Friday, December 14, 2012
PROJECT CLEMENTINE: JOINT NASA & BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE MISSION
FROM: U.S. DOD/NASA
The Clementine spacecraft is launched aboard a Titan II missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in this Jan. 25, 1994, file photograph. The recent interpretation of data from the Clementine spacecraft mission, a joint Ballistic Missile Defense Organization/NASA venture, has revealed that deposits of ice could exist in permanently dark regions near the South Pole of the Moon. Initial estimates suggest that the ice deposit area is the size of small lake (60 to 120 thousand cubic meters), and that the lunar crater containing the ice deposit has a depth greater than the height of Mount Everest, and a rim circumference twice the size of Puerto Rico. The discovery of ice on the Moon has enormous implications for the potential return of humans to the Moon's surface and the establishment of a permanent lunar station. The lunar ice could be mined and dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen by electric power provided by solar panels or a nuclear generator, providing both breathable oxygen and potable water for the permanent station on the Moon. Hydrogen and oxygen are also prime components of rocket motor fuel and could potentially result in the establishment of a lunar filling station transport to or from the Moon more economical by at least a factor of ten. The Clementine spacecraft's primary military mission was to qualify lightweight sensor and camera technology for possible application for ballistic missile defense programs, but it also demonstrated a capability for low-cost, high-value space exploration missions. (Released)
WOUNDED WARRIORS RETURN TO AFGHANISTAN
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Wounded warriors return to Afghanistan
December 12, 2012
By Sgt. Ashley Curtis
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Dec. 9, 2012) -- After being medically evacuated out of Afghanistan, embarking on the long road to recovery and learning to live life with less than they had before, eight wounded soldiers and Marines returned to Afghanistan Dec. 5.
They went to get a first-hand look at the war's progress and to help bring a sense of closure for the mental wounds left by their injuries.
The group made various stops as part of Feherty's Troops First Foundation's Operation Proper Exit. This trip was the first of its kind to Afghanistan.
Army Sgt. Jared Lemon of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, heard about the program from a fellow wounded warrior who had returned to Iraq through the foundation.
"He told me how it was a release for him and how it helped him out a lot," he said. "I wanted that. I wanted to have that feeling. It's great to come back here and feel like part of a unit again."
The Soldiers and Marines had been deployed to the country at various times between 2008 and 2011. Seven improvised explosive devices and one sniper later, the group collectively lost seven limbs and suffered burns, gunshot wounds and several other serious injuries.
But what keeps them bonded is far beyond the power of the enemy: their love of service and concern for their fellow Soldiers and the mission.
Recalling the event that took the life of the Soldier next him and as well as his right arm, Lemon said, "The hardest thing for me was waking up not with my guys."
The sentiment was echoed by the rest of the group.
"It's amazing just to put the uniform back on and be in this environment with Soldiers and Marines over here," said retired Army Staff Sgt. Earl Granville of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 1/109th Infantry. "Words can't explain it."
Four of the eight say they plan to continue military service and two others are working toward veteran-related occupations.
The group spoke to soldiers much like the ones they were deployed with during a town hall gathering at Camp Nathan Smith, situated in the heart of Kandahar City. One Marine commented on how the now brightly lit city was void of electricity when he was here last and each member of the group commented on their amazement at the progress that has been made across Afghanistan since they left.
"When we were there, we never really worked with the ANA [Afghan National Army] and ANCOP [Afghan National Civil Order Police] that well," said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Carnes of 3/7 Weapons Company.
"As soon as we'd ever get in a fire fight, or an IED blast or anything, they'd leave," Carnes continued. "Now I hear about the progress they've made and how they're taking over most of our battle spaces. They're running the majority of the combat operations and they actually get to lead the fight and take it to the enemy. It's profound, honestly. It's amazing."
"I had no hope for Afghanistan when I left. It means a lot to know it was all for something," Spc. Lyle Yantz, 2/508th Parachute Airborne Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, said of their sacrifices. "It's meaningful."
"I've learned a lot since I've been on this trip," said Lemon. "It really means a lot to me that things have changed. It was really good coming back and finding out what I'd done, what my unit had done, what other Soldiers had done actually made a difference. It's not a hopeless fight."
USDA OPENED UP 2.8 MILLION ACRES TO HAYING AND GRAZING DURING 2012 DROUGHT
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| Photo: Sheep Grazing. Credit: Wikimedia Commons. |
USDA Action during Drought Opened 2.8 Million Acres to Haying and Grazing, Brought Nearly $200 Million in Forage for Producers
Secretary Announces Pilot Program to Provide More Water for Haying and Grazing, Memorandum to Improve Drought Weather Forecasting
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's measures to open conservation land to emergency haying and grazing during the 2012 drought freed up a record 2.8 million acres and provided as much as $200 million in forage for producers facing critical feed shortages. Vilsack made the announcement during the national drought forum in Washington, D.C. co-sponsored by numerous federal agencies, governors' associations and academic partners.
"The Obama Administration remains committed to doing everything it can to help farmers, ranchers, businesses, and local and county governments meet drought-related challenges," said Vilsack. "Now we know that the actions taken by USDA and other federal agencies at the height of the drought provided much-needed flexibility during a difficult time. We also know that drought recovery is a long-term proposition, and we will continue to partner with producers to see it through."
At the height of the 2012 drought, the Secretary announced expanded use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for haying and grazing including a two-month extension for emergency grazing on CRP acres without incurring an additional CRP rental payment reduction. By providing this flexibility, USDA freed up forage and feed to benefit all livestock producers during a critical period, on top of additional USDA actions, including lowering the interest rate for emergency loans and working with crop insurance companies to provide flexibility to farmers.
USDA's Farm Service Agency reported to the Secretary today that roughly 2.8 million acres under 57,000 CRP contracts utilized the emergency haying and grazing option, compared to just over 1 million acres in 2011. In 2005, producers utilized roughly 1.7 million CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing, the previous record. USDA estimates of the gross value of forage provided in 2012 run from $140 million to $200 million.
The Secretary also announced today a new pilot program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas and Colorado to remove sediments from ponds to help provide more water for livestock or for irrigation. Part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the pilot provides an additional conservation option for producers who face drought-related issues on their agricultural operations. Also, for the current fiscal year, NRCS has made available over $16 million through the EQIP program to farmers and ranchers for water conservation, practices, and wildlife habitat that have been affected by the drought. Those funds are in addition to the over $27 million provided to farmers ranchers in 22 states for drought mitigation during fiscal year 2012.
Additionally, Secretary Vilsack noted that over the period of the recently expired Farm Bill, conservation systems installed with support from NRCS programs reduced water withdrawn from the Ogallala Aquifer by at least 860,000 acre feet. This is more than enough water to cover the area of Washington D.C. nearly 20 feet deep and is equivalent to the domestic water use of approximately 9.6 million individuals for a year (based on USGS estimated use of 80 gallons per person per day). The quantity represents about 1.1 percent of the total groundwater irrigation withdrawals from the aquifer over the same period. At the agricultural sales level from the 2007 Census of Agriculture, an extension of aquifer life of 1.1 percent would transfer into sales "today" of about $82 million. These reduced water withdrawals have also resulted in a related energy savings of the equivalent of at least 18 million gallons of diesel fuel.
The NRCS Ogallala Aquifer Initiative supported over one-quarter of these reduced withdrawals, approximately 238,000 acre feet, and achieved these reductions in the most sensitive areas of States in the Ogallala region. Funding through the initiative is targeted to areas where there has been a significant (over 25 foot) decline in the level of the aquifer or where there is a significant vulnerability for contamination of the aquifer through groundwater recharge.
While USDA's efforts during the drought have delivered assistance to those who need it most, Vilsack noted that the Department is hampered in its efforts by lack of a Farm Bill and he urged Congress to take action so that programs that could assist affected producers could be used to help them. Vilsack also announced that, in the wake of a series of regional drought conferences with farmers, ranchers, business owners and other stakeholders, a memorandum of understanding is being entered into with the Department of Commerce, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to improve sharing of data and expertise, monitoring networks, and drought forecasting efforts. The MOU is a direct outcome of the regional conferences, Vilsack said. In recent months, USDA has partnered with local governments, colleges, state and federal partners to conduct a series of regional drought workshops. Hundreds of producers met with government officials to discuss needs, and programs available to them. Vilsack kicked off the first meeting in Nebraska, and additional meetings were held in Colorado, Arkansas, and Ohio.
In addition, nearly 2,000 producers have taken advantage of funding from NRCS. So far, these drought recovery efforts have impacted over a million acres of farmland.
In recent months, USDA has also announced:
Purchased approximately $170 million of pork, lamb, chicken, and catfish for federal food nutrition assistance programs, including food banks, to help relieve pressure on American livestock producers and bring the nation's meat supply in line with demand. Updated the emergency loans application process to allow these loans to be made earlier in the season. Filed special provisions with the federal crop insurance program to allow haying or grazing of cover crops without impacting the insurability of planted 2013 spring crops. Authorized up to $5 million in grants to evaluate and demonstrate agricultural practices that help farmers and ranchers adapt to drought. Granted a temporary variance from the National Organic Program's pasture practice standards for organic ruminant livestock producers in drought impacted states in 2012. Authorized $16 million in existing funds from its Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to target states experiencing exceptional and extreme drought. Transferred $14 million in unobligated program funds into the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to help farmers and ranchers rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought. USDA worked with crop insurance companies to provide flexibility to farmers, and one-third of all policyholders took advantage of the extended payment period. Authorized haying and grazing of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easement areas in drought-affected areas where haying and grazing is consistent with conservation of wildlife habitat and wetlands. Lowered the reduction in the annual rental payment to producers on CRP acres used for emergency haying or grazing from 25 percent to 10 percent in 2012. Simplified the Secretarial disaster designation process and reduced the time it takes to designate counties affected by disasters by 40 percent.
The National Drought Forum is co-sponsored by: NOAA, USDA, EPA, DOI, FEMA, National Drought Mitigation Center, National Integrated Drought Information System, Western Governors' Association, Southern Governors' Association, Midwestern Governors' Association, and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers. A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture. USDA's crop insurance program currently insures 264 million acres, 1.14 million policies, and $110 billion worth of liability on about 500,000 farms. In response to tighter financial markets, USDA has expanded the availability of farm credit, helping struggling farmers refinance loans. Since 2009, USDA has provided more than 128,000 loans to family farmers totaling more than $18 billion. Over 50 percent of the loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
GRANTS FOR DOD SCHOOLS AND HIGHWAY TO WALTER REED IMPROVEMENTS
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| Army Secretary John M. McHugh speaks at a ceremony featuring the casing of military units’ colors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2011. The 102-year-old hospital is consolidated with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., to form the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. U.S. Army photo by J.D. Leipold |
Grants Aid DOD-sponsored Schools, Transportation Improvements
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2012 - The Department of Defense today announced five grants from the Office of Economic Adjustment, including an $18.3 million grant to the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration to improve access to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
The department also announced a $35,247,240 grant to Geary County Unified School District Number 475 to replace Fort Riley Middle School at Fort Riley, Kan.; a $18,070,606 grant to Vernon Parish School Board to replace South Fort Polk Elementary School at Fort Polk, La.; and a $57,161,689 grant to Sierra Sands Unified School District to replace Murray Middle School and to expand Burroughs High School at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif.
The grant to Maryland will manage a $23.1 million project consisting of $18.3 million in grant funds and other funding of $4.8 million, to construct the Maryland Route 185-Connecticut Avenue and Jones Bridge Road/Kensington Parkway intersection improvement project. The project improves transportation access to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Geary County Unified School District Number 475 in Junction City, Kan., will manage a $41,961,000 project, consisting of $35,247,240 in grant funds and $6,713,760 in non-federal funds, to demolish the existing Fort Riley Middle School and replace it with a new 720-student school serving grades six through eight.
Vernon Parish School District in Leesville, La., will manage a $21,144,931 project, consisting of $18,070,606 grant funds and non-federal funds of $3,074,325, to replace the existing South Fort Polk Elementary School with a new 875-student school serving grades one through four.
Sierra Sands Unified School District in Ridgecrest, Calif., will manage a $39,542,838 project, consisting of $31,634,270 grant funds and non-federal funds of $7,908,568, to demolish the existing Murray Middle School and to replace it with a new 610-student school serving grades six through eight. The district will also manage a $31,909,274 project, consisting of $25,527,419 grant funds and $6,381,855 in non-federal funds, to renovate and expand the existing 1,461-student Burroughs High School serving grades nine through twelve. Both schools are located at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif.
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
FROM: U.S. NAVY
121211-N-XZ912-007 SOUDA BAY, Greece (Dec. 11, 2012) U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Adam Chamie and Hellenic navy Ensign Alexander Tsaltas conduct a boarding exercise aboard the Hellenic navy training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Eurasia Partnership Capstone 2012 (EPC 12). Annually hosted by the U.S. Navy, EPC aims to increase maritime safety and security through workshops and seminars. Nations participating in EPC include Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Romania, Ukraine and the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher B. Stoltz/Released)
121207-N-ZQ794-281 PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Dec. 7, 2012) Eve, a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) diva, holds a .50-caliber machine gun aboard a Riverine Patrol Boat during a WWE tour of Coastal Riverine Force capabilities. WWE athletes visited Coastal Riverine Group 2 as part of the 10th annual WWE "Tribute to the Troops" in Hampton Roads. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kay Savarese/Released)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
NASA PHOTO HISTORY: LUNAR ROVER ON THE GO
FROM: NASA
Forty years ago today on Dec. 11, 1972, astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander, makes a short checkout of the lunar rover during the early part of the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This view of the "stripped down" rover is prior to loading up. Equipment later loaded onto the rover included the ground-controlled television assembly, the lunar communications relay unit, hi-gain antenna, low-gain antenna, aft tool pallet, lunar tools and scientific gear.
This photograph was taken by scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. The mountain in the right background is the east end of South Massif. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module "Challenger" to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules "America" in lunar orbit. Image Credit: NASA
FORMER BORDER PATROL AGENT AND GIRLFRIEND PLEAD GUILTY IN ALIEN SMUGGLING BRIBERY CASE
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICEThursday, December 13, 2012
Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, His Girlfriend and Two of Their Associates Plead Guilty to Participating in Multi-year Bribery and Alien Smuggling Activities Along U.S./Mexico Border
WASHINGTON – A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, his girlfriend and two of their associates pleaded guilty today in federal court for their participation in multi-year bribery and alien smuggling activities along the U.S./Mexico border, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Former CBP Officer Juan Carlos Guerrero, 39, of Mission, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen in the Southern District of Texas to one count of substantive bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and one count of alien smuggling conspiracy. Guerrero’s girlfriend Claudia Flores, 34, of Mission; Maribel Rivera, 43, of Mission; and Rodolfo Caballero Rojas, 40, of Oklahoma City, each pleaded guilty today before Judge Hanen to separate informations charging each of them with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and alien smuggling.
The defendants were indicted on Oct. 5, 2012, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Brownsville. They each were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to smuggle aliens for financial gain and various substantive counts of bribery and alien smuggling.
According to court documents, between approximately October 2008 and approximately January 2011, Guerrero worked the midnight shift at the Hidalgo Port of Entry (Hidalgo POE), Pharr Port of Entry (Pharr POE) and the Anzalduas Port of Entry (Anzalduas POE), where, among other things, he was responsible for vehicle inspections of northbound traffic traveling from Mexico to the United States.
According to court documents, between approximately January 2009 and approximately May 2011, Guerrero and Flores organized a bribery and alien smuggling operation, whereby Guerrero, Flores, Rivera, Rojas, Guerrero’s nephew Jose Cantu and other co-conspirators arranged for undocumented aliens (UDAs) from Mexico to be smuggled into the United States through Guerrero’s inspection lanes at the Hidalgo POE, Pharr POE and Anzalduas POE, in exchange for bribe payments ranging from $500 to $3,000 per UDA. Guerrero admitted that he organized and directed a total of at least approximately 80 to 150 different smuggling events, in which he knowingly permitted approximately 80 to 165 UDAs to gain illegal entry into the United States.
According to court documents, Flores admitted that she helped Guerrero organize and direct a total of at least approximately 50 to 75 of the illegal crossings, in which approximately 50 to 100 UDAs gained illegal entry into the United States. Rivera admitted that she assisted Guerrero and Flores by identifying and soliciting UDAs, communicating smuggling prices and details of the illegal crossings to UDAs, and collecting bribe payments from the UDAs on Guerrero and Flores’s behalf. Rojas admitted, among other things, that he assisted Guerrero by personally driving UDAs through Guerrero’s inspection lane at the Anzalduas POE and that he paid Guerrero a bribe of approximately $1,500 as payment for Guerrero’s decision to permit a UDA to pass illegally through his inspection lane.
As part of his plea agreement, Guerrero resigned today from CBP.
On July 24, 2012, Guerrero’s nephew Jose Cantu pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas, to conspiracy to commit bribery and alien smuggling and a separate charge of conspiracy to import marijuana and cocaine.
The charge of bribery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for private financial gain carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss. Sentencing for Guerrero, Flores, Rivera, Rojas and Cantu is scheduled for March 18, 2013
FRENCH AIR FORCE GENERAL SPEAKS ABOUT TRANSFORMATION AT NATO CONFERENCE
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| Map: France. Credit: CIA World Factbook. |
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Commander Describes NATO Transformation Efforts
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 12, 2012 – Partnerships, education and training are indispensable for NATO, the organization’s supreme allied commander for transformation said here today.
French Air Force Gen. Jean-Paul Paloméros spoke at a media roundtable during the 2012 Chiefs of Transformation conference hosted by his command. The event brings together hundreds of NATO, partner, industry and government agency professionals who strive to leverage work across the alliance by sharing best practices and expanding collaboration among the nations.
Paloméros described Allied Command Transformation efforts as an evolving endeavor rooted in collaboration and coherence with a focus on efficiencies and innovation.
"We are deeply involved in the heart of the U.S. military forces, which is good because we get a great opportunity for common connections, engagement and training," Paloméros said. "We know that what we build today will be indispensable for the future, and what we don’t build today [we’ll need] for the future."
The hub of transformation across the alliance, partner nations, military, government, non-government agencies and academia, Allied Command Transformation gleans and interprets information to identify opportunities to not only keep pace, but stay proactive in an ever-changing security environment, Palomeros said.
"We are here to share our experience and our vision," he said. "[The command] works to supply the forces with the support they need [in] their respective challenges and tackle that in a wide and open way, not only from the military perspective, but with a comprehensive vision, approach and solutions."
The general touted strategies such as Smart Defense and the Connected Forces Initiatives as avenues to increase collaboration and buffer against the inevitability of increasing financial austerity throughout the world.
Funded by participating nations, Smart Defense, he said, is an initiative encompassing 24 multi-national projects across logistics, munitions, aviation training and maritime capabilities and more to deliver improved operational effectiveness.
The Connected Forces Initiative helps develop the framework and interoperability by bringing a human-centered approach to the table, Paloméros said.
"Partnerships are the focus of these initiatives and we need to ensure we have consensus and share ideas from the very highest levels down," he added.
The successes of major joint and coalition training exercises, such as one currently in progress at the Joint Warfare Center in Stavanger, Norway, may be the most visible solutions in establishing a collective vision of NATO’s future operating environment, Paloméros said.
"We are able to fulfill the task in this very important exercise preparing the staff and the forces for their Afghanistan engagement," he said. "We take the best out of every nation committed within NATO, including the partners, [and] the best is possible."
Paloméros characterized the challenge of maintaining relevance in a post-Cold War and post-Afghanistan environment as a "difficult but sensible question" in terms of NATO’s future, particularly after 2014 when many troops are projected to return from deployments.
"The perception of this world could be different from one country to the other in NATO and this is … the reality," Paloméros said. "We are here to give coherence to these different visions and propose a common perspective for the alliance, as far as the military answer to those challenges."
The general said recent summits in Chicago and Lisbonyielded useful discussion and solution-driven brainstorming for effectively steering NATO’s endeavors to maintain peace -- all while balancing political and military aspects with the consensus of 28 countries.
"This is the role of NATO: preparing itself for future challenges, being there, being relevant and making sure we coordinate that with the partners and coordinating that with partners.Presence is part of prevention," the general said.
Paloméros added that despite NATO’s successes, the need to continually pursue balance remains.
"We [need to] keep focusing on the priority shortfall areas and the minimum capability requirements of NATO," Paloméros said. "We are working on a day-to-day basis to ensure that every country can participate in NATO according to its own national priorities, perspectives, sensibilities and qualities.
The general did not dismiss the importance of cyber defense, intelligence, surveillance and response and information technology, particularly through distance learning, a critical component of training throughout the alliance.
"I see that as very promising in how we tackle the issue of cyber defense in NATO," Paloméros said. "We are going in the right direction in keeping the overall deterrence policy of NATO clearly set up in the Chicago defense package."
In the long run, the alliance, as with many government organizations, can only plan based on the projections and assumptions of resources, so fostering fruitful discussions between politicians and military leaders to better understand crucial requirements is key.
"That’s why we are here … for the countries; they are the stakeholders that provide us with the human resources and the budget," Paloméros said. "Every country adopts its own vision with their economic and financial perspectives, [and] we will try to find any opportunity for connection between the different forces."
U.S. REDUCSING STAFF AND OPERATIONS AT LAJES FIELD, PORTUGAL
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
U.S. Reduces Staffing, Operations at Lajes Field
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012 - The United States is reducing staff and operations at Lajes Field, Portugal, officials said today.
The field is on the Portuguese island of Terceira, part of the nine-island Azores archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, 900 miles west of Lisbon and 2,200 miles east of Washington, D.C.
The decision reflects U.S. operational requirements and is part of a DOD effort to find efficiencies and cost-cutting measures worldwide
There are now roughly 1,100 U.S. and Portuguese personnel at the base and U.S. officials say the workforce will likely shrink by at least half. Aircraft operations support will also drop, and the United States will return roughly 300 of the 400 buildings on base to the Portuguese government, officials said.
Washington will pay to maintain tower operations and emergency firefighting services, officials said.
By the summer of 2014, airmen will begin to serve unaccompanied 12-month tours and the last families will depart the island. The DOD schools there will then close, officials said.
While a significant change, the reduction does not reflect any diminution of the strategic relationship between the United States and Portugal. "The United States is grateful for Portuguese contributions to the national and allied defense, and for its support and partnership on a variety of security issues," James J. Townsend Jr., deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO Policy, said in a statement.
Townsend recognized Portuguese contributions to NATO operations including deploying troops to Afghanistan.
"While we must reduce our presence in the Azores," he said, "we are not leaving and our strategic relationship with Portugal will continue."
Townsend stressed that the decision to cut forces at Lajes is driven purely by budgetary demands.
"Other avenues for security cooperation exist, and Portugal continues to be an important and valued partner to the United States," he said. DOD will work closely with U.S. and Portuguese counterparts to find ways to increase cooperation with Portugal, including in the Azores.
U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Allan J. Katz said, "The U.S. will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors including defense, justice, home affairs, and science and we will continue to promote commercial and investment opportunities benefitting both our countries."
Lajes remains an important location for support to aircraft transiting to and from the United States, but flight operations have dropped over the years.
The United States has had a presence in Lajes since World War II, when Portugal allowed the U.S. and Great Britain to combat the Nazi submarine menace. The field was also a stopover for European-bound aircraft at a time when aircraft range was considerably smaller.
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| The tomb of Vasco de Gama in the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, Lisbon. From: CIA World Factbook.Add caption |
U.S. Reduces Staffing, Operations at Lajes Field
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012 - The United States is reducing staff and operations at Lajes Field, Portugal, officials said today.
The field is on the Portuguese island of Terceira, part of the nine-island Azores archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, 900 miles west of Lisbon and 2,200 miles east of Washington, D.C.
The decision reflects U.S. operational requirements and is part of a DOD effort to find efficiencies and cost-cutting measures worldwide
There are now roughly 1,100 U.S. and Portuguese personnel at the base and U.S. officials say the workforce will likely shrink by at least half. Aircraft operations support will also drop, and the United States will return roughly 300 of the 400 buildings on base to the Portuguese government, officials said.
Washington will pay to maintain tower operations and emergency firefighting services, officials said.
By the summer of 2014, airmen will begin to serve unaccompanied 12-month tours and the last families will depart the island. The DOD schools there will then close, officials said.
While a significant change, the reduction does not reflect any diminution of the strategic relationship between the United States and Portugal. "The United States is grateful for Portuguese contributions to the national and allied defense, and for its support and partnership on a variety of security issues," James J. Townsend Jr., deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO Policy, said in a statement.
Townsend recognized Portuguese contributions to NATO operations including deploying troops to Afghanistan.
"While we must reduce our presence in the Azores," he said, "we are not leaving and our strategic relationship with Portugal will continue."
Townsend stressed that the decision to cut forces at Lajes is driven purely by budgetary demands.
"Other avenues for security cooperation exist, and Portugal continues to be an important and valued partner to the United States," he said. DOD will work closely with U.S. and Portuguese counterparts to find ways to increase cooperation with Portugal, including in the Azores.
U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Allan J. Katz said, "The U.S. will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors including defense, justice, home affairs, and science and we will continue to promote commercial and investment opportunities benefitting both our countries."
Lajes remains an important location for support to aircraft transiting to and from the United States, but flight operations have dropped over the years.
The United States has had a presence in Lajes since World War II, when Portugal allowed the U.S. and Great Britain to combat the Nazi submarine menace. The field was also a stopover for European-bound aircraft at a time when aircraft range was considerably smaller.
U.S.-CHINA DEFENSE CONSULTATIVE TALKS
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| The Monument to the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Constructed in 1958, it commemorates those who fought in revolutions from 1840 to 1949. From: CIA World Factbook. |
U.S., China Representatives Meet at Pentagon
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2012 – Officials from the United States and China met today at the Pentagon for the 13th annual Defense Consultative Talks, according to a Defense Department-issued statement.
James N. Miller, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of the People's Liberation Army general staff, led their respective country's delegations, the statement said.
The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Joint Staff, U.S. Pacific Command, the National Security Staff and the State Department, the statement said.
Both Miller and Qi emphasized the positive momentum of the U.S.-China military-to-military relationship this year and urged further cooperation in 2013, according to the statement. Miller and Qi discussed maritime security in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and stressed the importance of avoiding miscalculation in the areas of cyber, space, nuclear policy and missile defense.
Miller stressed that North Korea's launch was a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and a provocative act that threatens regional peace and security, according to the statement.
Miller urged China to work with the United States and the international community, the statement said, to insist that North Korea live up to its commitments, adhere to its international obligations, and deal peacefully with its neighbors.
The two officials also discussed the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region and the security situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the statement said.
PHILIPPINE TYPHOON RELIEF
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| U.S. and Philippine service members load food packs destined for disaster-impacted areas in the southern Philippines, Dec. 9, 2012. Courtesy photo by U.S. Embassy Manila |
By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jean Scott-Dodd
III Marine Expeditionary Force
MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 13, 2012 - Personnel and aircraft with III Marine Expeditionary Force are providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support at the request of the Philippine government in the wake of Typhoon Pablo which struck Dec. 4.
Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, who were in Manila conducting planning for future bilateral training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stood up the III MEF forward command element Dec. 8 to support Philippine relief efforts.
"The III MEF forward command element has established the bilateral coordination center, which is providing command and control for U.S. Marine relief efforts and coordinating requests for support with the government and Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Embassy and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, part of the U.S. Agency for International Development," said Marine Corps Col. Mark J. Menotti, the officer in charge of the III MEF FCE.
"We have personnel with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Pacific Air Forces, OFDA, Joint-U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines in the bilateral coordination center in order to prioritize and synchronize humanitarian assistance and relief efforts, which ultimately makes that coordination more efficient," Menotti added.
Two KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 arrived in Manila from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, Dec. 8 to transport relief supplies to affected areas, according to Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason W. Julian, the commanding officer of VMGR-152, part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.
"As of Dec. 12, VMGR-152 has flown a total of 11 flights and transported approximately 330,000 lbs. of relief supplies, including 14,500 family ration packs, 500 relief aid boxes and 40 generators," Julian said. "We also transported four water purification specialists and three personnel from USAID and the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development were transported to Davao. It's critical we work with everyone involved in the relief efforts to expediently get these supplies to those affected by the typhoon and in need."
The squadron also has transported 49,000 pounds of rice, 147 bundles of mosquito nets, one water purification unit, approximately 29,000 pounds of blankets, 833 sleeping mats and a United Nation's World Food Program relief module and three of their tents.
Marines transported relief supplies from Villamor Air Base located in Manila to Davao International Airport in Mindanao, the region most affected by the typhoon. From Davao, the supplies were principally distributed by government and nongovernmental organizations to displaced families affected by the typhoon as directed by the Philippine government..
"We're seeing a collective response from the international community to support the Philippines," Menotti said. "We are happy to help our close allies, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in order to provide necessary aid. The U.S. government -- including U.S. Marine forces -- is providing robust logistical and aviation support to quickly deliver life-saving supplies in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts."
The U.S. military has partnered and trained with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for many years in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, Menotti said.
"We frequently prepare for situations like this with our Philippine allies, so we are ready to work together to support the Philippine government and its citizens during this difficult time," he said. "Our goal is to help our ally recover from this natural disaster in whatever way we can."
TWO ALABAMA REAL ESTATE INVESTORS PLEAD GUILTY IN FORECLOSURE SALE RIGED BID CASE
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANTITRUST DIVISIONWASHINGTON — Two Alabama real estate investors and their company pleaded guilty today for their roles in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in southern Alabama, the Department of Justice announced.
Robert M. Brannon, of Laurel, Miss.; his son, Jason R. Brannon, of Mobile, Ala.; and their Mobile-based company, J & R Properties LLC, pleaded guilty today to an indictment originally returned on June 28, 2012 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama charging each of them with one count of bid rigging and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to court documents, the Brannons and their company conspired with others not to bid against one another at public real estate foreclosure auctions in southern Alabama. After a designated bidder bought a property at a public auction, which typically takes place at the county courthouse, the conspirators would generally hold a secret, second auction, at which each participant would bid the amount above the public auction price he or she was willing to pay. The highest bidder at the secret, second auction won the property.
The Brannons and their company were also charged with conspiring to use the U.S. mail to carry out a fraudulent scheme to acquire title to rigged foreclosure properties sold at public auctions at artificially suppressed prices, to make and receive payoffs to co-conspirators, and to cause financial institutions, homeowners and others with a legal interest in rigged foreclosure properties to receive less than the competitive price for the properties. The Brannons and their company are charged with participating in the bid-rigging and mail fraud conspiracies from as early as October 2004 until at least August 2007.
"The conspirators subverted the competitive bidding process by engaging in a collusive scheme to artificially depress prices at real estate foreclosure auctions and to defraud financial institutions and homeowners out of money and property," said Renata B. Hesse, Acting Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. "Today’s guilty pleas send a strong message that the division is committed to prosecuting those who fraudulently subvert competition for their own financial gain."
"The success of this investigation represents the FBI’s staunch commitment to target and investigate those who are willing to abuse and exploit illegal advantages during this legal process for personal gain at the expense of suffering citizens and businesses," said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Mobile Division Stephen E. Richardson.
Including today’s pleas, to date, eight individuals—Harold H. Buchman, Allen K. French, Bobby Threlkeld Jr., Steven J. Cox, Lawrence B. Stacy, David R. Bradley and the Brannons—and two companies—M & B Builders LLC and J & R Properties— have pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama in connection with this ongoing investigation.
Each violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals, and a $100 million fine for companies. The maximum fine for a Sherman Act charge may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. Each count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for individuals, and a fine of $500,000 for companies. The fine may be increased to twice the gross gain the conspirators derived from the crime or twice the gross loss caused to the victims of the crime by the conspirators.
The investigation into fraud and bid rigging at certain real estate foreclosure auctions in southern Alabama is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Atlanta Field Office and the FBI’s Mobile Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL MAKES REMARKS AT GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT
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| The artificial peninsula and islands that make up Palm Jumeirah in Dubai as seen from the International Space Station. This massive earthwork is reclaimed from Dubai's Persian Gulf coast. Advertised as "being visible from the Moon," the palm-shaped structure displays 17 huge fronds framed by an 11-km (7 mi) protective barrier. It is the first of three residential and commercial palm-shaped projects being undertaken in Dubai. Image courtesy of NASA. |
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit
Remarks
Thomas Nides
Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
December 12, 2012
Thank you, Deirdre and Anne for that kind introduction. Good afternoon to you all, and thank you all for being here today. And for the opportunity to speak about a topic that is near to my heart and essential for the future of our world.
I’d like to thank Dubai’s leadership and the UAE government for organizing this event. They have been outstanding partners in promoting global entrepreneurship. A special thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammad for joining us later today. And greetings to Ambassador Otaiba, the UAE’s representative in Washington, and to Ambassador Corbin, who represents us here. The UAE’s leadership on this event has been simply exceptional – and we wish Dubai well on future events, such as its bid for Expo 2020.
This city is a testament to the power of what is possible when big dreams and out-of-the-box ideas get the chance to become reality. Human skill and innovation can reach its tallest heights.
Now, I realize some of you might be wondering what the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State is doing at an entrepreneurship summit. But having split my career between business and government, I actually feel right at home. All my favorite kinds of people are together here in one room.
Entrepreneurship is a priority for the Obama administration, and has been since its earliest days. In Cairo, back in 2009, President Obama spoke about the need to overcome mistrust that has hindered political and economic cooperation in the past. To look instead toward a future built on mutual interests and mutual respect. Entrepreneurship is an area where our goals are in clear alignment.
In today’s world, we can’t separate our global economic policy from our foreign policy. For the State Department, that understanding is at the heart of what we call Economic Statecraft. We have to position ourselves to lead in a world where security and prosperity are shaped in boardrooms and on trading floors as well as battlefields. So we are using economic tools to advance our foreign policy goals, and we are using foreign policy tools to accelerate global economic renewal. Entrepreneurship lies at the center of this strategy.
Entrepreneurship is about the human drive to do something new and different. It keeps our societies vital and resilient. Anyone with a good idea and the willingness to work hard can improve the way we live - and make some money to boot.
Moreover, the biggest challenges facing our world today can only be solved with widespread innovation. Combating climate change. Finding sustainable clean energy solutions. Solving global health crises. These are worldwide foreign policy priorities that need more than new resources. They need new ideas and creative problem-solvers adding their shoulder to the wheel.
All around the world, stability and economic opportunity go hand-in-hand. The recent democratic transitions in this region reaffirm the importance of broad-based economic advancement for all of a country’s citizens. And nothing creates new opportunities like entrepreneurship. Here in the Middle East, unemployment numbers are already too high, particularly among young people. And it will take 50 to 100 million new jobs over the next 8 years just to keep it from rising any higher. This is a problem in Europe, Asia, Africa and every region of the world. We can’t hold the line on youth unemployment, much less improve it, without a laser-sharp focus on entrepreneurship.
The good news is that the world’s leaders understand that entrepreneurship is vital. That’s why President Obama has a global engagement agenda centered on entrepreneurship. That’s why Secretary Clinton is putting economic statecraft at the top of our diplomatic agenda. It’s why the leaders of the UAE have organized this important event. And that’s why I’m here.
The bad news is, we haven’t totally unlocked the system to enable entrepreneurs to unleash their talents and help us build a more stable and more prosperous future. That’s why all of you are here. It’s why you spent yesterday making connections, talking about the barriers you face, and discussing practical solutions we can put forward to amplify the impact of entrepreneurship around the world.
And it’s why this is the third time we’ve held this conference – and why we’ll continue to do so. First in Washington, then last year in Istanbul, and now here in this hub of commerce connecting Europe to the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Each time, we bring together people from the business world, from finance, from government, from civil society to build partnerships and strengthen ties. This summit links up American economic leadership with the innovation and entrepreneurial energy that is brimming over in this region of the world.
Because let’s face it: entrepreneurship is hard. It takes incredible determination, long hours, and a lot of trial and error to come up with a game changing innovation. Entrepreneurs need all of us working together to make it easier for them to succeed.
So let me share with you some of the ways the United States is helping to overcome the barriers entrepreneurs face when they are just starting out.
First, entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs, often lack the skills and support networks they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses. So we have launched a series of programs to match promising innovators with mentors and training opportunities to build their skills, their business savvy, and their networks.
President Obama and Secretary Clinton announced the first of these programs, the Global Entrepreneurship Program, in 2010. Since then, the program has served tens of thousands of entrepreneurs in over 120 countries. Another recent example: our Global Innovation through Science and Technology program, or GIST, runs start-up boot camps and business plan competitions to spark creativity and inspire young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. GIST takes great innovators from around the world and immerses them in America’s business hotspots – from New York to Silicon Valley – connecting them with mentors and investors that can help them realize their ambitions.
We recently invited the 2012 GIST award winners to the White House to hear their impressive stories of achievement. But they were just the tip of the iceberg – all told, GIST’s programs have trained over 2,500 startups and linked 75,000 tech developers to business training and mentors. And GIST is not alone. Other programs – like Oasis 500 in Jordan – do similar, important work.
A second barrier that entrepreneurs need help to overcome is gaining access to capital. This is particularly true for women entrepreneurs who often face additional hurdles to access financing.
In the Middle East and North Africa, countries need investment to fuel broad-based economic growth. Our programs are helping draw investment from America’s private sector. Just a few months ago, our mission chiefs in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia met with CEOs from American tourism companies like Hilton, Hyatt and Carnival Cruises to discuss new investment opportunities. We’ve led investor delegations to the Middle East through Partners for a New Beginning and our Global Entrepreneurship Program, which have inspired participants to launch their own investment funds to support businesses in the region. Last year, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation authorized up to $2 billion to catalyze private investment in the MENA region. And we are working to fuel small business expansion with new initiatives like the Egyptian-American and the Tunisian-American Enterprise Funds, which will help firms access capital, stimulate private investment, and encourage two countries in the midst of political transition to build open, competitive markets.
Finally, entrepreneurs can’t just go it alone. They need a business and regulatory environment that encourages them to take risks and understands that failure is just part of the process. They need open, free, and fair policies that don’t play favorites—and that protect intellectual property and provide legal certainty. These are critical elements to increase investor confidence and jumpstart growth in any country.
We promote these conditions every day in our work with foreign governments as a core pillar of our economic statecraft agenda. We have hundreds of economic officers at American embassies and consulates around the world who wake up every day asking how they can help people like you.
So it should be clear that entrepreneurship is serious business, and that we take it seriously. But because I am a recovering businessman, I personally know something my government colleagues may not – that entrepreneurship can also be deeply rewarding. To see something grow from an idea on paper to a potentially world-changing enterprise is thrilling. There is the inevitable agony of setbacks along the way and the incredible happiness of bringing something new into the world – and possibly even making some money. That’s true whether you grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, like I did, or here in Dubai, or in any city or village in the world.
As Secretary Clinton often says, talent is universal, but unfortunately opportunity is not. We are working to expand opportunity everywhere, every day. Because when opportunity takes root, we see lives improve. Communities and societies come together. More men, women and young people find meaning and dignity in their lives. That is the future we are fighting for, one entrepreneur at a time. So I encourage all of you continue this important work.
With that, I’d like to turn the floor to the head of the Malaysian delegation. Malaysia has witnessed a dramatic economic transformation in recent decades through the dynamic innovations of its people and support of its government. Like the UAE, Malaysia understands and values entrepreneurship and has harnessed technology to drive economic growth. Here to discuss his country’s experience with entrepreneurship is Deputy Finance Minister Senator Dato’, Dr. Awang Adek Hussin. From his time at Malaysia’s Bank Negara, to his chairmanship of the National Utility Company, to his current post in Prime Minister Najib’s cabinet, Dr. Awang has great expertise to share with you today. Please help me give a warm welcome to the Deputy Finance Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Awang. Thank you.
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