Monday, August 6, 2012
NASA INVESTIGATES PROTON RADIATION EFFECTS ON CELLS
Photo: Apollo 11 Moon Walk. Credit: NASAFROM: NASAHOUSTON -- A team of researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in
Houston and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley,
Calif., has found radiation from protons could further enhance a process that occurs during tumor progression. This information may help lead to better methods to protect astronauts from the harmful
effects of radiation in space, as well as help cancer researchers on Earth better understand the effects of radiation treatment on the
human body.
NASA is particularly interested in this research because protons, which are charged subatomic particles, are the main source of space
radiation astronauts receive during spaceflights. The study was part of NASA's ongoing effort to learn how to mitigate the effects of
radiation during long-duration missions to destinations beyond low Earth orbit, such as asteroids and Mars.
"Our paper makes new discoveries on the potential risks from low doses
of protons that occur outside of the tumor during radiation therapy,
and to all tissues for astronauts exposed to space radiation," said
Francis A. Cucinotta, chief scientist for the Human Research Program
Space Radiation Program Element at Johnson and one of the authors of
the paper.
The objective of the researchers was to study the biological effects
of low-energy protons on epithelial cells (membranous tissues found
throughout the body) and the protons' propensity to enhance a process
that occurs during tumor progression. This process is called
epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which has been associated
with cancer progression. EMT also has been linked to
radiation-induced fibrosis, one of the most common late effects of
radiotherapy.
Notably, the study revealed protons alone can induce EMT-associated
changes in normal human epithelial cells. Although the total body
dose received in space is moderately low compared to what is received
in radiotherapy, this study reveals that low doses of protons still
may prompt EMT and result in potentially detrimental effects.
These studies were conducted at Johnson and at the NASA Space
Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N.Y.
Results of the study were published as "Protons Sensitize Epithelial
Cells to Mesenchymal Transition" in the July 23 issue of the journal
PLoS ONE.
STRAIT OF MALACCA SHOWS MULTILATERAL COOPERATION
U.S. sailors handle lines in preparation to get the littoral combat ship USS Freedom under way from her homeport in Mayport, Fla., Feb. 16, 2010. Freedom, the Navy's first littoral combat ship, is scheduled for a 10-month rotational deployment to Singapore beginning in the spring of 2013. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Leah StilesFROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Strait of Malacca Stands as Model of Multilateral Cooperation
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Aug. 1, 2012 - U.S. Pacific Command is holding up a multinational partnership in the Asia-Pacific region as a model for the type of cooperation the command is working to promote to deal with transnational threats.
A decade ago, the Strait of Malacca was a dangerous place, where pirates launched almost 50 attacks a year in the narrow, 550-mile-long sea lane linking the Indian and Pacific oceans. That had serious international implications, because about 50,000 vessels transit the passageway each year, carrying an estimated 40 percent of the world's trade.
Today, incidents have dropped to fewer than five a year, without a single successful hijacking in almost four years, reported Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael A. Keltz, Pacom's director of strategic planning and policy.
Keltz attributed that success to a partnership among nations bordering the strait, with help from U.S.-funded technology that has boosted maritime security dramatically.
Meanwhile, countries that once resisted engaging in multilateral, multinational operations now are doing so, Keltz said. Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and, increasingly, Thailand, have joined forces to increase patrols and improve their collective maritime domain awareness and law-enforcement capabilities.
A command and control information center that opened at Singapore's Changi Naval Base in 2009 supports this effort, drawing together information shared by 11 nations. This includes data from shore-based radars positioned throughout the region and an electronic tracking system that automatically identifies vessels transiting the strait.
The neighbors share this information, establishing a common operational picture that enables all to better detect and identify potential threats, Keltz said.
The Strait of Malacca stands as an example, he said, as nations come together to address regional challenges collectively.
"That is the model we are building for our [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] partner nations," he said. "We help them achieve the basic [defense] capabilities so that they can do that [mission] themselves."
As it implements the new strategic guidance focused heavily on the Asia-Pacific, Pacom is working actively to promote more multilateral cooperation, Keltz noted. It's a major thrust behind the Pacific rebalancing effort, including new force rotational arrangements.
"We want to be better situated around the entire Pacific to build those partnership capacities on a trilateral, multilateral and regional basis," he said.
As regional partners exercise their own enhanced capabilities, Singapore has agreed to host U.S. Navy littoral combat ships on a rotational basis. The Navy's new LCS, USS Freedom, is scheduled for its first 10-month rotational deployment to Singapore beginning next spring.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, Pacom commander, welcomed the planned rotations, along with Marine rotational deployments in Australia, as a way to expand U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific without the need for more permanently based forces.
The littoral combat ships, he said, will be positioned alongside a strong, reliable partner near the strategic Strait of Malacca that links the Indian and Pacific oceans. "It will give us a unique, credible combat credibility for our maritime security, particularly in one of the largest choke points in the world," he said.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Defense Minister Ng En Hen of Singapore announced during security talks in Singapore that the two countries had agreed to lay plans for expanding this arrangement to include additional littoral ships.
"Secretary Panetta reaffirmed that the LCS deployment would strengthen U.S. engagement in the region, through the port calls at regional ports, and engagement of regional navies through activities such as exercises and exchanges," according to a joint statement released after that meeting.
Locklear said he'd like to build on these models as he implements the new strategic guidance that emphasizes the importance of Asia and the Pacific. Rotational forces provide "an uptick in presence" that he said complements that provided by the 330,000 service members permanently based within Pacom's area of responsibility.
"What they provide is an ability to work with our allies and to leverage the capabilities of the allies across all aspects of peace to conflict," the admiral said. Meanwhile, he added, the additional presence rotational forces provide creates regional footholds that could pay off if the United States had to flow more forces to protect U.S. or allies interests there.
That presence, and the experience base it helps to build, would be particularly valuable in a disaster requiring humanitarian assistance, such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, or any other crisis, he said.
"It gives training to the forces that rotate in and out," he explained, so they are familiar with the region and the regional militaries if they need to work together. He cited last year's Operation Tomodachi in Japan as an example. "So there is a lot of value to it," he said.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO FEATURES MUSICIANS AND DANCERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Fireworks shoot off from the castle and diamonds are projected onto the castle walls as multinational musicians and performers play "Diamonds are Forever" in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee year during a Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo dress rehearsal for charities and local citizens of Edinburgh, Scotland. This military tattoo brings together musicians, dancers and bagpipers from around the world to perform in Europe's most prestigious military tattoo and this year marks the first time since 1950 that a U.S. Navy band has performed in the show. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Grieco
Edinburgh Tattoo Uses Music to Foster Partnerships
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Grieco
U.S. European Command
EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 3, 2012 - Sailors from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band are among about 1,000 international military and civilian musicians and dancers preparing to perform here in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held outside Edinburgh Castle.
The tattoo kicks off today and continues through Aug. 25.
The tattoo showcases music, dance and displays from around the world and is played against the backdrop of the famous castle there for a live audience of approximately 217,000 people during this month in addition to being broadcast in 30 countries across the globe.
"This is like the Superbowl of tattoos," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Bruns, NAVEUR Band public affairs. "It's an honor to be here at the most famous and most well-known tattoo in the world."
The vision of tattoo Chief Executive and Producer British Army Brig. Gen. David Allfrey, formerly the commander of the Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards, involves telling Scottish history through the ages from the Pictish barbarians to the modern digital age, according to NAVEUR Band Assistant Director Navy Ensign Christopher Cornette. He said each performer in the tattoo has his or her own portion of that story and the NAVEUR Band's music represents comic book heroes meant to take the audience from the 1930s to the digital age of 1980s and '90s.
Allfrey said the characters represented by the music are universal to Scotland and while the tattoo seeks to entertain and inspire, it also hopes to create a fun atmosphere.
"I am thrilled with our international guests and as ever, the tattoo is proud to present some of the very best," Allfrey said.
Another vision being created is one of lasting international partnership. British Royal Scottish Dragoons Guardsman Capt. Harry Braitwaite said while this is only his second time with this tattoo, this is not his first time interacting with Americans.
"When we were in Hong Kong last time for the international tattoo, we worked alongside your 7th Fleet Band, and it was absolutely fantastic," Braitwaite said. "It is lovely to meet other service members from around the world and particularly our closest allies. It not only gives us perspective, but makes you feel as if you have friends all over the world."
Braitwaite said his relationship with Americans goes back to his childhood when his father was posted to Washington, D.C., and his more recent interactions with American troops in Afghanistan. He also said the physical location of the tattoo is special to his unit.
"The Edinburgh tattoo has a long-standing presence and as a Royal Scots Dragoon Guard, and, though we are based in Germany at the moment, our spiritual home is very much Edinburgh Castle," Braitwaite said.
One Australian sailor said the tattoo also has the power of showing the lighter and friendlier side of the world's militaries.
"When I first joined nine years ago, one of the best quotes I ever heard was that military bands are the frontlines of peacetime defense," said Australian Able Seaman Musician Ellen Zyla, with the Sydney Detachment of the Royal Australian navy band. "This event shows that even though there is a great deal going on in the world, we stand together and that our solidarity holds strong."
Zyla said she found out about the U.S. Navy musicians coming to perform through her social media contact within the band.
"I'm friends with one of the U.S. Navy French horn players," Zyla said. "I got a birthday message online asking if I was in Edinburgh for the tattoo ... I was extremely surprised, and truly this event feels to me to be more like a meeting of old friends."
Among the many groups coming out for the tattoo are soldiers attached to His Majesty the King of Norway's Guards Band and Drill Team. One Norwegian officer in the group commented on the power of music to unite cultures and strengthen bonds between nations.
"I think music is powerful," 1st Lt. Gir Toege said. "You can be from America, Germany or Norway and yet still have the same music and a common marching style; it's a truly worldwide language."
Toege feels this event differs from other military-to-military engagements due to its peaceful undertones.
"We're not training for war," Toege said. "We're training for peace here; it's quite a different concept."
Toege said he feels the world of the future will be better off because of the relationship-building happening at places like Edinburgh. He said it is easier for a foreign national to integrate into a multinational unit if he already knows the service members and their customs.
To another musician, the tattoo presents an opportunity to play alongside the NAVEUR Band again.
"I served about a year with the NAVEUR Band," said Musician Laura White, with the Royal Marines Band Service. "I travelled over to Italy, and I learned a great deal from the Navy band. Honestly, when we stand up there and perform, we're all mixed together, and we become one unit. Music is the same language, and by talking with each other here, we're building bonds between our nations."
Cornette said the long-term benefit of events such as the Edinburgh tattoo is showing the world the possibility for military and civilian interaction across boundaries.
"Whether that's here in Europe, or certainly down in Africa, we always try and provide a picture to make people realize that no matter our differences, it is possible to come together and work toward a unified vision," Cornette said. "This is the first time in about 10 years the U.S. has been part of this and the first time the U.S. Navy has been involved, and we are deeply honored to be here."
Cornette also said music is a universal language, and, though all the military musicians may not speak the same language to each other, they all can understand and play the same music.
"It's very easy to bring these people together, put a sheet of music in front of musicians who can't otherwise communicate, and instantly they're working together to make a product everyone can understand," Cornette said.
Braitwaite said he hopes to see U.S. bands at future tattoos and hopes one day to work with American service members again.
The first tattoo was the Army in Scotland's contribution to Edinburgh's international festivals. Today, the tattoo is an international extravaganza, over time bringing together more than 40,000 performers from more than 46 countries.
EX-IM BANK GUARANTEES $32.1 MILLION FOR EXPORTING WIND TURBIN BLADES TO BRAZIL
Photo Credit: Wikimedia.
FROM: EXPORT-IMPORT BANKFor Export of U.S. Wind Blades to Brazil
Washington, D.C. – In line with its congressional mandate to increase support for renewable-energy exports, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has authorized a $32.1 million loan guarantee to Wind Power Energia S.A. of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the purchase of wind turbine blades manufactured by LM Wind Power Blades Inc. of Little Rock, Ark.
Ex-Im Bank’s financing, which guarantees a Bank of America loan, will support approximately 250 permanent American jobs at the company’s Little Rock, Ark., and Grand Forks, N.D., manufacturing facilities.
"The Bank’s loan guarantee will facilitate the export of American-made products to one of our nine key markets at a critical time," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. "By doing so, it will simultaneously support American jobs in a valuable industry and boost Brazil’s clean-energy prospects."
The wind blades will be used to complete a 180-megawatt wind farm in the Brazilian state of Bahia and another 211-megawatt farm in the Brazilian state of Ceara.
"We welcome the vision and assistance of Ex-Im Bank, which has enabled us to develop a new and growing market opportunity for wind-turbine blades in Brazil," said Richard Pettifor, LM Wind Power’s commercial director for the Americas. "As well as developing the Brazilian renewable-energy market and overall production capacity, it will also support the prospect of long-term growth in LM Wind Power’s America business with approximately 250 permanent green-energy jobs in Arkansas and North Dakota."
Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., LM Wind Power Blades is a manufacturer of wind blades and operates facilities in Arkansas and North Dakota. The company is a subsidiary of LM Wind Power, the largest manufacturer of wind-turbine blades in the world.
Wind Power Energia, a subsidiary of Industrias Metalurgicas Pescarmona S.A. of Argentina, designs and manufactures wind turbines for power projects in Brazil and South America. It favors turnkey solutions and currently ranks as the market leader in Brazil. The transaction is the company’s first with Ex-Im Bank.
As of the end of FY 2011, Brazil accounted for $2.7 billion of the Bank’s worldwide credit exposure. In FY 2012 to date, the Bank has authorized approximately $415 million for renewable-energy exports of all types worldwide.
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
FROM: U.S. NAVY
PUGET SOUND
Sailors man the rails aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) during the Parade of Ships during the 63rd annual Seattle Seafair. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian Sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy A. Hazel (Released) 120801-N-TZ605-802
PEARL HARBOR
Sailors and Marines man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following operations supporting the Rim of the Pacific 2012 exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel took part in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker (Released) 120801-N-RI884-005
PACIFIC OCEANLanding Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 32, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric T. Crosby (Released) 120801-N-SS993-354
PACIFIC OCEAN
A rigid-hull inflatable boat transports personnel to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Rushmore is part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Pacific Ocean with the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Duran (Released) 120731-N-ZM744-062
U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SETTLES WITH WOODLAKE, CA REGARDING UNLAWFUL PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENTThe Justice Department announced that it has reached a settlement with the city of Woodlake, Calif., to resolve allegations that the city engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against people with disabilities by requiring applicants for job vacancies to undergo unlawful pre-employment medical examinations before receiving an offer of employment, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The settlement concludes a pattern or practice investigation by the Justice Department based on information that the city of Woodlake was requiring all job applicants to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process, before making an offer of employment. Such pre-offer medical examinations are illegal under the ADA, as they make it easier for employers to discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability in the hiring process. The settlement agreement requires the city to eliminate its current discriminatory policy, to develop and implement a non-discrimination policy and to train staff on the requirements of the ADA.
"This settlement is an important step towards eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities in employment," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "We commend the city of Woodlake for working cooperatively with the Justice Department to ensure that their policies and practices comply with federal law and for their commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated equally and fairly in the hiring process."
"We are pleased that the city of Woodlake and the U.S. Department of Justice agreed so quickly on measures that will protect the rights of individuals with disabilities," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Benjamin B. Wagner.
The ADA requires that employers, including state and local government entities, not conduct any pre-employment medical examination or inquiry before making an offer of employment. Once a conditional job offer is made, employers may make disability-related inquiries or conduct medical examinations of an applicant if this is done for all entering employees in that job category regardless of disability. Once an employee is hired, employers may only make disability-related inquiries or require medical examinations of an employee if such examination or inquiry is shown to be job-related and consistent with business necessity. The ADA also requires employers not to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in making personnel decisions, including hiring or promoting employees.
ANTIQUE DEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO TRAFFICKING IN RHIOCEROS HORN
Photo: Black Rhinoceros. Credit: U.S. Fish And Wildlife ServiceFROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON – David Hausman, an antiques dealer in Manhattan, pleaded guilty today in Manhattan federal court to obstruction of justice and creating false records, in relation to illegal rhinoceros horn trafficking, announced Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, and Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
In the plea agreement, Hausman admitted that he committed these wildlife offenses while holding himself out to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) as an antiques expert who purportedly wanted to help FWS investigate rhinoceros horn trafficking; in reality, he was covertly engaging in illegal activity himself. Hausman was arrested in February 2012 as part of "Operation Crash," a nationwide, multi-agency crackdown on those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horn.
"Trafficking in endangered species like the black rhinoceros is an egregious violation of the laws enacted by Congress to protect endangered species from extinction," said Assistant Attorney General Moreno. "Mr. Hausman misled officers in a federal government investigation, falsified records and concealed his own purchase, sale and profit from illegal trade in black rhinoceros horns. This prosecution should send a strong message that we will vigorously prosecute those who deliberately violate wildlife protection laws."
"David Hausman pretended he was helping law enforcement protect a species from being wiped out but instead he was contributing to the very problem," said U.S. Attorney Bharara. "The laws that protect animals are not optional and will be enforced by this office vigorously since an important, even if less recognized, measure of justice is how we enforce the laws that protect endangered species. Thanks to the outstanding investigative work conducted by law enforcement in this case, Hausman’s deceptions were unsuccessful and he will now be held to account for his crimes."
Rhinoceros are an herbivore species of prehistoric origin and one of the largest remaining mega-fauna on earth. They have no known predators other than humans. All species of rhinoceros are protected under United States and international law, and all black rhinoceros species are endangered.
Since 1976, trade in rhinoceros horn has been regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty signed by over 170 countries around the world to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become imperiled due to the demands of international markets. Nevertheless, the demand for Rhinoceros horn and black market prices have skyrocketed in recent years due to the value that some cultures have placed on ornamental carvings, good luck charms or alleged medicinal purposes, leading to a decimation of the global rhinoceros population.
Operation Crash is a continuing investigation being conducted by the Department of the Interior’s FWS in coordination with other federal and local law enforcement agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. A "crash" is the term for a herd of rhinoceros. Operation Crash is an ongoing effort to detect, deter and prosecute those engaged in the illegal killing of rhinoceros and the unlawful trafficking of rhinoceros horns. The investigation is being led by the Special Investigations Unit of the FWS Office of Law Enforcement and involves a nationwide task force of agents focused on rhino trafficking.
According to the information, plea agreement and statements made during court proceedings:
In December 2010, Hausman – while purporting to help the government crack down on illegal rhinoceros trading – advised FWS that the taxidermied head of a black rhinoceros containing two horns had been illegally sold by a Pennsylvania auction house. Upon learning that the sale was not finalized, Hausman covertly purchased the rhinoceros mount himself, using a "straw buyer" to conceal that he was the true purchaser because federal law prohibits interstate trafficking in endangered species. Hausman instructed the straw buyer not to communicate with him about the matter by email to avoid creating a paper trail that could be followed by law enforcement. After the purchase was completed, Hausman directed the straw buyer to remove the horns and mail them to him. He then made a realistic set of fake horns using synthetic materials and directed the straw buyer to attach them on the rhinoceros head in order to deceive law enforcement in the event that they conducted an investigation. After his arrest in February 2012, Hausman contacted the straw buyer and they agreed that the rhinoceros mount should be burned or concealed.
In a second incident, in September 2011, Hausman responded to an Internet offer to sell a (different) taxidermied head of a black rhinoceros containing two horns. Unbeknownst to Hausman, the on-line seller was an undercover federal agent. Before purchasing the horns on Nov. 15, 2011, Hausman directed the undercover agent to send him an email falsely stating that the mounted rhinoceros was over 100 years old, even though the agent had told Hausman that the rhinoceros mount was only 20 to 30 years old. There is an antique exception for certain trade in rhinoceros horns that are over 100 years old. By creating the false record as to the age of the horns, Hausman sought to conceal his illegal conduct. Hausman also insisted on a cash transaction and told the undercover agent not to send additional emails so there would be no written record. After buying the black rhinoceros mount at a truck stop in Princeton, Ill., agents followed Hausman and observed him sawing off the horns in a motel parking lot.
In February 2012 at the time of his arrest, FWS agents seized four rhinoceros heads from Hausman’s apartment as well as six black rhinoceros horns – two of which were the very horns he was seen sawing off in the parking lot – numerous carved and partially carved rhinoceros horns, fake rhinoceros horns and $28,000 in cash.
Hausman, 67, of New York, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and one count of creating a false record in violation of the Lacey Act, a federal wildlife protection statute, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Hausman faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison for these offenses. Under the terms of the plea agreement, almost all of the items recovered from Hausman’s apartment at the time of his arrest will be forfeited or put toward the criminal fine, except for three items for which Hausman established legal purchase and antique status. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken on Dec. 5, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Bharara and Assistant Attorney General Moreno commended FWS and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Newark for their outstanding work in this investigation.
The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Complex Frauds Unit and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Janis M. Echenberg and Richard A. Udell, a Senior Trial Attorney with the Environmental Crimes Section, are in charge of the prosecution.
FORMER VERITAS SOFTWARE CORP. CEO SETTLES ALLEGED IMPROPER ACCOUNTING PRACTICES CHARGE
FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONSEC Settles Litigation With Former Veritas Software Corporation Chief Financial OfficerThe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that, on July 20, 2012, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California entered a settled final judgment against Kenneth E. Lonchar, the former Chief Financial Officer of Veritas Software Corporation, in SEC v. Mark Leslie, Kenneth E. Lonchar, Paul A. Sallaberry, Michael M. Cully, and Douglas S. Newton, Civil Action No. 07 CV 3444 (CW) (N.D. Cal. filed July 2, 2007).
The final judgment resolves the Commission’s case against Lonchar, the last remaining defendant in the Commission’s action against certain former Veritas Software Corporation executives. The Commission’s amended complaint alleges that Lonchar and other executives inflated Veritas’ reported revenues by approximately $20 million in connection with a software sale to America Online, Inc. The complaint further alleges that from at least 2000 until his resignation in 2002, Lonchar and others applied three improper accounting practices to "smooth" artificially Veritas’ financial results.
Without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint, Lonchar consented to entry of a final judgment permanently enjoining him from future violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and ordering him to pay disgorgement and prejudgment interest of $300,000 and a civil penalty of $100,000.
On August 2, 2012, the Commission issued an Order in a related, settled administrative proceeding suspending Lonchar from appearing or practicing before the Commission as an accountant with the right to request reinstatement after five (5) years from the date of the Order, pursuant to Rule 102(e) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The suspension is based on the entry of the final judgment in SEC v. Leslie, et al., enjoining Lonchar from future violations of the antifraud provisions of the Exchange Act. Without admitting to the findings in the Commission’s Order, except as to jurisdiction and the entry of the final judgment, Lonchar consented to the issuance of the Order.
REMARKS BY HANNAH ROSENTHAL AT ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AND HOURS AGAINST HATE EVENT
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENTRemarks at Active Citizenship and Hours Against Hate EventRemarks
Hannah Rosenthal
Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism
Bank Center
Budapest, Hungary
July 20, 2012
It is my privilege to be in Budapest today and present the U.S. Embassy’s Active Citizenship Award to the March of the Living Foundation. Each month, Ambassador Kounalakis recognizes citizens and organizations that are working to make a difference in their communities. This year, the Embassy has already recognized seven outstanding partners in Active Citizenship. I am honored to be able to help dedicate July’s Active Citizenship Award to an organization that does so much to promote tolerance and combat hate.
President Obama has directed all U.S. government agencies engaged overseas to look for partners and international organizations in the fight against discrimination. The March of the Living Foundation is a tremendous example of an organization that promotes active citizenship through its dedication to promoting tolerance.
The March of the Living Foundation has grown into one of the leading NGOs in Hungary, combating racism and anti-Semitism through education and public awareness. Its focus on the youth of Hungary ensures that the next generation remains cognizant of the past and vigilant toward the future. Through its education programs, the March of the Living Foundation reaches out to both Jewish and non-Jewish young people to teach tolerance, mutual respect, and responsibility.
Each year, the March of the Living Foundation organizes hundreds of Hungarians--mostly young people, students--to travel to Auschwitz to join thousands of others to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The March of the Living Foundation also organizes an annual torchlight procession through the streets of Budapest to remember victims of the Holocaust. The Budapest march started 10 years ago with a mere 300 participants, and has grown into an annual event that attracts nearly 30,000 people.
The March of the Living Foundation is not only an example of active citizenship, of individuals working to improve their community, but it is also a great promoter of active citizens in their own right. Despite their many activities, including the annual Holocaust memorial procession in Budapest, the Foundation has no office and is organized by five core volunteers. But those five are a true force-multiplier. Over the last ten years, they have developed a cadre of hundreds of volunteers to help organize the march and other events, and to carry their education programs to every corner of the country, travelling to more than 50 cities around Hungary.
Their work is, and will continue to be, extremely important. It seems especially timely now, given the recent wave of anti-Semitic incidents in Hungary and current efforts in some quarters to rehabilitate fascist-era figures.
Of course, I appreciate and encourage national dialogue about the past—it is an important process in any democratic nation. I believe, though, that people must speak out clearly and unequivocally against the veneration of any individuals who allied themselves with or participated in a fascist regime, which represents the absolute antithesis of the democratic values we all share.
The work of March of the Living Foundation strives to educate young people about the consequences of unrestrained, unchecked hate. It is also a great example of what we try to encourage in the 2012 Hours Against Hate campaign. Special Representative to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith and I created the Hours Against Hate campaign in 2011. This campaign encourages young people to volunteer an hour or more of their time to help people who look, live, or pray differently. It is an opportunity to work together to build a more tolerant world, one hour at a time. The initial goal was to raise 2,011 volunteer hours in the year 2011, but our expectations were greatly exceeded, as more than 20,000 hours were pledged by last December.
This grassroots momentum continues this year and the program has been re-launched as 2012 Hours Against Hate. This year’s campaign has been adopted as one of the tolerance campaigns for the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games to encourage greater diversity and community engagement during the Summer Games. Next week, Special Representative to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith and I will be in London for 2012 Hours Against Hate/Walk a Mile events, including a rock concert July 24th and a children’s sporting event on the 25th.
Hours Against Hate is a campaign to stop bigotry and promote pluralism and respect across lines of culture, religion, tradition, class, and gender. Hate is hate, no matter the victim. The campaign aligns with Secretary Clinton's goal of increasing engagement and partnership with civil society on human rights. As the program targets youth under age 30, Hours Against Hate also aligns with the March of the Living Foundation’s focus on engaging young people from different backgrounds to promote tolerance. So, for all of our young people in the audience - and I understand that there are also many in the audience who work with youth – I encourage you to think about what you too can do to be an active citizen and to commit yourselves to volunteering against hate in 2012 and into the future.
Without further ado, I am honored to recognize the March of the Living Foundation for its work and I would now like to present the Embassy’s Active Citizenship Award to March of the Living. Congratulations!
NORTH AMERICAN DUST PARTCLE IMPORTS EXAMINED BY NASA
FROM: NASAObserving these microscopic airborne particles and quantifying their global impact on warming or cooling Earth remains one of the most difficult challenges of climate science. Dust and pollution particles rise into the atmosphere and can travel for days across numerous national boundaries before settling to Earth. Data from several research satellites with advanced observing technology developed and launched by NASA enabled the scientists to distinguish particle types and determine their heights in the atmosphere. They combined that information with wind speed data to estimate the amount of pollution and dust arriving over North America. The scientists used data from instruments on NASA's Terra satellite and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite, a joint effort between NASA and the French space agency, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales. Yu and colleagues estimated that dust crossing the Pacific Ocean accounts for 88 percent, or 56 million tons, of the total particle import to North America every year. Dust movement is particularly active in spring, when the rise of cyclones and strong mid-latitude westerlies boost particle transport across the Pacific. Global aerosol transport models revealed Asia was a primary source of the dust reaching North America. Sixty percent to 70 percent comes from Asia and the remaining 30 percent to 40 percent comes from Africa and the Middle East. Dust particles are fine pieces of minerals that primarily come from dry, desert-like regions. Winds lift these lightweight particles high into the atmosphere where they meet even faster-moving winds capable of transporting them around the planet. Pollution particles, in contrast, come from combustion sources such as wildfires or agricultural fires and fossil fuel burning for power and industry.
These particles are emitted close to the ground, making them of prime interest to air quality researchers and managers. High-altitude dust particles are less a concern for human health, but their impact on climate can be significant. One such impact on climate is a cooling effect, brought about by dust and some pollution particles that reflect sunlight back to space. The team calculated that the imported particles account for one third of the reduction in solar radiation, or solar dimming, over North America. "Globally this can mask some of the warming we expect from greenhouse gases," says Lorraine Remer, an atmospheric scientist at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and co-author on the study. Climate change brought about by greenhouse gases could influence the relevance of dust in the future, according to Remer. "Desertification and reclamation, the land use modifications that change the exposure of dusty soils to wind erosion, are going to have a big impact on particle distribution and climate around the planet," she says. The study poses new questions about the magnitude of the particles' indirect effects on local weather and climate.
Dust and pollution could alter wind circulation, foster cloud growth and affect rainfall patterns. Soot and dust particles that land on snow, most likely in the western United States, could speed the melt of the snowpack and affect water supplies. To see a video and images related to this study, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/dust-imports.html
FIELD OF STARS: MESSIER 107
FROM: NASA
The
Hubble Space Telescope captured a crowd of stars that looks rather like a
stadium darkened before a show, lit only by the flashbulbs of the audience’s
cameras. Yet the many stars of this object, known as Messier 107, are not a
fleeting phenomenon, at least by human reckoning of time -- these ancient stars
have gleamed for many billions of years.,br /> Messier 107 is one of more
than 150 globular star clusters found around the disc of the Milky Way galaxy.
These spherical collections each contain hundreds of thousands of extremely old
stars and are among the oldest objects in the Milky Way. The origin of globular
clusters and their impact on galactic evolution remains somewhat unclear, so
astronomers continue to study them.,br /> Messier 107 can be found in the
constellation of Ophiuchus (The Serpent Bearer) and is located about 20,000
light-years from our solar system.,br /> French astronomer Pierre Méchain
first noted the object in 1782, and British astronomer William Herschel
documented it independently a year later. A Canadian astronomer, Helen Sawyer
Hogg, added Messier 107 to Charles Messier's famous astronomical catalogue in
1947.,br /> This picture was obtained with the Wide Field Camera of Hubble’s
Advanced Camera for Surveys. ,br /> Image credit: ESA/NASA
PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN LIBYA IN MARCH 2011
FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
A Qatari C-17 Globemaster III lands at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, to refuel in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 25, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorized all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes
CHICAGO CLEAN-UP MOVE AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICEThursday, August 2, 2012
Chicago Police Officer and Three Members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation Plead Guilty to a Racketeering Conspiracy and Other Related Charges
WASHINGTON – A Chicago police officer and three members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy and other related charges in a superseding indictment involving alleged members or associates of the Latin Kings, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Chicago police officer Alex Guerrero, 42, pleaded guilty today before Judge Rudy Lozano of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, in Hammond, Ind. Guerrero pleaded guilty to counts one, two, 14 and 15 of the third superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; interference with commerce by threats or violence; and use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking. As part of his plea agreement, Guerrero acknowledges that a 19-year prison sentence is appropriate.
The third superseding indictment, which charged 21 defendants, was returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Indiana on Nov. 16, 2011, and was unsealed on Nov. 18, 2011.
According to the third superseding indictment, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters.
On July 31, 2012, Brandon Clay, 26, of Chicago, and Antonio Gudino, 30, of East Chicago, each pleaded guilty before Judge Lozano to count one of the third superseding indictment charging them with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. As part of their plea agreements, Clay and Gudino have each acknowledged that a prison sentence is appropriate – 30 years for Clay and 10 years for Gudino. On July 30, 2012, Jason Ortiz, 30, of Chicago pleaded guilty before the same judge and to the same count as Clay and Gudino. As part of his plea agreement, Ortiz acknowledges that a 25-year prison sentence is appropriate.
Guerrero admitted in the plea agreement that he is responsible for possession of and distribution of 150 kilograms or more of cocaine as alleged in count two. He also admitted in the plea agreement that he physically restrained the victim in the course of the offense alleged in count 14. Guerrero admitted that he abused a position of public trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission or concealment of the offense.
The following defendants were charged in the third superseding indictment:
Sisto Bernal, 46, aka "Cisco" and "Shug," of Chicago;
Jason Ortiz, 30, aka "Creeper," of Chicago;
Brandon Clay, 26, aka "Cheddar," "Swiss," "Slick," of Chicago;
Martin Anaya, 41, aka "Left," of Chicago;
Ivan Quiroz, 30, of Posen, Ill.;
Hiluterio Chavez, 41, aka "Tails," and "Zeus," of Chicago;
Dante Reyes, 35, aka "DK," of Mission, Texas;
Sergio Robles, 24, aka "Checko," of Hammond, Ind.;
Emiliano Esparza, 40, aka "Ken Milleano," "Kent," and "Double G," of Chicago;
Paulino Salazar, 30, aka "Chino," of Chicago;
Santiago Gudino, 28, aka "Creeper," of Hammond;
Gabriel Jalomos, 25, aka "Sneaky," of Chicago;
Oscar Gonzalez, 22, aka "Puppet," of Hammond;
David Lira, 38, aka "Flaco," of Lansing, Ill.;
Victor Meza Jr., 23, aka "Shadow," of Hammond;
Antonio Gudino, 30, aka "Chronic," of Indiana, Ind.;
Bianca Fernandez, 23, of Chicago;
Serina Arambula, 23 of Chicago;
Alex Guerrero, 42, of Chicago; and
Antonio C. Martinez Jr., 41, of Chicago.
Jose Zambrano, 32, aka "Speedy," aka "Bird," aka "Big Greasy," of Sauk Village, Ill., and Jermaine Ellis, 23, aka "J-Dub," "Donnie Brosco," "Shorty" of Chicago, were both charged in the first indictment returned on June 17, 2010, and unsealed on June 29, 2010.
As alleged in the third superseding indictment, the Latin Kings enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the Latin Kings. Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, including taking on assignments often referred to as "missions."
A total of 23 members and associates have been indicted in this case. Of these defendants, 17 have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. There are three defendants scheduled for trial on Sept. 10, 2012, before Judge Lozano.
There remains one fugitive in this case, Paulino Salizar, 30, aka "Chino," from Chicago.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Houston Police Department; Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Department of Homeland Security; and the National Gang Intelligence Center.
The case is being prosecuted by Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and David J. Nozick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Andrew Porter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided significant assistance.
The third superseding indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) ON FINAL DEPLOYMENT
120714-N-AP176-079
ARABIAN SEA (July 14, 2012) An aircraft takes off from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton/Released)
FROM: U.S. NAVY, USS ENTERPRISE
Records Reveal Enterprise is on 25th DeploymentBy USS Enterprise Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Aug. 3, marks the 50th anniversary of the first deployment of USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and historians recently discovered the actual number of deployments is higher than commonly reported.
Now as the Big E continues her final deployment, scores of Sailors and historians are reviewing and double checking all aspects of the carrier's storied career.
The number of arrested landings, historic milestones, major evolutions, and, yes, even number of deployments are being checked and double checked for accuracy. As the Navy entered into the digital age, many of the historical documents associated with the carrier were made available online.
Cases in point are the command history reports, which outline the milestones and accomplishments that occur over each calendar year. Research into these and other documents have led researchers to a startling new discovery.
Tracing the number of deployments that Enterprise has completed would seem like a relatively easy task - simply tally up the number from the command history reports. Unfortunately, a few format changes over the years made for a task a bit more challenging than expected.
According to retired Navy captain Todd Creekman, executive director of the Naval Historical Foundation in Washington D.C., researchers at the foundation have unearthed some surprising news.
"In reviewing Enterprise's operational history, we made an interesting discovery" Creekman said. "All the current reports say that the ship is on her 22nd deployment. Actually, it is on the 25th deployment."
Research from the Naval Historical and Heritage Command's (NHHC) online database and other reports reveal that the carrier has "been there, done that" more often than commonly thought.
"We've run it by NHHC historian Mark Evans and it matches his data," Creekman said.
As researchers worked to piece together what happened, it appeared that a focus on the ship's WestPac deployments led to the error.
In a number of accounts, including command history reports, a particular deployment would be listed, for example, as "the tenth WestPac deployment," which would be accurate counting from the ship's first 1965-66 epic "first nuclear carrier in combat" deployment to the Vietnam War.
The carrier completed its fourteenth and last sequential WestPac in 1990, before entering Newport News Shipyard in 1990 for the ship's third refueling.
Following the final refueling, Enterprise made Norfolk, Va., her homeport once again and only made deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.
"The problem began when later history reports used the same number sequence but dropped "WestPac" from the description," Evans explained. "The refueling reports failed to re-account for the three deployments Big E made to the Mediterranean Sea between 1962-1964."
One example is the command history report from the ship's historic 2001 deployment, which reads: "On April 25, the Enterprise Navigation Department set Special Sea and Anchor Detail to begin a historic 17th deployment for operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf and North Arabian Sea."
This was, in fact, the ship's 20th deployment.
As the 51-year-old carrier steams along today on its 25th and final deployment, researchers continue to verify and cross reference important facts and milestones to ensure accuracy.
"It's already exciting to be a part of Enterprise's final deployment, but each day we are discovering more and more about the rich history of which we are a part," said Capt. William C. Hamilton, Enterprise's commanding officer. "We estimate over 200,000 Sailors and Marines have served aboard the Big E, and every one has helped in making her the legend we serve aboard today. We are a very, very proud crew."
The eighth ship to bear the name Enterprise is scheduled to inactivate from service on December 1, 2012, in a Ceremony in Norfolk, Va., in preparation for her defueling and decommissioning in 2016.
SIMULATOR SAVES MILLIONS
FROM: U.S. AIR FORCEA student pilot enrolled in Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training at the 558th Flying Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, takes off in a new T-6 Texan II simulator July 10. The 558 FTS purchased 10 new simulators for $3 million, which saved the squadron millions of dollar when compared to a traditional T-6 simulator, which cost $3 million each. : . (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins)
Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars
by Nathan Simmons
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
7/31/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.
The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air Force millions of dollars. Completing the same training using traditional T-6 simulators, which cost about $3 million each, would have cost upward of $27 million total, which doesn't count the price of a new building it would require to house them.
Training RPA pilots is increasingly critical to mission success, as they are relied on heavily by our armed forces.
"RPAs are the most requested asset in the combat theater," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Zadalis, AETC Director of Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration. "This capability continues to save lives and provide support down range."
When Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz solidified the RPA career field in May 2010, overloading the training system with new aviators became a significant challenge. Robert Englehart, Deputy Chief of Air Education and Training Command's RPA Training Branch, said that with the increase in demand for RPA pilots came the need to expand the capability to train them, but expanding wasn't as simple as it sounds.
"We had to be creative in our solution to this problem, as the increase in need for RPA pilots was paired with shrinking defense budgets," Englehart said. "By staying with the T-6, AETC is able to use courseware and support materials the Air Force has already paid for. AETC really stepped up and found a low-cost solution relatively quickly."
"These simulators use high-end desktop computers with powerful graphics cards to display the T-6 cockpit and instrument displays," said Lt. Col. Scott Cerone, 558th Flying Training Squadron commander. "Real-world surroundings are projected from three high-powered projectors to give the pilots a 180-degree view of the world outside their cockpits."
Another major payoff results from the significantly lower cost of replacing these components compared to those in the traditional simulator. Significant savings are also found in the time and cost of training, as roughly $515,000 is spent to train a traditional pilot versus around $33,000 to train an RPA pilot.
Traditional pilots undergo 48 weeks of training, whereas RPA pilots train in a rigorous 22 week program before they are sent to their units to train on specific aircraft.
Undergraduate RPA Training is composed of three courses. The first course is an initial flight screening in which RPA pilots learn the basics of commanding an aircraft. They then come to the 558th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph AFB, the single source of all Air Force URT for the RPA instrument qualification course. They then move on to an RPA fundamentals course, in which they get grounding in combat operations on a simplified MQ-9 Reaper simulator.
In the first two courses, pilots learn to use the radio, work with air traffic control, learn instrument procedures, situational awareness, Airmanship and all the pilot-in-command skills they need to fly. When traditional pilots graduate from training, they spend some time as a co-pilot or wingman, where they are able to learn under the mentorship of a more experienced aviator. RPA pilots do not get this experience, and thus are expected to demonstrate their pilot-in-command skills very quickly.
This tiered approach to training was beta tested in 2009 before Schwartz formalized the program in 2010. In the 2009-2010 time frame, the Air Force produced roughly 45 RPA pilots. In fiscal year 2013, the 558th FTS plans to produce around 165.
"Dubbed 'the eyes in the sky', these machines and the pilots who operate them are essential, constantly watching our troops on the ground every minute of every day and providing reconnaissance and strike support when needed," Zadalis said.
BIPARTISAN TRADE LEGISLATION PASSED IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FROM: HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANSCHAIRMAN DAVE CAMP
House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Address Africa Preferences, CAFTA-DR Technical Textile Changes, and Burma Sanctions
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Washington, DC - Today, the House passed a package of bipartisan trade legislation that: (1) extends the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) third-country fabric provisions through 2015 and adds South Sudan as an eligible beneficiary country under AGOA; (2) implements non-controversial technical corrections and modifications to the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR); and (3) renews Presidential authority to apply import sanctions against Burma.
This bipartisan legislation passed by voice vote. Additional background on H.R. 5986 is available here.
Chairman Camp said: "This important legislation will strengthen U.S. global competitiveness and trade leadership. Today’s vote to extend certain AGOA provisions and add South Sudan as an eligible beneficiary demonstrates the bipartisan dedication of this Congress to sub-Saharan Africa and reaffirms the success of the AGOA program. The technical corrections to CAFTA-DR encourage deeper integration within the region, promote U.S. exports, and support U.S. jobs. These two provisions will strengthen our ties with U.S. trading partners in Africa and the Western Hemisphere and support U.S. jobs and the U.S. economy.
"Today’s legislation also extends the President’s authority to maintain the import ban on Burmese products for three years and authorizes the actual imposition of import sanctions for one year. I recognize the encouraging developments in Burma over the past months. Nevertheless, in 2003, Congress set out specific goals and benchmarks in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, and I encourage the Burmese government to continue to address the concerns that led to the passage of the law. I also urge the Burmese government to vigorously pursue further reforms, economic growth, and peaceful, inclusive governance that benefit all the Burmese people."
Trade Subcommittee Chairman Brady said: "The strong bipartisan vote on H.R. 5986 re-affirms our strong trade and investment ties with sub-Saharan Africa and ensures a better-integrated textile supply chain in the Americas. These actions will support well-paying U.S. jobs. The legislation also reauthorizes the import ban on Burmese products. While I believe the Burmese government has taken sizeable steps forward in recent months, the political and economic reforms taken must continue and intensify to ensure that all citizens of Burma may be free, have a fully democratically-elected government, and enjoy the fruits of broad-based economic growth."
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