U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR ANNOUNCES LEASE FOR OFFSHORE DELAWARE RENEWABLE ENERGY

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
Interior Announces Commercial Lease for Renewable Energy Offshore Delaware

WASHINGTON —As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to expand safe and responsible domestic energy production, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Tommy P. Beaudreau today announced that BOEM has reached agreement on a lease for commercial wind energy development in federal waters that covers 96,430 acres approximately 11 nautical miles off the coast of Delaware.

This is the first lease completed under Interior’s "Smart from the Start" approach to facilitate environmentally responsible offshore wind development along the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) by identifying wind energy areas in a coordinated, focused approach with extensive environmental analysis, public review and large-scale planning.

"Delaware has remarkable offshore wind potential, and harnessing this clean, domestic energy resource will create jobs, increase our energy security and strengthen our nation’s economic competitiveness," said Salazar. "The Administration has implemented a true all of the above approach to American energy, with renewable energy from sources like wind and solar doubling since the President took office, while at the same time domestic oil and gas production has increased each year, with domestic oil production currently higher than any time in almost a decade and domestic natural gas production at its highest level ever."

The lease grants NRG Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC the exclusive right to submit one or more plans to BOEM to conduct activities in support of wind energy development in the lease area. The company may submit a Site Assessment Plan (SAP) with a proposal to conduct site assessment activities, such as the installation of a meteorological tower or meteorological buoy, and/or submit a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) to propose construction of the actual wind facility and cabling to shore.

"This lease is the result of many months of hard work and collaboration among BOEM, our Federal partners, the Delaware Renewable Energy Task Force, and other stakeholders," said Beaudreau. "I congratulate NRG Bluewater Wind and we look forward to their progress in standing up offshore wind energy generation under this lease."

In its original project nomination, NRG Bluewater proposed a 450-megawatt project offshore Delaware, with estimates that the project could generate enough power to supply electricity for over 100,000 homes. This estimate could change after NRG undergoes additional planning and survey work, and submits its COP to BOEM, which will assess the potential plans based on environmental, technical and other factors before granting approval for construction.

The lease area, which is composed of 11 full OCS blocks and 16 partial blocks, has been located to avoid existing uses of the OCS offshore Delaware, including but not limited to major shipping lanes into and out of Delaware Bay, a proposed vessel anchorage ground and a munitions disposal area.

On public lands and waters, Interior recently eclipsed a major milestone by meeting the President’s goal of authorizing 10,000 megawatts of large-scale renewable power by the end of the year. Since 2009, Interior has authorized 33 renewable energy projects, including 18 utility-scale solar facilities, 7 wind farms and 8 geothermal plants, with associated transmission corridors and infrastructure that will enable the projects to connect to established power grids.

When built, these projects will provide enough electricity to power more than 3.5 million homes, and support an estimated 13,000 construction and operations jobs according to project developers.

Today’s action is in line with the President’s direction to continue to expand domestic energy production, safely and responsibly. Since President Obama took office, domestic oil and gas production has increased each year, with domestic oil production at an eight-year high, natural gas production at an all-time high, and foreign oil imports now accounting for less than 50 percent of the oil consumed in America – the lowest level since 1995.

RECENT U.S. ARMY PHOTOS

 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSEU.S. Army soldiers prepare for a mission on Forward Operating Base Shank in Afghanistan's Logar province, Oct. 10, 2012. The soldiers are combat engineers assigned to the102nd Sapper Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Combat Airborne, 20th Engineer Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Bonebrake.

 

 

 
U.S. Army Pfc. Daniel Beauchamp sets up his M240 machine gun to provide security after one of the trucks in the convoy was hit by a roadside bomb on the way to Combat Outpost Baraki Barak in Afghanistan's Logar province, Oct. 10, 2012. Beauchamp, a combat engineer, is assigned to the 102nd Sapper Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Combat Airborne, 20th Engineer Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Bonebrake.

 

 

   U.S. soldiers carry a fellow soldier to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for evacuation after he was injured by an improvised explosive device on the way to Combat Outpost Baraki Barak in Afghanistan's Logar province, Oct. 10, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Bonebrake AA2

SEC CHARGES FORMER J.CREW EXECUTIVE WITH INSIDER TRADING

Photo:  Slot Machines.  Credit:  Wikimedia Commons.

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it filed an insider trading civil action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Frank A. LoBue, a former Director of Store Operations at J.Crew Group, Inc. (J.Crew). The complaint alleges that LoBue used material, nonpublic information about sales and expenses of the company’s stores to purchase J.Crew common stock in advance of earnings announcements in May and August 2009.

The Commission’s complaint alleges that in the course of his employment LoBue regularly received nonpublic information about J.Crew’s "Stores" component, which comprised approximately 70% of the company’s sales. In April and May 2009, LoBue received several reports containing information about J.Crew’s expenses, payroll costs, and store sales results for the company’s fiscal first quarter ended May 2, 2009. The reports showed results that were better than expected. The complaint further alleges that LoBue breached duties he owed to the company and its shareholders by using the information to purchase 2,300 shares of J.Crew stock in advance of the company’s May 28, 2009 quarterly earnings release. The market reacted positively to the release, with J.Crew’s stock closing up 26.4% from its prior close.

The complaint also alleges that in July and August 2009 LoBue continued to receive the reports on J.Crew stores, including stores’ sales figures, and that the information showed that the company was experiencing an improving sales trend. The complaint alleges that LoBue again breached his duties by using this information to purchase another 11,680 shares of J.Crew stock ahead of the company’s August 27, 2009 second quarter earnings release. The day following the release, J.Crew stock closed up 6.01% from its prior close. LoBue’s aggregate illicit profits from trading alleged in the complaint were at least $60,735.60. J.Crew terminated LoBue’s employment in February 2010.

Without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint, LoBue has consented to the entry of a proposed final judgment permanently enjoining him from violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder; ordering him to pay disgorgement of $60,735.60, plus prejudgment interest thereon of $6,749.33; and imposing a civil penalty in the amount of $60,735.60. The proposed settlement is subject to the approval of the District Court.

The Commission acknowledges the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

ARMY EXPEDITIONARY WARRIOR EXPERIMENTS

Photo:  Fort Benning Controled Burn.  Credit:  U.S. DOD.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Army, Joint Staff Team Up for Training, Tech Experiment

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2012 - Fort Benning, Ga., long known as the home of the U.S. Army's infantry, also recently served as host for a precedent-setting Army-Joint Staff collaboration aimed at testing new technologies for infantry squad-level training.

Army Training and Doctrine Command and the Fort Benning-based Army Maneuver Center of Excellence run a program called the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments, or AEWE, which is now in its eighth year and focuses on network-enabled, small-unit warfare.

The Joint Staff, meanwhile, sponsors a series of coalition capability demonstrations and assessments dating back to 2001 and known as Bold Quest. From Sept. 17 to Oct. 19, the two programs' staffs merged to assess squad-level live, virtual and immersive training in Army, Marine Corps and Canadian army forces.

The partnered event, known in military circles as AEWE-BQ12, also drew military observers from about a dozen partner nations, as well as Army Test and Evaluation Command analysts and evaluators to report detailed results.

Technology in Training

John Miller, the operational manager for Bold Quest and a member of the Joint Staff's command, control and communications directorate, told American Forces Press Service during a recent interview that the Joint Staff's involvement with Bold Quest "goes back well over 10 years."

"In 2001, what we now know as Bold Quest began as an advanced concept technology demonstration," he said. While the focus was initially narrow, Miller added, by around 2008 "it became apparent that internationally, there was an appetite ... for continuing these capability demonstrations, and expanding their focus, on a regular basis. So we settled into a recurring series of what we now call Bold Quest operational demonstrations."

Before the linkup with Fort Benning's AEWE, Bold Quest had been a stand-alone event, he noted. The September-October partnered event was "a significant precedent" for the Joint Staff, he said, adding that partnering with the services for future Bold Quest cycles is something members of the Joint Staff want to continue.

Miller said AEWE and Bold Quest have similar goals.

"They call themselves an experiment. We call Bold Quest a capabilities demonstration and assessment, but the aims are very similar: bring warfighters, developers and analysts into an early partnership, provide the warfighters an opportunity [to work with emerging systems] ... and get their feedback," he said.

Developing Capabilities

The Joint Staff exists, in part, to set the conditions for the U.S. and other nations' military services to succeed and to cooperate effectively, he said.

An example of that condition setting, he said, occurred during the dismounted squad experiment. "Most people would think that something as basic as infantry marksmanship would be pretty standard around the world. ... [But] it's been eye-opening for all of us, this week, to bring these nations and services together," Miller said. "Even infantry experts from those nations were ... surprised [and] informed to find out that the approaches to basic marksmanship vary considerably from service to service and nation to nation."

Encouraging varied militaries to congregate and learn together leads to shared viewpoints and exposure to new methods, Miller noted. "Everybody goes away better off," he added.

The Joint Staff "is not in the business of buying things; we are in the business of making sure the overall capabilities, joint and coalition, get developed in the most efficient way they can for everybody," he said.

Joint Staff planners approach Bold Quest in two-year increments, as in the current 2012-2013 cycle, he said. At the beginning of that cycle, "the Joint Staff puts out a memorandum of invitation, essentially saying, "The next cycle is beginning. What are your priorities and initiatives for demonstration and assessment?" Miller explained.

The invitation is widely distributed to NATO and other allied and partner nations, he said.

"Then over the next six months, we're in the 'receive' mode," Miller added. "Because we're in touch with priorities and capabilities development, there are not a lot of surprises when [responses] come in. But we ... get those all on the table, and when you see very clearly that a number of services and nations are all lined up and trying to achieve the same capability, then that tells us the kinds of venues we need to go to."

Depending on the emphasis, the venue could center on littoral operations along a coastline, or an infantry post such as Fort Benning, he said. Once the location is identified, "then collectively we work out the timing: everybody is grouped up and aimed at the same capability goal: When do we all think we can get there within this two-year cycle?"

Analyzing the Action

Miller said the Army organizations taking part in the most recent Bold Quest divided objectives for the event into "learning demands" that included situational awareness at the dismounted squad level and immersive-system marksmanship, along with an overall emphasis on immersive systems in infantry training.

He pointed out that while virtual and immersive systems played a central role in the experiment, each squad also completed several days of advanced situational awareness training, which was nonvirtual, real-world, classroom- and field-based instruction intended to train soldiers and Marines to be human "sensors."

"The analysts have taken varied looks at what's the best progression here," he said. "How do you take the live and virtual pieces and best sequence them so the soldiers and Marines come out with the optimal outcome?"

ATEC analysts will compare results from each squad and each training sequence, Miller said, noting that some of the most valuable Bold Quest results can come from simply putting systems in troops' hands. Service members often suggest changes to increase ease of use, field of view and other variables, he explained.

"All kinds of very specific warfighter subjective desires always come out of these things, but you never get them until you get everybody together," he added.

The Joint Staff is not finished exploring dismounted infantry squad capabilities, Miller noted.

"As we always are in Bold Quest, we're executing one and in concept development for the next one. ... This effort's going to continue, so the outcome of AEWE-BQ12 doesn't put a wrapper on these efforts," he explained. "This will provide a foundation for similar partnerships in [2013] and beyond. It's a building block."

In the experiment's aftermath, developers will "tweak their systems" based on feedback, Miller said, while Joint Staff members will plan the next logical level for further demonstrations.

"There was a wrap-up comment made by one of the Army representatives that I think we all agree with," Miller said. "The most bang for the buck is in training, and that's what this event was all about, ... [and] the results will be widely distributed. The outcomes will be eagerly awaited."

Training for the Future

Several key leaders for AEWEBQ12 detailed the experiment for defense reporters during a telephone interview Oct. 16.

"We're not an acquisition experiment, so there won't be any recommendations coming out of this experiment for the procurement or acquisition of anything, said Gary Daniel, an AEWE Maneuver Battle Lab project lead. "Rather, we're going to provide insights in terms of the 'goodness' ... of virtual and/or immersive training systems to help inform a couple of efforts: one, to help the [directorate of training and doctrine] here at the Maneuver Center of Excellence develop the future training strategy for 21st century training."

Secondly, he said, the experiment will inform the Army initiative known as Squad: Foundation to the Decisive Force.

"We're really looking to see what capabilities have been brought to bear in the experiment that have promise for the future, [and] what limitations are out there from an immersive training environment [perspective] that we need to overcome through live training or technology development," he said.

Immersive training will never replace live training, Daniel said. "But how can it enhance a training program at the small-unit level," he added, "to make their live training more effective and more efficient?"

A standard eight-man infantry squad can use immersive training to "do lots of things to some benefit," he said.

"They can practice their tactics, techniques and procedures for a given mission; they can practice their squad and platoon battle drills; they can actually conduct an upcoming mission in a virtual environment to refine their scheme of maneuver and to modify their [standard operating procedures] inside the unit if necessary," he said. "So those are the things that are jumping out at us right away."

Virtual Training Strengths, Weaknesses

Army Lt. Col. Aaron Lilley, lead ATEC analyst for the exercise, told reporters training technology improves each year, but hasn't reached the point at which a soldier can suspend disbelief. For example, he explained, immersive training can't yet replicate real-world sensations.

"Motion is a critical part of that," he said. "A soldier wants to move his character in the system by actual movement, so of course then you start getting into questions of scale, for instance. A basketball-court-sized space supports some number of soldiers training; what is that number?"

Sensory "feel" in the systems is a challenge too, he added.

"[A soldier preparing to enter and clear a room] should be able to feel the soldier he is moving up to and behind, who is immediately in front of him in the stack," Lilley explained. "He'd like that feel of the soldier behind him saying, 'Yes, I'm here, we are ready to go.' Obviously, that's a sophisticated concept ... [and] it could be years away."

Jim Morris, chief of the Maneuver Center of Excellence training development division, discussed how well an infantry soldier's performance in simulated training matches up with what his real-world results would be.

"We don't know, necessarily," he said. "That's part of what we're trying to get to. ... In virtual tools, we're trying to find the art of the possible, and reasonable, and cost-effective ... new capabilities for better-trained soldiers to accomplish their mission."

Lilley noted that virtual tools offer trainers advantages the real world can't match.

"[When] a soldier goes to either a live range or a virtual range, what the soldier with the weapon is going to do is practice, and that's not going to change, whether it's live or virtual training," he noted. "But to the observer standing near him on a live range, the outcome of his next shot is rather random."

A coach at a live range can't share the shooter's sight picture or aim point, so can't reliably identify sources of error, Lilley pointed out. "Various [simulation] systems can present the soldier's point of aim, live, as he is drawing his sight picture on the target in the virtual system," he said. "And then the coach can see where the round impacted after the trigger squeeze. ... So the coach gets an incredibly valuable [after-action review] tool that doesn't exist on the real range."

One question the Army has "on the fringes of the experiment," he said, is what the right mix of live and virtual training would be.

"Can you avoid live [training] time on a range or at a MOUT site and still gain ... a trained and ready squad?" he asked. A MOUT – military operations in urban terrain - site typically has several mock buildings where infantry troops can practice cordon-and-search, entrance and clearing procedures they'd typically carry out in a real-world town or city.

With improved technology, virtual training alone could probably get close to that result, he said. But as a leader, he added, he still would want to evaluate that squad on the live range.

Morris pointed out training simulations allow troops and leaders to learn some things they otherwise couldn't. "How many opportunities does a [squad] leader have to employ a UAV, an unmanned aerial vehicle? Not very many," he said. "In an immersive environment, every single soldier can do it, and it doesn't cost much money."

Similarly, he asked, how many helicopter pilots have trained live on what to do if their aircraft loses a tail rotor? "None," Morris noted. "However, they've all practiced it in immersive trainers. ... There are a lot of things that we can do in immersion that you really can't do any other place."

Lilley pointed out an immersive trainer also allows the leader to alter the training environment, and with a few keystrokes take his squad from city to desert to jungle to grasslands. "Even on a very large training footprint, I don't know that you can get that variety of environments at one home station," he noted.

Morris and Daniel both noted virtual trainers also allow easy changes to training conditions, so the training leader can dial in factors such as the number of enemies present and the behaviors of noncombatant civilians.

"You can present [soldiers], in a very short period of time, multiple scenarios that are a pretty good training ground for developing leaders and creating conditions where they have to make a rapid assessment of the situation, develop a course of action, implement a decision and pass out instructions to their soldiers," Daniel said. The same variation in training conditions would be much harder to effect in live training, he noted.

Field Demonstrations

Lilley explained the latest experiment allowed service members three days of training with a virtual technology before they moved to field demonstrations.

"We're taking each of these several squads, on the fourth day, out to the McKenna MOUT site here at Fort Benning and giving them the opportunity to execute the same tactical mission, in scenario, in the live environment that they were practicing for the prior three days," he said.

That sequence, he said, allows observers to measure troops' performance "according to a mission success profile we developed, looking at the key tasks identified by the commander ... and how well the unit is able to accomplish those tasks."

Lilley said service members taking part in the experiment also complete several surveys on their experience and participate in thorough after-action reviews to capture their opinions and experiences during the training.

Each squad trained on each virtual system in isolation, one squad per system, but the squads came together on field assessment days for the assigned missions: area reconnaissance, cordon-and-search and deliberate attack, Lilley explained.

During field assessment, the squads worked together to perform platoon-level missions. "They execute in round-robin fashion, and each squad has the opportunity to become the main effort of the platoon," he said.

Daniel said the experiment's designers didn't include specific objectives for multi-squad training beyond gaining more insight through joint and coalition participation.

"We're seeing, as an aspect of the Marines' and the Canadians' involvement, different ways of doing things [and] different tactics, techniques and procedures, different approaches to learning inside the system – so it's been pretty good for us," he noted.

Harry Lubin, chief of the Maneuver Battle Lab's live experimentation branch, said the experiment was "the first time we've worked at this level of detail with the Joint Staff." Based on what the level of success in the first partnered experiment, he added, "We do anticipate this carrying on ... as an annual event."

That yearly look into new systems and simulators from the joint and combined, small-unit perspective, he said, will ensure continued exploration of new and evolving training systems and techniques.

ISAF CONDEMNS MOSQUE ATTACK

Photo: Morning In Afghanistan.   Credit:  U.S. Army

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

ISAF Condemns Faryab Mosque Bombing
International Security Assistance Force News Release
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2012 - The International Security Assistance Force condemns with grave conviction the suicide attack carried out today at the Eid Gah Mosque in Maimana, Faryab province, in Afghanistan.

Dozens were killed or injured in the explosion as they left the mosque after the opening prayers of the holy observation of Eid al-Adha.

"I condemn this heinous act, which is an affront to human life, to religious devotion, and to the peaceful aspirations of the Afghan people," said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the ISAF commander. "I offer my condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed or injured, and the resources of ISAF to help however we can. This violence undertaken at a place of worship, and during Eid, once again shows the insurgency's callous hypocrisy and disregard for religion and faith.

"In my recent remarks to commemorate this most holy Muslim observance of Eid al-Adha, I spoke of the admiration I hold for the Afghan people's desire for peace," Allen continued. "Today's tragic attack makes this feeling all the more poignant as we -- the coalition and the Afghan people -- stand together in tireless pursuit of peace."

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

PATRIOT Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) AND Terminal High Altitude Area De...

MILITARY RESPONSE TO MELTING ARTIC ICE CAPS

Navy Adm. James Stavridis, commander U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, at the Northern Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference in Helsinki, Finland, Oct. 18, 2012. NATO photo by British Army Staff Sgt. Ian Houlding

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Stavridis: Arctic Presents Opportunities, Risks, Challenges

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2012 - The melting of the arctic ice cap opens new opportunities -- as well as risks and challenges -- that will require increasing cooperation among regional nations, said Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, the commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.

The future of the one of the world's last remote frontiers was a major agenda item during the Northern European Chiefs of Defense meeting held last week in Helsinki, Stavridis reported in a blog to his command.

That remoteness is fading with the ice cap, with the opening of new shipping lanes that bring both positives and negatives to once-closed areas, he recognized.

"We'll see more commercial traffic and scientific exploration missions, non-state actors trafficking illegal goods or other illicit cargo, or even just adventurous tourists," Stavridis predicted. "Bottom line: the increase in Arctic shipping traffic and the movement of humans north elevate the potential for manmade disasters like oil spills and ship accidents and the consequent need for appropriate response and rescue capabilities."

Warning against "militarizing" the region, he emphasized the importance of leveraging interagency and international partnerships to address the risks, concerns and opportunities associated with Arctic activities.

"We need to ensure this open space becomes a zone of cooperation, not a zone of confrontation as it was during the Cold War," he said. "Cooperation in the Arctic today, through organizations like the Arctic Council, can help build trust and focus our efforts in areas of mutual interest to maintain regional security."

Stavridis cited steps already being taken to build those capabilities.

Eight Arctic states came together last month for the Arctic Council's Search and Rescue Exercise 2012, led by Denmark's Greenland Command in a remote area of Greenland's east coast. Personnel, authorities, aircraft, helicopters and ships from Canada, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and the United States operated together in stormy weather and high seas as they evaluated their individual and collective Arctic search-and-rescue capabilities.

In late August, Exercise Northern Eagle brought together U.S., Russian and Norwegian ships, aircraft and helicopters in the Barents Sea to prepare for rescue and anti-piracy missions, Stavridis noted.

The final stage of that exercise, conducted under Russian command, includes the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Farragut, the Russian Northern Fleet's destroyer Admiral Chabaneko and the Norwegian coast guard vessel KV Andenes.

Stavridis emphasized the United States' long-term interest in and commitment to the Arctic.

"As an Arctic nation with significant coastline 'up north,' the U.S. will remain engaged," he said.

Daily Press Briefing - October 26, 2012

Daily Press Briefing - October 26, 2012

FLORIDA AIRMEN GET READY FOR HURRICANE SANDY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
As Hurricane Sandy, a Category 1 storm, approaches, maintenance airmen assigned to the 920th Rescue Wing move a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter onto the ramp to perform avionic systems operations checks at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 26, 2012. In between rain bands the service members huddled inside the aircraft during some of the more gusty conditions to finish their work for the day before tucking the helicopter back into the hangar with the rest of the aircraft for safekeeping. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Cathleen Snow


Florida Airmen Brace for Hurricane Sandy

By Air Force Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., Oct. 26, 2012 - As Hurricane Sandy crept up the Atlantic coastline today blowing a mix of sand, rain and salt mist, 920th Rescue Wing airmen here moved the wing's six HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters inside an aircraft hangar to protect them from the storm.

"A damaging wind warning was issued earlier," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Charles Washington, range weather forecaster at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. While Hurricane Sandy isn't expected to exceed a Category 1, he said, sustained winds at 34 knots will be in effect until 5 a.m. Oct. 27.

The storm will be closest to Patrick later this evening at around 185 miles east of the base, Washington said.

Although no flying was scheduled involving the 920th today, maintenance airmen took precautions by policing loose items in and around the flight line, in addition to securing the 920th's five HC-130P/N King fixed-wing aircraft by fastening chains to their tails, noses and wings to steel rings embedded into the ramp.

"We [also] worked with the 920th Logistics Readiness Flight to put away deployment gear for the upcoming readiness exercise," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Armand Barrett, logistic superintendent with the 920th Maintenance Operation Flight.

Long before the storm's eye neared, airmen moved one Pave Hawk onto the open aircraft ramp to perform avionic systems operations checks. In between rain bands they huddled inside the aircraft during some of the more gusty conditions to, "Get some work done today," Barrett said.

The 920th is a combat search-and-rescue wing dedicated to saving lives. It is a component of Air Force Reserve Command, based at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.

REPUBLIC OF TURKMENISTAN'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Republic of Turkmenistan's Independence Day

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 25, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Turkmenistan as you celebrate twenty-one years of independence this October 27th.

The governments of the United States and Turkmenistan have both shown a strong commitment to enhancing our bilateral partnership. The United States greatly appreciates Turkmenistan’s cooperation and work to promote stability, integration, and prosperity in the region. We are working to broaden economic and commercial ties, build democratic institutions, and ensure the protection of human rights.

I wish the people of Turkmenistan a very happy Independence day with peace and prosperity in the years to come.

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

Present-day Turkmenistan covers territory that has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. The area was ruled in antiquity by various Persian empires, and was conquered by Alexander the Great, Muslim crusaders, the Mongols, Turkic warriors, and eventually the Russians. In medieval times Merv (today known as Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia in the late 1800s, Turkmenistan later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic; it achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves, which have yet to be fully exploited, have begun to transform the country. Turkmenistan is moving to expand its extraction and delivery projects. The Turkmen Government is actively working to diversify its gas export routes beyond the still important Russian pipeline network. In 2010, new gas export pipelines that carry Turkmen gas to China and to northern Iran began operating, effectively ending the Russian monopoly on Turkmen gas exports. President for Life Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its first multi-candidate presidential election in February 2007. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a deputy cabinet chairman under NYYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president; he was reelected in February 2012.

MARINE COMMANDER SAYS AFGHAN FORCES GAINING CAPABILITY

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

Commander: Afghan Forces Gaining Capability, Respect

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2012 - Comparing insider attacks in Afghanistan to the desperate suicide missions Kamikaze pilots launched during World War II, a Marine commander in southwestern Afghanistan said the insurgents have failed to put a wedge between the coalition and the increasingly capable Afghan forces preparing to assume full security responsibility there.

Marine Corps Col. John Shafer, commander of Regimental Combat Team 6, called insider attacks a drastic, last-ditch effort by a desperate insurgency struggling to gain an advantage. But aside from requiring new security measures to protect Afghan national security forces as well as coalition members, the attacks have fallen flat in terms of derailing the relationship between them, he said.

Speaking by teleconference during an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Shafer reported steady progress in the Afghan security forces' development during the 10 months since his Marines and sailors arrived in Helmand province.

Initially, offensive actions and targeted raids helped to create a less hostile environment for the fledging Afghan security forces to develop their capabilities, Shafer said. "Then, as we moved into the summer months, ... we ensured that the Afghan national security forces -- both the army and police forces -- had the ability to occupy the spaces that we helped create through our offensive actions earlier in the year," he said.

Now, the Afghans have taken on greater security responsibility that Schafer said has enabled his forces to scale back their operations as they prepare to redeploy.

"We reduced the force in the regimental combat team by approximately 60 percent, and we have made up the difference with the Afghan national security forces," he said. "So ... the Marines of the regional combat team ... effectively created the conditions to allow the Afghan national security forces to come in and create the space for them to be able to effectively operate."

As the Afghan forces show their increasing ability to conduct independent operations, Schafer said, they're gaining the respect of the Afghan people.

"Initially, there was hesitation from the local national perspective, because they didn't know how capable their Afghan national security forces were," he said. "But ... as a result of the thinning of the [International Security Assistance Force] and coalition forces, the Afghan national security forces have had to step up to meet the challenges that the Taliban have presented. And overwhelmingly, they have done very well and been very successful.

"And with that, it has really bolstered the confidence of the local national population and ... given the Afghan national security forces credibility in the eyes of the people of Afghanistan," Shafer continued. "So I think we are well on track."

Noting a key lesson learned during the drawdown in Iraq, Shafer said population support will be critical to long-term mission success in Afghanistan.

"In any counterinsurgent environment that you are operating in, both the insurgency and the counterinsurgent forces are dependent on the local national population," he said. "The population is what will eventually carry the day for you. So he who is most closely aligned with the population will eventually be ... the winner of the conflict.

"So what we have tried to do is offer the local national population a choice that is better for them and their future, by selecting and siding with the government of Afghanistan over what the insurgency choice offers them," Shafer said. "And I think that was very much true as well in Iraq."

As U.S. and coalition forces draw down in Afghanistan, Shafer said, they're ensuring the Afghan forces recognize that responsibility and conduct themselves as representatives of the Afghan government.

He expressed pride in his Marines and sailors, who often operate behind the scenes providing the ongoing support that has enabled progress to take place.

"They have done it all in a period [when] we have doubled the size of the battle space, ... reduced the force by two-thirds, ... transitioned lead security responsibility in many of the districts to the Afghan national security forces, ... repositioned our headquarters from one location to another and sent about 40 percent of our headquarters home," Shafer said. "And in doing it, they haven't skipped a beat."

SAVING CHILDREN FROM DRUG ENVIRONMENTS

Photo Credit:  U.S. FDA.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENTOF JUSTICE

Working Together to Help Drug Endangered Children

It is estimated that over 9 million children live in homes where a parent or other adult use illegal drugs. Children growing up in such a challenging environment are 3 times more likely to be verbally, physically, or sexually abused and 4 times more likely to be neglected.

This week, Deputy Attorney General James Cole, Community Oriented Policing Services Office Director Bernard Melekian, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Barry Grissom, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, Nicholas Klinefeldt, and interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Sean Berry attended the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Conference in Des Moines, Iowa to support the efforts to find and help children growing up in dangerous drug environments.

Dputy Attorney General James Cole
spoke with urgency about the importance and responsibility we have to ensure the justice, health and safety of these vulnerable young members of our communities:
This work is difficult and gut-wrenching. We cannot simply arrest and prosecute our way out of the growing epidemic of drug abuse, trafficking, and addiction by parents and childcare providers. Saving these children requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving coordinated teams comprised of law enforcement, child protective services, healthcare professionals, educators, victim service specialists, child advocates, courts, and the community. It requires all of us.

As Chairman of the Federal Interagency Task Force on Drug Endangered Children, Deputy Attorney General Cole has led the efforts to raise awareness; increase coordination at the federal, state, tribal and local levels; and provide assistance to the field.

The DEC Task Force recently developed a combined resource CD for law enforcement and child welfare agencies; new training courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and developed a drug endangered children resource website.

The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (National DEC) is one of the DEC Task Force’s best allies. This year they received a $1.2 million in grants from the department. With this funding, they’ve transformed from an informal association of state leaders to a national voice for training, technical assistance, and advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.

COPS Director Melekian:

The better the availability of training opportunities focused on identifying and helping drug endangered children, the better chance we have of making this a central part of law enforcement’s mission to serve and protect. And it needs to be clear that there is an alternative to the violence and fear that is part of the daily lives of these children…With the right tools and information, we can reduce the incidences of children’s exposure to violence and intervene more effectively.
In addition to the national organization, state-level DEC groups are finding innovative solutions to share with their state and federal partners.

For example, the COPS Office awarded the Colorado Alliance for Drug Endangered Children funding to expand their Drug Endangered Children Tracking System (DECSYS). DECSYS is an easy-to-use, web-based system that allows law enforcement and child protection agencies an automated process for identifying children at risk.

This can expedite the identification of children in danger and bring them the assistance they need. In the last two years, DECSYS has been credited with a 150 percent increase in the number of drug endangered children identified for child protective services. It will soon launch in Nevada and Wisconsin.

U.S. Attorney Grissom spoke about coordination and collaboration:
Our coordination and collaboration with the Southern District of Iowa and the National DEC Alliance serves as an example of the power of partnerships; this training will encourage partnerships, and provide tools for law enforcement, victim service providers, medical personnel, welfare workers, educators and other professionals to protect our most valuable resource, our children.
While investigation and prosecution will be discussed at this conference, the conference will focus on the importance of partnerships to assure the safety of children, enforce state and federal laws, and identify alternatives to incarceration that are designed to maintain, or reunite families.
By bringing together federal, state and local resources with advocates, experts and community leaders, we can raise awareness of the plight of drug endangered children nationwide. We can increase coordination and intervene early to stop the cycle of violence and ensure these vulnerable citizens have the bright future full of promise they deserve.

People with Medicare save $4.8 billion on prescription drugs because of the health care law

People with Medicare save $4.8 billion on prescription drugs because of the health care law

DOD News Briefing with Secretary Panetta and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon

DOD News Briefing with Secretary Panetta and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon

FORMER GEORGIA SHERIFF PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULTING INMATE

 FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Monday, October 22, 2012

Former Wilcox County, Georgia, Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Inmate
The Justice Department and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Michael J. Moore announced today that Stacy Bloodsworth, the former sheriff of Wilcox County, Ga., pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate inside the Wilcox County jail and subsequently conspiring to cover up the assault. Bloodsworth’s son, Austin Bloodsworth, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the same assault. Three other defendants had previously pleaded guilty to civil rights and obstruction of justice crimes in connection with the July 23, 2009, assault.

During his plea hearing, Stacy Bloodsworth admitted that on July 23, 2009, while he was acting as sheriff, he was inside the Wilcox County Jail with several other individuals, including his son, Austin Bloodsworth; a Wilcox County inmate-trustee, Willie James Caruthers; a South Central Georgia Drug Task Force agent, Timothy King, Jr.; and a Wilcox County Jailer, Casey Owens. Stacy Bloodsworth ordered three inmates out of their cells because he was angry about reports that one of the inmates had a cell phone, which is in violation of jail regulations. Bloodsworth hit all three inmates, and also watched as other people, including the sheriff’s son, struck and kicked one of the inmates in the face. After it appeared that that inmate’s jaw was broken, the sheriff used a wrench in an attempt to put his broken jaw back into place.

Approximately one week later, the inmate was brought to a local hospital, where his jaw had to be wired shut. The other two inmates assaulted on the same day suffered lacerations, bruising, and pain.

During the plea hearing, Stacy Bloodsworth further admitted that he and the others conspired to cover up the July 23, 2009, assault. The following day, Bloodsworth concocted a false cover story about the assaults in order to cover up the involvement of the law enforcement officials. Specifically, the sheriff instructed Caruthers, Austin Bloodsworth, King and Owens that, if they were ever questioned about the incident, they should say that inmate Caruthers and the victim got into a physical altercation after the inmate used a racial slur against Caruthers. Stacy Bloodsworth, knowing that this statement was false, instructed Caruthers and Owens to write this false cover story in a report. In addition, in August 2010, after learning that the inmate whose jaw had been broken had hired an attorney and had begun to initiate a lawsuit, Sheriff Bloodsworth met with King and Owens and again instructed them that to relay the false story about the cause of the inmate’s broken jaw. In April 2011, Stacy Bloodsworth, who was then still the sheriff of Wilcox County, relayed the false cover story regarding the cause of the inmate’s broken jaw to special agents of the FBI.

Austin Bloodsworth also pleaded guilty today to conspiring to cover up the July 23, 2009, assault. During his plea hearing, Austin Bloodsworth admitted that he kicked the inmate in the face multiple times. In addition, he admitted that he relayed the sheriff’s false cover story about the assault to special agents of the FBI who questioned him in April 2011.

"The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who cross the line and engage in criminal misconduct," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

"We expect our law enforcement officials to uphold the law – and to protect those they serve," said Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. "Today’s guilty pleas by former Sheriff Bloodsworth and Austin Bloodsworth remind us that no one, not even an elected sheriff, is above the law."

When Stacy Bloodsworth is sentenced, he faces a maximum of ten years on the civil rights charge, and a maximum of five years on the conspiracy charge. Austin Bloodsworth faces a maximum of five years on the conspiracy charge.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard V. Hogan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY OPENING STATEMENT

Photo Credit:  U.S. State Department 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Opening Statement for the Pathways to Prosperity Conference

Remarks
William J. Burns
Deputy Secretary
Cali, Colombia
October 23, 2012

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you for this fifth Ministerial meeting of Pathways to Prosperity. I would like to thank the government of Colombia for their gracious hospitality. Your country’s own pathway toward prosperity and peace is an inspiration to the world and a credit to your leadership.

Latin America’s record of democratic development and social advancement stands as a model for a world whose citizens are reaching for dignity and economic hope. The success of the Americas is measured not just by the growth of its GDP, but by the number and strength of its middle classes, rights, freedoms and democratic institutions.

The intellectual heart of democratic development is the recognition that these successes—political, economic and social—can and must be mutually reinforcing. That is why together we have worked to build societies where the benefits of trade and investment are broadly felt, where rights and rules are respected, where what you know is more important than who you know, where democratic good governance is a force for economic growth; and where financial and social inclusion ensure that even struggling communities produce successful men and women.

Many in the Americas have already found their own Pathways to Prosperity, but many more can benefit from the dialogue and partnerships we are here to build and strengthen today.

I am hopeful that, by sharing ideas, innovative business practices and social policies and lessons learned, every country here—including my own—can find ways to better serve our people. Local successes that affect several hundred can be leveraged into sustainable change for millions throughout the region. That is what brings us together.

And as Colombia has shown, in word and deed, democratic development works best when the work is shared: when governments, businesses, civil society, educational institutions and ordinary citizens work together. I congratulate Colombia for linking the Pathways Ministerial with the Americas Competitiveness Forum, or ACF. This continues an important innovation made by the Dominican Republic last year, and one that will be carried forward by Panama in 2013. The goals of ACF and Pathways are distinct but complementary: ACF provides a forum for political, economic, and business leaders to exchange ideas about how to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy. Pathways seeks to ensure that all our people reap the benefits of this exchange.

Let me highlight two particular areas of interest to the United States.

First, we should be focused on training and financing small-scale entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses and reach markets around the world. Through Pathways, we hope to build on the successful U.S. model of small business development centers to empower businessmen and women in Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and across the region. Last April, President Obama launched the Small Business Network of the Americas to link more than 2,000 small business development centers throughout the Western Hemisphere. And as we offer our own stories, we also know that innovation flows north, and we are eager to learn from your experiences.

Second, we should sustain our focus on women entrepreneurs, which has become a signature accomplishment of this forum. We know that investing in women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises is one of the best ways to achieve our economic, financial and social goals. The Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Americas (WEAmericas) initiative, launched by Secretary Clinton and her counterparts at the Summit earlier this year, uses public-private partnerships to increase women’s economic participation and improve women’s access to markets, finance, and training and networks. This effort builds on the progress Pathways has made through the Pathways Access Initiative (PAI), providing training to women entrepreneurs through WeConnect International, and bringing U.S. businesses together with women-owned businesses in Peru. Today, the Colombian women entrepreneurs of the Colempresarias network will have the opportunity to break further barriers, by displaying their products for this gathering and connecting with private sector partners tomorrow to increase their exports.

The fundamental message I want to leave you with is one of optimism about what we can accomplish if we work together. We are eager to share ideas and come together around a Declaration and Plan of Action to guide our efforts in the year ahead. We are excited about the new Pathways Clearinghouse announced today to expand our network of stakeholders and further engage private businesses. We value this forum.

There is an old proverb, sometimes quoted in American politics, that says: "If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with others." We have already come a long way together. This important meeting is another reminder of how much further we can go, how much more we can accomplish together. Let us use this moment to redouble our efforts to build better societies and to leave behind, for our children, a better Hemisphere and a better world. Thank you.

HURRICANE SANDY MAKES LANDFALL AT NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Hurricane Sandy makes landfall at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Hurricane Condition of Readiness 3 (COR III) was set base-wide in preparation for storm winds greater than 50 knots. Among a myriad of precautionary measures taken at the installation, all beaches were closed and all boating, diving and recreational swimming was suspended. All schools, roads and facilities were closed. Base residents were reminded on the importance of being prepared with a essential supplies and were advised to remain within their residence until the "all clear" was passed. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Ailes (Released) 121024-N-WW127-319

VIETNAM VETERAN SEVING IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Jones is a 61-year-old native of Clarksville, Tenn., who serves with Company D, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, in eastern Afghanistan. Jones is a Vietnam veteran with more than 30 years of service. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Christina Wright
Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet Continues Service in Afghanistan

By Army Capt. Christina Wright
101st Combat Aviation Brigade

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 23, 2012 - Ask Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Jones why he serves, and he will tell you, "It's all about flying and soldiers."

Jones, born in Mountain Home, Idaho, is serving in Afghanistan as an aviation maintenance officer with Company D, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He enlisted in the Army at 18, and after completing basic training in 1969, he went on to Fort Rucker, Ala., to become a UH-1 "Huey" helicopter crew chief. Soon after that, he found himself assigned to the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company in Can Tu, Vietnam.

During a mission, his aircraft took small-arms fire. Rounds struck the helicopter's fuel cell, and the aircraft immediately caught fire. The helicopter began to spin about 200 feet above the ground.

Jones braced for impact and was knocked unconscious. During his 10-month recovery in the hospital, he made an important decision.

"That experience really made me focus on what I wanted to do with my life," Jones said. "I wanted to make a career out of the Army."

The Army re-classified him as a telephone line repairman and stationed him with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. But having valuable combat experience as a Huey crew chief in Vietnam, he quickly found his way back into aviation. During the Arab-Israeli War in 1973, Jones said, he remembers sitting on the green ramp being on standby to support Israel if needed, but Israel did not require it.

While at Fort Bragg, he saw the experimental full-scale model of the future UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Pointing to the balsa-wood model, he said, he told one of his buddies, "I am going to fly that one day."

"And I did," said Jones, now a veteran Black Hawk pilot.

In 1975, he graduated from flight school, and the 101st Airborne Division was next on his horizon. Assigned to Company D, 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, his dream of flying Black Hawks became a reality. Company D was the first unit in the Army to receive the UH-60, and in 1979 Jones became one of the first pilots to go through the UH-60 qualification course.

"The 101st set the standard as far as Army aviation goes," Jones said. "The 101st is the only way to go. It sets the standards for air assaults."

After assignments in Korea, Hawaii and Texas, Jones found his way back to Fort Campbell, Ky., when the 6th Attack Training Battalion returned to the home of the 101st to become the 2nd/101st Attack Battalion.

Jones retired from active duty service at Fort Campbell in 1993. After his retirement, he went to work for contractors in Saudi Arabia, where he continued to fly.

In 1999, his wife, Diane, gave him an ultimatum.

"She told me, 'If you are going to leave again, don't bother coming home,'" Jones recalled. So in 2001, he took a job working for a contractor at Fort Campbell. Jones worked around soldiers and was only responsible for the maintenance of aircraft under his purview.

"Being around the [soldiers] and working a 9-to-5 job as a civilian is different," he said. "When you are working as a civilian, nine times out of 10, the people you work with don't associate with [you] off the job. Whenever your shift is done, you are on your way."

Jones said he started to miss the camaraderie and sense of family that comes with military service. Diane could also sense that her husband missed his old life.

"When he retired, I did not think that he would serve again," she said, "but it wasn't long before I knew that he missed it and regretted retiring."

Walter and Diane, who just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, grew up in military families. Both of their fathers served in the Air Force.

"To be honest, I had missed the military also," Diane said. "Growing up in the Air Force, the military is all we both had ever known."

In 2004, Jones decided it was time to make a change. He made a plan and decided to talk to Diane about the financial benefits of going back to active duty service.

"I get emotional when I think about it," Walter said. "She looked me in the eyes and said, 'You want to fly again.' If I ever mention going contract maintenance overseas again, she will say no. But I can deploy as many times as I want. She is a military wife all the way through."

Walter applied to come back on active duty through the voluntary recall program. One of the forms he was had to fill out was the Army "dream sheet," for his assignment preferences. When asked to fill out his top three choices, he had one place he wanted to go: Fort Campbell.

"I told them it was 101st -- no ifs, ands or buts about it," Jones said. In January 2005, he went to the replacement company at Fort Campbell and was sent to his unit -- the same unit he had served in almost 30 years before. It was something he did not expect to happen.

"When I came back in, I did not ask for any unit in particular. I just wanted to get back into the air assault, back into the 'Hawks, flying again," he said. "Whoever did it, I thank them." It was a homecoming for Jones, and he said he could not have been happier about it.

Having served with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade for the past seven years, Jones has deployed with the unit four times. This current deployment is his third to Afghanistan.

With 32 years of active duty service under his belt, Jones said not much has changed since his days of serving in Vietnam.

"I look back, and the biggest difference is that the equipment and technology is so much more complicated," he said. "I think it was a simpler time back then. Young soldiers have to be a lot smarter to do the same job we did back then. I admire these young soldiers so much for what they are dealing and working with."

Diane said she's glad her husband is continuing his service.

"He has been happy being back in the Army and doing a job that he loves," she said. "I am happy that he has been able to do what he loves."

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK GUARANTEES $50 MILLION LOAN PROMOTING SALE OF HELICOPTERS TO MEXICAN COMPANY

The Chacchoben Maya temple pyramid dates to about AD 700; it was originally painted red and yellow.

FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Ex-Im Approves Over $50 million
to Finance Export of U.S. Aircraft to Mexico
Washington, D.C. – The board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) authorized more than $50 million to guarantee a loan extended by Apple Bank to Aeroservicios Especializados S.A. DE C.V. (ASESA) of Mexico that will finance the export of a fleet of Sikorsky S-76D (TM) helicopters to Mexico.

Ex-Im Bank’s credit will support approximately 450 U.S. jobs, according to bank estimates derived from Departments of Commerce and Labor data and methodology.

The loan guarantee formally inaugurates Ex-Im Bank's Business Aircraft and Helicopter Qualified Advisor program, which was first announced by Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in May of 2012. San Francisco-based AirFinance served as the qualified advisor and facilitated the application and authorization process.

Additionally, the transaction is the Bank’s first involving the new Sikorsky S-76D helicopter.

"Ex-Im Bank is pleased to back the export of Sikorsky helicopters once again, this time to Mexico, one of our nine key markets," said Chairman Hochberg. "We are also pleased that our Qualified Advisor program has proven helpful in expediting innovative U.S. exports and supporting U.S. jobs."

Headquartered in Stratford, Conn., Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation manufactures both commercial and military helicopters. Its S-76D model, the latest variant of the S-76, is a medium-lift helicopter designed for offshore oil operations, EMS, executive transport, and search-and-rescue missions. In terms of capabilities, the helicopter provides increased range and a quieter cabin. Upon further certification to come, the helicopter will boast the ability to operate in known icing conditions.

"We are very happy Ex-Im Bank has approved the financing of S-76D helicopters to ASESA, a decision that will support U.S. jobs. Mexico is an extremely important market for all of our Sikorsky products and we are pleased to welcome ASESA to our family of S-76 fleet operators," said Adam Schierholz, Sikorsky’s regional sales director for Mexico. "The S-76 model has a long and successful history serving the offshore oil markets, and the D model is the latest variation of this very popular platform of aircraft. We are thrilled that ASESA will be introducing it to the Mexican market."

AirFinance is a global company focused on the financing of general aviation aircraft, including business jets, turboprops, and helicopters, with an emphasis on transactions outside of the United States. It is currently the only approved general aviation qualified advisor for Ex-Im Bank focused on providing greater support to U.S.-made aircraft.


"The Qualified Advisor Program is a great example of the public-private partnership so frequently held up as a model for how government can partner with the private sector. We are honored to partner with Ex-Im’s experienced aircraft financing team to help Sikorsky expand in Mexico and to support U.S. jobs," said Kirsten Bartok, AirFinance managing partner.

ASESA is a leading helicopter-services provider for the oil and gas industry in Mexico and South America. The Monterrey, Mexico-based company was founded in 1977 and has accumulated more than 470,000 flight hours. It plans to employ the Sikorsky helicopters to ferry personnel to and from deep-water drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

"We are very excited that Ex-Im bank trusts ASESA by approving the first S-76D helicopter financing package. We think this important event will mark the beginning of a long lasting relationship between ASESA and Ex-Im Bank for the coming years," said Humberto Lobo, CEO of Grupo Lomex (parent company of ASESA).

As of the end of FY 2011, Ex-Im Bank’s credit exposure in Mexico amounted to $8.3 billion.