That's why I'm here in Brazil," he added. "Because this is an important place to start that kind of relationship."

PANETTA, DEMPSEY TALK ABOUT SEQUESTRATION'S SHADOW

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE  
Panetta, Dempsey Say Pentagon Feels Sequestration's Shadow

By Jim Garamone

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2012 - The shadow of sequestration is being cast over the Defense Department, and members of Congress must act to dissipate it, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke about sequestration and the defense budget during a news conference at the Pentagon.

"Sequestration" refers to a mechanism based into the Budget Control Act that would trigger an additional $500 billion cut across the board for defense spending over the next decade if Congress doesn't find an alternative by January.

"I think ... the shadow of sequestration is there," Panetta said. While the Defense Department has received no guidance from the Office of Management and Budget to begin planning for sequestration, the threat of it is having an impact on the department and on the industries the department depends on, the secretary said.

"In the end, it's up to Congress," Panetta said. "In the coming weeks, they will begin considering the defense authorization and appropriations bills. Our hope is that Congress will carefully consider the new defense strategy and the budget decisions that resulted from that strategy."

Any changes the Congress contemplates will affect other sections of the budget, because it is a zero-sum game, the secretary noted. Because of the Budget Control Act, he added, any change in any one area of the budget and force structure will inevitably require offsetting changes elsewhere.

"That carries the real risk that ... if this is not done right, the result could be a hollow, unbalanced or weaker force," he said. "Our hope is that our strategy will not be picked apart piece by piece."

Panetta said he hopes Congress will be reasonable. "There isn't any member [of Congress] I've talked to that doesn't think that sequester is a disaster," he said. "There isn't any member who has said to me, 'Oh, it'll be great.'" All of them understand that it's the wrong way to go.

"And I just have to hope that ultimately, they will find the courage and leadership to be able to address that issue, detrigger sequester, deal with the other challenges that are out there and try to do it as soon as possible," he continued, "because frankly, the longer this drags on, the more of an impact it has in terms of the planning process and in terms of the budget process."

Dempsey said the department confronted the new fiscal reality last year and developed the new strategy. The fiscal 2013 budget request came from that new strategy, he said.

"It took us every bit of energy we had to get from there to the budget submission in February," the general said. "So I mean, I would anticipate that we would have to begin doing some planning in the mid to late summer if we have any chance at all of reacting to it should it trigger."

This is a critical moment for the United States, Panetta said, and while the nation must cut the military, this does not mean threats have disappeared.

"We need to rise to meet the challenges that are facing us in this dangerous and uncertain world, and we can't afford to have the Congress resort to bitter partisanship or parochialism at this critical time," Panetta said. "So the message we wanted to send Congress today is that there is very little margin for error with this package.

"That's the reality that all of us are living with," he added. "The strategy we developed will maintain, we believe, the strongest military in the world by every measure, and that's essential because of the nature of the security challenges that we're facing."

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON E. PANETTA MAKES REMARKS ON CAPITAL HILL ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Secretary Panetta Remarks on Capitol Hill            
               SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON E. PANETTA:  Thank you very much, and I want to express to you the same, to members of Congress that joined with us to discuss this issue.  They have for a long time been leaders on this issue here in Congress.  We wanted to meet with them, to brief them on the steps that we wanted to take and to work with them to ensure that legislation that we need is incorporated in the authorization bill so that we can move forward on what General Dempsey and I consider to be a serious problem that needs to be decided at the Department of Defense and the United States military.
            Sexual assault has no place in the military.  It is a violation of everything that the U.S. military stands for.  General Dempsey and I have, I think, made it a point to try to open up the military to everyone who wants to serve this country, and the problem is that sexual assault remains a disincentive for many to become a part of the United States military.  We've got to deal with that and we will.
            We have taken some steps in the past to try to begin to deal with this problem.  We have put forward a number of initiatives.  And let me just summarize some of the past issues that we've done.  We've assigned a two-star general as the director of the sexual assault prevention and response office to try to highlight the importance of dealing with this issue and increase the command authority in dealing with this issue.
            We've implemented a number of new policies that expand legal assistance, that expedite transfers for those that want to move from units, and that also provide extended document retention, something that was not the case in the past.  We also have stood up a DoD-wide 24/7 anonymous hotline to be able to encourage victims to report.  And in addition to that we've now activated an integrated database that contains all the information with regards to sexual assault.
            We need to do more and I've made a commitment that we will move forward to incorporate some of the ideas that have been suggested by members of Congress into additional steps here.  We believe that we've developed a set of initiatives that fundamentally change the way the department deals with this problem.  Let me summarize some of the steps that we're recommending and that we will work with Congress in trying to include in our legislative package.
            First of all, as of the next few days what I will do is change the way these cases are handled in the military.  I intend to enter a directive as secretary of defense that will elevate the disposition of sexual assault cases so that at a minimum these cases are disposed of at a special court martial level.  That means that the local unit commander is required to report these cases, any sexual assault case, is required to report that to a special court martial level, generally a colonel status, or if necessary to a general court martial level for investigation into the matter to be handled.
            And the key here is that at the local unit level sometimes these matters are put aside, they're not followed up with.  This requires that any time a complaint is received that it is referred up the chain of command for action.  It ensures that we emphasize the role of the chain of command and that we continue to emphasize that all commanders have to exercise good discipline, take control, and they need to understand that everyone has responsibility to deal with these issues.  But most importantly we are assured that at a higher command level we will have action taken with regards to the complaints that have been made.
            Secondly, to be able to effectively investigate and prosecute these sexual assault cases it requires a particular expertise in gathering the evidence.  We are creating a special victims unit or capability within each of the services to be able to do this.  This will ensure that we have highly trained experts who are trained in evidence collection, the best way to interview survivors of the sexual assault, and who have – (inaudible) – offender behavior in being able to determine what those behaviors are like.
            We also want to ensure that members of the National Guard and Reserve who file complaints are able to remain on active duty once they've filed those complaints in order to ensure that their sexual assault complaint is handled.  At the present time, those in the Guard and Reserve, if they're on active duty and make a complaint, they then are moved into their National Guard or Reserve status and they lose the ability to continue that kind of prosecution of their complaint.  What we're doing is requiring that they be able to stay on active duty in order to ensure that the case is continuing to be handled.
            And fourthly, we have to do everything we can to train and educate the force with regards to these issues.  We're going to focus on the newest members, new arrivals, and require that DoD sexual assault policy be explained and briefed to them within 14 days of entering active duty.
            Secondly, we also want a mandate that information on sexual assault source such as the DoD self-help line and other things are widely publicized so that members are aware of what's available to them.  And thirdly, we are looking to require commanders to conduct annual climate assessment analysis with regards to sexual assault, something that isn't required at the present time.
            This is a strong package – (inaudible) – essential to being able to prevent and respond to the crime of sexual assault.  There's no silver bullet when it comes to this issue, but what is required is that everyone from the secretary to the chairman of the joint chiefs all the way down at every command level be sensitive to this issue, be aware to take their responsibility to take action on these cases.
            The most important thing we can do is prosecute the offenders, deal with those that have broken the law and committed this crime.  And if we can do that then we can begin to deal with this issue – not only prosecute those that are involved, but more importantly send a signal that this is not – this is not a problem that we are going to ignore in the United States military.
            Let me ask General Dempsey to say a few words.
            GENERAL DEMPSEY:  Good evening.  I'm here actually speaking not just for myself, but for the Joint Chiefs.  We realize that the crime of sexual assault erodes the very fabric of our profession.  Our profession is built on trust and this particular crime erodes that trust.
            (Inaudible) – make a difference and we haven't been able to make a difference.  So as the joint chiefs we're coming together with the support of the secretary of defense and in collaboration with this caucus to try to get after it and to actually make a difference.  Thank you.
            MS.     :  (Inaudible) – the chairman and the secretary have to leave in just a couple of minutes.  I don't know if you have time for a few questions.
            Q:  (Inaudible.)  Can you share with us what you know about military personnel involved in the alleged misconduct in Colombia – (inaudible) – and what you think are the next steps for these allegations – (inaudible) – inside DoD.
            SEC. PANETTA:  Well, as I indicated, whether any of these individuals in Colombia or any country or in the United States, we expect them to abide by the highest standard of behavior and that's a requirement.  So we've asked for a full investigation of the matter.  It is being investigated by Southern Command.  General Fraser has already deployed an officer to the scene to investigate it.  We're awaiting a report from that investigation – (inaudible) – determine that there's been a violation – (inaudible).
            Q:  Over the weekend CNN reported that – (inaudible) – oftentimes been, for lack of a better term, drummed out of the military who have been diagnosed with personality disorder or other psychiatric problems.  And then their charges go uninvestigated.  Aside from the dramatic steps that you're taking today and that you've taken – (inaudible) – is anything being done for these victims, mostly women, who are not only were the crimes against them not investigated and punished, but in some cases these women are being expected to pay back the military for the training they got where it's costing them money.  Is there any chance of it being addressed on this?
            SEC. PANETTA:  Obviously our goal here is to try to put in place what we need in order to deal with these cases of assault.  There are procedures within – (inaudible) – that allow these individuals to raise these concerns and determine whether or not they have not been treated fairly.  But I think – I hope that they'll follow the procedures to determine whether or not that has been the case.
            Q:  Do these steps take effect immediately, or do you need authorization from the Congress?
            SEC. PANETTA:  The step with regards to moving it to the special court martial level I can take through executive action, and I will.  Obviously if the Congress decides to incorporate it as part of the legislation, that's fine too.  But these other steps will require legislation.
            GEN. DEMPSEY:  (Inaudible) – language is identical to what the secretary is talking about.
            Q:  To clarify, does the special victim unit include special prosecutors like what the Army has now?  And can you talk a little bit about what kind of training they'll get?  Will their training be based on the Army model and – (inaudible) – January?
            SEC. PANETTA:  Let me ask General Dempsey.
            GEN. DEMPSEY:  A year or more ago we began to give our criminal investigators special training in investigating this particular crime.  What the secretary's directive is to do now is actually form a special group of prosecutors who aren't – this is not something they do among all other criminal investigations.  It's focused on this.  We think that's the next logical step.
            MS.     :  One more question.
            Q:  I'd like to ask you both about the budget again.  General Dempsey, I know you were asked about – (inaudible) – happened.  Since then – (inaudible) – a little bit and Senator McConnell came forward saying he thought it was – (inaudible) – that they knew about this kind of budget cut.  I wonder if you'd both tell us where you stand on what people who defend – who defended -- the Pentagon can and can't say about the president's budget cuts.  Specifically – (inaudible) – should they be given a voice or is this, you know, political theater – (inaudible).
            SEC. PANETTA:  They sure as hell can be given a voice and they are given a voice.  We've had 50 hearings on the Hill dealing with the budget in which they've been asked questions regarding both the strategy and budget decisions, and that the bottom line is that this was a team effort.  Everybody worked together on strategy, everybody worked together on budget decisions.  And I think the fact that we are a unified team with regards to the strategy and the budget could be an aggravation to some, but it happens to be the fact.
            GEN. DEMPSEY:  What he said.  (Laughter.)  I understand.  (Inaudible) – climate that we have established throughout this process – very challenging process, so the climate has been one where we – (inaudible).
            MR.     :  (Inaudible) – somehow jeopardizing their careers – (inaudible).
            GEN. DEMPSEY:  I've never heard of any such thing happening in my entire 38 years.  How do I answer that question?  Look, all I can say is what I've experienced personally.  I don't see that.  And if any generals are listening, come and talk to me – (inaudible).
            MR.     :  Thank you.
            MS.     :  Thank you very much.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA AFFIRMS COOPERATION WITH SINGAPORE DEFENSE CHIEF

FROM AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2012 - The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.

Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.

Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.

The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.

The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."

Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.

The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.

The exercise allows units to sharpen air combat skills, improve procedures for conducting air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships.

The United States and Singapore will enhance joint urban training, using installations such as Singapore's Murai Urban Training Facility, which is built to resemble a typical town. It has residential, commercial and industrial districts that feature bus stops, traffic lights and overhead bridges.

The United States and Singapore will continue to explore joint initiatives to facilitate U.S. engagement in the region, the statement said.

Near the end of the meeting, Ng expressed appreciation for U.S. support of training detachments Singapore's military has in the United States. Panetta expressed gratitude for Singapore's important contributions to stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and to international counterpiracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA ABOARD USS PELELIU

Secretary Panetta Gaggle Aboard USS Peleliu
  SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA:  Okay.  Are you all right?
Okay.
             Q:  Staff Sergeant Bales’ defense team says they’re facing an almost complete information blackout from the government that’s having a devastating effect.
            SEC. PANETTA:  Well, you know, the key here is to follow the procedures that we have under the military code of justice and we’ve made very clear that – I’ve made very clear that those procedures will be followed and that they’ll be entitled to whatever information we’d be entitled to under the military code of justice.  But I’ve been assured that this investigation now is going to continue, that charges have now been brought.  We’re going through an Article 32 process and the defendant, as I said, will be entitled to the rights that are provided under the military code of justice.
             Q:  (Inaudible) – since 2007.  And 75 percent have been in the last two years.  We’re wondering, with this situation can the partnership endure and what needs to be done and can be done?
             SEC. PANETTA:  No, you know, I really do think that General Allen has the right strategy for Afghanistan and that 2011 was an important turning point that we’ve made some significant gains there and that we’re in the process of transitioning areas to Afghan governance and control.  And I think we need to stick to that strategy.  As I’ve said, war is hell.  We’re going to run into these kinds of incidents.  That’s the nature of conflict, but we can’t allow those kinds of incidents to undermine our basic strategy.  We’re on the right track and we have to stick to it.
             Q:  Mr. Secretary –for the spring – what the strategy as far –
             SEC. PANETTA:  The –spring?  I think right now obviously our goal is to make sure that we continue to secure the key areas that we’re involved with and that we continue the transition.  There’s another transition that’s due to be made in this year and we’ve got about three more areas of transition to complete.  The final transition will take place about in the fall of 2013.  So our goal from General Allen is to do that.  The other goal, frankly, is that we are going to be withdrawing the remainder of the surge, which is about 23,000.  And so General Allen will present me with a plan sometime in April as to how we accomplish that by the end of this fighting season.
             Q:  Sir, I have a two-part question about BRAC.  If you secure approval for it, how might that affect Southern California?  If you don’t, what can the Department do on its own?  Are you prepared to close the smaller bases -- 300 and less personnel?
             SEC. PANETTA:  You know, the reason we’ve asked for BRAC authority here is because, you know, as we draw down the force over the next five to 10 years, that we’re going to have – you kow, we’ll have some excess infrastructure.  And that if we’re spending money on maintaining excess infrastructure, it’s money that is taken away from other areas in defense.
             The BRAC process, I know it’s a tough process.  I’ve been through BRAC, when I was a congressman in Monterey.  I went through the loss of Fort Ord, so I know what it means for a community.  But the BRAC process is at least the only approach we have trying to do this right.
             I believe that we ought to do it through that approach.  There is some de minimis closures that we have the right to do under the law, but my view is that for the kind of major installation, that ought to be done through the BRAC process.
             Q:  Mr. Secretary, have we taken any special precautions –
             SEC. PANETTA:  By the way, on Southern California, I mean, I think generally the bases here are pretty important to the strategy that we put in place in terms of our defense.  And I think most of those will largely be maintained.
             Q:  Particularly regarding the pivot to the Pacific or –
             SEC. PANETTA:  Yes, the pivot to the Pacific is important, but more importantly being able to maintain the facilities for our troops and our Navy, and particularly the Marine Corps.  Those are going to be essential elements to that strategy.
             Q:  Have we taken any special precautions should the North Koreans launch missiles?
             SEC. PANETTA:  We expressed our concern.  The president of the United States made very clear that the North Koreans should not do this.  It is provocative.  It’s dangerous and it violates the international law.  And so our hope is that they will not do it.  But as always takes place in these kinds of situations, we have to be fully prepared for any possibility -- and we are.
             Q:  Have we moved – (inaudible).
             SEC. PANETTA:  Put whatever assets in place that we need in order to deal with any contingency.
             Q:  Mr. Secretary, there’s a lot of concern on Capitol Hill about having sufficient ships in the Navy to do the Navy – (inaudible) – the Navy have pushed the decommissioning another year, but it’s going to be retired at some point.  The Marines are concerned and they want to make sure that there’s enough – (inaudible) – them.  How do you reconcile the two needs both from a budgetary perspective and also operationally having ships available to train and prepare and then deploy overseas?
             SEC. PANETTA:  We just – we actually just sent up the 30-year shipbuilding plan to the Congress.  And as I testified, our goal is to maintain the target of developing 300 ships in the Navy.  And we will do that by – I think the target right now is to do that by 2019.  So yes, there’ll be – yes, there’ll be some ups and downs and there are some ships that obviously we’ll draw down that are outdated.  But overall, we are going to maintain -- not only maintain, but increase our ships in the Navy.
             Q:  Are you concerned that there are – you know, the fleet has been ridden hard and put away wet?
             SEC. PANETTA:  It has and – you know – but these are great ships.  I had a chance to go on ships like this and I was just on the Enterprise, which is a carrier that’s being deployed for the last time in the Middle East, but, you know, they’ve served this country well.
             One of the things that I want to maintain is our industrial base for the future so that we can produce the ships we need for the future.  And I want to do it in American shipyards.  I don’t want to do it abroad.  So what I’ve got to do is to try to – and we’re committed to this – is to try to do this in a way that protects our industrial base so that it will be there if and when we need it for the future.
             Okay?  Thanks very much.