Saturday, September 1, 2012
PRESIDENT OBAMA SAYS 'AL-PAIDA ON ROAD TO DEFEAT'
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSEObama Pledges Responsible Drawdown in Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 - The United States will remain focused on the mission in Afghanistan while working toward ending the war in a responsible way that protects everything its military members have sacrificed for there, President Barack Obama said today.
Obama traveled to Fort Bliss, Texas, today, to honor service members he credited with making a turnaround in Iraq and also helping Afghanistan chart its own new future.
"You left Iraq with honor, your mission complete, your heads high," the president told the assembly of active, National Guard and reserve troops and their families. "And today Iraq has a chance to forge its own destiny."
Last visiting Fort Bliss two years ago, Obama recalled reminding the troops there that "we had more work to do, including taking the fight to al-Qaida."
Flashing forward to today, the president cited progress. "With allies and partners, we've taken out more top al-Qaida terrorists than at any time since 9/11," he said. "And thanks to the courage of our forces, al-Qaida is on the road to defeat, and bin Laden will never again threaten the United States of America."
Obama recognized Fort Bliss troops who have recently returned from Afghanistan or are currently deployed there, and some scheduled to deploy soon.
"I've got to tell you the truth," he said. "This is still a very tough fight."
The president recognized the sacrifices made, noting that he met earlier today with Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the conflict. "Your loved ones live on in the soul of the nation. We will honor them always," he told the family members.
"Because of their sacrifice, because of your service, we pushed the Taliban back," the president said. "We're training forces. The transition to Afghan lead is under way. And, as promised, more than 30,000 of our troops will have come home by next month."
Obama offered assurance that "just as in Iraq, we are going to end this war responsibility."
The Afghans will take the lead for their own security next year, he noted, and the transition will be complete in 2014.
"And even as this war ends, we will stay vigilant until Afghanistan is never again a source for attacks against America -- never again," Obama said, drawing cheers from the crowd. "So we're not just ending these wars. We're doing it in a way that keeps America safe and makes America stronger."
That, the president said, includes the military. Drawing down forces, he said, will mean fewer deployments, which creates more time to train, improve readiness, prepare for the future and reconnect with families.
"So make no mistake: ending the wars responsibly makes us safer, and it makes our military even stronger," he said.
Obama emphasized, in drawing down the force in Afghanistan, that the United States must remain ready for the challenges ahead. "In a world of serious threats, I will never hesitate to use force to defend the United States of America or our interests," he said.
"At the same time, I will only send you into harm's way when it is absolutely necessary," he pledged. "And when we do, we will give you the equipment and the clear mission and the smart strategy and the support back home that you need to get the job done. We owe you that."
The president recognized that the future, post-conflict military will be leaner. He promised, however, that the United States will continue making the investments needed "to keep you the absolute best military in the world, bar none."
The United States will always maintain its military superiority, he said.
"In you, we've got the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped military in human history. And as commander in chief, I am going to keep it that way," the president said.
Obama reaffirmed his pledge that the United States will continue to support those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the nation.
"We may be turning a page on a decade of war, but America's responsibilities to you have only just begun," he said.
THE DOG WARRIOR SAVES LIVES IN AFGHANISTAN
Face of Defense: Dog, Handler Protect Marines By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter
Regimental Combat Team 6 HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 27, 2012 - Riding in an armored truck over Afghanistan's rutted dirt roads is scarcely a smooth or comfortable experience.
Each bump is felt as springs groan and creak under the weight of the mine resistant, ambush-protected vehicle. The air conditioner circulates dusty air, and unless you're right next to the vents, you're drenched in sweat. Body armor weighs down on shoulders and compounds the pain of sitting in one spot for hours on end.
For Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Stephen Mader and his dog Maxx, this experience is routine. Mader is an improvised explosive device detector dog handler with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6.
Their MRAP hits a large bump, and water in a metal dish near the truck's back entrance splashes onto the floor. Maxx, who was dozing, stands up, puts his front paws on Mader's lap and nuzzles his head against Mader's body armor. Mader wraps his arms around Maxx, gives him a pat on the side and a scratch behind the ears, and reassures him everything is all right. Maxx settles down with his chin across Mader's boots – his spot – and closes his eyes again.
"It's basically like having a 3-year-old in Afghanistan," said Mader, who is responsible for every aspect of Maxx's care. He feeds him, cleans him and even monitors Maxx's behavior for signs of stress or fatigue.
And like a 3-year-old, Maxx, a yellow Labrador, always wants attention.
"Otherwise, he'll start licking me," Mader said.
Mader and Maxx have been together for seven months since they met at the five-week IED detector dog handler school in Southern Pines, S.C. The dogs come to the school trained to obey commands and track explosive scents. Human students go to learn how to handle the dogs.
School instructors interviewed Mader about his demeanor and personality and asked questions such as, "Are you laid-back or a hard-charger?" to get an idea of which dog to assign him. Mader said he's a mix of both.
Mader, who joined the Marine Corps in 2009, said the dogs need a good rapport with their handlers. If there is a personality clash, the dog won't perform. Maxx is a perfect match, he said.
"If I want to be playful and active, he will be," Mader said. "But, if I want to relax, he'll lay down next to me."
Overall, Maxx, who is actually 4 years old, is "pretty chill" and will sleep when he's not working, Mader said. But, Maxx does have his wild streaks, he added. The dog likes to break out of his kennel and to try to swim in the canals in the southern Helmand River Valley, where the battalion's personal security detachment often travels.
"He'll try, and I'll have to stop him," Mader said.
Unlike some military working dogs, IED detector dogs are not trained to be aggressive. Their handlers have the discretion to allow other Marines to approach or pet their dogs. Maxx is popular with the Marines and gets a lot of attention, Mader said, but when it comes time to work, he's ready to go.
"In the truck, he's like a pet, but whenever we're out there, he's like a tool," he added, noting that IED detector dogs are "a great tool to have if you use them correctly."
The duo spends a lot of time on the road. Mader said Maxx can sense where they are.
"It's weird, but he'll know what [forward operating base] we're going to," he said. When they're getting close to FOB Geronimo, a larger, more built-up base, Maxx gets excited and starts pacing. When they approach a smaller, more austere place such as Combat Outpost Rankle, "he'll just lay there," the dog handler added.
When Mader and Maxx aren't on the road or working, they're training. After missions, while other Marines are relaxing, Mader is making sure Maxx's tracking skills stay sharp. Maxx is trained with a rubber bouncy toy called a "bumper," used as a reward for performing a task successfully. When the bumper comes out, it's a morale boost for the dog, Mader said.
Even with the long hours and the extra responsibilities of being a dog handler, Mader said, it's "the best thing to happen to me in the Marine Corps."
After this deployment, Mader said, he would volunteer to be a handler again if there is a need and an opportunity. He is an infantry mortarman by trade.
"I love being with the dogs," he said.
As the Afghan army continues to take over more of the security responsibilities here, officials at Marine Corps Systems Command said they anticipate the number of dogs to be reduced in the near future, correlating with the reduction in Marine forces in the region. If Maxx is no longer needed, Mader said, he wants to adopt him.
"I don't want to give him up," he said. "I've bonded too much to give him up."
Mader looks down at Maxx, still asleep across his boots, unaware of the potential dangers outside their MRAP. The occasional hard bump in the road is the only thing that stirs him from his nap on this ride. However, if needed, the pair will be ready to go on a moment's notice to track down the scent of any explosives on the route to prevent vehicle damage, injuries or worse.
"A local kid asked if he could buy Maxx for $10," Mader said. "I had to tell him he's worth a little bit more than that."
ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG LEADER SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON
Friday, August 31, 2012
Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Leader Sentenced in Houston for Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering
WASHINGTON – A high ranking member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) was sentenced today for his role in an aggravated assault that took place in Tomball, Texas, in September 2008, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.
Steven Walter Cooke, 48, aka "Stainless," pleaded guilty on March 16, 2012, to racketeering aggravated assault for his role in the beating of an ABT prospect member. Cooke was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison by senior U.S. District Court Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. The sentence will run concurrent with a life sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 3, 2012, in the Eastern District of Texas in connection with Cooke’s role in a 2008 Liberty County, Texas, homicide.
According to court documents, the defendant was a leader of the ABT, a powerful race-based, state-wide organization that operated inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout the United States. The ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system. The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. According to court documents, previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism. Over time, the ABT has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.
According to court documents, the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as "direct orders."
According to court documents, Cooke, along with 11 fellow ABT gang members, participated in the beating of a prospective ABT member at Cooke’s home in Tomball on Sept. 22, 2008. The ABT prospect, who sustained serious bodily injury, including an orbital blowout fracture, was beaten by ABT gang members because he violated ABT rules of conduct.
Eleven of the 12 co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to violent crimes in aid of racketeering aggravated assault. The 12th ABT gang member, David Harlow, 43, aka "Bam Bam," was found guilty at trial by Senior Judge Werlein on March 21, 2012. Harlow was sentenced on July 27, 2012, to 120 months in prison.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Texas Rangers; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Walker County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; the Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Department; the Houston Police Department-Gang Division; the Tomball Police Department; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Inspector General; and the Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman of the Southern District of Texas.
WMARS RADIO
FROM: NASA
Curiosity Rover Plays First Song Transmitted From Another Planet
PASADENA -- For the first time in history, a recorded song has been beamed back to Earth from another planet. Students, special guests and news media gathered at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., today to hear "Reach for the Stars" by musician will.i.am after it was transmitted from the surface of Mars by the Curiosity rover.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden addressed the crowd in a video message encouraging students to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). "Mars has always fascinated us, and the things Curiosity tells us about it will help us learn about whether or not life was possible there," Bolden said. "And what future human explorers can expect. will.i.am has provided the first song on our playlist of Mars exploration."
In opening remarks, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and space shuttle astronaut Leland Melvin said, "I can think of no greater way to honor NASA pioneer Neil Armstrong's life and legacy than to inspire today's students to follow his path. That first footprint that Neil placed on the lunar surface left an indelible mark in history. Perhaps one of our students here today or watching on NASA Television will be the first to set foot on the surface of Mars and continue humanity's quest to explore."
Musician and entrepreneur will.i.am shared his thoughts about "Reach for the Stars" becoming the first interplanetary song and an anthem for NASA education. The entertainer is a well-known advocate of science and technology education. He said, "Today is about inspiring young people to lead a life without limits placed on their potential and to pursue collaboration between humanity and technology through STEAM education. I know my purpose is to inspire young people, because they will keep inspiring me back."
After completing a journey of more than 300 million miles from Earth to Mars and back, the opening orchestral strains of "Reach for the Stars" filled the auditorium. The event added to continuing worldwide interest in Curiosity's mission.
NASA engineers spoke to attendees about the Curiosity mission, and the systems engineering and orbital mechanics involved in getting the song file back from Mars. Students had the opportunity to ask questions of all program participants. Earlier in the day, students received a guided tour of JPL to view rover models and learn about STEM career options.
During the event, will.i.am's i.am angel Foundation and Discovery Education announced a $10 million classroom education initiative that will reach 25 million students annually, including many from underserved communities. Focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) educational themes, the Discovery Education initiative will incorporate NASA content and space exploration themes as part of the curriculum.
CFTC CHARGES CALIFORNIA RESIDENT IN ALLEGED COMMODITY POOL FRAUD SCHEME
FROM: U.S. COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today announced the filing of a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, charging defendant Jeffrey Gustaveson of Carlsbad, Calif., with fraud, misappropriation, and issuing false statements in an approximate $2.5 million commodity pool scheme.
According to the CFTC complaint, filed on August 29, 2012, from at least January 2010 through approximately July 2010, Gustaveson accepted at least $2,495,000 million from at least four individuals to invest in a commodity futures pool. However, rather than trade pool participants’ funds as promised, Gustaveson allegedly only used approximately $400,000 of the funds to trade commodity futures, which resulted in a net loss. Gustaveson kept the remaining funds in a checking account from which he used at least $400,000 of pool funds to pay his personal expenses, including hotels, restaurants, and online gambling, according to the complaint.
Furthermore, to conceal his fraud, Gustaveson allegedly distributed false trading account statements to pool participants that misrepresented the value of the pool, reported false profits, and failed to disclose Gustaveson’s misappropriation of pool participants’ funds. When his fraud was exposed, Gustaveson allegedly repaid a portion of pool participants’ funds, but, despite repeated requests to do so, Gustaveson allegedly has not returned $415,000 of pool participants’ money. According to the CFTC complaint, Gustaveson admitted in a California state court proceeding that he had misappropriated investor money and falsified financial statements in connection with the acts described in the CFTC complaint.
In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks restitution to defrauded customers, a return of ill-gotten gains, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans, and permanent injunctions against further violations of federal commodities laws, as charged.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this case are Lindsey Evans, Mary Beth Spear, Diane Romaniuk, Ava M. Gould, Scott R. Williamson, Rosemary Hollinger, and Richard B. Wagner.
Friday, August 31, 2012
U.S. PARALYMPIC VOLLYBALL TEAM
Soldiers from the Warrior Transition Battalion, based in Heidelberg, Germany, with staff and team of the 2012 U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Paralympic squad at the University of East London, Aug. 30, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
Wounded Warriors Gain Inspiration From U.S. Paralympic Volleyball Team
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
LONDON , Aug. 30, 2012 - Watching the 2012 Paralympic Games today left a group of Europe-based wounded warriors inspired, especially after they were able to meet some of the U.S. athletes.
Soldiers assigned to Warrior Transition Units in Germany, Italy and Belgium, and participating in adaptive reconditioning programs, met the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Paralympic Team at the University of East London during a trip sponsored by the U.S. Paralympic Committee, the Wounded Warrior Project and Red Cross.
Army Master Sgt. Major Luckett, a food supply noncommissioned officer and 25-year veteran, said he was thrilled during the meet and greet with the athletes.
"I was really excited to get a chance to see the team with their experience," he said. "They explained their training and we had a chance to meet some of the players. I met [Kari] Miller, a former soldier. It was real exciting."
Motivation and inspiration were often used by the wounded warriors to describe their feelings during and after meeting the paralympians.
"We get great motivation [from meeting them]," Luckett said. "Going through the type of stuff I've been through, and then seeing these individuals with these disabilities perform; it [lets] me know I [only] have a limit [right now]. But I know I can go out and make myself better going into the things I do to train for," he said. "Things I've never done or I stopped doing since I had my injuries."
Luckett was assigned to the WTU after being plagued by persistent knee and back problems and recently underwent a medical review board with results still pending.
"I had an opportunity to visit several events, and it built my confidence inside [for] what I can do with the injuries that I had," the Petersburg, Va. native said.
"I had chills going through my body," he added. "It was great, and I enjoyed it. It's one of three things that I'll experience in my life. It was a real big motivator for me. Go USA!"
Army Spc. Maurice Walter, an information systems operator-analyst, and native of Huntsville, Ala., also had the chance to meet the U.S. Paralympic volleyball team.
"I actually met quite a few," he said. "I met Heather [Erickson] and Kari [Miller]. We have similar injuries so it's motivating to actually see them out here and to talk to them."
Walter said he reinjured his leg in Iraq during the course of day-to-day activities. He noted it aggravated a previous injury from an assignment in Korea resulting in his assignment to the WTU.
"I got some great insight from them," Walter said. "They were telling us to push through no matter what it is, don't hold back and just get it done. It's really inspiring to see them," he said. "Number one, they're not letting their injuries hold them back from what they want to do."
Walter said one of the volleyball players told him she grew up playing volleyball, and when she injured her leg she didn't want to stop. "So she didn't give up, so it inspires me to do anything that I want to do," he said.
Although he enjoyed the trip, Walter noted the opportunity to meet the Paralympic volleyball team topped his list of activities during the trip.
"The visit to London was amazing," he said. "But meeting the volleyball team was the best thing that came out of this trip. Of course, the sights and stuff are great, but meeting these individuals and seeing them – it's really motivating and inspiring," Walters said.
SPACE COMMAND HISTORY: LAUNCH OF FIRST BLOCK II GPS SATELLITE
The Global Positioning System is a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides navigation data to military and civilian users all over the world. Credit: U.S. Air Force Space Command.
AFSPC Milestone: First Block II GPS satellite launched
8/28/2012 - Peterson AFB, Colo. -- As Air Force Space Command approaches its 30th Anniversary on 1 Sep, here is a significant milestone from the command's history...
On 14 February 1989, the first Block II GPS satellite was launched, marking the beginning of the deployment of the operational constellation. The Global Positioning System is a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides navigation data to military and civilian users all over the world. The constellation is designed and operated as a 24-satellite system, consisting of six orbital planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane.
GPS satellites orbit the earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within a millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile per hour and location to within 100 feet. Receivers have been developed for use in aircraft, ships and land vehicles, as well as for hand carrying.
GPS capabilities were put to the test during the United States' involvement in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Allied troops relied heavily on GPS to navigate the featureless Arabian Desert. During operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom, GPS contributions increased significantly. During OIF, the GPS satellite constellation allowed the delivery of 5,500 GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions with pinpoint precision (to about 10 feet) and with minimal collateral damage. This was almost one-fourth of the total 29,199 bombs and missiles coalition forces released against Iraqi targets. GPS continues to fill a crucial role in air, ground and sea operations guiding countless service members and equipment to ensure they are on time and on target.
U.S. CONSULATE GUARD TRIED SELLING INFORMATION TO CHINA FOR MILLIONS
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICEThursday, August 30, 2012
Former U.S. Consulate Guard Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Communicate National Defense Information to China
WASHINGTON – Bryan Underwood, a former civilian guard at a U.S. Consulate compound under construction in China, pleaded guilty today in the District of Columbia in connection with his efforts to sell for personal financial gain classified photographs, information and access related to the U.S. Consulate to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
At a hearing today before U.S. District Judge Ellen S. Huvelle, Underwood pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to communicate national defense information to a foreign government with intent or reason to believe that the documents, photographs or information in question were to be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation.
The guilty plea was announced by Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Eric J. Boswell, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security.
Underwood, 32, a former resident of Indiana, was first charged in an indictment on Aug. 31, 2011, with two counts of making false statements and was arrested on Sept. 1, 2011. On Sept. 21, 2011, he failed to appear at a scheduled status hearing in federal court in the District of Columbia. The FBI later located Underwood in a hotel in Los Angeles and arrested him there on Sept. 24, 2011. On Sept. 28, 2011, Underwood was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of attempting to communicate national defense information to a foreign government, two counts of making false statements and one count of failing to appear in court pursuant to his conditions of release. Sentencing for Underwood has been scheduled for Nov. 19, 2012. He faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.
"Bryan Underwood was charged with protecting a new U.S. Consulate compound against foreign espionage, but facing financial hardship, he attempted to betray his country for personal gain," said Assistant Attorney General Monaco. "This prosecution demonstrates that we remain vigilant in protecting America’s secrets and in bringing to justice those who attempt to compromise them."
"Bryan Underwood was determined to make millions by selling secret photos of restricted areas inside a U.S. Consulate in China," said U.S. Attorney Machen. "His greed drove him to exploit his access to America’s secrets to line his own pockets. The lengthy prison sentence facing Underwood should chasten anyone who is tempted to put our nation at risk for personal gain."
"Bryan Underwood sought to benefit from his access to sensitive information, but his attempted betrayal was detected before our nation’s secrets fell into the wrong hands," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. "Together with our partners, the FBI will continue to work to expose, investigate and prevent acts of espionage that threaten our national security."
"The close working relationship between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office resulted in the capture and conviction of Bryan Underwood before he could harm the security of our country," said Assistant Secretary of State Boswell. "The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to thoroughly investigating all potential intelligence threats to our nation."
According to court documents, from November 2009 to August 2011, Underwood worked as a cleared American guard (CAG) at the construction site of a new U.S. Consulate compound in Guangzhou, China. CAGs are American civilian security guards with Top Secret clearances who serve to prevent foreign governments from improperly obtaining sensitive or classified information from the U.S. Consulate. Underwood received briefings on how to handle and protect classified information as well as briefings and instructions on security protocols for the U.S. Consulate, including the prohibition on photography in certain areas of the consulate.
Plan to Sell Information and Access for $3 Million to $5 Million
In February 2011, Underwood was asked by U.S. law enforcement to assist in a project at the consulate and he agreed. In March 2011, Underwood lost a substantial amount of money in the stock market. According to court documents, Underwood then devised a plan to use his assistance to U.S. law enforcement as a "cover" for making contact with the Chinese government. According to his subsequent statements to U.S. law enforcement, Underwood intended to sell his information about and access to the U.S. Consulate to the Chinese MSS for $3 million to $5 million. If any U.S. personnel caught him, he planned to falsely claim he was assisting U.S. law enforcement.
As part of his plan, Underwood wrote a letter to the Chinese MSS, expressing his "interest in initiating a business arrangement with your offices" and stating, "I know I have information and skills that would be beneficial to your offices [sic] goals. And I know your office can assist me in my financial endeavors." According to court documents, Underwood attempted to deliver this letter to the offices of the Chinese MSS in Guangzhou, but was turned away by a guard who declined to accept the letter. Underwood then left the letter in the open in his apartment hoping that the Chinese MSS would find it, as he believed the MSS routinely conducted searches of apartments occupied by Americans.
In May 2011, Underwood secreted a camera into the U.S. Consulate compound and took photographs of a restricted building and its contents. Many of these photographs depict areas or information classified at the Secret level. Underwood also created a schematic that listed all security upgrades to the U.S. Consulate and drew a diagram of the surveillance camera locations at the consulate. In addition, according to his subsequent statements to U.S. law enforcement, Underwood "mentally" constructed a plan in which the MSS could gain undetected access to a building at the U.S. Consulate to install listening devices or other technical penetrations.
According to court documents, the photographs Underwood took were reviewed by an expert at the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security who had original classification authority for facilities, security and countermeasures at the U.S. Consulate. The expert determined that many of the photographs contained images classified at the Secret level and that disclosure of such material could cause serious damage to the United States.
In early August 2011, Underwood was interviewed several times by FBI and Diplomatic Security agents, during which he admitted making efforts to contact the Chinese MSS, but falsely claimed that he took these actions to assist U.S. law enforcement. On Aug. 19, 2011, Underwood was again interviewed by law enforcement agents and he admitted that he planned to sell photos, information and access to the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou to the Chinese MSS for his personal financial gain.
The U.S. government has found no evidence that Underwood succeeded in passing classified information concerning the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou to anyone at the Chinese MSS.
This investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Brandon L. Van Grack from the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
AFGHANISTAN ISAF NEWS FOR AUGUST 31, 2012
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 31, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Haqqani bomb maker in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.
The sought-after Haqqani leader facilitates the construction of improvised explosive devices and directs their use in the Pul-e 'Alam district, officials said.
In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- In the Gelan district of Ghazni province, a combined force detained many suspects during a search for a Taliban leader. The sought-after insurgent leader manages the finances, supplies and the movement of foreign fighters into the area.
-- A combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Gelan district of Ghazni province. The sought-after insurgent leader plans and coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in southern Ghazni province.
-- Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the Aug. 29 arrest of a Taliban leader during an operation in the Andar district of Ghazni province. The detained insurgent leader prepared and conducted attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitated the movement of weapons and supplies, including IEDs, throughout the Andar district.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed two armed insurgents during a precision airstrike in the Sayyid Karam district of Paktiya province. No civilians were harmed and there was no damage to civilian structures.
GSA SAYS GOVERNMENT CAN SAVE MONEY USING CLOUD EMAIL
U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATIONGSA Announces Cloud Email Services for Federal Government
Blanket purchase agreements streamline cloud transition, saves taxpayer dollarsAugust 30, 2012
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration announced that it is now offering cloud based email services, making it easier for government agencies to move to cost saving cloud services. Through 20 blanket purchase agreements awarded to 17 businesses today, federal, state, local and tribal governments will have access to cloud based email services. Cloud based email services supports the Obama Administration’s mandates and initiatives to bring cloud services into the federal government and reduce federal data centers, which save taxpayer dollars.
"GSA has added another excellent option for agencies looking to rapidly move their email to the cloud to save time, resources and taxpayer dollars," said Mary Davie, Acting Commissioner of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service. "Our innovative cloud solutions are another example of how GSA offers the best value, low cost services that help agencies serve the American people."
GSA is offering these email services through a blanket purchase agreement with the cloud service providers, which allows for simplified ways of fulfilling recurring needs for these services. Transitioning to a cloud solution lowers the cost of email by up to 50 percent annually and saves $1 million for every 7,500 email boxes. Cloud computing provides flexible platforms that enable increased efficiency, agility, and innovation.
Last year, GSA was the first federal agency to move to a cloud based email system, saving $2 million dollars to date. Over the next five years, GSA will see another 50 percent savings with an estimated $15 million reduction in IT costs.
GSA’s award of these cloud email service contracts allows vendors to provide government entities with email, cloud-based office automation, electronic records management, migration services, and integration services.
President Obama has asked government agencies to leverage cloud services to become more efficient. The implementation of 25 Point Federal IT Reform Plan, and "Cloud First" mandates require federal agencies to consider cloud-based solutions the new default IT solution.
GSA has awarded 20 blanket purchase agreements to 17 cloud service providers, 4 of which are small businesses. The businesses that received these contracts are:
Accenture Federal Services LLC, Autonomic Resources LLC, CGI Federal Inc., Ciracom Inc., Computer Sciences Corporation, Dell Federal Systems L.P., DLT Solutions, General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Harris IT Service Corporation, IBM Global Business Services, Lockheed Martin, Onix Networking Corp, Science Applications International Corporation, Smartronix Inc., Systems Research and Applications Corporation, Technosource LLC, and Unisys.
MARINER 2 LAUNCHED TO STUDY VENUS 50 YEARS AGO
FROM: NASA, NASA HISTORY
Kennedy Receives Mariner 2 Model
This 1961 photo shows Dr. William H. Pickering, (center) JPL Director, presenting a Mariner spacecraft model to President John F. Kennedy, (right). NASA Administrator James Webb is standing directly behind the Mariner model.
Mariner 2 launched 50 years ago on Aug. 27, 1962.
The Mariner 2 probe flew by Venus in 1962, sending back data on its atmosphere, mass, and weather patterns. It stopped transmitting in 1963 after delivering a wealth of scientific information.
Image Credit: NASA
READY TO HANDLE ISAAC AFTERMATH
(U.S. Army photo by Kelly Pate)
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
National Guard, Northcom Support Isaac EffortAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2012 - Governors of four states have activated more than 7,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac, Defense Department officials said today.
In Louisiana, where the storm made landfall yesterday as a hurricane, 5,761 Guardsmen have been activated. Alabama has activated 177 Guard members, 17 are activated in Florida, and Mississippi has activated 1,547 citizen-soldiers and airmen.
The Louisiana National Guard has 5,761 soldiers and airmen on duty to support citizens, local and state authorities. The governor yesterday authorized activation of all Louisiana Guardsmen, which would bring total forces in the state to more than 8,000, officials said. The Louisiana Guard has already assisted in the rescue or evacuation of more than 3,400 people.
In Orleans Parish, Guardsmen delivered more than 34,500 bottles of water to an emergency operations center in New Orleans as well as a 350-kilowatt generator to the Padua Skilled Nursing facility, also in New Orleans. In Plaquemines Parish, Guard members rescued 141 people while assisting local authorities in Braithwaite, conducting search and rescue missions with 14 high-water vehicles and five boat teams.
The Louisiana Guard also has 14 Humvees assisting the parish in evacuating a nursing home in the Belle Chasse area. As of this morning, Guardsmen had delivered 6,336 packaged meals and 17,280 bottles of water and had transported 400 cots, along with linen and pillows, to the Belle Chasse YMCA.
Guardsmen also transported 1,200 meals and water to the naval air station-joint reserve base gym in Belle Chasse, along with 150 cases of water and 1,500 meals to the base itself. The Guard also delivered a 350-kilowatt generator to a nursing home in Belle Chase.
Mississippi National Guard missions include presence patrols, traffic control points, search and rescue, commodity distribution, and emergency communications. The Mississippi Guard is assisting local authorities in evacuating residents from flooded areas and is helping others as needs are determined by the governor and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Military aircraft have been flown out of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Tyndall Air Force Base, Duke Field and Eglin Air Force Base, all in Florida, and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Louisiana.
U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Defense Department support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to state and local response activities. Northcom has staged four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Fort Campbell, Ky., and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Norfolk Naval Air Station, Va., to Fort Rucker, Ala., to assess and support potential search and rescue efforts.
A search and rescue planner also has been activated and deployed to the Baton Rouge Emergency Operations Center in Louisiana. Four emergency planner liaison officers are deployed to the National Response Coordination Center in the nation's capital in support of FEMA, and Fort Polk, La., has been designated as a federal team staging area.
The command has activated its Region 6 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element to Baton Rouge to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA's hurricane response operations and to aid support for federal and state partners.
Northcom also deployed portions of its Region 1 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element assets to Clanton, Ala., and Region 7 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element members are in Pearl, Miss., to backfill Region 4 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element members deployed to the Florida Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
Additionally, Northcom has designated Meridian Air Station, Miss., as an incident support base, and Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., as a federal support area.
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