US Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
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USS Enterprise(CVN-65) aircraft pound Taliban
The 45 year old ship is still on the job.:nono: :nutkick: :nono:
Second Heaviest Day of Strikes for Enterprise Strike Group
Story Number: NNS061012-01
Release Date: 10/12/2006 8:41:00 AM
From USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At. Sea (NNS) -- On Oct. 7, aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) participated in their second heaviest day of close air support in the skies over Afghanistan since they began operations in there early September. Enterprise with its embarked air wing is currently located in the Northern Arabian Sea.
F/A-18F Super Hornets from the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, based in Virginia Beach, Va., F/A-18C Hornets from the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, based in Beaufort, S.C., and F/A-18C Hornets from the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136 participated in the strikes near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Eight Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 weapons were expended in the attacks during the 36th day of support operations, Saturday, against Taliban extremist positions near Kandahar. The GBU-12 is a general-purpose, laser-guided 500-pound air-to-ground bomb.
In the 17 days since their heaviest day of close air support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops and other coalition forces Sept. 20, the Enterprise-based aircraft have flown nearly 200 close air support missions against Taliban extremists near Kandahar, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Since Sept. 20, the Navy fighter/attack aircraft have completed multiple strafing runs against Taliban extremists using the aircraft’s M61A1 20 mm. gatling gun. The carrier-based aircraft also expended nearly 30 GBU-12 air-to-ground bombs in attacks against offensive Taliban positions near Kandahar.
“Our mission is to protect the coalition ground forces in Afghanistan,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, CVW-1. “As ISAF continues to pressurize Taliban elements in Afghanistan, our aircraft will continue to provide substantial air cover and strike power in support of their mission.”
Enterprise-based aircraft began their support missions for OEF Sept. 3. Since that time, they have focused their efforts on protecting ISAF and coalition ground forces near Kandahar and have flown more than 450 sorties and delivered more than 100 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in support of Operations Medusa and Mountain Fury.
Other squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)123, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40 and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.
Enterprise is the flagship in the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which includes the cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), all based in Norfolk, Va., the attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757), homeported in Groton, Conn., and the fast-combat supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), homeported in Earle, N.J.
The nuclear-powered Enterprise and embarked CVW-1 departed Naval Station Norfolk May 2 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
The 45 year old ship is still on the job.:nono: :nutkick: :nono:
Second Heaviest Day of Strikes for Enterprise Strike Group
Story Number: NNS061012-01
Release Date: 10/12/2006 8:41:00 AM
From USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At. Sea (NNS) -- On Oct. 7, aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) participated in their second heaviest day of close air support in the skies over Afghanistan since they began operations in there early September. Enterprise with its embarked air wing is currently located in the Northern Arabian Sea.
F/A-18F Super Hornets from the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, based in Virginia Beach, Va., F/A-18C Hornets from the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, based in Beaufort, S.C., and F/A-18C Hornets from the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136 participated in the strikes near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Eight Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 weapons were expended in the attacks during the 36th day of support operations, Saturday, against Taliban extremist positions near Kandahar. The GBU-12 is a general-purpose, laser-guided 500-pound air-to-ground bomb.
In the 17 days since their heaviest day of close air support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops and other coalition forces Sept. 20, the Enterprise-based aircraft have flown nearly 200 close air support missions against Taliban extremists near Kandahar, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Since Sept. 20, the Navy fighter/attack aircraft have completed multiple strafing runs against Taliban extremists using the aircraft’s M61A1 20 mm. gatling gun. The carrier-based aircraft also expended nearly 30 GBU-12 air-to-ground bombs in attacks against offensive Taliban positions near Kandahar.
“Our mission is to protect the coalition ground forces in Afghanistan,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, CVW-1. “As ISAF continues to pressurize Taliban elements in Afghanistan, our aircraft will continue to provide substantial air cover and strike power in support of their mission.”
Enterprise-based aircraft began their support missions for OEF Sept. 3. Since that time, they have focused their efforts on protecting ISAF and coalition ground forces near Kandahar and have flown more than 450 sorties and delivered more than 100 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in support of Operations Medusa and Mountain Fury.
Other squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)123, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40 and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.
Enterprise is the flagship in the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which includes the cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), all based in Norfolk, Va., the attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757), homeported in Groton, Conn., and the fast-combat supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), homeported in Earle, N.J.
The nuclear-powered Enterprise and embarked CVW-1 departed Naval Station Norfolk May 2 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
US DoD resumes mandatory anthrax vaccinations
Mandatory?! Why? Expecting a chemical attack? All forces deploying to Korea and the Central Command(Middle East) will recieve the shot.
DoD Resumes Mandatory Anthrax Vaccinations
Story Number: NNS061017-01
Release Date: 10/17/2006 11:31:00 AM
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Defense Department will resume mandatory anthrax inoculations for service members and civilians deploying to U.S. Central Command and Korea, DoD officials said Oct. 16.
The six-shot series provides immunity from a deadly disease that has been used as a biological attack agent, said Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
A small number of service members assigned to homeland defense units will also receive the shots.
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will issue instructions to the services in the next two months. The program will start soon after.
A court order halted mandatory vaccinations in 2004. In 2005, the order was lifted, and service members deploying to the area or in special units could choose to receive the vaccinations or not. Roughly 50 percent of those deploying did opt for the shots.
“The anthrax vaccine is safe; it is effective for all forms of anthrax spore exposure,” Winkenwerder said. “Time and again [this vaccine] has been looked at by experts,...and each time the conclusion is the vaccine is safe and it is effective.”
The assistant secretary said the anthrax threat is still out there. “Our adversaries continue to remind us that they are determined to obtain nuclear, chemical and biological weapons,” he said. “We do not yet know who perpetrated the attacks of October 2001.” In that incident, letters filled with anthrax spores killed five, sickened 17 and contaminated the Hart Senate Office Building so badly it was months before the building was deemed safe.
It’s important to make the vaccination program mandatory, Winkenwerder said. “There is a signal sent if a program is voluntary that perhaps it is just not that important,” he said. “Our actual view is that it is very important. We believe it should be mandatory, because we want to protect every person to the maximum degree possible who might be a target.”
While the program is mandatory for those deploying to threat areas, the program will be voluntary for service members and civilians who started their vaccine series but had to stop because of the judge’s order. “If they wish to continue with their vaccine series, we will make it available,” Winkenwerder said.
Research continues on the anthrax vaccine. The assistant secretary said DoD is looking at studies conducted with the Centers for Disease Control that may allow the department to reduce the number of shots from six to five or even four. “We don’t have FDA concurrence or approval for that yet,” he said.
There is no shortage of the vaccine, Winkenwerder said
Mandatory?! Why? Expecting a chemical attack? All forces deploying to Korea and the Central Command(Middle East) will recieve the shot.
DoD Resumes Mandatory Anthrax Vaccinations
Story Number: NNS061017-01
Release Date: 10/17/2006 11:31:00 AM
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Defense Department will resume mandatory anthrax inoculations for service members and civilians deploying to U.S. Central Command and Korea, DoD officials said Oct. 16.
The six-shot series provides immunity from a deadly disease that has been used as a biological attack agent, said Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
A small number of service members assigned to homeland defense units will also receive the shots.
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will issue instructions to the services in the next two months. The program will start soon after.
A court order halted mandatory vaccinations in 2004. In 2005, the order was lifted, and service members deploying to the area or in special units could choose to receive the vaccinations or not. Roughly 50 percent of those deploying did opt for the shots.
“The anthrax vaccine is safe; it is effective for all forms of anthrax spore exposure,” Winkenwerder said. “Time and again [this vaccine] has been looked at by experts,...and each time the conclusion is the vaccine is safe and it is effective.”
The assistant secretary said the anthrax threat is still out there. “Our adversaries continue to remind us that they are determined to obtain nuclear, chemical and biological weapons,” he said. “We do not yet know who perpetrated the attacks of October 2001.” In that incident, letters filled with anthrax spores killed five, sickened 17 and contaminated the Hart Senate Office Building so badly it was months before the building was deemed safe.
It’s important to make the vaccination program mandatory, Winkenwerder said. “There is a signal sent if a program is voluntary that perhaps it is just not that important,” he said. “Our actual view is that it is very important. We believe it should be mandatory, because we want to protect every person to the maximum degree possible who might be a target.”
While the program is mandatory for those deploying to threat areas, the program will be voluntary for service members and civilians who started their vaccine series but had to stop because of the judge’s order. “If they wish to continue with their vaccine series, we will make it available,” Winkenwerder said.
Research continues on the anthrax vaccine. The assistant secretary said DoD is looking at studies conducted with the Centers for Disease Control that may allow the department to reduce the number of shots from six to five or even four. “We don’t have FDA concurrence or approval for that yet,” he said.
There is no shortage of the vaccine, Winkenwerder said
USN upgrading Ageis ships At $10.5 million apiece....
By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© October 21, 2006
NORFOLK - By year's end, the Navy will have at least six ships able to track down and destroy ballistic missiles in space.
As it works to expand a decade-old program, the Navy is upgrading 18 guided missile cruisers and destroyers, including two in Norfolk, to counter missile threats.
The effort comes amid increasing worry over North Korea's test launch of seven ballistic missiles in July, its detonation of a nuclear device two weeks ago, and Iran's threat to develop nuclear weapons.
In an international crisis, the United States has traditionally relied on aircraft carriers to respond, according to Rear Adm. Brad Hicks, director of the Missile Defense Agency's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program.
Now, he predicts, "it won't be too long - in a couple of years - when the national command authority will ask: 'Where are the Aegis ships?' "
Aegis is the name of a computerized weapons system that uses radar that can see 360 degrees, linked to a computer that can track up to 100 targets at a time.
The guided missile cruiser Shiloh, formerly based in San Diego, was able to detect, track and destroy an incoming missile at least 100 miles out in space during a test in June, Hicks said.
The ship has since been reassigned to Japan, joining two other U.S. destroyers that have improved Aegis systems to provide Japan with a flexible missile defense.
The Navy will have converted 10 Aegis-equipped destroyers to long-range tracking ships by the end of this year. However, they will not be able to shoot down incoming missiles until they obtain additional upgrades. Six other vessels, to include guided missile cruisers, called "engagement ships," will be able to track and shoot down missiles.
All 16 will be based, for now, in the Pacific Fleet. Two more, for a total of 18 in the current program, are to be based in Norfolk in 2009, Hicks said.
The Navy is studying how many more such ships it might need.
Modifying each ship costs about $10.5 million and takes about six weeks. The crew gets two months of training, Hicks said.
Philip Coyle, senior adviser for the Center for Defense Information and a former chief weapons tester for the Pentagon, said the Navy's system faces many more flight intercept tests before it fully proves it can stop an enemy attack.
"The Navy has done a good job so far but still faces significant obstacles, not the least of which is developing a new, faster" missile, Coyle said in an e-mail.
"The current interceptor is too slow by about half to be effective in realistic situations," he said.
There is a shortage of the improved Standard Missile-3, with just nine in inventory. But the first of what is called the Block I-A version of a missile that has just come off Raytheon's production line will be ready to ship within a few weeks, Hicks said.
"We'll have approximately 12 missiles of the Block 1-A in inventory by early spring of next year, and we will continue to produce them at a pretty good clip," he said.
A newer version of the missile, called the SM-3 Block 2, is being developed with the Japanese and will be able to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The $1 billion -a-year investment in the missile-modification program has resulted in shooting down eight of the nine targets thrown at its ships, Hicks said.
Another round of tests is scheduled before the end of the year.
"Missile defense is one of the most challenging programs the Navy has ever tried to develop, and it won't get any easier as the program moves forward," Coyle added.
Hicks said the first of four Japanese destroyers also is getting the missile defense upgrades, and that two more ships may follow.
"The European interest in BMD," or ballistic missile defense, "as one might expect, has increased significantly," he said.
The Dutch government has decided to upgrade one of its new air-war frigates, the Tromp, with the missile system and used the Navy for technical support.
"That ship is en route to the Pacific to participate in our next firing event late this year as a tracking ship," Hicks said.
With a growing missile threat to allies, as well as the possibility of an intercontinental ballistic missile reaching U.S. soil, Hicks believes the ballistic missile ships will become "prized possessions" for the president to call upon when needed.
By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© October 21, 2006
NORFOLK - By year's end, the Navy will have at least six ships able to track down and destroy ballistic missiles in space.
As it works to expand a decade-old program, the Navy is upgrading 18 guided missile cruisers and destroyers, including two in Norfolk, to counter missile threats.
The effort comes amid increasing worry over North Korea's test launch of seven ballistic missiles in July, its detonation of a nuclear device two weeks ago, and Iran's threat to develop nuclear weapons.
In an international crisis, the United States has traditionally relied on aircraft carriers to respond, according to Rear Adm. Brad Hicks, director of the Missile Defense Agency's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program.
Now, he predicts, "it won't be too long - in a couple of years - when the national command authority will ask: 'Where are the Aegis ships?' "
Aegis is the name of a computerized weapons system that uses radar that can see 360 degrees, linked to a computer that can track up to 100 targets at a time.
The guided missile cruiser Shiloh, formerly based in San Diego, was able to detect, track and destroy an incoming missile at least 100 miles out in space during a test in June, Hicks said.
The ship has since been reassigned to Japan, joining two other U.S. destroyers that have improved Aegis systems to provide Japan with a flexible missile defense.
The Navy will have converted 10 Aegis-equipped destroyers to long-range tracking ships by the end of this year. However, they will not be able to shoot down incoming missiles until they obtain additional upgrades. Six other vessels, to include guided missile cruisers, called "engagement ships," will be able to track and shoot down missiles.
All 16 will be based, for now, in the Pacific Fleet. Two more, for a total of 18 in the current program, are to be based in Norfolk in 2009, Hicks said.
The Navy is studying how many more such ships it might need.
Modifying each ship costs about $10.5 million and takes about six weeks. The crew gets two months of training, Hicks said.
Philip Coyle, senior adviser for the Center for Defense Information and a former chief weapons tester for the Pentagon, said the Navy's system faces many more flight intercept tests before it fully proves it can stop an enemy attack.
"The Navy has done a good job so far but still faces significant obstacles, not the least of which is developing a new, faster" missile, Coyle said in an e-mail.
"The current interceptor is too slow by about half to be effective in realistic situations," he said.
There is a shortage of the improved Standard Missile-3, with just nine in inventory. But the first of what is called the Block I-A version of a missile that has just come off Raytheon's production line will be ready to ship within a few weeks, Hicks said.
"We'll have approximately 12 missiles of the Block 1-A in inventory by early spring of next year, and we will continue to produce them at a pretty good clip," he said.
A newer version of the missile, called the SM-3 Block 2, is being developed with the Japanese and will be able to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The $1 billion -a-year investment in the missile-modification program has resulted in shooting down eight of the nine targets thrown at its ships, Hicks said.
Another round of tests is scheduled before the end of the year.
"Missile defense is one of the most challenging programs the Navy has ever tried to develop, and it won't get any easier as the program moves forward," Coyle added.
Hicks said the first of four Japanese destroyers also is getting the missile defense upgrades, and that two more ships may follow.
"The European interest in BMD," or ballistic missile defense, "as one might expect, has increased significantly," he said.
The Dutch government has decided to upgrade one of its new air-war frigates, the Tromp, with the missile system and used the Navy for technical support.
"That ship is en route to the Pacific to participate in our next firing event late this year as a tracking ship," Hicks said.
With a growing missile threat to allies, as well as the possibility of an intercontinental ballistic missile reaching U.S. soil, Hicks believes the ballistic missile ships will become "prized possessions" for the president to call upon when needed.
Great news! Seems to me that they could take the VLS cells and the detection, tracking and guidance hardware and mount it fairly easily in ground installations at or near vital installations and cities all over the country if they so desired.
Dunno about the US stationing the VLS cells ashore. That's a new one Jeff. Good idea though..I guess it could be done.
Notice how all the re-configured ships will be in the Pacific. The USN is planning on having more ships in the Pacific than Atlantic in the comming years.
Notice how all the re-configured ships will be in the Pacific. The USN is planning on having more ships in the Pacific than Atlantic in the comming years.
US Army set to kick off new recruiting campaign
Boosted by FY 2006 recruiting sucess the US Army is set to kick off it's "Army Strong" recruiting drive.
Army Strong campaign attracts recruits in many ways
By Lt. Col. Wayne M. Shanks
October 20, 2006
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 20, 2006) – The new "Army Strong" recruiting ad campaign kicks off in early November. The Army’s recruiting advertising contract, managed by McCann Worldgroup, commits up to $200 million in 2007 to market the Army to potential recruits.
The contract covers the full range of marketing efforts to include ad development and the purchase of time and space for television, radio, print and online ads.
This price tag represents a significant investment, but by way of perspective, the Army’s $200 million is not large enough to rank in the Top 100 U.S. marketers. According to industry publications, Advertising Age and Adweek, the world’s largest companies spend much more on advertising. For example, Procter & Gamble spends about $4.6 billion annually on advertising and promotion alone. Similarly, Walt Disney spends nearly $2 billion on advertising and promotion, while Target and J.C. Penney each spend more than $1 billion.
The Army’s marketing campaign is a continuous effort that helps connect America to America’s Army and its Soldiers who demonstrate what it means to be Army Strong. The advertising campaign is one important component of this recruiting effort.
“The Army is fighting a tough recruiting battle and must do all it can to make the U.S. Army message distinctive and powerful, and then deliver that message in ways that reach eligible recruits and those who care about them,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, commander of U.S. Army Accessions Command. “The Army Strong campaign aims to demonstrate the value of Army service and being a Soldier.”
The advertising contract reaches out to prospective recruits by supporting recruiting efforts in local communities as well as through direct mail and marketing, public relations and community events. It also funds the Army’s extensive online presence at goarmy.com and other Web-based activities.
The contract also funds national sponsorships that help to drive awareness and interaction with the Army, such as sponsored drivers with NASCAR and NHRA, and sponsored athletes who compete as professional bull riders, cowboys, and in arena football.
These efforts attract individuals to active and reserve components, to the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and to special missions such as the medical and legal professionals, and chaplains.
The Army currently faces a unique recruiting environment given that the nation is at war. Each year, the Army must recruit more new Soldiers than all the other military services combined. Only three out of every 10 people in the U.S. meet the Army’s high standards that qualify them to enlist. This 30 percent is the same group being recruited by other services as well as civilian corporations at a time when the unemployment rate in the U.S. is relatively low.
Boosted by FY 2006 recruiting sucess the US Army is set to kick off it's "Army Strong" recruiting drive.
Army Strong campaign attracts recruits in many ways
By Lt. Col. Wayne M. Shanks
October 20, 2006
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 20, 2006) – The new "Army Strong" recruiting ad campaign kicks off in early November. The Army’s recruiting advertising contract, managed by McCann Worldgroup, commits up to $200 million in 2007 to market the Army to potential recruits.
The contract covers the full range of marketing efforts to include ad development and the purchase of time and space for television, radio, print and online ads.
This price tag represents a significant investment, but by way of perspective, the Army’s $200 million is not large enough to rank in the Top 100 U.S. marketers. According to industry publications, Advertising Age and Adweek, the world’s largest companies spend much more on advertising. For example, Procter & Gamble spends about $4.6 billion annually on advertising and promotion alone. Similarly, Walt Disney spends nearly $2 billion on advertising and promotion, while Target and J.C. Penney each spend more than $1 billion.
The Army’s marketing campaign is a continuous effort that helps connect America to America’s Army and its Soldiers who demonstrate what it means to be Army Strong. The advertising campaign is one important component of this recruiting effort.
“The Army is fighting a tough recruiting battle and must do all it can to make the U.S. Army message distinctive and powerful, and then deliver that message in ways that reach eligible recruits and those who care about them,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, commander of U.S. Army Accessions Command. “The Army Strong campaign aims to demonstrate the value of Army service and being a Soldier.”
The advertising contract reaches out to prospective recruits by supporting recruiting efforts in local communities as well as through direct mail and marketing, public relations and community events. It also funds the Army’s extensive online presence at goarmy.com and other Web-based activities.
The contract also funds national sponsorships that help to drive awareness and interaction with the Army, such as sponsored drivers with NASCAR and NHRA, and sponsored athletes who compete as professional bull riders, cowboys, and in arena football.
These efforts attract individuals to active and reserve components, to the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and to special missions such as the medical and legal professionals, and chaplains.
The Army currently faces a unique recruiting environment given that the nation is at war. Each year, the Army must recruit more new Soldiers than all the other military services combined. Only three out of every 10 people in the U.S. meet the Army’s high standards that qualify them to enlist. This 30 percent is the same group being recruited by other services as well as civilian corporations at a time when the unemployment rate in the U.S. is relatively low.
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
"Army Strong" Most every one is already coming up with sarcastic remarks about that one"Army Strong, Army SMASH!!!","Army Wrong" and of course "Army Thong" are here to stay.
TerraN_EmpirE my commentary below is not directed at you.
Not funny. These sort of sophmoric joke were around during the Vietnam War. Jokes of this sort are made by those persons to cowardly to serve.