ISAF COMMANDER GEN. ALLEN SAYS SUMMER "HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL" IN AFGHANISTAN

Photo:  ISAF Commander Gen. John Allen
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Summer 'Highly Successful' for ISAF and Afghan Forces, Allen Says
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2012 - The International Security Assistance Force has kept tireless pressure on the enemy in Afghanistan, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander, said today.

"It's been a busy summer for us, and in ways not readily evident to most outside Afghanistan, it's been a highly successful summer," the top coalition commander told Pentagon reporters in a video teleconference.

"Coalition and Afghan forces have maintained unrelenting pressure on the insurgents, and we have denied and disrupted their operations and have largely pushed them out of the population centers," he added.

Partnered with Afghan forces, ISAF troops have been able to limit the enemy's freedom of movement and disrupt their logistics, the general said.

"We've taken scores of their leaders and fighters off the battlefield, and we've systematically separated the insurgents from more and more of the Afghan population," Allen said. "Insurgent attacks, while still indiscriminate and deadly, are increasingly localized, affecting an ever-shrinking proportion of the Afghan population. The insurgency we face today, while still active, dangerous and capable of inflicting harm, is trying hard to project its strength as its position continues to slowly erode."

More and more, the general said, Afghan national security forces are leading operations.

"Partnered operations have increasingly been led by Afghan forces, and the insurgency is today confronted by a rapidly transforming and increasingly capable [Afghan national security force], which is bearing a larger share of the burden and a larger share of the sacrifice," he said.

As fighting continues, Allen said, Afghan security forces leading the fight have suffered the toll of larger casualties.

"As we continue to mourn our own precious and honored dead, we recognize that our Afghan partners are now suffering the preponderance of the friendly casualties," he said. "Their resilience, reinforced by the commitment of the international community to stand by Afghanistan well after 2014, has sent a powerful and a disheartening signal to the insurgents.

"For the insurgents to prevail, they will have to keep up their increasingly costly fight for at least another decade," Allen added.

Significant work remains to be done from now until the end of 2014, when Afghan forces will be responsible for their nation's security, the general said.

"With 28 months left in the ISAF mission, we are forging ahead with the process of transition," he added. "Ultimately, our goal will not only be achieved by that which will be secured by ISAF forces, but primarily ... by Afghan forces. As the Afghans assume full responsibility for the security of their country, our support will continue."

The effort in Afghanistan is a continuum, Allen said, creating a series of conditions that ultimately will make the country a sovereign state secured by its own national security forces.

"We aim to leave behind a stable Afghanistan, a contributor to the stability and the prosperity of the region, and never again a safe haven for the terrorists," he said. "That remains our objective, and we're on track to achieve it."

ACTIVE SERVICES MEET RECRUITING GOALS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle sails toward New York Harbor to anchor at the Statue of Liberty, Aug. 4, 2011. The Eagle is in New York for the Coast Guard’s 221st birthday. It is the cutter’s last port call for the summer training cruise, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the 295-foot barque, which will be open for tours at Brooklyn’s Pier 7. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ann Marie Gorden
　

Active Services Meet Fiscal Year Recruiting Goals Through July
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2012 - All four active services and five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2012 through July, Pentagon officials reported.

The only shortfall -- the Army Reserve -- was intentional as part of force balancing, officials said.

Here are the numbers:

-- Army: 47,817 accessions, 101 percent of its goal of 47,300;

-- Navy: 28,507 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 28,483;

-- Marine Corps: 21,462 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 21,416;

-- Air Force: 23,988 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 23,974;

-- Army National Guard: 40,127 accessions, 103 percent of its goal of 38,940;

-- Army Reserve: 21,725 accessions, 98 percent of its goal of 22,194;

-- Navy Reserve: 6,652 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 6,652;

-- Marine Corps Reserve: 7,925 accessions, 104 percent of its goal of 7,652;

-- Air National Guard: 7,333 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 7,319; and

-- Air Force Reserve: 7,121 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 7,121.

The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force all exhibited strong retention through the tenth month of fiscal 2012, officials said, and all reserve components are on target to achieve their fiscal year attrition goals.

CJCS Army Gen. Dempsey: Political activity erodes public trust in military

CJCS Army Gen. Dempsey: Political activity erodes public trust in military

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS IN 2012

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Chief petty officer selectees practice 17th-century-era boarding pike drills during USS Constitution's Chief Petty Officer Heritage Week. During the week the selectees will live and train aboard USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Achterling (Released) 120822-N-BJ178-187




　

Members of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 observe an injured green sea turtle with SeaWorld Rescue Program representatives at Naval Air Station North Island. VRC-30 partnered with SeaWorld to transport the 160 pound sea creature from Oregon to San Diego. The rescue effort was conducted during one of the squadron's routine training missions, which helps prepare pilots and air crewmen to perform efficient medical evacuations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wilyanna Harper (Released) 120821-N-HW704-022

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2012

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending August 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 372,000, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 368,000. The 4-week moving average was 368,000, an increase of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average of 364,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending August 11, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate.

The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending August 11, was 3,317,000, an increase of 4,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,313,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,311,500, an increase of 6,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,305,000.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 310,121 in the week ending August 18, a decrease of 7,320 from the previous week. There were 344,870 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending August 11, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,164,819, a decrease of 15,192 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.8 percent and the volume was 3,557,586.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending August 4 was 5,594,498 , a decrease of 109,812 from the previous week.

Extended benefits were only available in Idaho during the week ending August 4.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,144 in the week ending August 11, a decrease of 102 from the prior week. There were 2,577 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 39 from the preceding week.

There were 17,456 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending August 4, a decrease of 659 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,487, a decrease of 1,612 from the prior week.

States reported 2,326,635 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending August 4, a decrease of 47,334 from the prior week. There were 3,086,781 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending August 4 were in Puerto Rico (4.7), theVirgin Islands (4.6), Pennsylvania (3.8), New Jersey (3.7), Connecticut (3.6), Alaska (3.6), California (3.5), Rhode Island (3.2), New York (3.1), and Nevada (3.0).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending August 11 were in California (+7,941), Puerto Rico (+1,980), Oregon (+755), Idaho (+527), and Connecticut (+306), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-2,324), Pennsylvania (-1,879), Indiana (-1,485), Illinois (-1,223), and Massachsetts (-1,212).

AFFORDABLE INSURANCE EXCHANGES MOVING FORWARD

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

States continue to move forward, build Affordable Insurance Exchanges

August 23, 2012
　
Today, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Vermont have received new grants to help support the establishment of Affordable Insurance Exchanges. Starting in 2014, consumers and small businesses will have access to high-quality, affordable health insurance through an Exchange – a one-stop marketplace where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their health needs and have the same kinds of insurance choices as members of Congress.

"We continue to support states as they move forward building an Exchange that works for them," Secretary Sebelius said. "Thanks to the health care law, Americans will have more health insurance choices and the ability to compare insurance plans."

In every state, Exchanges will allow consumers to shop for and enroll in private health plans that meet their needs. Consumers will be able to learn if they are eligible for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, or other health care programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Small employers will be eligible to receive tax credits for coverage purchased for employees through the Exchange. These competitive marketplaces make purchasing health insurance easier and more understandable and offer consumers and small businesses increased competition and choice.

Today’s awards will give states additional resources and flexibility to establish an Exchange. California, Hawaii, Iowa, and New York today have been awarded Level One Exchange Establishment grants, which provide one year of funding to states that have begun the process of building their Exchange. Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, and Vermont were awarded Level Two Establishment grants, which are provided to states that are further along in building their Exchange and offers funding over multiple years.

Previously, 49 states, the District of Columbia and four territories received grants to begin planning their Exchanges. With today’s awardees, 34 states and the District of Columbia have also received Establishment grants to begin building their Exchanges.

On June 29, HHS announced a funding opportunity providing states with 10 additional opportunities to apply for funding to establish a state-based Exchange, state Partnership Exchange, or prepare state systems for a Federally-facilitated Exchange. States can apply for Exchange grants through the end of 2014, and may use funds during the initial start-up year. This schedule ensures that states have the support and time necessary to build an Exchange that best fits the needs of their residents.

BOSTON RACETRACK AGREES TO SETTLE WASTEWATER DISCHARGES

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
　

WASHINGTON – Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC will pay a civil penalty of $1.25 million to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its Suffolk Downs racetrack facility in Revere and East Boston, Mass., the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. The company is also spending more than $3 million to prevent polluted water from entering nearby waterways and will perform three environmental projects worth approximately $742,000 that will provide water quality monitoring and protection efforts for more than 123 square miles of watershed. The terms of the settlement are contained in a consent decree lodged in federal court in Boston today.

The federal complaint alleges that Suffolk allowed polluted wastewater, including horse manure, urine and bedding material, to discharge into Sales Creek, a tributary of Belle Isle Inlet and Boston Harbor. In addition, the federal complaint alleges that Suffolk operated its concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), which stables race horses from March through November, without a permit under the CWA.

"Today’s agreement will prevent further discharges of wastewater from Suffolk Downs into local waterways and will bring the racetrack into compliance with the Clean Water Act, which protects America’s streams, wetlands and rivers from the impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. "The settlement also brings lasting benefits to residents and the environment by requiring water quality monitoring in the Mystic and Saugus river watersheds and a salt marsh habitat protection project near the racetrack."

"This settlement reduces a major source of pollution into Boston Harbor," said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "In addition, the settlement’s environmental projects include monitoring water quality in the harbor’s watershed, helping to protect a valuable urban waterway for the use and enjoyment of Boston area residents and visitors."

In response to EPA’s enforcement at this facility, Suffolk is completing construction of a wastewater collection system, is making improvements to its stormwater collection system and has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Suffolk will minimize the volume of and properly manage the wastewater it produces, which will now be collected in a detention pond and discharged during non-peak hours to the sanitary sewer system. Suffolk will also implement green infrastructure and low impact development techniques to address stormwater discharges from the racetrack and maintenance areas of the facility. These techniques involve the use of natural or engineered systems to direct stormwater to areas where it can be stored, infiltrated, evapotranspirated or reused.

"This case is yet another reminder of the department’s longstanding commitment to defending the integrity of our precious natural resources through vigorous enforcement of our environmental laws," said U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Carmen Ortiz. "Today’s settlement will help safeguard a cleaner environment for the citizens of the commonwealth to preserve and enjoy, and protect sensitive waterways and wetlands from harmful pollution."

EPA inspections revealed that Suffolk Down’s process wastewater discharged from the facility to Sales Creek during dry and wet weather. EPA inspectors observed stormwater contaminated with manure and turbid, brown runoff being discharged from the facility to Sales Creek. Sampling conducted at various outfalls discharging from the Suffolk Downs facility indicated elevated levels of pollutants, including ammonia, suspended solids and bacteria. Animal wastes contain excessive levels of nutrients and pathogens, which produce adverse environmental impacts including reduction of oxygen in the water, which affects aquatic life.

Suffolk will undertake three supplemental environmental projects under this settlement, including two water quality monitoring projects and one habitat protection project. Suffolk will work with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) to conduct monthly baseline and targeted water quality sampling throughout the Mystic River watershed and will work with the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) to conduct a Saugus River watershed sampling program. Both the Mystic River watershed and Saugus River watershed data will be available to the public for free on the MyRWA and SRWC websites. Suffolk will also construct a habitat protection boardwalk in the Belle Isle Marsh, which is immediately downstream of the Suffolk Downs facility and represents one of the largest remaining areas of salt marsh in Boston Harbor. The Belle Isle Marsh encompasses 275 acres of salt marsh, salt meadow and tidal flats, and is part of the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).

Preventing animal waste from contaminating surface and ground waters of the United States is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011-2013. The initiative focuses on large and medium sized CAFOs that are discharging pollution without or in violation of a permit.

The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.

GEN. ALLEN SAYS CLOSER TIES IN AFGHANISTAN MAY REDUCE INSIDER THREAT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Allen: Closer Ties With Partners May Reduce Insider Attack Threat

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2012 - The closer their relationship is with their Afghan security force partners, the safer coalition forces are from "insider attacks," the commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said today.

Speaking with Pentagon reporters from Kabul, Afghanistan, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen said he does not believe pulling troops away from their Afghan partners is the best way to go about preventing such attacks.

"At this particular moment, I don't believe that we need to contemplate reducing our contact with the Afghans," he said. "What we have learned is that the closer the relationship with them -- indeed, the more we can foster a relationship of brotherhood -- the more secure that we are."

Earlier this week, a senior military official said 22 of 32 attacks this year by assailants wearing Afghan military or police uniforms have resulted in deaths. In all, 40 coalition personnel had been killed and 69 others were wounded in the attacks. Over the same period in 2011, the official added, 16 attacks resulted in 28 deaths and 43 wounded.

Allen said there isn't enough data on the attackers to "make any kind of a definitive conclusion" about why they happen. "We think the reasons for these attacks are complex," he said. "Some of them, we do believe, are about infiltration, impersonation [or] coercion. "But some of them are about disagreements -- animosity which may have grown between the individual shooter and our forces in general, or a particular grievance. So we look at each one separately."

The general said ISAF officials are trying to understand each particular case to determine why the attacks may have occurred. Religious fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could be a factor in some attacks, he added. "It's a very tough time for these forces. And in particular, this year, Ramadan ... fell in the middle of the fighting season during some of the harshest times for the climate in much of the region in which we fight," he said.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the pillars of Islam. During the month, from dawn until sunset, Muslims traditionally refrain from eating, drinking and other activities, breaking the fast each evening with family and friends at a dinner called an iftar.

The daily pressures on some of the Afghan troops, compounded by the sacrifice associated with fasting and the nature of the operational tempo may have contributed to a rise in attacks in the last several weeks, Allen said. "There are many different and complex reasons for why we think this may have increased. We think Ramadan was a part of it. We don't think Ramadan was the principal reason, though," but added that officials have taken steps to minimize Ramadan-related stress. "We were very careful, actually, during Ramadan this year to undertake operations during those times that would not place great physical strain on the troops – their troops as well as ours – given the partnership requirement," he explained.

Officials now will look back on Ramadan to see what they can learn, Allen said. "We're going to look back hard upon our operational tempo, the relationship of our security force assistance teams with the Afghans, and see if there are any conclusions that we can learn," he said. "I don't think, at this juncture, that we should pull back."

The general also acknowledged a "Taliban influence" that takes several forms, including infiltration of the Afghan forces, as a factor in the attacks.

Allen re-emphasized his belief that reducing interaction with Afghan forces would not create the desired effect of building partnership.

"In fact, as I said, the closer the relationship, the more secure, ultimately, our troops will be," he said. "Now what we have to do is ensure that we, together – the Afghans and the coalition forces – undertake the kinds of protective measures which we've been undertaking for some time."

Allen also said while not diminishing the importance of the insider threat, such attacks represent only a fraction of the interactions between ISAF and Afghan forces.

"It's important to understand that while every one of these is a tragedy, ... every single day in this battle space there are tens of thousands of interactions of our general purpose forces, our special operations forces and our advisory forces with the Afghans," he said. "And in a vast, vast majority of those instances, the result of that interaction is a growing friendship and a deeper relationship, and that's playing out in greater success in the battle space."

Allen lauded the leadership of ISAF and Afghan troops who have reacted with "stalwart" commitment to the mission in spite of insider attacks.

"We're blessed, in the U.S. military ... with magnificent small-unit leaders," he said. "This is a tough mission, [but] these troops are very well led. It's going to be leadership that gets us through it."

　

NAVY ESTIMATES SUBMARINE FIRE REPAIR BILL AT $450 MILLION

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Official U.S. Navy file photo of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) entering dry dock March 15, 2012 to begin an engineered overhaul at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Jim Cleveland/Released)

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's revised cost estimate to restore USS Miami (SSN 755) is approximately $450 million, with an estimated date of completion for the repairs of April 30, 2015 officials announced Aug. 22.

The estimate includes 10 percent variability due to the unique nature of the repair and the cost impacts of shifting the planned maintenance availabilities of other ships and submarines.

Navy is committed to delivering the submarine back to the fleet with no operational limitations. Once returned to service, Miami will serve for an additional 10 years with five planned full-length deployments, ready to respond to any combatant commander tasking.

The resources and workforce to support the repair effort are expected to come from the Portsmouth Naval shipyard, private sector, as well as the local New Hampshire and Maine trades workforce. The Navy expects to award an advanced planning contract in September to support engineering efforts to guide the accomplishment of repairs and procure repair material, followed by the repair contract in late spring 2013.

Since June, the Navy has continued its engineered overhaul work in areas unaffected by the May 23 fire; cleaning and ripping out areas affected by fire and water damage; completing the technical assessment of the damage; developing a strategy for completing repair; and refining the cost estimate.

A lessons-learned oversight board composed of three-star flag officers from Naval Sea Systems Command, Commander Naval Installations Command and Commander Submarine Forces was formed in July 2012 to ensure that all valuable issues and lessons are identified and corrective actions are developed.

The fire that damaged the submarine was set May 23. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service launched an investigation which resulted in the arrest July 20 of Casey James Fury, a 24-year-old civilian worker at the Shipyard. Fury had a first appearance hearing before a federal magistrate in Portland, Maine July 23 and was charged in connection with the May 23 fire as well as a second minor fire in the Shipyard's Dry Dock #2 area June 16. Fury remains in custody at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland Maine.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

 

 

FROM:  NASA
Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka (top), Expedition 32 commander; and Yuri Malenchenko, flight engineer, participate in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to continue outfitting the International Space Station. During the five-hour, 51-minute spacewalk on August 20, 2012, Padalka and Malenchenko moved the Strela-2 cargo boom from the Pirs docking compartment to the Zarya module to prepare Pirs for its eventual replacement with a new Russian multipurpose laboratory module. The two spacewalking cosmonauts also installed micrometeoroid debris shields on the exterior of the Zvezda service module and deployed a small science satellite.

Image Credit: NASA

ISAAC AND THE HURRICANE HUNTERS

Photo Credit:  NASA
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

'Hurricane Hunters' Track Isaac as Southcom, Northcom Prepare
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2012 - With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on the Dominican Republic and Haiti and threatening to strengthen over the eastern Caribbean, the "Hurricane Hunters" from the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are in the air, relaying critical data to National Weather Service forecasters in Miami.

Meanwhile, staffs at both the U.S. Southern and Northern Commands are monitoring the storm closely and ensuring they are ready to provide support to civilian authorities, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Three six-person crews from the 53rd WRS and their maintainers and support staff deployed to St. Croix from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., last weekend, Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Talbot, the squadron's chief meteorologist, told American Forces Press Service. Operating out of the international airport there, they began flying their specially equipped C-130J Hercules aircraft through the storm Aug. 21.

On a typical mission that can run up to 12 hours, the aircrews crisscross the storm in what the teams call an "alpha pattern," he explained. Sophisticated onboard instruments and small canisters dropped by parachute to the ocean's surface collect accurate measurements of the storm's location and intensity.

That information is fed continuously to the National Hurricane Center via an onboard satellite link. In addition, the aircraft sends automated messages every 10 minutes, relaying barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and other measurements.

"The reason this data is critical is because, with satellites, you can track where storms are and get a general picture, but you can't peer into the storm and physically measure what is happening at the ocean's surface," Talbot said. "That is the important piece of information you need to know when it comes to providing warnings to the public. The emergency management community needs to know what is going on near the surface of the ocean, because those are the winds that are going to come ashore."

With about six missions already under their belts during the past three days, Talbot said, the pace will pick up considerably as Isaac moves west toward the United States. "Currently, we are doing about three missions a day, but that will go up to four or five when the storm comes within 300 miles of the U.S. coastline," he said.

The Hurricane Hunters expect to move west along with the storm, redeploying to Keesler Air Force Base to resume those missions beginning this weekend. In the event that the crews have to evacuate Keesler, Talbot said, they already have alternate operating sites lined up. "We track these things pretty closely, because if we end up having to jump from here, we still have to continue flying and providing that data while we are evacuating our own resources," he said. "It becomes a big, tangled web, but it always works out pretty well."

As a precaution, aircraft and ships are being moved out of the storm's possible path and other assets are being secured, according to Southcom spokesman Army Lt. Col. Darryl Wright. Planning teams are busy running rehearsal meetings and preparing to verify personnel and resource requests, if USAID issues them, he said.

Wright emphasized that military support, if provided, would be part of a coordinated U.S. response led by civilian authorities. "We conduct close coordination and planning and provide DOD support to relief efforts upon request," he said. "Through this close coordination, we ensure that we respond with the most efficient means available to the U.S. government."

In terms of disaster response, Wright said efficiency is typically more important than speed in reducing suffering and saving lives.

Northcom, too, is in a monitoring mode. But with the storm expected to intensify late this weekend when it hits the Atlantic and the Florida Straits, the command deployed a defense coordinating officer and element to Puerto Rico on Aug. 20 to support FEMA, John Cornelio, Northcom's media operations chief, told American Forces Press Service.

The element of about 20 people is assessing the situation and standing ready to provide assistance, if requested. "We have learned the value of being forward enough to cut down on the response time, if required," Cornelio said.

With Isaac's path still anyone's guess, officials say it's too soon to know whether it will hit Tampa, site of next week's Republican National Convention. Northcom has a team deployed there to support the Secret Service during the convention, Cornelio reported.

U.S. GSA'S "GREAT IDEAS HUNT" SAVES $5.53 MILLION

FROM: U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRAION
GSA Implements Cost Saving Ideas, Saves Over $5 Million
　
Input gathered from agency employees saves millions

August 22, 2012

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced plans to implement five cost savings ideas that will save the agency an estimated $5.53 million. As part of its ongoing top- to-bottom review, GSA launched The Great Ideas Hunt asking its employees to share their best ideas on how to improve the performance and efficiency of the agency.

"When we began our Top-to-Bottom review of the entire agency, we wanted to look for ways to engage employees in a meaningful way about how to improve the agency and make it more efficient," said Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini. "The Great Ideas Hunt originated from there, and I am impressed with the quality of responses received from GSA employees across the country."

To date, GSA received a total of 632 ideas submitted via the web from employees across the country. GSA staff then voted for their favorite submissions, registering close to twenty thousand votes online. The agency is now taking action on five of the most popular ideas, which are currently being implemented.

These include:

-Reduce Subscriptions: A GSA employee highlighted the fact that GSA can save money by
reducing the number of newspaper and magazine subscriptions and choosing online versions
when possible. By doing this the GSA can save up to $630,000 agency-wide.

-Eliminate Redundant Survey: Three suggestions were submitted urging the agency to retire
a costly and redundant employee survey. It turns out that the survey costs $1 million annually
and virtually all of its questions are addressed in the Office of Personnel Management Employee
Viewpoint Survey, which is free. GSA has now stopped its use of the survey.

-Create Web-based Surveys: Four GSA employees submitted an idea to replace the paper-
based Public Buildings Service (PBS) Tenant Satisfaction Survey with a web-based solution
instead. PBS is making this change immediately, which will save about $1.2 million annually.

-Expand PrintWise policy: Two entries noted that setting the default printing settings to ‘double-
sided’ will save money on paper and reduce GSA’s impact on the environment. As a result, GSA
will roll out this policy agency-wide, and could realize a savings of $2.7 million.

-Implement External Great Ideas: GSA received so many helpful ideas through this campaign
internally, that three employees suggested the agency create an external website to allow federal
partners and vendors to share ideas and feedback on how GSA can better manage our offerings.

The Great Ideas Hunt began May 31 and ended July 6. In addition to these five ideas, the agency is reviewing and researching 40 other ideas submitted through the program, and expects to implement them on a rolling basis.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Wild Cards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 drops a line during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. HSC-23 is embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group currently underway conducting a certification exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Merriam (Released) 120817-N-BB534-626
　

Tugs guide the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) to its berth at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor after the completion of Louisiana's latest strategic deterrent patrol. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early (Released) 120820-N-GU530-136



　

Carla Lucchino, assistant for administration to the Secretary of the Navy, takes part in an exhibit at the Imagination Station children's science center in Toledo, Ohio, during Toledo Navy Week, one of 15 signature events planned across America in 2012. The weeklong event commemorates the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, hosting service members from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark ODonald (Released) 120821-N-BX435-041

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ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN AUGUST 23, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Forces Arrest Taliban Weapons Supplier
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 23, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban weapons supplier today in the Chaparhar district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, military officials reported.

The weapons supplier acquired and distributed mortars and other weapons to Taliban fighters in the district, officials said. In the weeks prior to his arrest, he delivered multiple weapons to Taliban fighters in the area.

During the operation, an armed insurgent threatened the security force. The security force engaged and killed him.

The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in Balkh province's Chimtal district during an operation to arrest a senior Taliban leader who is responsible for indirect fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Panjwai district found and destroyed 1,201 pounds of marijuana and detained a suspected insurgent.

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT DAILY BRIEFING

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DOD News Briefing with Gen. Allen from the Pentagon

DOD News Briefing with Gen. Allen from the Pentagon

U.S. GOVERNMENT JOINS LAWSUIT AGAINST GALLUP FOR VIOLATION OF FALSE CLAIMS ACT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

US Government Joins False Claims Act Lawsuit Against the Gallup Organization

Suit Alleges Polling Firm Overcharged Government on Contracts

The United States has joined a whistleblower lawsuit against The Gallup Organization, the Justice Department announced today. The lawsuit was filed by Michael Lindley, a former Gallup employee, who alleges that Gallup violated the False Claims Act by making false claims for payment under contracts with the U.S. Mint, the State Department and other federal agencies to provide polling services for various government programs.

According to the whistleblower’s complaint, Gallup violated the False Claims Act by giving the government inflated estimates of the number of hours that it would take to perform its services, even though it had separate and lower internal estimates of the number of hours that would be required. The complaint further alleges that the government paid Gallup based on the inflated estimates, rather than Gallup’s lower internal estimates. The government intervened in the lawsuit with respect to Gallup’s contracts with the Mint and the State Department.

"Contractors must understand that it is unlawful to use inflated estimates to obtain higher contract prices," said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department’s Civil Division. "The decision to join this civil lawsuit underscores the commitment of the Department of Justice to recover federal funds that are unlawfully claimed."

The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, wh ich permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for submission of false claims to the government. The private plaintiffs are entitled to receive a share of any funds recovered through the lawsuit. The False Claims Act authorizes the United States to intervene in such a lawsuit and take over primary responsibility for litigating it. The False Claims Act allows for recovery of three times the government’s losses, plus civil penalties.

"Contractors who do business with the federal government must honor their obligations to provide honest services and products," said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. "Working with relators and federal investigators, we will do all that we can to act against those who illegitimately bill the American taxpayers."

In its notice announcing intervention, the United States also indicated that it plans to assert additional claims related to Gallup’s subcontract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These claims relate to allegations in the whistleblower lawsuit that Gallup negotiated for employment with a FEMA official who was responsible for Gallup’s subcontract while, at the same time, Gallup was seeking to obtain additional funding from FEMA for Gallup’s subcontract.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the District of Columbia, is captioned U.S. ex rel. Lindley v. The Gallup Organization, 09-cv-01985. The claims made in the complaint are only allegati ons and do not constitute a determination of liability.

COMPANY RECALLS ALL 2012 CANTALOUPES BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION

Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc. Recalls Cantaloupes Because Of Possible Health Risk

FROM: U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 22, 2012 - Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc., of Owensville, Indiana, is voluntarily recalling all of its cantaloupes from the 2012 growing season that may remain in the marketplace. This recall is occurring because of concern some cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

This voluntary recall follows a prior voluntary market withdrawal of all Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc. cantaloupes that occurred August 16 and 17, 2012.

During the period June 21, 2012 to August 16, 2012, Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc., marketed cantaloupes to four retail grocery stores with grocery store retail outlets in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, and Dubois County, Indiana, and Wabash County, Illinois; and also to four wholesale purchasers located in Owensboro, Kentucky, St. Louis, Missouri, Peru, Illinois, and Durant, Iowa, respectively. As a part of the voluntary market withdrawal, Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc. notified all of the purchasers of its cantaloupes to take immediate action to remove all Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc. cantaloupes from the marketplace, and all of the purchasers confirmed compliance with that request.

The CDC reports that for the period July 7, 2012, through August 22, 2012, there have been reports of some 178 persons nationwide who may have become sick in connection with consumption of cantaloupes. The FDA investigation is ongoing and incomplete at this time. After discussion with the FDA, Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc., decided to conduct the recall as a precautionary measure.

Consumers should inquire about the source of cantaloupes before purchasing additional cantaloupes or using cantaloupes already purchased. To be absolutely certain, consumers should destroy any cantaloupes currently in their possession the origin of which cannot be identified.

Opening Remarks Regarding the Adoption of Final Rules for Conflict Minerals

Opening Remarks Regarding the Adoption of Final Rules for Conflict Minerals