REPORT ON BROKER-DEALER HANDLING OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND POTENTIAL MISUSE

New York Stock Exchange.  Photo:  U.S. Government.

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC, Sept. 27, 2012 –The Securities and Exchange Commission today issued a staff report intended to help broker-dealers safeguard confidential information from misuse, such as insider trading. The report by the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) describes strengths and weaknesses identified in examinations into how broker-dealers keep material nonpublic information from being misused.

This report should help broker-dealers assess the effectiveness of their controls over sensitive information," said OCIE Director Carlo di Florio. "The report illustrates the types of conflicts of interest that may arise between a broker-dealer’s obligations to clients that provide confidential information for business purposes and the potential misuse of such information for insider trading or other improper ends. It also describes various methods that broker-dealers use to identify and effectively manage such conflicts, including information barriers that limit the flow of sensitive information."

Conflicts of interest and other issues of concern raised by the report include:
A significant amount of informal, undocumented interaction occurred between groups that have material nonpublic information and internal and external groups with sales and trading responsibilities that might profit from the misuse of such material nonpublic information
At some broker-dealers, a senior executive might have access to material nonpublic information from one business unit while overseeing a different unit that could potentially profit from misuse of that information, with few if any restrictions or monitoring to prevent such misuse
Some broker-dealers did not have risk controls to address certain business units that possess material nonpublic information such as sales, trading or research personnel who receive confidential information for business purposes; institutional and retail customers or asset management affiliates with access to material nonpublic information, or firm personnel who receive information through business activities outside of investment banking, such as participation in bankruptcy committees or through employees serving on the boards of directors of public companies.
The report also highlights effective practices that examiners observed at some broker-dealers, such as:
Broker-dealers sometimes adopted processes that differentiate between types of material nonpublic information based on the nature of the information or where it originated. In some cases, broker-dealers create tailored "exception" reports that take into account the different characteristics of the information
Some broker-dealers expanded reviews for potential misuse of confidential information to include trading in credit default swaps, equity or total return swaps, loans, components of pooled securities such as unit investment trusts and exchange traded funds, warrants, and bond options
Broker-dealers often considered electronic sources of confidential information and instituted monitoring to identify which employees had accessed the information
Broker-dealers often monitored access rights for key cards and computer networks to confirm that only authorized personnel had access to sensitive areas.
The types of issues identified in this report may be helpful to firms as they review their conflict of interest risk management programs. In particular, in any review of information barriers control programs, broker-dealers should be alert to changes in business practices and available compliance tools.

THE PERIMETER ACQUISITION RADAR CHARACTERIZATION SYSTEM

The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Characterization System at Cavalier Air Force Station provides early warning and attack characterization of submarine launched or intercontinental ballistic missile attack on the continental United States and Canada. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Cavalier innovation provides cutting-edge space surveillance
by Staff Sgt. Craig Gantt
10th Space Warning Squadron
FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE

10/9/2012 - CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. -- Driving on North Dakota's Highway 5, some perceive a behemoth 12-story radar building standing in the distance as a relic of the Cold War. However, unbeknownst to the passing public, the 10th Space Warning Squadron has undergone rigorous upgrades and modernizations as a culmination of necessity and innovation.

The radar at Cavalier Air Force Station is no stranger to innovation. In 1973, massive rooms in the radar were dedicated to providing the space necessary to house one of the first multiprocessor computers in the world. Considered an engineering marvel at the time, the 48 large metal cabinets have now been replaced by a modernized computer that can fit in a room no bigger than a small storage closet. Extremely complex hardware systems stand idle as emulation software suites now silently provide far superior capabilities.

The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Characterization System is a vital component of the Integrated Tactical Warning Attack Assessment System. Once a stalwart of the Army's Safeguard program, PARCS is now one of the most advanced ground-based radar sites in the world. The primary mission of PARCS is to provide early warning and attack characterization of submarine launched or intercontinental ballistic missile attack on the continental United States and Canada. PARCS is the only missile warning sensor that can provide attack characterization and assessment, and determine the number and types of missiles entering its radar coverage. Additionally, PARCS has the capability to provide earliest and next time of impact metrics for the continental United States.

PARCS is also a collateral space sensor. Its secondary mission is to support the Air Force's space surveillance mission by providing tracking, reporting, and Space Object Identification data on Earth satellite vehicles. PARCS accounts for nearly 40 percent of the Air Force's phased array radar observations, collecting up to 100,000 observations per day. As the workhorse of the space surveillance mission, PARCS has been the primary contributor for timely space event resolution for more than five years. It is also a major contributor to the conjunction assessment program, searching for lost objects and ensuring collision avoidance for the International Space Station and a wide variety of other orbiting assets. PARCS is an incredibly powerful radar. Its 16 transmitters are capable of producing 25 megawatts of power cumulatively. The radar is able to track 75 percent of all catalogued space objects on orbit today. Recent innovations to specific hardware and computer components have resulted in extensive advancements in promoting longevity and cost effectiveness of the system.

Two of the most recent innovations to the radar are upgrades to Central Logic Control and the Traveling Wave Tubes. The CLC is the heart of the radar's data processing system. It performs calculations, makes decisions and directs the operation of interfacing subsystem components. Recent upgrades have dramatically increased the efficiency and lifespan of the CLC. The old legacy system was replaced by emulation software which is more reliable and greatly increases system memory. Not only has this innovation increased system performance, but it has reduced maintenance costs.

Currently, Cavalier AFS uses more than 100 Traveling Wave Tubes that are essential to radar operations. The TWTs are linear electron accelerators capable of producing 200 kilowatts peak power of pulsed RF output. This power output results in the creation of the RF radiation PARCS uses to carry out its mission. This process can heat the TWTs up to temperatures of 1,100 degrees centigrade, resulting in damage to the TWT components and a shortened service life. At approximately $130,000 per TWT, heat damage can make system operations extremely expensive. Through improvement, Air Force and Navy studies produced new TWT filament regulators. The installation of these new regulators resulted in a change to TWT operating temperatures extending the service life of these components by up to 25,000 hours. Additionally, vacuum ion pumps have been added to prevent damage to TWTs. The historical consistency of innovation at Cavalier AFS has saved the Air Force millions of dollars.

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK AUTHORIZES $117.5 MILLION LOAN GUANTEE SUPPORTING AIRCRAFT SALES TO FLYDUBAI



The Burj-al-Arab Hotel in Dubai is one of the world's tallest hotels. Its distinctive shape is meant to mimic an Arab dhow (sailing vessel).

FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Ex-Im Bank Authorizes $117.5 Million in First Financing of Boeing Aircraft
to flydubai
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has authorized a $117.5 million loan guarantee supporting exports of Boeing 737-800 aircraft to flydubai, a low-cost airline owned by the government of Dubai.

Ex-Im Bank is guaranteeing a 12-year loan from the Private Export Funding Corp. It is the Bank’s first authorization supporting aircraft exports to flydubai.

"This financing is a first for Ex-Im Bank for this successful new carrier in the Middle East, and this export is a great opportunity for Boeing to expand its market reach in the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft financed supported hundreds of jobs at Boeing and its suppliers across the country," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred. P. Hochberg.

"We believed that it was the right time, in flydubai’s third year of operation, to diversify the sources of funding for our aircraft. We are delighted to have the support of Ex-Im Bank and the Private Export Funding Corp. as we continue to grow, and we look forward to developing our relationship with them in the future," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai.

In business since 2009, flydubai operates a route network of more than 45 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe. The airline is designated as a national carrier of the United Arab Emirates.

FIJI'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Fiji Location.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Republic of Fiji's Independence DayPress Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 9, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Fiji as you celebrate the 42nd anniversary of your nation’s independence this October 10.

Fiji Map.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

The United States values its relationship with Fiji. Our citizens share a mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, and rule of law. We will continue to build our partnership as we work together to strengthen democratic institutions, promote peace and security through democratic governance, and enhance economic development in the Pacific.


As you celebrate this special day, know that you have the support of the American people. We will continue to stand by you as you continue to build a freer and more democratic society. Best wishes for a prosperous year filled with peace, progress and prosperity.

　

MORE INFORMATION ON FIJI

FROM: CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006 military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions, and refused to hold elections.

　

WORKING TO KEEP BIODIVERSITY OF LIFE FORMS ON EARTH

African Elephant.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Stemming the Tide of Biodiversity Loss on Earth

Life on Earth is astounding in its diversity. Despite centuries of discovery, however, the vast majority of the planet's biodiversity remains unknown.

Only a few years ago, scientists shared the view that Earth's biodiversity was so vast that it might be beyond cataloging, much less understanding. That's no longer the case.

To characterize the lesser-known aspects of the diversity of life on Earth, the National Science Foundation has awarded 14 grants totaling $26.4 million in the third year of its Dimensions of Biodiversity program.

NSF's Directorates for Biological Sciences and Geosciences, and Office of International Science and Engineering support the program. Dimensions of Biodiversity is part of NSF's Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability investment.

The Dimensions program has also formed a partnership with NASA, which co-funds projects that use its remote-sensing platforms. The global importance of biodiversity is reflected in further partnerships with funding agencies in China and Brazil, which support Dimensions collaborators in those countries.

"By establishing networks of interdisciplinary, globally-engaged scientists, the Dimensions of Biodiversity program will have a lasting effect on biodiversity science," says John Wingfield, NSF assistant director for Biological Sciences. "The program has the potential to transform the way we conduct biological research."

Plant Life In Pacific Northwest.  Credit:  Wikimedia.

This year's awardees will study subjects as diverse as the biota of the Amazon and its environment, how nutrient input drives biodiversity in China's extremely oxygen-deprived--or eutrophic--Lake Taihu, the components of tree biodiversity, and the lineage of species in Hawaii.

"The innovative and interdisciplinary teams of the Dimensions of Biodiversity program may accomplish in 10 years what, with a piecemeal approach, would have taken 50 years--a half-century we can no longer afford to wait," says Joann Roskoski, NSF deputy assistant director for Biological Sciences.

Monkey on Bali.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook

Advances in the ability to collect, analyze and integrate biological data have provided researchers with new tools to expand knowledge of Earth's biodiversity and to revolutionize our understanding of the living world.

The pace of discovery, however, is increasingly offset by the rapid and permanent loss of diversity. Reasons for biodiversity loss include climate change, over-exploitation of natural resources, "planetary re-engineering"--such as land-use change, water diversions, coastal development, fertilizer use--and the intentional or unintentional movements of species such that they become invasive.

With biodiversity loss, humanity is losing links in the web of life that provide ecosystem services, forfeiting opportunities to understand the history and future of the living world and giving up opportunities for future beneficial discoveries in food, fiber, fuel, pharmaceuticals and bio-inspired innovation.

Biodiversity research has often focused on a single dimension. For example, investigators have concentrated on the taxonomic diversity or phylogenetic history of a clade (an ancestor and all its descendants), the genetic diversity of a population or a species, or the functional role of a taxon (a group of one or more populations of organisms) in an ecosystem.

Bacillus-Subtilis. Credit: U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Although this research has yielded important advances, huge gaps exist in our understanding of biodiversity. We know little about how these various dimensions, individually and in concert, contribute to environmental health, ecosystem stability, productivity and resilience, and biological adaptation to rapid environmental change.

Dimensions of Biodiversity takes a broad view of biodiversity that ranges from genes through species to ecosystems. Its long-term goal is to develop an integrated understanding of the key dimensions of biodiversity in our ever-changing world.

By 2020, NSF's Dimensions of Biodiversity program is expected to have transformed our understanding of the scope and role of life on Earth.

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR U.S. NAVAL VESSELS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Electrochemical Acidification Carbon Capture Skid. The acidification cell was mounted onto a portable skid along with a reverse osmosis unit, power supply, pump, carbon dioxide recovery system, and hydrogen stripper to form a carbon capture system. (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory)

Refueling U.S. Navy vessels, at sea and underway, is a costly endeavor in terms of logistics, time, fiscal constraints and threats to national security and sailors at sea.

In Fiscal Year 2011, the U.S. Navy Military Sea Lift Command, the primary supplier of fuel and oil to the U.S. Navy fleet, delivered nearly 600 million gallons of fuel to Navy vessels underway, operating 15 fleet replenishment oilers around the globe.

Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory are developing a process to extract carbon dioxide (CO2) and produce hydrogen gas (H2) from seawater, subsequently catalytically converting the CO2 and H2 into jet fuel by a gas-to-liquids process.
"The potential payoff is the ability to produce JP-5 fuel stock at sea reducing the logistics tail on fuel delivery with no environmental burden and increasing the Navy’s energy security and independence," says research chemist, Dr. Heather Willauer.
NRL has successfully developed and demonstrated technologies for the recovery of CO2 and the production of H2 from seawater using an electrochemical acidification cell, and the conversion of CO2 and H2 to hydrocarbons (organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon) that can be used to produce jet fuel.

"The reduction and hydrogenation of CO2 to form hydrocarbons is accomplished using a catalyst that is similar to those used for Fischer-Tropsch reduction and hydrogenation of carbon monoxide," adds Willauer. "By modifying the surface composition of iron catalysts in fixed-bed reactors, NRL has successfully improved conversion efficiencies up to 60 percent."

A Renewable Resource
CO<sub>2 is an abundant carbon (C) resource in the air and in seawater, with the concentration in the ocean about 140 times greater than that in air. Two to three percent of the CO2 in seawater is dissolved CO2 gas in the form of carbonic acid, one percent is carbonate, and the remaining 96 to 97 percent is bound in bicarbonate. If processes are developed to take advantage of the higher weight per volume concentration of CO2 in seawater, coupled with more efficient catalysts for the heterogeneous catalysis of CO2 and H2, a viable sea-based synthetic fuel process can be envisioned. "With such a process, the Navy could avoid the uncertainties inherent in procuring fuel from foreign sources and/or maintaining long supply lines," Willauer said.

NRL has made significant advances developing carbon capture technologies in the laboratory. In the summer of 2009 a standard commercially available chlorine dioxide cell and an electro-deionization cell were modified to function as electrochemical acidification cells. Using the novel cells both dissolved and bound CO2 were recovered from seawater by re-equilibrating carbonate and bicarbonate to CO2 gas at a seawater pH below 6. In addition to CO2, the cells produced H2at the cathode as a by-product.

These completed studies assessed the effects of the acidification cell configuration, seawater composition, flow rate, and current on seawater pH levels. The data were used to determine the feasibility of this approach for efficiently extracting large quantities of CO2 from seawater. From these feasibility studies NRL successfully scaled-up and integrated the carbon capture technology into an independent skid to process larger volumes of seawater and evaluate the overall system design and efficiencies.

The major component of the carbon capture skid is a three-chambered electrochemical acidification cell. This cell uses small quantities of electricity to exchange hydrogen ions produced at the anode with sodium ions in the seawater stream. As a result, the seawater is acidified.

At the cathode, water is reduced to H2 gas and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is formed. This basic solution may be re-combined with the acidified seawater to return the seawater to its original pH with no additional chemicals. Current and continuing research using this carbon capture skid demonstrates the continuous efficient production of H2 and the recovery of up to 92 percent of CO2 from seawater.

Located at NRL’s Center for Corrosion Science & Engineering facility, Key West, Fla., (NRLKW) the carbon capture skid has been tested using seawater from the Gulf of Mexico to simulate conditions that will be encountered in an actual open ocean process for capturing CO2 from seawater and producing H2 gas. Currently NRL is working on process optimization and scale-up. Once these are completed, initial studies predict that jet fuel from seawater would cost in the range of $3 to $6 per gallon to produce.

How it Works: CO2 + H2 = Jet Fuel

NRL has developed a two-step process in the laboratory to convert the CO2 and H2 gathered from the seawater to liquid hydrocarbons. In the first step, an iron-based catalyst has been developed that can achieve CO2 conversion levels up to 60 percent and decrease unwanted methane production from 97 percent to 25 percent in favor of longer-chain unsaturated hydrocarbons (olefins).

In the second step these olefins can be oligomerized (a chemical process that converts monomers, molecules of low molecular weight, to a compound of higher molecular weight by a finite degree of polymerization) into a liquid containing hydrocarbon molecules in the carbon C9-C16 range, suitable for conversion to jet fuel by a nickel-supported catalyst reaction.

Information for this story provided by The

Naval Research Laboratory</sub>

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
120923-N-GG400-097 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 23, 2012) Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chris Gardiner, right, and Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Giabao Pham, both assigned to Combined Task Group 56.1, conduct a satellite communications check during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12). IMCMEX 12 includes navies from more than 30 countries whose focus is to promote regional security through mine countermeasures operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jumar T. Balacy/Released)

Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class William Lovett, from Stedman, N.C., and Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Shane Huskey, from Englewood, Ohio, classify sonar contacts aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Meshel (Released) 121005-N-NL401-078

U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND HISTORY

 

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND

Riding twin plumes of flame produced by its Solid Rocket Boosters, Space Shuttle Atlantis clears the tower as it launches on mission STS-46. Credit: NASA

AFSPC MIlestone: Two DSCS-III satellites launched from the Space Shuttle "Atlantis"
10/3/2012 - Peterson AFB, Colo. -- Air Force Space Command is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! Here is a significant milestone from the command's history ...

Lift-off of the Space Shuttle "Atlantis" occurred on 3 October 1985, at 11:15 a.m. EDT, from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. Its cargo was classified, but it was reported that the shuttle carried two (USA-11 and USA-12) Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS-III) satellites, which were propelled to geosynchronous orbit, 22,500 miles above the Earth by an Inertial Upper Stage (IUS). The mission was deemed successful.

Each DSCS-III satellite had a design life of ten years, although several of the DSCS satellites have far exceeded their design life expectancy.

GERMANY AND SABRE JUNCTION 2012

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Saber Junction Reflects Post-Afghanistan Training Model
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2012 - An exercise under way in Germany – the largest in more than two decades in terms of the training area committed, the scope of operations and the number of participants – is providing a template for the way U.S. ground forces will incorporate the lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan as they train for future operations.

Saber Junction 2012 kicked off Oct. 7 and will continue through October. It brings together almost 4,000 participants from the Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 17 allied and partner nations, as well as U.S. government agencies.

Saber Junction represents a lot of firsts as it sets the stage for post-Iraq and -Afghanistan training, explained Army Lt. Col. Eric Smith, brigade observer-controller-trainer at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center.

Rather than training specifically for counterinsurgency operations -- the focus of the center's training rotations for the past decade -- participants will conduct the full spectrum of combat operations as they also face medium- and high-intensity threats.

"The [2nd Cavalry] regiment will have to deal with enemy conventional forces that are almost as good as they are," Smith said. "They will have to deal with insurgents, terrorists, criminals and the population, as well as allied forces, the interagency and media. All of that will be out there, and all of it will affect the operational environment they are working in."

This "decisive action training environment," referred to as DATE, is incorporated in the Army's new unified land operations training doctrine. It's transforming training not just at the JMRC in Germany, but also at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.

"The Army has decided that there are a whole lot of important lessons we have learned coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have to keep those," Smith said. "But we can't just train for those environments. We have to train for something that is going to happen in the next 10 to 15 years, and that is what the DATE is."

The hundreds of military aircraft and wheeled and tracked vehicles participating in Saber Junction require more expansive maneuver space than the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas in Germany offer. So, for the first time since the Return of the Forces to Germany exercise series ended in 1989, participants will operate across a sweeping area that encompasses not only the two training areas, but also the Bavarian villages, forests and farmland between them.

This extended maneuver rights area, more than 1,300 square miles, is only slightly smaller than the massive National Training Center in California's Mojave Desert, said Ernest Roth, Joint Multinational Training Command's maneuver control officer, who negotiated with the German government to get the required permissions.

"We needed a lot of area to replicate the appropriate battle space because of the mission sets the 2nd Cavalry Regiment will be called upon to execute in terms of low-, mid- or high-intensity conflict," Roth said.

"It requires a lot of space to work the command, control and communications piece and all the digital constructs," he explained. "And at the same time, this gives the soldiers a variety of terrain in order for their leaders to meet certain training objectives based on realistic terrain like what they could have to fight on."

Smith called the chance to conduct the largest U.S. maneuver exercise in Germany since 1989 vital to ensuring U.S., partner and allied countries are prepared for the future.

"It's absolutely critical, as we move forward, to be able to do that," Smith said. "Because then, we really stress the units in terms of their ability to operate over distances, to communicate, to run logistics. All of those things get worked that wouldn't if constrained to just the training areas we have."

As they operate together during Saber Junction helping the notional oil-rich country of Atropia confront a litany of challenges, the participants forge relationships as they increase their interoperability, he said.

"We learn from each other and really get to work together under stressful, realistic circumstances," Smith said. "It is really fantastic to be able to bring all that together. It is something that you can't really do anywhere else."

Carefully constructed training scenarios are designed to force participants to stretch beyond the experiences many of them gained in Iraq or Afghanistan.

"As we look toward these threats in the future, we really have to go back and challenge some of our basic assumptions we have going in," Smith said. "Because we have been doing a similar mission for the last 10 years, we run the risk of assuming that this is how things are going to be for the next 10 years. But this type of environment forces people to go back and say, 'Hey, I have gotten used to doing this for a decade, and I have grown accustomed to one thing. But now I have to do something else."

That "something else" will continue to include interagency partners, said Jim Derleth, JMRC's senior interagency training advisor. He was instrumental in getting seven U.S. agencies to commit representatives to the exercise, integrating their goals, capabilities and authorities into the play.

"If you don't have the rest of the [U.S. government] involved in a DATE rotation, how can you replicate the conditions that the military will be asked to accomplish?" Derleth questioned.

Training scenarios have been designed to ensure that military participants recognize their tactical operations can't be conducted in a vacuum, and have to support U.S. government goals, he explained. "The question will be how this fits into the bigger context of U.S. foreign policy or U.S. national security policy," he said.

Saber Junction, Derleth said, will help ensure that interagency cooperation strengthened during the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan continues into the future. "We are trying not to lose those lessons," he said. "If we don't keep track of the lessons of the last 10 years, we are not going to be effective."

DVIDS - Video - Commissioning Ceremony Of USS Michael Murphy

DVIDS - Video - Commissioning Ceremony

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE DAILY BRIEFING

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFYzDlKeLL_IMEm7XBQrYQa1f17Zg

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR OCTOBER 9, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Department Of Defense 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghan-led Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2012 - An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban facilitator and improvised explosive device producer in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested facilitator is suspected of managing the construction of large quantities of IEDs, and organizing the transfer of the IEDs and other weapons to support the insurgency.

He also was believed to be directly involved in organizing and executing IED placement, targeting Afghan and coalition forces.

The security force detained several suspected insurgents and seized 2 pounds of illegal narcotics.

In other operations today around Afghanistan:

-- A combined security force in Paktika province arrested a Haqqani network member believed to be responsible for January and May suicide bombings in Paktika and to have direct ties to a recent suicide bombing in Khost province. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized firearms.

-- A combined security force in Paktia province arrested a Haqqani member believed to have developed and executed complex attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitated the transport of weapons to support other insurgent attacks. The security force seized a fully configured remote-controlled IED, bulk explosives, IED components, grenades and fuses.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed a Taliban leader and two other insurgents in Kunar province. The Taliban leader, Abdullah, was accused of shooting down a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Kunar on July 25, 2011. The combined force conducted a precision airstrike after identifying Abdullah engaging in insurgent activity with two other militants in an isolated area away from civilians.

-- A combined force in Kunar province killed Manzoor, a weapons facilitator and Taliban leader, and two other insurgents. The combined force conducted a precision airstrike after identifying Manzoor engaging in insurgent activity with two other militants in an isolated area away from civilians.

-- In Ghazni province, a combined force killed a Taliban leader and arrested another. As the Afghan and coalition troops tried to take Abdul Rahman into custody, the armed leaders attempted to fire upon them. The security force engaged, killing Abdul Rahman. Also known as Mola Kaka, he is alleged to have recruited suicide bombers for assassination attempts on Afghan Local Police leadership and also to have organized the safe passage of Taliban leadership. The Taliban leader who was arrested is believed to have conducted attacks against Afghan citizens and to have been behind an IED attack that targeted a coalition convoy. The security force also detained a several suspected insurgents and seized assault-style rifles.

In Oct. 7 operations:

-- A combined force killed a Taliban leader and another insurgent in Wardak province. The security force conducted a precision airstrike after identifying the Taliban leader, Izzatullah, and another militant engaging in insurgent activity in an isolated area away from civilians.

-- In Ghazni province, a combined force saw a man engaging in insurgent activity, and after ensuring no civilians were in the area, killed him with a precision airstrike.

In Oct. 6 operations:

-- A combined security force in Nangarhar province arrested a Taliban leader suspected of being a part of the Shirafat attack network operating in Nangarhar and to be associated with numerous kidnappings and murders. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized firearms.

-- An Afghan-led security force in the Gardez district of Paktia province, supported by coalition troops, arrested a senior Taliban leader suspected of maintaining working relationships with senior Haqqani network leaders. He also is believed to be responsible for planning and directing attacks on Afghan and coalition forces, smuggling weapons, and planting IEDs throughout Logar province's Pul-e Alam and Baraki Barak districts. In addition, he is alleged to have managed the storage and delivery of IEDs and assault rifles to Taliban insurgents for use against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained several suspected insurgents.

-- A combined force in Kunduz province's Qalah-ye Zal district detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader believed to be planning an attack targeting Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents in Kandahar province's Panjwai district with a precision airstrike after identifying the insurgents burying an IED and ensuring no civilians were in the area. No civilians were harmed and no civilian property was damaged.


-- In Ghazni province's Waghaz district, a combined security force killed an armed insurgent and arrested a senior Taliban leader believed to have attacked Afghan and coalition forces using IEDs, mortars and rockets. He also was believed to be in charge of the Ghazni's Taliban education system. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized grenades, blasting caps and weapons accessories.

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Dzadran district detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Haqqani network facilitator suspected of coordinating the acquisition of suicide vests and weapons to be used in attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.

-- After identifying militants engaging in insurgent activity in an isolated area in Paktia province's Dzadran district, Afghan and coalition forces killed them with a precision airstrike. No civilians were harmed, and no civilian property was damaged.

-- A combined security force in Nangarhar province's Achin district arrested a senior Taliban leader believed to provide lodging, weapons and intelligence knowledge to support the insurgency. The security force detained several suspected insurgents and seized a firearm and explosive material.

-- In Kunar province's Watahpur district, a combined security force killed two armed insurgents with a precision airstrike after identifying a group preparing to attack Afghan and coalition forces. No civilians were harmed, and no civilian property was damaged.

In Oct. 5 operations:

-- The Afghan special police crisis response unit, enabled by coalition forces, seized a large cache of weapons during a short-notice operation in Kabul province's Surobi district. The combined force recovered 85 mortar rounds, about two dozen recoilless rifle rounds and 20 rocket-propelled grenades.

-- A targeted raid by a coalition unit on a suspected insurgent compound in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district yielded 1,600 pounds of materials used in making explosives. The coalition force retained a small portion of the materials for future exploitation and destroyed the rest. No civilians were harmed.

-- An Afghan-led operation rescued several Afghan civilians held hostage in a Taliban compound in Ghazni province's Nawah district. The insurgent captors fled the compound when they saw the Afghan and coalition forces approaching. The hostages were found in poor health, officials said, but they have received medical care and are recovering.

-- Using a precision airstrike, Afghan and coalition forces killed a Haqqani network leader and another insurgent while they were placing an IED for a future attack.

In Oct. 4 operations:

-- Afghan Local Police defended Marzak village in Paktika province's Sar Howzah district when insurgents attacked their checkpoint. Partnered with Afghan uniformed police, national army special forces and coalition special operations forces, the local police quickly responded to the attack, reportedly killing dozens of insurgents and forcing the rest to flee into the mountains. A few local police members taken captive by the insurgents during the attack were rescued. They received medical treatment and were in stable condition, officials said. No civilians were harmed in the engagement.

-- Afghan and coalition forces arrested a Taliban leader in Ghazni province, along with a Taliban facilitator and IED manufacturer and another insurgent.

-- Mullah Abdul Ghafar Akhund, a Taliban leader based in Kandahar province's Panjwai district, was killed during a security operation in the province's Zhari district. A security force conducted a precision airstrike after identifying Abdul and other militants engaging in insurgent activity in an isolated area away from civilians, killing Abdul and two other insurgents. He is believed to have organized numerous IED attacks and coordinated the movement of weapons and ammunition for use against Afghan and coalition forces. No civilians were harmed, and no property was damaged.

In other news, Afghan special police and coalition forces, enabled by the Afghan Interior Ministry's Special Mission Wing, recovered narcotics and weapons during operations throughout Helmand province from Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. The missions resulted in the recovery of about 1,760 pounds of hashish, 1,100 pounds of marijuana seeds, 420 pounds of poppy seeds, several rocket-propelled grenade warheads, a suicide bomber vest and about 20 weapons. The combined force also engaged and killed several insurgents during the two weeks of operations.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA SPEAKS TO CONFERENCE OF DEFENSE MINISTERS OF THE AMERICAS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, left, shakes hands with Urugayan Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro before a meeting during a conference for defense ministers in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Oct 7, 2012. Panetta is visiting South America to strengthen defense partnerships with countries in the region. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

10th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, Punta Del Este, Uruguay, Monday, October 08, 2012
Muchas gracias. Buenos dias. Mr. President, Mr. Minister, my fellow Ministers, military leaders who are here, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen.

It is truly a great honor to have the privilege for me to be here in Uruguay, and to be with so many distinguished leaders to talk about defense cooperation in the Americas. I'm particularly pleased to be able to participate in this conference, which has become I believe the premier forum in the Americas to discuss ways to advance peace and security across the region and around the world.

When this forum was established in the mid-1990s, I was serving in the U.S. government as Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton. The Cold War had ended and we confronted a changed security environment with an array of new challenges. In this hemisphere and around the world, national economies were growing and becoming more integrated. Senior leaders in the Administration at that time, including Defense Secretary Bill Perry, knew that by virtue of shared geography – by virtue of shared challenges in the post-Cold War world that we were living in – it would be even more important to strengthen defense ties across the Americas.

This forum remains a central part of all of our efforts to enhance regional security and promote greater cooperation between Western Hemisphere military forces. Over the last two decades, our people, our economies, our cultures, and our values have become even more connected not just because we are neighbors but because we are one family in this hemisphere. And as one family, we confront many of the same threats that face our nations across borders and across oceans, from terrorism, to drug trafficking, to nuclear proliferation, to humanitarian disasters. We cannot deal with these threats alone or in isolation; we can only deal with them if we work together.

We have seen a remarkable transformation in defense collaboration in this hemisphere. All of you, representing the nations of this hemisphere, are contributing more and more capabilities to meet our collective defense responsibilities in the 21st century. We have an historic opportunity to renew and strengthen these defense partnerships. We have an historic opportunity to create "a new era" in our relationship – an era of broad and constructive hemispheric defense collaboration.

As part of our new defense strategy in the United States, we are strongly committed to strengthening our defense partnerships in the Americas and in other regions of the world. Last week, I released our Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement which describes this new era that I discussed, and will guide our approach to defense cooperation across the region. The statement recognizes that the nations in this region have a growing capability and willingness to help address the security challenges of the 21st century. Our Western Hemisphere defense policy also states that the United States will reinvigorate our defense partnerships and pursue new ones on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest consistent with President Obama's approach to the region.

The statement includes three objectives:
First, strong institutions of government. It is essential that our nations have strong national institutions of government in order to address legitimate threats to the state and to our citizens;
Second, shared action. If we face shared threats, then we need shared action by more effectively and efficiently coordinating our defense forces; and
Third, multilateral forums. If we are to have shared actions, we must have forums that can bring us together. The purpose of multilateral mechanisms and institutions like this conference, like the Inter-American Defense Board, the whole purpose of that is to achieve consensus on the direction of hemispheric defense collaboration.
Therefore, the themes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, and defense and security are very appropriate for this 10th CDMA.

On Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, the United States supports the Chilean initiative to accelerate and coordinate our support for civilian-led relief efforts. Nations of this hemisphere, including my own, have faced devastating disasters – earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, fires – that have destroyed lives and property. As one family, we have a responsibility to work together to provide immediate, comprehensive, and organized relief for our people. For example, following the destructive earthquake in Haiti, millions of people faced a desperate shortage of food, clean water, and shelter – and urgently needed those supplies from neighboring countries.

Western Hemisphere nations worked together to provide much-needed help, but we lacked a mechanism to collaborate in real-time and focus our efforts where they were most needed. That's what the Chilean initiative is all about – rapid and fully integrated response. We should implement that initiative now so that we're ready to respond quickly and effectively when the next disaster strikes.

On peacekeeping, countries in the Western Hemisphere have assumed a very impressive leadership role by engaging, addressing, and improving United Nations peacekeeping. Uruguay has in particular been a leader in that area. Since the turn of the 21st century, 13 countries from this hemisphere have contributed to or led multi-national security operations and UN peacekeeping missions around the globe. That includes the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, which is comprised mainly of Western Hemisphere nations working side-by-side to accomplish their shared mission.

On the issues of defense and security, the United States recognizes that sometimes it is difficult to determine whether transnational threats to peace and stability are matters of defense or matters of law enforcement. In some cases, countries have turned to their defense forces to support civilian authorities. To be clear, the use of the military to perform civil law enforcement cannot be a long-term solution. But as partners, the United States will do what we can to bridge the capability gaps between armed forces and law enforcement. And we are committed to do so in a manner that respects human rights, the rule of law, and civilian authority. We can and we will provide a helping hand, but ultimately civilian authorities must be able to shoulder this burden on their own.

Let me conclude by noting once again that we are in a new era of defense cooperation in this hemisphere. This era is characterized by nations that have the capability and willingness to share the full range of security burdens and responsibilities. Unlike the past, the United States is not interested in establishing permanent bases or in assuming the dominant role of defending others. Our goal is to work with you, nations that want us to help them to develop their capabilities so that they can defend and secure themselves. Our interest is to work with you, not against you.

Let me quote from the conclusion of our Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement:

"During the past decade, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the Western Hemisphere. Across the region, countries are doing more than they ever have before to advance peace and security within and beyond their borders. Their efforts are promoting security and stability not only in the Americas, but across the globe – and provide the United States with an historic opportunity to renew and strengthen our defense partnerships across the region."

My nation welcomes this new era of Western Hemisphere defense cooperation, standing together with our neighbors and our friends to advance peace and prosperity as true security partners. At the very core of our relationship is that we are one family of nations – now and forever. "Somos una familia de naciones, hoy y siempre."

Muchas Gracias.

U.S. NAVY PHOTOS FROM 'OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM'

FROM: U.S. NAVY
011104-N-8117K-003 Southwest Asia (Nov. 4, 2001) -- An F/A-18 "Hornet from the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94) carries a strike payload consisting of an AIM-9 "Sidewinder" missile and JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) ordnance. Carl Vinson and its carrier air wing are conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ken Koelbl. (RELEASED)

011212-N-2383B-516 At sea aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) Dec. 12, 2001 -- A flight deck director aboard USS Bataan gets the CH-53E "Super Stallion" heavy-lift helicopter in the air as it deploys with U.S. Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) bound for the war zone. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Johnny Bivera. (RELEASED)

OVER $803 MILLION IN EARNINGS FROM EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia.

FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

Export-Import Bank Earns Over $803 Million for Taxpayers
During Fiscal Year Just Ended; October 5, 2012

Since 2008 Bank Operations Net $1.6 Billion to Help Reduce Deficit

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- In what promises to be a fourth record-setting year for export finance authorizations and jobs, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has announced that in the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2012 the Bank earned for U.S. taxpayers $803.7 million dollars above the cost of all operations. The Bank transferred the funds this week to the U.S. Treasury’s General Fund.

"I’m proud that the Bank is able to contribute to reducing the deficit while at the same time helping create and sustain the jobs of America’s talented export workers," said Fred P. Hochberg, chairman and president of Ex-Im. "Although we’ve not finished closing the books on Fiscal Year ’12, it looks like we’ll again have another record-setting year. To do that at no cost to taxpayers while earning over $800 million is a testament to Ex-Im’s dedicated staff and the many private and public sector partners that work with us everyday."

From fiscal years 2008 through 2012 Ex-Im Bank sent a net amount of $1.6 billion to the U.S. Treasury.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA TALKS ABOUT THREATS IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

Photo:  Uraguay/Argentina.  From:  CIA World Factbook.  The Rio de la Plata is the brown, rather short, sediment-filled river in the center of the image. It is the widest river in the world, ranging from around 40 km (25 mi) in width near Buenos Aires, to approximately 220 km (140 mi) near its mouth. As its water mixes with clearer ocean water, it creates swirls and cloudy formations. Visible in this image (in gray) is Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, located inland near the head of the river. Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, is located downstream on the opposite side of the Rio de la Plata (and also appears gray). Photo: NASA.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSEPanetta: Western Hemisphere Nations Face Threats in Common
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay, Oct. 8, 2012 – Nations of the Western Hemisphere are a family sharing many of the same threats that confront them across borders and oceans, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

Panetta spoke at the plenary session of the 10th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas. The themes of the conference include defense and security, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The secretary called these themes a central part of efforts to enhance regional security and increase cooperation between military forces in the hemisphere.

"Over the last two decades, our people, our economies, our cultures and our values have become even more connected, not just because we are neighbors but because we are one family in this hemisphere," Panetta told participants from many nations.

"We have seen a remarkable transformation in defense collaboration in this hemisphere," he added.

"All of you, representing the nations of this hemisphere, are contributing more and more capabilities to meet our collective defense responsibilities in the 21st century," the secretary said.

Last week, Panetta released the Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement, a framework for implementing the new U.S. defense strategy across Latin America.

In the Western Hemisphere, according to the new policy, the United States will reinvigorate its defense partnerships and pursue new ones, consistent with President Barack Obama’s approach to the region, the secretary said.

The statement’s three objectives include promoting the following:

- Strong national government institutions that allow all nations in the region to address legitimate threats to the state and their citizens.

- Shared action against shared threats through more effectively and efficiently coordinating defense forces.

- Multilateral mechanisms and institutions, like the current conference and the Inter-American Defense Board, to achieve consensus on the direction of hemispheric defense collaboration.

"On the issues of defense and security, the United States recognizes that it is sometimes difficult to determine whether transnational threats to peace and stability are matters of defense or law enforcement," Panetta said.

In some cases, he added, countries have turned to their defense forces to support civilian authorities.

"To be clear, the use of the military to perform civil law enforcement cannot be a long-term solution," the secretary said. "But as partners, the United States will do what we can to bridge the capability gaps between armed forces and law enforcement."

The United States is committed to do so in a manner respectful of human rights, the rule of law and civilian authority, he added.

"We can and we will provide a helping hand, but ultimately civilian authorities must be able to shoulder this burden on their own," he said.

On humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the United States supports the Chilean initiative to accelerate and coordinate support for civilian-led relief efforts, Panetta said.

Nations of the hemisphere have faced earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and fires that have destroyed lives and property, he added, and they must work together to provide immediate, comprehensive and organized relief to their citizens.

The Chilean initiative facilitates a rapid and fully integrated response to disasters, the secretary noted, adding that "we should implement that initiative now so that we’re ready to respond quickly and effectively when the next disaster strikes."

On peacekeeping, countries in the Western Hemisphere have assumed an impressive leadership role by engaging, addressing and improving United Nations peacekeeping, Panetta said.

"Since the turn of the 21st century, 13 countries from this hemisphere have contributed to or led multinational security operations and U.N. peacekeeping missions around the globe," he added. These included part of the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, composed mainly of Western Hemisphere nations working side by side to accomplish their mission.

In a new era of defense cooperation in the hemisphere, Panetta said, "Our goal is to work with those nations that want us to help them to develop their capabilities so that they can defend and secure themselves. Our interest is to work with you, not against you."

U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT TOWN HALL-DVIDS - VIDEO-

DVIDS - Video - Town Hall

Sea and space meet for business in Ireland

Sea and space meet for business in Ireland

SEC. OF DEFENSE PANETTA VISITS URAGUAY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSEU.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta Arrives In Parguay.

　

Panetta: Western Hemisphere Nations Face Threats in Common

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay, Oct. 8, 2012 - Nations of the Western Hemisphere are a family sharing many of the same threats that confront them across borders and oceans, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

Panetta spoke at the plenary session of the 10th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas. The themes of the conference include defense and security, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The secretary called these themes a central part of efforts to enhance regional security and increase cooperation between military forces in the hemisphere.

"Over the last two decades, our people, our economies, our cultures and our values have become even more connected, not just because we are neighbors but because we are one family in this hemisphere," Panetta told participants from many nations.

"We have seen a remarkable transformation in defense collaboration in this hemisphere," he added.

"All of you, representing the nations of this hemisphere, are contributing more and more capabilities to meet our collective defense responsibilities in the 21st century," the secretary said.

Last week, Panetta released the Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement, a framework for implementing the new U.S. defense strategy across Latin America.

In the Western Hemisphere, according to the new policy, the United States will reinvigorate its defense partnerships and pursue new ones, consistent with President Barack Obama's approach to the region, the secretary said.

The statement's three objectives include promoting the following:

- Strong national government institutions that allow all nations in the region to address legitimate threats to the state and their citizens.

- Shared action against shared threats through more effectively and efficiently coordinating defense forces.

- Multilateral mechanisms and institutions, like the current conference and the Inter-American Defense Board, to achieve consensus on the direction of hemispheric defense collaboration.

"On the issues of defense and security, the United States recognizes that it is sometimes difficult to determine whether transnational threats to peace and stability are matters of defense or law enforcement," Panetta said.

In some cases, he added, countries have turned to their defense forces to support civilian authorities.

"To be clear, the use of the military to perform civil law enforcement cannot be a long-term solution," the secretary said. "But as partners, the United States will do what we can to bridge the capability gaps between armed forces and law enforcement."

The United States is committed to do so in a manner respectful of human rights, the rule of law and civilian authority, he added.

"We can and we will provide a helping hand, but ultimately civilian authorities must be able to shoulder this burden on their own," he said.

On humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the United States supports the Chilean initiative to accelerate and coordinate support for civilian-led relief efforts, Panetta said.

Nations of the hemisphere have faced earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and fires that have destroyed lives and property, he added, and they must work together to provide immediate, comprehensive and organized relief to their citizens.

The Chilean initiative facilitates a rapid and fully integrated response to disasters, the secretary noted, adding that "we should implement that initiative now so that we're ready to respond quickly and effectively when the next disaster strikes."

On peacekeeping, countries in the Western Hemisphere have assumed an impressive leadership role by engaging, addressing and improving United Nations peacekeeping, Panetta said.

"Since the turn of the 21st century, 13 countries from this hemisphere have contributed to or led multinational security operations and U.N. peacekeeping missions around the globe," he added. These included part of the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, composed mainly of Western Hemisphere nations working side by side to accomplish their mission.

In a new era of defense cooperation in the hemisphere, Panetta said, "Our goal is to work with those nations that want us to help them to develop their capabilities so that they can defend and secure themselves. Our interest is to work with you, not against you."

NEW AL-QAIDA ALIAS LEADS TO NEW TERRORIST DESIGNATION

Photo Credit:  CIA World Factbook. 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Terrorist Designations of Ansar al-Sharia as an Alias for Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
October 4, 2012

The Department of State amended the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and E.O. 13224 designations of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula to include the new alias, Ansar al-Shari’a (AAS). The Department of State previously designated AQAP as an FTO and under E.O. 13224 on January 19, 2010.

AAS – which is based in Yemen and is a separate entity from Ansar al-Shari’a in Libya – was established to attract potential followers to shari’a rule in areas under the control of AQAP. However, AAS is simply AQAP’s effort to rebrand itself, with the aim of manipulating people to join AQAP’s terrorist cause. AAS has publicly stated that the particular brand of shari’a they hope to implement is the same as that espoused by the Afghan Taliban and the Islamic State of Iraq, a militant umbrella group and designated Foreign Terrorist Organization that includes al-Qa’ida in Iraq.

AAS has taken responsibility for multiple attacks against Yemeni forces. One such attack, which took place in May 2012, killed more than 100 Yemeni soldiers in a suicide bombing during a parade. In March 2012, a series of attacks and armed assaults by AAS in southern Yemen killed 100 people, many of whom were Yemeni soldiers.

The consequences of adding the new alias for AQAP include a prohibition against knowingly providing material support or resources to, or engaging in transactions with, Ansar al-Shari’a, and the freezing of all property and interest in property of the organization that are in the United States, or come within the United States, or the control of U.S. persons. The Department of State took these actions in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Treasury.

In addition, today the United Nations 1267/1989 Al-Qa’ida Sanctions Committee listed AAS. As a consequence the group now faces a worldwide assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo. The actions taken today against AAS support the U.S. effort to degrade the capabilities of its parent organization, AQAP. We are determined to eliminate AQAP’s ability to execute violent attacks and to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat their networks.

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY MARKS 20 YEARS WITHOUT ONE

Divider Being Hoisted.  Credit:  Los Alamos National Laboratory

FROM: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
Los Alamos National Laboratory Marks 20 Years Without Full-Scale Nuclear Testing

LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO, September 26, 2012—Two decades ago the last full-scale underground test of a nuclear weapon was conducted by Los Alamos National Laboratory at the Nevada Test Site.

The test, code named "Divider," was detonated on Sept. 23, 1992 as the last of an eight-test series called "Julin."

The test had an announced yield less than the equivalent of 20,000 tons of TNT. The purpose of the test, also announced at the time, was "to ensure the safety of U.S. deterrent forces."

Divider was the last of 1,030 nuclear tests carried out by the U.S. The first nuclear test, Trinity, also conducted by Los Alamos, took place in southern New Mexico 47 years earlier on July 16, 1945.

Early in September of 1992, Congress adopted the Hatfield-Exon-Levin amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill calling for a nine-month moratorium on nuclear testing. In 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev unilaterally declared a halt on all Soviet nuclear tests. Because of this, Los Alamos scientists were well aware that Divider might be the last U.S. test for a while, though they did not envision a future completely without testing.

Los Alamos physicist Gary Wall was part of the two-person design team for the Divider test. "We knew there was a short period of time to conduct a few tests before the moratorium took effect," said Wall, "so there was a lot of discussion surrounding the importance of the last tests. Of course we still believed there would be many more than there were."

Shortly after the Divider test, the Energy and Water bill including the Hatfield-Exon-Levin amendment was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush mandating the nine-month moratorium on full-scale nuclear testing, a mandate that has been extended by every subsequent U.S. President into the present day.

"Once the moratorium went into effect," said Wall, "there were many high-level discussions about what kind of science program we would build to take care of the stockpile without testing — this ramped up very quickly once it was clear the moratorium was serious." These discussions led to what was eventually called the Stockpile Stewardship Program.

"Over the past 20 years, the United States has been able to innovate and develop the tools we need to keep our stockpile safe, secure, and effective without underground testing," said NNSA Administrator Thomas D’Agostino. "We have the world’s leading scientific facilities, the world’s fastest computers, and the world’s brightest minds working to ensure that we never again have to perform nuclear explosive testing on U.S. nuclear weapons."

"Because of the talent, intellect, creativity, and determination of the scientists, engineers, and technicians at Los Alamos, and across the NNSA's nuclear enterprise, we have been able to deliver on the promise of Stockpile Stewardship for 20 years without full-scale testing," said Laboratory Director Charlie McMillan. "It is our most important job, one that will continue well into the future."

The Stockpile Stewardship Program carried out by scientists and weapons experts at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Nevada National Security Site (formerly the Nevada Test Site) has significantly advanced the nation’s ability to understand the stockpile without nuclear explosive testing through analysis of legacy data, new data from sub-critical experiments, supercomputer modeling and simulation, and other non-nuclear experiments.

Facilities and capabilities at Los Alamos that have enabled the successes of Stockpile Stewardship include the Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility, the Proton Radiography facility, the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research facility, the Plutonium facility, and a wide variety of dynamic experiments facilities.

Computing advancements have include the development of massively parallel computers like the Connection Machines CM-5 and the "Q" supercomputer — and the more modern computing "clusters" like Roadrunner (the first to reach a million billion calculations per second in 2008) and the Cielo and Luna supercomputers now shouldering the bulk of classified, weapons-related computing at Los Alamos.

According to Wall, data from the Divider test is still applicable today. "Divider was a rousing success," he said, "it clearly demonstrated a concept that remains viable for future stockpile options."

SPACEX LAUNCHES TO THE ISS

FROM: NASA
SpaceX Launches to the International Space Station
Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is illuminated by a Falcon 9 rocket as it lifts off at 8:35 p.m. EDT carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.

SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp.

Image Credit- NASA