US Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

TerraN_EmpirE said:

He quit he was not fired there is a difrence. When i Quit a job it means I am the one who wants out when I get fired from a job it means they found out what i was doing to your burger

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No...he was fired. But not officialy. Bush said that he would not ask for the resignations of anyone in his administration. However, I think that Karl Rove decided that Rumsfeld had to fo so they unoffically told him to resign. That's what I think happened.

As for the possibility of other resignations, I would say that it is very unlikely Cheney will jump ship but others might. The Bush Administration got what it earned in this election. :coffee:

USAF buys more CH-47's
Deal to build US101 nixed. Modernized CH-47's to be built by Boeing

Boeing Wins Deal To Build Helicopters, Beating Lockheed

By Renae Merle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 10, 2006; Page D01

Boeing Co. won a coveted contract yesterday for 141 Air Force search-and-rescue helicopters, a program that could be worth as much as $15 billion, besting rivals Lockheed Martin Corp. and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

The helicopters will replace the Air Force's fleet of HH-60 Pave Hawks, which have been used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Air Force said it went with the low-risk option, choosing Chicago-based Boeing's adaptation of the CH-47 Chinook, which the military has used for more than 50 years. The decision followed a strategy adopted by the government for at least two other high-profile programs in recent months -- a NASA space-vehicle program and a border-security initiative.

"We are not trying to go put the most elegant grand solution" together, Sue C. Payton, the assistant Air Force secretary for acquisition, said at a briefing. "We are going out with what we can do that will vastly improve what we have today in HH-60 helicopters."

It was a disappointing loss for Bethesda-based Lockheed, which was betting that its surprise win last year over Sikorsky to provide the Marine One helicopters used to ferry the president would give it an edge. Most analysts expected the Air Force competition to be a rematch of that battle. Instead, Boeing, which didn't compete last year, trumped both Lockheed and Sikorsky.

The loss also was a setback to Lockheed's plans to expand into new areas of business as defense budgets become tighter. The company is best known for building fighter jets, missiles and satellites, but teamed with a helicopter maker -- AgustaWestland Inc., a unit of the Italian defense firm Finmeccanica SpA -- hoping to move into new terrain and grab a bigger part of the Pentagon's budget.

During the Marine One competition, critics complained about Lockheed's use of foreign partners, saying that the president should be flown only in an American aircraft. For that competition, Sikorsky dumped some foreign contractors, including companies from Taiwan and Japan, to boost its entry's American content.

Lockheed expressed disappointment with the Air Force's decision in a statement yesterday, as did Sikorsky.

"We thought we had a very strong proposal," Sikorsky spokesman Ed Steadham said.

The initial contract is worth $712 million, but the program's budget is to grow as Boeing begins building the aircraft. The new helicopters will be able to conduct longer missions, hold more people and go faster than those in the current fleet, Air Force officials said. Boeing has also trumpeted the new craft's ability to fly higher and withstand hotter temperatures.

The Air Force said Boeing's helicopters would be ready months before those from its competitors would have been.

The "award is a vote of confidence by the Air Force in the ability of Boeing to provide them the rotorcraft they need for this very important mission," James F. Albaugh, president and chief executive of Boeing's defense division, said in a written statement.

The deciding factor may have been Boeing's experience, Byron Callan, industry analyst for Prudential Equity Group LLC, said in a research note. "The award decision reflects a more conservative risk-avoidance strategy on this particular program," he wrote. Lockheed's and Sikorsky's aircraft had merit "but neither is in current operating service with the U.S. military, whereas the DoD has an extensive inventory and operating experience with the CH-47."

am i the only one who is happy here that LockMart finally looses one? Good for Boeing.

tphuang said:

am i the only one who is happy here that LockMart finally looses one? Good for Boeing.

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Not happy with Lockheed? I'm sorry the USAF did not go with the Merlin ..but The USAF wants the helos ASAP so they went with Boeing.

bd popeye said:

Not happy with Lockheed? I'm sorry the USAF did not go with the Merlin ..but The USAF wants the helos ASAP so they went with Boeing.

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not at all, they've already won F-22, JSF and the Satellite program. They pretty much kicked Northrop out of the fighter making business and what does Boeing have after the super hornets and the export F-15s? Seriously, not cool at all.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) returns home to Norfolk VA
The "Big E" is returning today to her homeport of Norfolk VA after a 6.5 month deployment to the MED, IO & Pacific.

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) has served the USA since November 25th, 1961. Forty Five years.

"Big E" Comes Home
Story Number: NNS061118-01
Release Date: 11/18/2006 12:53:00 PM

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 5,400 Sailors from USS Enterprise (CVN 65) returned home Nov. 18 after completing a successful six-month deployment in support of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces.

Enterprise deployed May 2 as the flagship of the Enterprise Strike Group (ENT CSG) and supported operations in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

While in 5th Fleet, ENT CSG was instrumental in the war on terrorism, conducting combat operations in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and Operation Medusa, as well as conducting maritime security operations. From early September through Nov. 1, Enterprise-based aircraft expended more than 130 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in Afghanistan.

“The 2006 summer deployment of the Enterprise Strike Group is historic for a variety of reasons,” said Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, commander of the Enterprise Strike Group. “From miles traveled, missions flown, distinguished visitors hosted – this strike group is the epitome of flexibility, engagement and forward presence. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Pacific Ocean, this strike group answered the nation’s call.”

“This deployment assured our nations newest partners in the global war on terrorism, reinforced enduring ties with long-standing friends and allies throughout the world, deterred those who plot against our nation, and brought triumph against the enemies of peace and security,” added Capt. Larry Rice, commanding officer of Enterprise.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, embarked on Enterprise, flew nearly 23,000 hours, including nearly 12,000 hours of combat missions in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

“Carrier Air Wing 1 and the entire Enterprise Strike Group team were prepared to flexibly and effectively support a variety of missions,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, CVW-1. “Whether we operated carrier-based aircraft from land, engaged our nation’s enemies from the sea, or engaged our friends and allies from the flight deck of Enterprise, the entire strike group helped to set the conditions for security and stability throughout the world.”

Enterprise also led the way in promoting maritime leadership through cooperation with American allies abroad during their deployment. The ship entertained hundreds of foreign military officials, dignitaries and distinguished visitors in every numbered fleet and hosted numerous receptions and press conferences in the 6th Fleet and 7th Fleet AORs, including the Split, Croatia, Medal of Honor presentation ceremony for the family of Chief Watertender Peter Tomich. Tomich, a Croatian-American, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions aboard USS Utah (BB 31) during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

Sailors and Marines from Enterprise spread goodwill throughout the world by participating in more than 30 community relations (COMREL) projects, totaling nearly 2,800 man-hours, during port visits in the 6th and 7th Fleet AORs. Hundreds of Sailors and Marines made a positive impact in Split, Croatia; Souda Bay, Greece; Pusan, Korea; Hong Kong; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Lisbon, Portgual.

“Whether it was combat missions for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, coalition engagement, community relations project, or even Sailors and Marines on liberty from Split to Pusan, everyone serving in the Enterprise Strike Group made sacrifices, and I am proud of each and every one of them,” continued Spicer. “The Sailors and Marines of Enterprise Strike Group proved to be valuable ambassadors, teachers, mentors and friends.”

Enterprise Strike Group ships served as ambassadors in every port, opening their brows to more than 3,600 visitors during their eight port calls. Additionally, Enterprise finished its deployment by hosting the Navy’s first trans-Atlantic “Tiger Cruise” in more than 30 years for friends and family of crew members. The Big “E” Tiger Cruise began in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 10.

During its deployment, Enterprise steamed nearly 60,000 miles, dropped 137 precision weapons over nearly 8,500 sorties flown, and spent nearly $10 million on feeding the crew. 363 Sailors reenlisted for a total of nearly $6.5 million in tax-free selective reenlistment bonuses (SRB). While those numbers are certainly impressive, none of them may be as important to the crew as the nearly 15.6 million emails sent and received aboard Enterprise.

“I am humbled at the dedication and sacrifice of our families,” said Spicer. “Thousands of emails, cards, care packages, and phone calls – or fantastic programs like United Through Reading – all of these helping each of us to maintain those vital connections to our loved ones.”

“The ombudsmen and the families they work so hard for are the true heroes of this deployment,” said Rice. “Their sacrifice is immeasurable, and we are grateful for their concern and commitment to our families.”

The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTSTKGRU) is comprised of CVW-1, Destroyer Squadron 2, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Enterprise, the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), the guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), the fast-combat support ship USS Supply (T-AOE 6), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Rooks” of Tactical Electronic Warfare 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.

ex-USS Valley Forge (CG-50) sunk during SINKEX

Yep it's true. what a waste of US taxpayer money...But my son was ships company on the ship for a year and told me the ship had not carried any missiles for a couple of years. The ships last few missions were drug interdiction deployments. The entire crew was male and all were trained in boarding and seziure techniques.

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Aegis ship sunk on target range

The first Navy Aegis ship to be sent to Davey Jones' locker now rests
on the bottom of the Pacific, done in by a combination of missiles
and gunfire.

The decommissioned cruiser Valley Forge was sunk as part of a Nov. 2
target practice on a test range near Kauai, Hawaii, according to the
U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The fourth Ticonderoga-class Aegis cruiser to be built, it was in
service for only 18 years, from 1986 to 2004. The ships were designed
to serve at least three decades, but the Navy decommissioned the
first five Aegis cruisers in 2004 and 2005, citing their older
missile systems.

The Navy could not say whether the Aegis combat system was on board
at the time of the sinking, although Naval Sea Systems Command said
Nov. 17 that "various components of the Aegis weapon system have been
removed."

Topside items such as missile directors, radars and gun mounts were
removed prior to the sinking.

None of the other decommissioned Aegis cruisers are currently
scheduled for sinking, the Navy said.

Sinking ships at sea, usually for target practice, has become a
regular method of disposal. Of 31 decommissioned Spruance-class
destroyers, 19 already have been sunk and three more are scheduled.
Only two ships have been scrapped, and two more are scheduled to be
broken up

bd popeye said:

ex-USS Valley Forge (CG-50) sunk during SINKEX

Yep it's true. what a waste of US taxpayer money...But my son was ships company on the ship for a year and told me the ship had not carried any missiles for a couple of years. The ships last few missions were drug interdiction deployments. The entire crew was male and all were trained in boarding and seziure techniques.

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Aegis ship sunk on target range

The first Navy Aegis ship to be sent to Davey Jones' locker now rests
on the bottom of the Pacific, done in by a combination of missiles
and gunfire.

The decommissioned cruiser Valley Forge was sunk as part of a Nov. 2
target practice on a test range near Kauai, Hawaii, according to the
U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The fourth Ticonderoga-class Aegis cruiser to be built, it was in
service for only 18 years, from 1986 to 2004. The ships were designed
to serve at least three decades, but the Navy decommissioned the
first five Aegis cruisers in 2004 and 2005, citing their older
missile systems.

The Navy could not say whether the Aegis combat system was on board
at the time of the sinking, although Naval Sea Systems Command said
Nov. 17 that "various components of the Aegis weapon system have been
removed."

Topside items such as missile directors, radars and gun mounts were
removed prior to the sinking.

None of the other decommissioned Aegis cruisers are currently
scheduled for sinking, the Navy said.

Sinking ships at sea, usually for target practice, has become a
regular method of disposal. Of 31 decommissioned Spruance-class
destroyers, 19 already have been sunk and three more are scheduled.
Only two ships have been scrapped, and two more are scheduled to be
broken up

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This was one of the 5 non VLS Tico cruisers. I believe they were offered to the UK for a "small" fee but the RN choose to build the type 45 instead. I guess the "spruance" hull is getting the end of its useful life. I should be interesting how the Burke hulls hold up to punishment. I believe they were build with all steel instead of aluminum components like the Spruance.

This was one of the 5 non VLS Tico cruisers. I believe they were offered to the UK for a "small" fee but the RN choose to build the type 45 instead. I guess the "spruance" hull is getting the end of its useful life. I should be interesting how the Burke hulls hold up to punishment. I believe they were build with all steel instead of aluminum components like the Spruance.

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You are right about the VLS. I went to sea for a "Friends and Family Day Cruise" three years ago when my son was on board. The ship was very clean. The crew was well trained and mannered. Even in the times I took my son food when he had duty(because he did not want what was served) That ship was squared away.

As for the material condition of the ship. Honestly that was the cleanest ship I was ever on. Period. It was immaculate. According to my son the ship suffered no engineering problems at all. Those ships "hulls" are outstanding. Some of the old Spruance class sailors in some yahoo.com USN groups and other forums be moan the fact that the Spruance's are gone. They all feel that those ships had 15 years of life or more left.

bd popeye said:

You are right about the VLS. I went to sea for a "Friends and Family Day Cruise" three years ago when my son was on board. The ship was very clean. The crew was well trained and mannered. Even in the times I took my son food when he had duty(because he did not want what was served) That ship was squared away.

As for the material condition of the ship. Honestly that was the cleanest ship I was ever on. Period. It was immaculate. According to my son the ship suffered no engineering problems at all. Those ships "hulls" are outstanding. Some of the old Spruance class sailors in some yahoo.com USN groups and other forums be moan the fact that the Spruance's are gone. They all feel that those ships had 15 years of life or more left.

Click to expand...

This was an Aegis ship right? Would it be possible to load the ship up with some SAMs, activate its CIWS and put the Aegis on automated and then fire missles at the ship and let it defend itself? That would be an excellent test of the Aegis's ability.