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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
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Russia Should Return U.S. Humvees, Pentagon Spokesman Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
A group of American Humvees seized by Russian forces in Georgia this week should be returned immediately, a Defense Department official said today.
“We’ve certainly expressed our position over the fact that these Humvees are U.S. property and should be returned. It’s that simple,” Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
In the Georgian port town of Poti on Aug. 19, Russian forces, which entered Georgia Aug. 8, reportedly commandeered American Humvees that were awaiting shipment back to the United States after taking part in earlier U.S.-Georgian military exercises.
“We don’t have any assurance at this point that they’re prepared to do the right thing and return them,” Whitman said of Russia’s forces. He declined to specify the exact number of American vehicles in Russia’s possession, calling it “a handful.”
In Georgia meanwhile, Russian forces remain in the former Soviet republic in defiance of pledges by Moscow to draw down troops this week.
“There has not been much evidence of any significant Russian withdrawals,” Whitman said, adding that only “minimal movements” have occurred to date.
As NATO and international community members ratchet up pressure on Russia to remove its forces, the United States has continued providing humanitarian aid to war-torn Georgia.
The U.S. military has commenced its maritime humanitarian assistance operation, Whitman said. Two Navy vessels and a Coast Guard cutter could begin providing relief supplies and equipment in several days, he added.
The U.S. government has spent $10.7 million in humanitarian assistance to date, $4.7 million of which has consisted of Defense Department-led airlifts and emergency supplies, Whitman said.
U.S. military C-130 Hercules aircraft continue delivering twice-daily shipments, along with a shipment a day by a C-17 Globemaster III transport jet. Georgia has received 320 tons of humanitarian aid in the deliveries.
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
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SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) visited Singapore, Aug. 18, where he met with members of the Navy League of the United States, Singapore, and U.S. military and Department of Defense (DoD) personnel.
Adm. Gary Roughead spoke at two separate venues during a brief visit to the island republic, where he addressed some of what he said are the most pressing issues he faces as CNO, and opened the floor to questions from the audiences. Attendees asked him about topics ranging from future force structure to the importance of the Navy's role in today's combat operations.
Roughead praised the commitment that continues to be shown by Sailors serving in harm's way.
"I can't say enough about the effort that our Sailors are putting forth and the successes they are achieving in Iraq and Afghanistan," Roughead said. "They are involved across the spectrum of operations."
Roughead's stop in Singapore came on the heels of approximately 10 days of travel throughout the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, where he visited Bahrain, Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Every commander that I've talked to cannot say enough about what our Sailors bring to the fight," said Roughead. "It's about their initiative; it's about their confidence; it's about their skill. But most importantly, it's about their spirit and drive. They have to do a job and do that job right."
The CNO, returning to Singapore for the first time as the Navy's top commander, is familiar with Pacific Fleet operations, having previously served as Deputy Commander, U. S. Pacific Command as well as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In Singapore, he reiterated his appreciation to Singapore as an important and enduring regional partner.
"Every time I come back, the relationship we have with Singapore is reinforced," Roughead said.
The U.S. Navy has several commands in Singapore operating in support of 7th Fleet's logistics mission, including Logistics Group, Western Pacific, Sealift Logistics Command Far East, Navy Region Center Singapore and Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Singapore detachment. Through these units, the Navy plans and executes two premier annual maritime exercises in conjunction with several regional partner nations: Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), and Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT). Roughead said these exercises provide important contributions to greater Navy goals.
"I think CARAT and SEACAT really typify the essence of our maritime strategy, which is a cooperative strategy," the CNO said. "Those two exercises demonstrate the ability of our nations to come together and work and interoperate in ways that add to the safety and security and ultimately the prosperity of our nations and the region."
Yeoman 2nd Class Sarah Morel said she appreciated the chance to meet and interact with the Navy's top commander.
"Meeting the CNO makes him a reality to me and not just another high-ranking officer. It shows he cares and is interested in what we think and feel," Morel said. "Taking time from his schedule shows he really cares."
Adm. Roughead said he places great importance on the opportunity to speak to service members directlyóthe men and women who are forward-deployed and who are executing the Navy's mission on a daily basis.
"When our Sailors are out there doing things, not only are they accomplishing the mission of today, but they are also leading the way into the future for us. I really appreciate that," he said. "The greatest benefit for me is the inspiration I get from our Sailors."
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
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Sixth Fleet Deploys Ships in Support of Humanitarian Assistance Mission
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Two U.S. Navy ships and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter are getting underway to transport humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia. These deployments are part of the larger United States response to the government of Georgia request for humanitarian assistance.
USS McFaul (DDG 74) departed from Souda Bay, Crete, Aug. 20, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) will leave later this week. McFaul and Dallas are scheduled to transit into the Black Sea and arrive in Georgia within a week.
USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is currently on loading humanitarian relief materials in her homeport of Gaeta, Italy, and will proceed to Georgia later this month.
The ships will deliver thousands of blankets, hygiene kits, baby food and infant care supplies to save lives and alleviate human suffering.
These surface ships represent the first from the U.S. to participate in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Georgia.
Both McFaul, based in Norfolk and Dallas, based in Charleston, S.C., are on regularly scheduled deployments in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
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marines
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
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U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton will be the first installation to implement the RAPID-RCx™ Program, beginning in mid August.
The RAPID-RCx Program will enable Camp Pendleton force protection personnel to scan and authenticate U.S. and Canadian Driver Licenses; U.S. Department of Motor Vehicle identification cards; and RAPIDGate Credentials with a single mobile handheld device at each gate. Portland, Ore.-based Eid Passport, Inc. developed the RAPID-RCx Program to further increase security at military installations while providing quick entry for individuals who require routine access.
“For Camp Pendleton, the RAPID-RCx Program serves as another integral layer of a fully integrated access solution that addresses multiple populations requiring access to military installations and government facilities,” said Steve Larson, CEO of Eid Passport. “The streamlined access process that the RAPID-RCx Program provides reduces the administrative costs, burden and associated errors of manually verifying an individual’s credential status.”
The RAPID-RCx Program at Camp Pendleton will utilize the existing technology and program infrastructure of the RAPIDGate Program already implemented on base. RAPIDGate Program participants will follow the same access procedures they have enjoyed prior to the implementation of the RAPID-RCx Program.
The first two months of the program will be a transition period while force protection personnel learn the new equipment and access procedures.
All visitors with questions regarding access control procedures can visit the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton website at http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/ .
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navy
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
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PORT KELANG, Malaysia (NNS) -- Three ships and more than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 arrived in Malaysia for a port visit Aug. 18.
The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) pulled into Port Kelang.
"This visit helps build maritime cooperation and cultural understanding between the United States and Malaysia," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7. "We're all pretty excited to visit a modern, vibrant city like Kuala Lumpur."
This marks the fifth port visit for CSG 7 during its 2008 Western Pacific deployment, and the second visit to Malaysia by USS Ronald Reagan. The carrier last visited in June 2006.
"Our Sailors plan to do some sightseeing and shopping in this magnificent country," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "They'll also make a positive impact for the needy ashore."
More than 320 strike group Sailors will volunteer their time and efforts in eight community service projects in Malaysian orphanages, schools and homes for the elderly.
Sailors will have opportunities to explore Malaysia during Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, including rock climbing, elephant rides in Kuala Gandah and tours of downtown Kuala Lumpur and historical Malacca.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is currently in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. Homeported in San Diego, USS Ronald Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald Reagan Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
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