War on Terrorism

Female Wisconsin Guard Soldiers return from historic deployment

2012-03-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Four Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers - 1st Lt. April Nelson of Viroqua, Master Sgt. Karen Dumke of Waupun, Sgt. Sonia Buchanan of Cottage Grove and Sgt. Kristen Elegeert of De Pere - have returned to the United States following several months in Afghanistan, where they helped Army Rangers and Special Forces Teams interact with Afghan citizens.

The four were graduates of the inaugural Cultural Support Training Course last July, where they learned the basic capabilities to interact and communicate with Afghan women and children - a task deemed locally as culturally inappropriate for traditional Army special operations forces. Nelson, Dumke, Buchanan and Elegeert were among 240 females who signed up for the program. Only 106 were selected for assessment, and 59 of those attended the Cultural Support Team training.

According to Dumke, three of the Wisconsin Soldiers served in western Afghanistan, while Nelson served in southern Afghanistan.

Three of the four expect to begin the weeklong demobilization process March 12 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Buchanan will be one of four Cultural Support Team Soldiers to speak at the Special Operations Command Academic Week in Orlando, Fla., March 14-18; she will demobilize after that.

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

2012-03-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today three major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The Spring 2012 scheduled rotation involves one corps headquarters with more than 500 personnel; one division headquarters with more than 700 personnel; and a brigade combat team with more than 3,000 personnel to include:

Headquarters units:

V Corps Headquarters, Wiesbaden, Germany

1st Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Riley, Kan.

Brigade Combat Team:

4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense will continue to announce major deployments as they are approved. For information on the respective deployments contact the following: V Corps Headquarters, contact the V Corps public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-2057. 1st Infantry Division Headquarters, contact the 1st Infantry Division public affairs office at 785-240-4937, or 785-240-1796. 4th BCT, 4th Infantry Division, contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at 719-526-4143. Army Public Affairs, contact OCPA-Media Relations at 703-697-7550.

ISAF Commander Condemns Spin Boldak Murders

2012-03-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 8, 2012 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning yesterday’s terrorist attack in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province that killed four people and wounded eight others, military officials reported.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones who mourn this evening, and we wish for a quick recovery of those who were injured," Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen said after yesterday’s attack. "More innocent Afghans died today at the hands of the insurgency."

Two children and a woman were among those killed when a motorcycle loaded with explosives detonated in a crowd.

"The blatant murdering of Afghan civilians must stop, and the Taliban leadership needs to hold their own members accountable for their actions against the innocent," Allen said. ISAF service members will continue to work with Afghan security forces “to identify these enemies of the Afghan people, and hold them to account," the general added.

Army Casualty

2012-03-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Edward J. Acosta, 21, of Hesperia, Calif., died March 5, in La Jolla, Calif., of injuries sustained Dec. 3, 2011, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised-explosive device in Wardak province, Afghanistan. Acosta was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

For more information related to this release, media may contact the First Armored Division Public Affairs office at 915-744-8406 or 915- 203-3769.

Former Army Soldier Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to al Shabaab

2012-03-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

Defendant Arrested in Kenya While En Route to Somalia

GREENBELT, MD—A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Craig Benedict Baxam, age 24, of Laurel, Maryland, with attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a foreign terrorist organization.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Lisa O. Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The indictment alleges that Craig Baxam intended to travel to Somalia and join the terrorist organization al Shabaab,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Mr. Baxam was arrested in Kenya before he reached Somalia, and there is no allegation that anyone assisted him.”

According to the indictment, Baxam served in the U.S. Army from 2007 through July 2011.

The indictment alleges that sometime after July 2011, while living in Maryland, Baxam decided to travel to Somalia to join and fight for al Shabaab, which Baxam knew to be a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to court documents, al Shabaab is a militia group that uses intimidation and violence to undermine Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG). In February 2008, the U.S. Department of State designated al Shabaab, aka Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin, aka The Youth, as a foreign terrorist organization, stating that al Shabaab has committed or poses a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the security of the United States.

The indictment alleges that Baxam cashed out his retirement savings, purchased a plane ticket to Kenya, and traveled in Kenya toward its northern border with Somalia, all in his effort to join and fight for al Shabaab. On December 23, 2011, Kenyan Anti-Terrorism police arrested Baxam near Mombasa, Kenya, for attempting to travel to Somalia to join al Shabaab.

Baxam faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. No court appearance has been scheduled. Baxam has been detained since his arrest on a criminal complaint on Friday, January 6, 2012, upon his return to Maryland after traveling to Africa.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI’s Maryland and New York Joint Terrorism Task Forces for their work in the investigation and recognized the Department of Justice Counterterrorism Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Welsh, who is prosecuting the case with assistance from Robert J. Sander of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice.

Iran Will Be Biggest Loser When Assad Falls, Panetta Says

2012-03-07T16:35:00.002-08:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 – Iran will be the biggest loser when Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime falls, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the committee on the situation in Syria this morning.

The Syrian people want what the people of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have – a chance at freedom and a democratic future, the secretary said. Assad and his people are indiscriminately killing those pushing for peaceful change in the nation. The fighting in the country is causing a humanitarian crisis of the first order, and thousands of Syrians are fleeing from the country to Jordan, Iraq and Turkey.

A stable Syria is vital to the Middle East and the world, Panetta said. “But perhaps most notably, Syria is a pivotal country for Iran,” the secretary said. “Syria is Iran’s only state ally in the region and is crucial to Iran’s efforts to support those militants throughout the region who threaten Israel and threaten regional stability.”

The unrest in Syria already has weakened Iran’s position in the Middle East, and it will be further weakened if the regime falls, the secretary said. “As groups such as Hamas distance themselves from the Assad regime, Iran is quickly becoming the Assad regime’s lone backer,” he added. “This shows the world the hypocrisy of Tehran.”

Panetta told the senators that the United States is on the side of the Syrian people. “They must know that the international community has not underestimated either their suffering or their impatience,” he said. “We all wish there was a clear and unambiguous way forward to directly influence the events in Syria. That, unfortunately, is not the case.”

The only clear path is for the international community to act as one against the regime, the secretary said.

Dempsey told the panel that Syria’s internal convulsions are having consequences. In addition to the refugee problem, the general said, “we also need to be alert to the movement of extremists and other hostile actors seeking to exploit the situation.”

“And we need to be especially alert to the fate of Syria’s chemical and biological weapons,” the chairman added. “They must stay exactly where they are.”

The U.S. military role to date has been limited to sharing information with regional partners, Dempsey said. “But, should we be called on to help secure U.S. interests in other ways, we will be ready,” he told the senators. “We maintain an agile regional and global posture. We have solid military relationships with every country on Syria’s borders.”

And the military is prepared to provide U.S. government leaders with options, Dempsey said. “All options will be judged in terms of their suitability, their feasibility and their acceptability,” he added. “We have a further responsibility to articulate risk and the potential implications for our other global commitments.”

Panetta told the senators that unilateral U.S. action in Syria does not make sense.

“As secretary of defense, before I recommend that we put our sons and daughters in uniform in harm’s way, I’ve got to make very sure that we know what the mission is,” he said. “I’ve got to make very sure that we know whether we can achieve that mission, at what price, and whether or not it’ll make matters better or worse. Those are the considerations that I have to engage in.”

The United States needs to build the same type of coalition that worked in Libya, Dempsey said.

The senators asked Dempsey specifically about an air campaign over Syria. “We’ve demonstrated the capability to penetrate air defense systems for a discrete purpose and a very limited amount of time,” he said. “We still have that capability.” To conduct a sustained campaign, the U.S. military would have to suppress Syria’s air defense.

“In closed session, we do have an estimate based on gaming and modeling of how long it would take to do that, given the density and the sophistication of their air defense system,” Dempsey said. “But it would be an extended period of time, and a great number of aircraft.”

Such an air campaign would be led by the United States, at least initially, Dempsey said, noting that only U.S. forces have the electronic warfare capabilities to take down those defenses.

Afghanistan: Georgia Guard welcomes visit from Bulgarian president

2012-03-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

By Army Master Sgt. Janet Hill
648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

KABUL, Afghanistan – After being in office for only a little over 30 days, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, and his delegation paid a special visit to his deployed Bulgarian soldiers, Feb. 29, 2012, here on Camp Phoenix.

Before the Bulgarian president's arrival to Camp Phoenix, the Bulgarian honor guard was in place to welcome and salute Plevneliev at Patriot Square.

Plevneliev also met with the president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, during a visit to Kabul earlier on Feb. 29 before making his way to Camp Phoenix later that same day, where he met with the Bulgarian soldiers and leaders along with Army Col. Andy Hall, commander of 648th Task Force Hydra, the Kabul Base Cluster Command.

Plevneliev spoke about solidarity and thanked the American military for what they are doing for their people and for helping the Bulgarian army to integrate within the most effective family of military.

“Leaders, as president of Bulgaria, I am talking to them, that it is very important to come here to show solidarity to our plans, to stay to the plans and be effective," Plevneliev said. "I came here also because I hope that the other colleagues will come the same way."

"Thank you for what you're doing for our people. Thank you for helping the Bulgarian army integrate within the most effective family of military," he said.

"Strong coalition partnerships are very important, and it means a lot when the president of a country makes it a priority to experience what it's like on the ground for his soldiers," Hall said.

"I am honored that I had the opportunity to sit down with President Plevneliev."

The visit came days before a series of Bulgarian Celebrations, such as the March 1 Baba Marta, or "Grandmother March," a celebration that welcomes spring, and the March 3 Liberation Day.

Air Weapons Team Kills Several Insurgents

2012-03-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 – A coalition air weapons team killed several insurgents in the Asadabad district of Afghanistan’s Kunar province yesterday, military officials reported.

The insurgents were firing on an International Security Assistance Force installation in the area, officials said. When the air weapons team arrived, the insurgents turned their fire against the aircraft. The aircrew returned fire, killing several insurgents.

No civilians were harmed during the exchange, officials said.

In March 5 Afghanistan operations:

-- A combined force detained two suspects and found a bomb-making facility containing various components and more than 550 pounds of ammonium nitrate – a banned fertilizer used in homemade bombs -- in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The security force seized some of the materials and destroyed the rest.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects and seized small arms, ammunition, and more than 88 pounds of opium and hashish in the Bala Boluk district of Farah province. The security force seized some of the materials and destroyed the rest.

In other news, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander, traveled to Helmand province March 5. Gov. Mohammad Gulab Mangal told Allen that Helmand had made great progress due to the dedication of the Afghan security forces and ISAF troops who patrol the area with them.

“I appreciate your soldiers serving and dying for our country,” Mangal told Allen during their meeting. Allen also spoke to Afghan personnel and their ISAF advisors at Helmand’s provincial operational coordination center, and later met with Regional Command Southwest Marines at Forward Operating Base Marjah.

Help Us Bring Bob Levinson Home

2012-03-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

$1 Million Reward Offered for Missing Retired FBI Agent

This week marks the fifth anniversary of Robert Levinson’s disappearance, and the FBI today announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the safe recovery and return of the retired special agent.

Levinson, who retired from the FBI in 1998 after 22 years of service, was working as a private investigator when he traveled to Kish Island, Iran on March 8, 2007. He has not been seen or heard from publicly since he disappeared the following day. In 2010, a video showing him in captivity was sent to the Levinson family by his captors.

The FBI is responsible for investigating crimes committed against U.S. citizens abroad. We have been working since 2007 to obtain information about Levinson’s whereabouts and well-being.

“On the fifth anniversary of Bob’s disappearance, the FBI continues to follow every lead into his abduction and captivity,” said James W. McJunkin, assistant director in charge of our Washington Field Office. “We are committed to bringing Bob home safely to his family. We hope this reward will encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is, to come forward. It may be the clue that we need to locate Bob.”

“Though he is retired from the FBI, Bob remains a member of the FBI family to this day,” said Director Robert S. Mueller, “and his family is our family. Like all families, we stand together in good times and in times of adversity. Today, we stand together to reaffirm our commitment to Bob Levinson.”

“I am very grateful that the FBI has offered this reward,” said Levinson’s wife Christine. “Our family believes the only way of resolving this issue successfully is with the FBI’s help. It has been an extremely difficult time for my family,” she said. “We all thought Bob would be home by now. But five years have passed, and we still don’t know why he’s being held, who has him, or where he is.”

Levinson will celebrate his 64th birthday on March 10. In addition to his wife of 37 years, Levinson has seven children and two grandchildren. The family has been working tirelessly to bring Levinson home safely. “Our youngest son is about to graduate from high school,” Christine Levinson said. “He was in middle school when his father disappeared.”

In March 2011, the U.S. secretary of state issued a statement that the U.S. government had received indications that Levinson was being held by a group in southwest Asia. That region includes the border areas of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. A publicity campaign is being launched this week in southwest Asia to heighten awareness of Levinson’s abduction, announce the $1,000,000 reward, and solicit information. Billboards, radio messages, and flyers will be used to publicize the reward and the investigation. A telephone tip line will be provided to listeners and viewers in that region so that they can confidentially provide information.

“We’re never going to give up,” Christine Levinson said. “Our goal is to get Bob home. We miss him every single day.”

We need your help. If you have information about the Levinson case, contact your nearest FBI office or American Embassy, or submit a tip to https://tips.fbi.gov.

Supporting the Levinson Family

The Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI announced this week that it will give the two youngest Levinson children $5,000 each to help with college costs.

“Bob is part of the FBI family,” said Brad Benson, the society’s president. “We are trying to help carry out what he would be doing for his children if he were home. We also want to commend and support the fact that Bob’s family has pulled together so heroically.”

Socom Commander Discusses Progress in Afghanistan

2012-03-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 – Afghan forces now are leading all of the night raids U.S. special operations forces conduct with them in Afghanistan, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command told senators today.

Navy Adm. William McRaven said operations in Afghanistan remain his near-term focus and highest priority. McRaven testified alongside Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, U.S. Central Command commander, before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The special operations leader and Navy SEAL said his forces bring two key capabilities to the transition effort in Afghanistan: the lethal and precise direct approach epitomized in night raids, and the indirect effort to build Afghan security and governance through village stability operations with Afghan forces.

Night raids target high-value insurgents, often after coalition and Afghan troops have tracked them for days or weeks, McRaven said.

Those individuals “generally bed down” and are much more targetable at night, McRaven said, calling the night operations an essential tactic.

The admiral acknowledged the raids’ unpopularity among the Afghan people, but said ensuring Afghan troops are “the first forces through the door” as they lead the raids has helped allay people’s anxiety.

Such raids often are safer than daytime operations, he said, because fewer people are out in the villages.

Meanwhile, McRaven said, special operations forces also work to strengthen programs such as the Afghan local police, which includes about 11,000 Afghans and is set to grow to 30,000 over the next few years. The village-based forces are starting to link together in mutual defense for the first time, he said.

“One village is actually coming to the aid of another village when they're being attacked or harassed,” he said.

A single road connecting villages makes that cooperation possible, the admiral noted.

“That's why it's very important to continue with [infrastructure projects] so they can get from Point A to Point B, see what the other village is doing, create trade with that village … [and] be the safety and security for that village, and vice versa,” McRaven added.

The admiral noted that no International Security Assistance Force special operations troops have been targeted in any of the “green-on-blue” incidents involving Afghan army and police members killing coalition troops.

“We have built these partnerships over many years,” McRaven said. “They're very strong partnerships. We have great respect for our Afghan partners, and we think this strategy of partnering with the Afghans is absolutely essential to victory in Afghanistan.”

Ex-Marine Accused of Attempting to Export Sensitive Military Items

2012-03-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES—A retired Marine Corps staff sergeant, who until recently worked in the Marine Aviation Supply Office at Edwards Air Force Base, was arrested by federal agents this morning following an undercover probe that allegedly revealed he lied to the government as part of a scheme to sell sensitive military equipment to buyers around the globe.

Sean Elias Sayegh, 41, of Rosamond, was taken into custody at his residence by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Sayegh, who retired from the Marine Corps in December 2011, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury last Friday that charges him with four counts of making false statements. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on four occasions Sayegh made fraudulent claims on U.S. Postal Service customs declaration forms, stating that packages he was shipping contained camera lenses and other camera equipment, when the items were actually laser light interference filters (LIFs). The alleged violations, which occurred between December 2009 and February 2010, involved the shipment of more than 100 LIFs.

LIFs, which are used with military night vision goggles, are on the U.S. Munitions List and cannot legally be exported without a license issued by the Department of State. LIFs protect the optics inside night vision goggles from being damaged by lasers. The technology is considered sufficiently sensitive that the military requires that LIFs be destroyed when they reach the end of their service life.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) initiated the probe into Sayegh’s activities after receiving a lead about the possible sale of Munitions List items on eBay. DCIS referred the matter to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). HSI joined the investigation, at the request of NCIS, because of the potential export violations. HSI carried out the undercover investigation.

Each false statement charge in the indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Therefore, if he is convicted of the four counts in the indictment, Sayegh would face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, as well as a $1 million fine.

Sayegh is expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.

“These items may look innocuous, but their sophistication makes them highly sought after by our adversaries,” said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. “They were developed to give America and its allies a strategic military advantage, which is why HSI will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to ensure such technology doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

Jeffrey Morrow, special agent in charge for NCIS’ Southwest Field Office, stated, “One of the U.S. military’s greatest advantages is its ability to operate effectively at night when our adversaries cannot. In large part, this advantage is reliant on equipment and technologies like former-SSGT Sayegh attempted to sell to unauthorized buyers abroad. Actions like this risk the technological advantage that the U.S. military maintains and for this reason this case is significant. NCIS will work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to stop the compromise of these important technologies.”

Chris Hendrickson, special agent in charge, DCIS, Western Field Office, commented, “DCIS will use all tools available—our ability to track worldwide financial dealings, our advanced cyber capabilities, and our worldwide law enforcement alliances—to protect America’s warfighters and the taxpayers’ interests. DCIS and its law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and bringing to justice individuals intent on illegally exporting this country’s critical assets at the expense of America’s security.”

In addition to HSI, NCIS, and DCIS, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also played a prominent role in the case.

“This type of offense is unjustifiable,” said B. Bernard Ferguson, inspector in charge for the Los Angeles Division of the Postal Inspection Service. “U.S. Postal Inspectors will continue to aggressively investigate those who violate the laws meant to protect the Postal Service, its employees, and our nation’s citizens.”

In November 2009, the government announced the Export Control Initiative to streamline the complex system of U.S. export controls and enhance the coordination of efforts to address current security threats. As part of those ongoing reforms, HSI recently established the Long Beach-based Counter Proliferation Investigations Center (CPIC). CPICs are located in strategic cities where the threat of illegal exportations is greatest. The goal of these centers is to better facilitate regional enforcement efforts to target the illegal exportation of sensitive weapons and technology. In addition to DCIS, NCIS, USPIS, and CBP, other federal agencies currently participating in the HSI-led initiative include the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI; and the National Aeronautics Space Agency (NASA) Office of Inspector General. The center enables the participating agencies to pool their resources, expertise, and intelligence to pursue cases involving export enforcement.

Obama Discusses Situations in Iran, Syria, Afghanistan

2012-03-06T16:41:00.002-08:00

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 – President Barack Obama took questions from reporters at a press conference this afternoon on his administration’s policies and intentions on situations in Iran, Syria and Afghanistan.

“When I came into office, Iran was unified, on the move, had made substantial progress on its nuclear program, and the world was divided in terms of how to deal with it,” the president said.

Over the past three years, he added, “we've been able to … mobilize unprecedented, crippling sanctions on Iran. Iran is feeling the bite of these sanctions in a substantial way. The world is unified; Iran is politically isolated.”

Obama said the United States will not countenance Iran getting a nuclear weapon.

“My policy is not containment. My policy is to prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon because … that could trigger an arms race in the region or give terrorists access to such a weapon,” Obama said, adding that the United States has been in close consultation with its allies on the strategy, including Israel.

Obama met yesterday at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Iran and other issues.

“The argument that we've made to the Israelis is that we have made an unprecedented commitment to their security. There is an unbreakable bond between our two countries,” the president said.

“But one of the functions of friends is to make sure that we provide honest and unvarnished advice in terms of what is the best approach to achieve a common goal, particularly one in which we have a stake,” he added.

If action is taken prematurely against Iran, Obama said, there will be consequences for Israel, for the United States and for the region.

“I do think that any time we consider military action, the American people understand that there is going to be a price to pay,” Obama said. “Sometimes it's necessary, but we don't do it casually.”

Sanctions are starting to have a significant effect inside Iran, the president added, “ … and because the sanctions are going to be even tougher in the coming months, because they're now starting to affect [Iran’s] oil industry [and] their central bank, and because we're now seeing noises about them returning to the negotiating table … it is deeply in everybody's interests -- the United States, Israel and the world's -- to see if this can be resolved in a peaceful fashion.”

The United States will continue to apply pressure, he told reporters.

“To resolve this issue will require Iran to come to the table and discuss in a clear and forthright way how to prove to the international community that the intentions of their nuclear program are peaceful,” the president said. “They know how to do that. This is not a mystery.”

On the topic of Syria, where the government is killing its own people in an attempt to quell a year-long popular uprising of citizens who call for the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, Obama called the violence there “heartbreaking and outrageous.”

The international community has mobilized against the Assad regime, he added, and it's not a question of if Assad leaves, but when.

For the United States “to take military action unilaterally, as some have suggested, or to think that somehow there is some simple solution, I think is a mistake,” the president said.

“What we've done is to work with key Arab states, key international partners -- [Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton was in Tunisia [recently] -- to come together and to mobilize and plan” how to support the opposition, provide humanitarian assistance, and continue the political and economic isolation, Obama said.

“We are going to continue to work on this project with other countries,” he added, “and it is my belief that ultimately this dictator will fall, as dictators in the past have fallen.”

The notion that the way to solve every problem is to deploy the U.S. military is incorrect, the president said.

“We've got to think through what we do through the lens of what's going to be effective,” he added, “but also what's critical for U.S. security interests.”

Taking a question about the inadvertent Quran-burning incident by U.S. troops in Kabul on Feb. 20, Obama said the situation concerns him.

“I think that it is an indication of the challenges in that environment, and it's an indication that now is the time for us to transition,” he said.

The violence directed at International Security Assistance Force service members is unacceptable, Obama said, and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who is nonetheless eager for more responsibility on the Afghan side, acknowledged that.

“We're going to be able to find a mechanism whereby Afghans understand their sovereignty is being respected and that they're going to be taking a greater and greater role in their own security,” Obama said.

“That, I think, is in the interests of Afghans. It’s also in our interests. And I'm confident that we can execute [that], but it's not going to be a smooth path. There are going to be bumps along the road, just as there were in Iraq,” he added.

None of this is easy, he said, and it never has been.

“I think that President Karzai understands that we are interested in a strategic partnership with the Afghan people and the Afghan government,” Obama said.

“We are not interested in staying there any longer than is necessary to assure that al-Qaida is not operating there,” he added, “and that there's sufficient stability that it doesn't end up being a free-for-all after ISAF has left.”

Afghanistan and the United States “share interests here,” the president said. “It will require negotiations, and there will be times where things don't look as smooth as I'd like. That's kind of the deal internationally on a whole range of these issues.”

Mattis Defends Afghan Strategy, Warns of Iran, Al-Qaida Threats

2012-03-06T15:56:00.002-08:00

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 – The commander of U.S. Central Command staunchly defended the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan before Congress today, saying that, despite recent violence over the Quran-burning incident, he believes it is bearing fruit.

“I’m delighted to defend our strategy. I believe it is working,” Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“We should not allow a few criminals, malcontents, to define the Afghan security forces,” he said. “Even their performance during these last two weeks -- disciplined, restrained, standing by us -- is an indication that this is a force that’s come a long ways.”

He noted that no vetting process can totally eliminate insider threats. “No force is perfect,” he said. “I would just remind everyone that even Jesus of Nazareth had one out of 12 go to mud on him.”

What particularly stands out following “a very disappointing and unintentional mistake by U.S. forces” was that it didn’t shake the Afghan security force’s confidence in them.

“It did not shake the teamwork,” Mattis said.

The general noted that Afghan security forces are within 60 days of reaching the 352,000-man goal that had been set for October 2012.

In his opening statement to the panel, Mattis said Iran and al-Qaida remain the two biggest threats in the Centcom area of responsibility.

He told the panel he’s never seen the region so tumultuous in the 30 years he has supported U.S. efforts there.

He noted challenges posed by radicals, violent extremists, malignant networks and state-sponsored agents and unconventional proxies who seek to violently exploit differences there.

But the general singled out Iran as the No. 1 threat to regional stability and security. “They're fighting basically a shadow war every day,” he told the panel, asserting themselves in destabilizing ways throughout the region, and beyond.

He noted that although Iran has never gotten along particularly well with the Taliban, “they’re willing to help the Taliban to some degree to fight us in Afghanistan,” he said.

Mattis also pointed to Iran’s efforts to take advantage of turmoil associated with the Arab Awakening movement. “It’s highly concerning,” he said.

Meanwhile, despite security gains in the fight against terrorists, “the threat remains,” he said.

“Al-Qaida and associated groups continue to kill innocents from the Levant to Yemen and are adapting in the face of U.S. pressure,” Mattis said. He noted a troubling development as al-Qaida begins to make a comeback in Iraq. It’s evident “notably in the western Iraq area,” he said. “But the threat is extending into Baghdad.”

Mattis emphasized during his testimony that his overarching goal is to prevent further conflict, and he reaffirmed that the U.S. won’t waiver in defense of its allies, partners and national interests.

The region “remains of great strategic importance to other world powers and is vital to many of America’s most enduring national interests,” he told the panel.

Centom is postured to address the challenges, Mattis said, as it works closely with the State Department and other agencies to promote peace and stability. “The military challenge will be determining how we retain a sustainable presence and operational flexibility in a fiscally constrained environment,” he said.

“Although we are withdrawing some ground forces from the region, we are not withdrawing our support for long-time allies and partners,” he said. “Nor are we pulling back our commitment from a region that too many times has taken a commitment of American blood and treasure to restore stability.”

Mattis recognized the “grim cost” the defense of U.S. interests in the region has taken during more than 10 years of war. He noted that 612 Americans have died and 8,251 have been wounded since he took command in August 2010.

“Through persistent military-to-military engagement, our troops reassure our friends and temper adversary intentions,” he said.

Mattis called other security cooperation activities “cost-effective means for building our friends’ defensive capabilities, allowing us to operate in concert with our allies and friends and to rapidly respond in times of need.”

Looking to the future, Mattis said Centcom is appropriately funded to carry out its mission. He did, however, identify some needed capabilities: improved counter-improvised explosive device protection; information operations and voice programs to counter adversary propaganda on the Internet; and improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, among them.

Mattis also noted the need for specific resources vital to the Afghanistan campaign. He cited coalition support funds, the command’s emergency response program, Afghan infrastructure fund and reintegration authority.

These funds “enable us to meet urgent humanitarian and infrastructure needs of a population that is increasingly secured by its own forces -- forces we have been building and training through the Afghan security forces fund,” he said.

Combined Force Captures Taliban Insurgents

2012-03-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 6, 2012 – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban weapons supplier during an operation in the Aliabad district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province today, military officials reported.

The man provided weapons, ammunition and explosives to insurgents throughout the province for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. Two additional suspects were detained.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province, a Taliban leader was captured by Afghan and coalition security forces. The leader directed insurgent activity throughout the Trek Nawa area. The security forces also detained two other suspects.
-- A combined force captured a Taliban insurgent in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province. The man supplied insurgents with weapons, ammunition and explosives. One additional suspect was detained.
-- A combined force captured a Taliban insurgent in the Bati Kot district of Nangarhar province. The man planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district and provided weapons and bomb-making materials to insurgents.
-- An Afghan-led security force captured a Haqqani network leader in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Khost province. The leader was responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. Several other suspects also were detained.
-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Gelan district of Ghazni province. The leader directs attacks against Afghan civilians and security forces along Highway 1.
-- In the Maidan Shahr district of Wardak province, a combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban insurgent who buys weapons and equipment for insurgents.
-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban insurgent in the Charkh district of Logar province. The man provides logistical support and training to insurgents throughout the district.

Also yesterday, a combined force captured two Taliban leaders in the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province. One of the leaders directed the emplacement of roadside bombs and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The other man coordinated ambushes and roadside bombings in Marjah. The security force fired no shots and detained one other suspect.

Two Sentenced in Federal Courthouse Bombing Case

2012-03-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that Ella Louise Sanders and Eric Reginald Robinson were each sentenced today in federal court in San Diego before the Honorable Margaret M. McKeown based on their convictions on federal charges arising out of the May 4, 2008 bombing of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse. Judge McKeown sentenced Sanders to serve 10 years in federal custody and Robinson to serve 11 years in federal custody. The court also ordered that each term of imprisonment be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.

In the fall of 2008, Sanders and Robinson each pled guilty to the use of, and carrying, a destructive device, that is, pipe bombs, during and in relation to a crime of violence, that is, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and (B)(ii), and 2.

As part of their guilty pleas, they each admitted to conspiring with others to construct and detonate a series of pipe bombs, including the bomb used against the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in San Diego, California on May 4, 2008. In their pleas, Sanders and Robinson each admitted that they assisted in the construction of pipe bombs. Sanders admitted that she purchased explosive material and stole pipes for the purpose of constructing pipe bombs. Robinson admitted that he drove Sanders to stores for the purpose of stealing pipes and end caps to be used in the manufacture of pipe bombs. Sanders and Robinson also each admitted that they assisted co-conspirator Rachelle Lynette Carlock in the May 4, 2008 bombing of the federal courthouse. Specifically, Sanders helped Carlock conceal her identity before she traveled to the federal courthouse, and Robinson drove the getaway car after Carlock detonated an improvised explosive device, which consisted of three pipe bombs containing two pounds of explosives and 100 nails. The resulting explosion caused substantial property damage to the courthouse and sent shrapnel flying for over a city block. Co-defendant Carlock was sentenced on October 31, 2011 to serve 10 years in federal prison for her role in the bombing.

On June 6, 2011, Donny Love, Sr., charged separately in Criminal Case 10cr2418-MMM, was found guilty by a federal jury of various charges, arising from the bombing of the courthouse. According to evidence presented at trial, Love was the mastermind of the scheme to bomb the federal courthouse, and used Carlock, Sanders, and Robinson to carry out that scheme. Love is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge McKeown.

U.S. Attorney Duffy praised the coordinated effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that participated in the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s investigation of this case.

Defendants

Ella Louise Sanders, age 60
Eric Reginald Robinson, age 44

Criminal Case No. 08-CR-1895-MMM

Summary of charges
Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and (B)(ii) and 2—Use and Carrying of a Destructive Device During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Aiding and Abetting

Investigating agencies

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Joint Terrorism Task Force

Face of Defense: Guard Couple Deploys Together

2012-03-05T14:06:00.002-08:00

By Army Spc. Bradley Wancour
13th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, March 5, 2012 – For military marriages, deployment normally means a yearlong separation. But that’s not the case for two Kansas Army National Guard soldiers.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dale, a Black Hawk helicopter maintenance platoon sergeant with Company D, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, and Army Staff Sgt. Danielle Burke, a human resource specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-108th Aviation, are deployed here together.

“We get to see each other every day, which is the main benefit,” Dale said. Burke said having her husband nearby allows her to unwind after a difficult day.

The Topeka, Kan., natives were married about nine months ago, and their unit has been in theater for more than four months. The couple already has experienced some of the advantages of being deployed together.

“He’s my support system, so it’s good to have him here so I can talk to him if I get frustrated at work or if I just had a bad day,” Burke said. But being deployed together does present some challenges.

“We’re always in uniform, so we have to maintain our professionalism all the time, which means we can’t even do simple things like hold hands,” Burke said. And the deployed environment makes spending quality time together difficult, she added.

“We know we have it better than most married soldiers,” Dale said, “so I feel bad saying there are disadvantages, because at least we get to see each other.”

But the workload in a deployed environment doesn’t allow for as much time together as the couple would like, Dale said. “We still have our mission, so our hours may not be the same,” he explained. “It can be hard knowing she is so close but the job won’t allow us to see each other.”

Still, Burke and Dale said, they accept these small challenges willingly, knowing that a traditional military couple usually has to deal with the challenges of spending a year apart.

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

2012-03-05T13:22:00.002-08:00

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader March 3 in the Chahar Darah district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province, military officials reported.

The leader directed the emplacement of roadside bombs and provided weapons and funds to insurgents in the area, officials said.

In other March 3 Afghanistan operations:

-- A combined force found almost 20,000 pounds of explosive-making compounds in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province.
-- In the Zharay district of Kandahar province, a combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader who coordinates insurgent activities and provides logistical support to the Taliban between Kandahar City and the Herat area.
-- An Afghan security unit killed one insurgent, detained two suspects and confiscated firearms and ammunition in the Kunduz district of Kunduz province.

In March 2 operations:

-- A combined force found 500 feet of detonation cord, 60 pressure plates and two chest rigs in the Musa Qalah district of Helmand province.
-- An Afghan-led and coalition-supported force found about 29 pounds of opium, 44 pounds of hashish and 220 pounds of marijuana seeds in Nangarhar’s Achin district. The security force destroyed a portion of the drugs and confiscated the rest for later destruction.

In March 1 operations:

-- A combined force found about 4,732 pounds of opium and 53 pounds of heroin and detained several suspects in Helmand’s Marjah district
-- A combined force captured an insurgent commander and two suspects in Uruzgan’s Tarin Kot district.

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Kill U.S. Soldiers Abroad and Attempting to Provide Material Support to al Shabaab

2012-03-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

Betim Kaziu was sentenced today to 27 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to kill U.S. soldiers abroad and related terrorism charges. On July 7, 2011, following a two-week trial before United States District Judge John Gleeson in Brooklyn federal court, the defendant was convicted of conspiring to commit murder overseas, conspiring to provide material support to terrorism, attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and conspiring to use a machine gun in furtherance of those crimes.

The sentence was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

The evidence at trial established that the defendant traveled from Brooklyn to Cairo, Egypt in February 2009 in order to wage violent jihad against United States troops in the Middle East and the Balkans. While in Cairo, the defendant also attempted to acquire automatic weapons and to travel to Somalia to join al Shabaab, a Somali terrorist organization allied with al Qaeda. Ultimately, the defendant traveled to Kosovo in an effort to target American troops stationed there or to travel onward to Pakistan to join al Qaeda. The defendant also recorded a martyrdom video on the Albanian coast of his “last few moments” before he expected to depart for jannah, or paradise, reserved for martyrs. Shortly thereafter, on August 27, 2009, the defendant was arrested in Kosovo by the Kosovo Police Service. He was then transferred to the custody of agents and detectives of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force to face terrorism charges filed in the Eastern District of New York. At the time of his arrest, the defendant had already purchased a ticket to travel to Pakistan on September 15, 2009.

Testimony at trial established that Kaziu had been radicalized, in part, by Internet speeches by Anwar al-Awlaki and propaganda videos produced by al Qaeda and al Shabaab. The government also introduced at trial evidence from the defendant’s social networking website, including quotes by Osama Bin Laden.

United States Attorney Lynch thanked the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the government of Kosovo, the U.S. State Department, the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance.

The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shreve Ariail, Seth D. DuCharme and Ali Kazemi, with assistance provided by Joanna Baltes of the National Security Division.

The Defendant

BETIM KAZIU

Age: 23

Panetta: Taliban’s Murder Tactics Show Their Weakness

2012-03-04T13:53:00.002-08:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – The Taliban’s adoption of murder tactics is a sign of their weakness, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said here today.

There have been a number of so-called “green on blue” incidents, in which members of the Afghan army and police killed NATO International Security Assistance Force troops, since the accidental burning of Qurans at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan.

These incidents are being taken seriously, but the United States and NATO will not change its strategy in response, Panetta told 101st Airborne Division soldiers.

The secretary said he discussed these incidents with Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Panetta said Allen told him “the Taliban are going to resort to these kinds of criminal acts against our guys because, frankly, they are failing in everything else.They haven’t been able to organize themselves; they haven’t been able to retake any of the areas that we have taken. This is the one way they can get some attention,.”

The military will continue with the strategy in place to work with the Afghan security forces and train them to assume the security load, Panetta said. NATO will fully transition the security responsibility to the Afghans by the end of 2014. Today, the Afghan security forces have responsibility for the security of more than half the population.

The fact that members of the Taliban are trying a new tactic will not dissuade NATO and the Afghan government from continuing with the strategy, he said.

“It means that our troops have to be prepared to deal with this,” the secretary said. “We’ve got a training brigade here that will be going over there. They’ve got to make sure these (Afghans) are properly screened, properly trained and they’ve got to watch each other’s backs.”

While the “green on blue” incidents are horrific and tragic, people must remember that more than “99 percent of the Afghan army are doing the right thing – they’re there, they’ve shown over the past few days that they can control these demonstrations and do what they must do.

“I’ve made clear and I will continue to make clear that, regardless of what the enemy tries to do to us, we are not going to alter our strategy in Afghanistan,” Panetta said.

During his visit to Fort Campbell and the “legendary” 101st Airborne Division based there, Panetta met with soldiers preparing to go to Afghanistan to train National Security Forces there. He also visited the Air Assault School and said the 101st already demonstrates the agility and speed the rest of the military needs to adopt.

In addition, the secretary also met with Gold Star families, who lost immediate family members in combat, and with the division’s leaders.

Army Casualties

2012-03-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Mar. 1, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during an attack on their base. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jordan L. Bear, 25, of Denver, Colo., and

Pfc. Payton A. Jones, 19, of Marble Falls, Texas.

For more information media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs at 910-423-0661.

Marine Casualty

2012-03-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Conner T. Lowry, 24, of Chicago, Ill., died March 1 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

This incident is under investigation.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at 760-725-8766.

‘Green on Blue’ Deaths Won’t Derail Strategy, Spokesman Says

2012-03-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Three Afghan men killed two U.S. troops in southern Afghanistan today, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today.

“We believe there were three attackers, [and] two of the attackers were subsequently killed” by coalition forces, he said.

“Our hearts go out to the families and the loved ones of the two U.S. service members who were killed,” the press secretary said.

While precise details are unclear, Little said, reports indicate the two attackers who were killed were Afghan security force members, and the third was an Afghan civilian. He acknowledged a rise in so-called “green-on-blue” incidents involving Afghan army and police members killing NATO International Security Assistance Force troops.

“These are troubling incidents when they occur, and we fully recognize that we’ve seen several of these incidents in recent weeks,” Little said.

U.S. military leaders are working to strengthen security measures at partnered facilities and to step up their scrutiny during vetting processes for Afghan army and police recruits, Little said.

“This has been something that has been on the radar screen … for some time,” he said. “This is a war zone. There’s no such thing as zero risk. But our strategy of working closely with [Afghan forces] is not changing.”

Little said U.S. forces will “stay the course” in Afghanistan. The overall trend in relations between the two sets of troops is positive, he added.

He noted some ISAF advisors have returned to work in select Afghan ministry buildings in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, ordered all ISAF members to withdraw from such work locations after two U.S. officers were killed while working at the interior ministry Feb. 25.

Those killings and a reported 20 Afghan deaths occurred as violent protests swept Afghanistan after ISAF troops inadvertently burned religions materials, including Qurans, at a detention facility in Bagram, Feb. 21.

Allen’s order that some ministry advisors resume their duties in Afghan government buildings reflects the need for ISAF forces to maintain close coordination with their Afghan counterparts, Little noted.

“It’s important to get back to work,” he said.

Little said the transition of security lead to Afghan forces continues throughout the country, and completing that transition is ISAF’s goal. “Our commanders in the field … are staying focused on the mission [and] understand the stakes involved,” he said.

There is a “strong sense” among ISAF leaders in Afghanistan that “we must do everything we can to carry out the strategy, [which] we believe has been working some time,” Little added.

Green-on-blue incidents are particularly troubling, he acknowledged, but should not obscure the larger picture of overall progress in Afghanistan. The insurgency is “on its heels,” he added.

Afghan forces have suffered losses alongside their ISAF partners, including over the past days while “trying to tamp down the protests in Afghanistan, and to quell the violence,” Little said.

The strategy, approach and mission in Afghanistan are not changing, the press secretary emphasized. “Our mission is one of transition, and it’s working,” Little said. “We have over 300,000 [Afghan security forces] right now who are working alongside ISAF personnel to help secure their own country. And that’s the end state we are looking for here.”

War in Afghanistan has never been conventional, and it’s not contained within neat battle lines, he said. “But we’re working through it, and the Afghans are working in good faith with us to execute the strategy,” he added.

Europe Remains Committed to Afghan Mission, Commander Says

2012-03-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – European countries strongly support continuing with the mission in Afghanistan despite violent uprisings there, and NATO is likely to continue its partnership with Afghanistan well past the end of combat operations, the alliance’s supreme allied commander for Europe said here.

Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, who also is commander of U.S. European Command, addressed Afghanistan and NATO and U.S.-European partnerships during testimony today before the Senate Armed Services Committee and yesterday before the House Armed Services Committee.

The admiral said he sees no reason to change the strategy in Afghanistan of transitioning security responsibility to Afghan forces in response to violent uprisings that began there last week after it was learned that some U.S. forces had inadvertently burned copies of the Quran.

“As I look at the broad sweep of our strategy there, I am convinced that we should continue with transitioning Afghanistan’s security to the Afghans,” Stavridis said. “In my conversations – I’ve had many over last week or so with senior leaders in the alliance – there’s solid support on the European side to continue with current strategy.”

Stavridis noted that about 150 demonstrations had left 30 people killed and 150 wounded. “That’s significant activity, but it’s been very much diffused around the country,” he said, adding that Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has said he is pleased with Afghan security forces’ ability to contain the violence.

“If you step back and look at the larger progression in Afghanistan, I remain cautiously optimistic that we can succeed there,” the admiral said. Two years ago, when U.S. and British Marines moved into Marjah, there were 10 coalition troops to every Afghan soldier. Today, there are two Afghan soldiers for every coalition member, he said.

Stavridis said he expects Allen will lay out a “definitive track” in mid-summer for the drawdown of coalition forces. “It has to be conditions-based as we go forward,” he said.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has a “high-level goal” of signing a long-term strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan, showing NATO’s “strong willingness to go forward,” Stavridis said. “I think we will see an enduring relationship between NATO and the Republic of Afghanistan,” he added.

Stavridis told the Senators he will provide them with a classified report on the recent violence in Afghanistan, and in response to a question, said the uprisings appear to be a combination of spontaneous demonstrations and Taliban-driven activity.

The admiral also spoke about the importance of U.S.-European partnerships, noting that European countries have 40,000 troops in Afghanistan and lead operations in the Balkans. Speaking to the need for a continued U.S. presence in Europe, he said, “It does matter that we continue to have Europe as our partner of first resort.”

However, he said, he repeatedly has urged European nations to spend more on defense capabilities. The United States spends about 4.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, he said, and members of the European Union have pledged to spend 2 percent of each of theirs, but only some are meeting that goal, with most spending only about 1.5 percent of GDP on defense, he said.

“They should spend more, and if they would spend more, it would permit the United States to spend less,” Stavridis said. “I think the United States should press this very hard.”

Also at the hearings, the general gave his assessment of NATO’s capabilities in cyber defense. “We are in the process of catching up,” he said. “We have hard work to do in cyber.”

NATO’s progress on cyber is evident at the recently created Cyber Center of Excellence in Estonia, and in a computer response center being added in the NATO headquarters building in Brussels, the admiral said. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Georgia have had “fairly severe” cyber attacks in recent years, he noted.

Cyber defense was included in the 2010 NATO Strategic Concept, and Stavridis said he expects it to be discussed at the upcoming summit.

European governments struggle with public-private cooperation on cyber defense just as Americans do, he said. “We have more thinking and talking to do within the U.S. military structure as to the precise authorities and structures” in U.S. Cyber Command.

High-value Guantanamo Detainee Pleads Guilty in Deal

2012-03-01T18:51:00.002-08:00

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md. – The only legal U.S. resident being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, today became the first high-value detainee to plead guilty to charges of helping terrorists plot and carry out attacks.

Majid Shoukat Khan, 32, pleaded guilty to all charges against him as part of a plea deal that will give him a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperating with the U.S. government, including possibly testifying at other detainees’ trials.

Khan is charged with conspiracy, murder in violation of the law of war, attempted murder in violation of the law of war, providing material support for terrorism and spying.

The charges come from Khan’s role in delivering funds used to carry out the August 2003 bombing of the J.W. Marriot hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, and his attempted assassination of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

In addition, he is accused of collaborating with self-proclaimed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on several domestic plots. These included plans to poison U.S. water reservoirs and blow up underground fuel storage tanks at U.S. gas stations.

Sentencing will be delayed for four years and will be based on Khan’s compliance, Army Col. James L. Pohl, the judge, explained during Khan’s arraignment today at Guantanamo Bay.

Should Khan provide “thorough, truthful cooperation and assistance” in support of upcoming proceedings, his sentence will be reduced to a maximum of 25 years, and as little as 19 years, in accordance with the plea deal, Pohl explained. Sentencing guidelines for his offenses typically would be be 25 to 40 years.

Time served beginning today will count toward fulfilling that sentence, Pohl said.

Khan responded “yes” when Pohl asked if he had entered into the plea agreement voluntarily and of his own free will as he waived his right to appear before a military jury.

“I understand the charges and specifications, and I am aware I have a legal and moral right to plead not guilty and to leave the government with the burden of proving my guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by legal and competent evidence,” he noted in signing the pretrial agreement. However, based on the terms of the deal, he continued, “I offer to plead guilty to all charges and specifications.”

The plea deal also bars Khan from filing suit against the U.S. government or any of its agencies regarding his capture, detention or confinement conditions before his plea.

Pohl denied the defense team’s request to seal details about the plea deal to protect the defendant and his family. The judge noted the need to keep the commission proceedings transparent and the fact that the plea arrangement is a public document.

Khan acknowledged during questioning by Pohl that the agreement does not guarantee his freedom, and that the convening authority has no power to change his status as an “alien unprivileged enemy belligerent.” He recognized that after serving his time, he must file a habeas corpus petition to apply for release.

“I am making a leap of faith here, sir,” he told the judge.

Born in Pakistan, Khan moved to the United States with his family in 1996 and lived there until 2002. He graduated from Owings Mills High School near Baltimore and worked at his family’s gas station and in various office jobs.

Army Brig. Gen. Mark Martins, the chief prosecutor, said Khan admitted that he became radicalized after watching smoke rise from the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks from the office building where he was working in Northern Virginia.

He has been in U.S. custody since March 2003, when Pakistani forces raided his family's home in Karachi and turned him over to U.S. authorities. Khan was held at an undisclosed overseas facility before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2006.

Today, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and tie during his arraignment, Khan told Pohl in fluent English that he understands the charges against him and acknowledges his guilt. He emphasized that although he was part of a conspiracy to commit terror attacks, he did not necessarily know details about the attacks.

Khan noted, for example, that he did not know the money he delivered to al-Qaida affiliates in Bangkok would be used to bomb the Jakarta Marriott, and that he already was in custody when the attack occurred. Under questioning by Pohl, he did, however, acknowledge that he was part of the broader conspiracy that ultimately led to the attack that killed 11 people and wounded 81 others.

Khan also acknowledged his direct role in an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Musharraf. He is charged with recording a “martyr video” at Khalid Sheik Mohammad’s direction before donning an explosives-laden vest with the intent to use it to kill Musharraf. The former Pakistani president foiled Khan’s plot by not arriving as expected at a mosque where the attack was to take place.

“I volunteered to do a lot of things” between January 2002 and March 2003, Khan acknowledged to Pohl. However, he said he never took any kind of formal oath vowing allegiance to al-Qaida or any other terrorist organization.

Army Lt. Col. Jon S. Jackson, Khan’s military defense counsel, told reporters following the arraignment that Khan wishes he had never been involved with al-Qaida, had never been confined at Guantanamo Bay and had never been involved with the military commission system.

Khan’s plea today demonstrates his remorse for what he has done, Jackson said, and his desire to accept responsibility for his actions and, ultimately, go on to live a productive life with his family.

“This is a story of atonement,” agreed Katya Jestin, one of Khan’s civilian defense counsels. Khan “has taken a leap of faith,” she said, that the military commission process will work as intended.

Army Brig. Gen. Mark Martins, the chief prosecutor, offered high praise for reforms incorporated into the 2009 Military Commissions Act that have reduced legal uncertainty and made outcomes more predictable.

Today’s proceedings demonstrated a blend of legal practices in the federal and military judicial systems being incorporated into the military commissions. A cap on sentences, for example, is common in military justice practice, but not in federal court proceedings. Sentencing delays to allow defendants to cooperate are common in federal court but highly unusual in military courts.

“This system is fair, and it is not politically driven,” Martins said. “We believe that these reformed military commissions are fair and that they serve an important role in the armed conflict against al-Qaida and associated forces.”

The case against Khan was based on “irrefutable and lawfully obtained evidence” that Martins said validates the interagency efforts that enabled it to come together. This includes investigators from the Defense Department’s Criminal Investigative Task Force, the FBI and other federal agencies, as well as the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, he said.

“We must reject the false choice presented by those who say that only law enforcement or only the military may be used to take down vicious organizations that attack out of the shadows and hide among civilians,” he said. “Instead, we must use all of the lawful instruments of our national power and authority to do so.”

Kuwait: Kansas Army National Guard couple deploys together

2012-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

By Army Spc. Bradley Wancour
13th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (3/1/12) – For military marriages, deployment normally means a year-long separation. This is not the case for two members of the http Kansas Army National Guard -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dale, a Black Hawk helicopter maintenance platoon sergeant, D Company, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, and Army Staff Sgt. Danielle Burke, a human resource specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-108th Aviation.

“We get to see each other every day, which is the main benefit,” said Dale.

Burke agreed and went on to explain how having her husband nearby allowed her to unwind after a difficult day.

The Topeka, Kansas, natives have been married for roughly nine months, said Burke.

Soon after they were married, the unit deployed, and has been in theater for more than four months. Burke and Dale have already experienced some of the advantages of being deployed together.

“He’s my support system, so it’s good to have him here so I can talk to him if I get frustrated at work or if I just had a bad day,” Burke stated.

While they are hesitant to admit it, there are certain challenges to being in a deployed environment with one’s spouse that many people may not realize, Dale explained.

“We’re always in uniform, so we have to maintain our professionalism all the time, which means we can’t even do simple things like hold hands,” Burke said.

While they do get to see each other in a professional setting, the deployed environment makes spending quality time together difficult, Burke stated.

“We know we have it better than most married soldiers,” said Dale. “So I feel bad saying there are disadvantages because at least we get to see each other.”

Other difficulties arise from the workload each spouse has to shoulder while in a deployed environment, Dale stated.

“We still have our mission, so our hours may not be the same,” said Dale. “It can be hard knowing she is so close but the job won’t allow us to see each other.”

Both Burke and Dale understand the difficulties and accept them, just like the traditional military couple deals with the challenges of spending a year apart. Overall, they are optimistic about their deployment and are happy to be able to spend time with each other.

Third Army is dedicated to shaping the future by supporting families deployed together.

Navy Corpsman Earns Combat "V" for Heroism

2012-03-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

By Bill W. Love, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A hospital corpsman from Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi was presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) March 1, for his service in Afghanistan.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Steven P. Brown received the award from Capt. Gina M. Jaeger, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi commanding officer.

"I am honored and humbled to present this noteworthy award," said Jaeger about Brown's heroic achievement.

"HM3 Brown found himself in an extreme situation and he performed above and beyond. He responded in a way that is expected of one placed in that position, and I am very proud of him."

While taking part in combat operations with Embedded Transition Team, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, 1st Marine Division Forward, May 21, 2010, in southern Musa Qala, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Brown responded to an improvised explosive device strike on a civilian family.

With the threat of secondary devices and small arms fire, Brown initiated care for two women and three children, all critically or mortally wounded. He single-handedly lifted the still-burning vehicle hulk to allow a fellow team member to pull a trapped child out from beneath.

Over the course of the next two hours, Brown gave his entire water supply to his patients despite his own dehydration, and he sustained three of the five patients with rudimentary medical supplies until he personally delivered them to higher medical care.

According to the citation that accompanied Brown's award, "His unflinching resolve in the face of grave personal danger demonstrated his supreme devotion."

Commander: Countering Extremists Tops Africom’s Priorities

2012-02-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2012 – In its mission to strengthen the defense capabilities of African states, the U.S. Africa Command considers countering extremist organizations its top job, Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, Africom commander, said today.

“In line with the new defense strategic guidance, we’ve prioritized our efforts, focusing on the greatest threats to America, Americans and American interests,” Ham told the House Armed Services Committee. “Countering threats posed by al-Qaida affiliates in east and northwest Africa remains my No. 1 priority.”

Helping Africom partners responsibly address their own security challenges is an integral part of the command’s activities, as are strengthening regional and peacekeeping capabilities and maritime security, the general said.

“Our engagements are designed to be innovative, low-cost and have a small footprint,” Ham told the panel. “In Africa, a small investment truly can go a long way.”

Over the past year, significant changes have swept the African continent, he said.

“The broad wave of democratic movements that began in Tunisia has spread faster and more broadly than many forecasted,” Ham said. “And the Republic of South Sudan is the world’s newest nation,” gaining its independence last July.

In Nigeria, an Islamist extremist organization called Boko Haram conducts violent attacks and demonstrates a growing threat to western interests, the general said. And in the Horn of Africa on Feb. 9, he noted, al-Qaida and its Somalia-based terrorist cell al-Shabaab publicly formalized their long-standing merger.

Strong relationships have long been suspected among al-Qaida, al-Shebab and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula across the Gulf of Aden, operating in the country of Yemen, Ham said.

“Some have postulated that the timing of the public announcement may [indicate] that al-Shebab is under duress,” Ham said. “I believe they are very much under duress by the African Union mission in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, which have joined in the effort to defeat al-Shebab and clear areas of Somalia from al-Shebab control.”

The announcement is not quite a last gasp, the general added, “but I would say [it is] an effort by al-Shebab to gain some international support.”

While each group by itself is certainly dangerous, he added, “what concerns me more is at least the … intent expressed by the leaders of those organizations to more closely collaborate and synchronize their efforts.” If they are able to coordinate efforts, share funding and training and exchange weapons, the Africom commander said, “I think that presents a real challenge for us.”

In October, President Barack Obama authorized the deployment to central Africa of 100 combat-equipped U.S. forces whose mission was to help regional forces fight the notorious Lord's Resistance Army and its leader, Joseph Kony.

Today, with the approval of the Ugandan government, about 100 service members and civilians that include two combat-equipped teams and headquarters, communications and logistics personnel, provide information, advice and assistance to select partner nation forces and act as advisers to partner forces that seek to remove Kony and other senior LRA leadership from the battlefield.

“The Lord’s Resistance Army is an organization that creates through violence a tremendous amount of instability in a four-country region of east and central Africa,” Ham told the House members. “Initially beginning in Uganda but now extending their efforts into South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, they’ve displaced many thousands of African citizens and brought terror and fear to families across the region.”

Ham said the four African nations, with U.S. forces in a facilitating role, are coming together in an increasingly collaborative approach to counter the LRA.

“To date, what we have found is that presence of the U.S. mostly special forces advisors that are working with the armed forces of those four nations are having a very positive effect,” the general said.

Though he is optimistic, he added, the effort is “not yet to the point where we see the end in sight.”

Security in Africa, he said, continues to be influenced by external actors, by rapid economic developments, population growth and the overall size and diversity of the continent itself.

Ham said that as he travels across Africa, he’s been encouraged by the optimism of African leaders in confronting the challenges and embracing the opportunities ahead.

Because he believes Africans are best able to address African security challenges, and because a safe, secure and stable Africa is in the U.S. national interest, the general added, “we at U.S. Africa Command will continue to strive to be the security partner of choice in Africa.”

Australian Man and His Firm Indicted in Plot to Export Restricted Military and Other U.S. Technology to Iran

2012-02-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – An Australian man and his company have been indicted today by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia for conspiring to export sensitive military and other technology from the United States to Iran, including components with applications in missiles, drones, torpedoes and helicopters.

The five-count indictment charges David Levick, 50, an Australian national, and his company, ICM Components Inc., located in Thorleigh, Australia, each with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Arms Export Control Act; as well as four counts of illegally exporting goods to an embargoed nation in violation of IEEPA; and forfeiture of at least $199,227.41.

The indictment was announced by Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; John J. McKenna, Special Agent in Charge of the Commerce Department’s Office of Export Enforcement Boston Field Office; James W. McJunkin, A ssistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Kathryn Feeney, Resident Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Resident Agency in New Haven, Conn.; and Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston.

Levick, who is the general manager of ICM Components, remains at large and is believed to be in Australia. If convicted, Levick faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and 20 years in prison for each count of violating IEEPA.

According to the indictment, beginning as early as March 2007 and continuing through around March 15, 2009, Levick and ICM solicited purchase orders from a representative of a trading company in Iran for U.S.-origin aircraft parts and other goods. This person in Iran, referenced in the charges as “Iranian A,” also operated and controlled companies in Malaysia that acted as intermediaries for the Iranian trading company.

The indictment alleges that Levick and ICM then placed orders with U.S. companies on behalf of Iranian A for aircraft parts and other goods that Iranian A could not have directly purchased from the United States without U.S. government permission. Among the items the defendants allegedly sought to procure from the United States are the following:

VG-34 Series Miniature Vertical Gyroscopes. These are aerospace products used to measure precisely and/or maintain control of pitch and roll in applications such as helicopter flight systems, target drones, missiles, torpedoes and remotely piloted vehicles. They are classified as defense articles by the U.S. government and may not be exported from the United States without a license from the State Department or exported to Iran without a license from the Treasury Department.

K2000 Series Servo Actuators designed for use on aircraft. The standard Servo Actuator is designed to be used for throttle, nose wheel steering and most flight control surfaces. High-torque Servo Actuators are designed to be used for providing higher torque levels for applications such as flaps and landing gear retraction. These items are classified as defense articles by the U.S. government and may not be exported from the United States without a license from the State Department or exported to Iran without a license from the Treasury Department.

Precision Pressure Transducers. These are sensor devices that have a wide variety of applications in the avionics industry, among others, and can be used for altitude measurements, laboratory testing, measuring instrumentations and recording barometric pressure. These items may not be exported to Iran without a license from the Treasury Department.

Emergency Floatation System Kits. These kits contained a landing gear, float bags, composite cylinder and a complete electrical installation kit. Such float kits were designed for use on Bell 206 helicopters to assist the helicopter when landing in either water or soft desert terrain. These items may not be exported to Iran without a license from the Treasury Department.

Shock Mounted Light Assemblies. These items are packages of lights and mounting equipment designed for high vibration use and which can be used on helicopters and other fixed wing aircraft. These items may not be exported to Iran without a license from the Treasury Department.

According to the charges, Levick and ICM, when necessary, used a broker in Florida to place orders for these goods with U.S. firms to conceal that they were intended for transshipment to Iran. The defendants also concealed the final end-use and end-users of the goods from manufacturers, distributors, shippers and freight forwarders in the United States and elsewhere, as well as from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To further conceal their efforts, the defendants structured payments between each other for the goods to avoid restrictions on Iranian financial institutions by other countries.

The indictment further alleges that Levick and ICM wired money to companies located in the United States as payment for these restricted goods. Levick, ICM and other members of the conspiracy never obtained the required licenses from the Treasury or State Department for the export of any of these goods to Iran, according to the charges.

In addition to the conspiracy allegations, the indictment charges the defendants with exporting or attempting to export four specific shipments of goods from the United States to Iran in violation of IEEPA. These include a shipment of 10 shock mounted light assemblies on Jan. 27, 2007; a shipment of five precision pressure transducers on Dec. 20, 2007; a shipment of 10 shock mounted light assemblies on March 17, 2008; and a shipment of one emergency floatation system kit on June 24, 2008.

This investigation was jointly conducted by agents of the Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, FBI, DCIS and ICE-HSI. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Borchert and Ann Petalas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; and Trial Attorney Jonathan C. Poling of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains mere allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

NATO Head Discusses Afghan Violence, Syria, Chicago Summit

2012-02-28T16:49:00.002-08:00

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2012 – NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen took questions from reporters today about the recent violence in Afghanistan, NATO’s position on the Syrian uprising and the upcoming NATO summit.

Rasmussen held a news conference during a NATO Allied Command Transformation seminar here, held to prepare for the NATO summit scheduled for May in Chicago.

The secretary general condemned the killing of four U.S. military members by Afghans in violence that erupted in Afghanistan last week over the inadvertent burning of Quarans.

“The very tragic events will not in any way affect the timeline of transition” for security from coalition to Afghan forces, he said.

The violence, he added, does not represent the full picture of cooperation between International Security Assistance Forces and Afghan security forces.

“I remind you that 130,000 ISAF troops work on a daily basis together with more than 300,000 Afghan security forces, and the overall picture is of cooperation characterized by trust and confidence,” Rasmussen said.

“It would actually fulfill the strongest wishes of the enemy,” he added, “if they succeeded in dividing us from our partners in the Afghan security forces, and that will not happen.”

Despite the tragedy of the incident and the challenges that lie ahead, the secretary general said, “we must not lose sight of our goal –- a stable Afghanistan. That is in all of our interests and that must remain the focus of our shared efforts.”

In Syria, 7,500 opponents of President Bashar al-Assad have been killed since a populist uprising against al-Assad began a year ago, the United Nations reported today.

At the press conference, Rasmussen responded to a question about the conflict in Syria, and why NATO was willing to help those in Libya, who opposed the 40-year rule of Muammar Qadhafi, but not the protesters in Syria.

“NATO has no intention whatsoever to intervene in Syria,” the secretary general said.

NATO strongly condemns the situation in Syria, he added, but “the allies find that a regional solution to the problem in Syria is the best way forward.

“In Libya we had a very clear United Nations mandate and we had active support from a number of countries in the region. None of these conditions are fulfilled in Syria,” he said.

“I commend the Arab League for their efforts to find a solution,” he added. “So far it’s not been successful, but I do believe countries in the region should engage actively in finding a solution.”

At the Chicago summit in May, NATO will follow up on major decisions made at the Lisbon summit in November 2010, including the commitment to an enduring partnership with Afghanistan, Rasmussen said, and “how to sustain the operations of today and face future challenges … by continuing to strengthen our core capabilities and transform our forces.”

The key to a stronger future alliance, he added, is “smart defense,” a concept that encourages allies to cooperate to develop, acquire and maintain military capabilities in accordance with the NATO strategic concept for 2020.

“Smart defense is about prioritization, specialization and cooperation,” Rasmussen said.

“We all know that it will be increasingly difficult for individual allies to acquire expensive military equipment on their own,” he added, “but by pooling and sharing resources by multinational cooperation and helping each other, they can better afford investments in the necessary military capabilities.”

The secretary general said he expects NATO to adopt a defense and deterrence posture review at the summit that will include nuclear policies.

“The essence of that document will be to find the appropriate mix between nuclear forces, conventional forces and missile defense,” he said.

Also in Chicago, “I expect all our allies to commit to long-term goals for the capabilities we need and for reinforcing the connection between our forces,” Rasmussen said.

“I expect them to back up that mission with concrete targets so that in a fast-changing world we can do better with what we have and stay lean, but strong,” he said.

22-NCR Visits NMCB-11 on Camp Krutke

2012-02-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 Public Affairs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- The commodore of 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), and the command master chief of 22-NCR visited Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11's mainbody on Camp Krutke, Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, Afghanistan Feb. 24.

Capt. Kathryn A. Donovan and Command Master Chief Mark E. Kraniger were given a tour of the camp by Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, commanding officer of NMCB-11, and Command Master Chief Christopher Levesque, NMCB-11.

Seabees on camp were engaged in conversation by both Donovan and Kraninger about their specific roles within the battalion and any challenges or obstacles they may have experienced working and living on Camp Leatherneck. Donovan awarded 22-NCR coins to a few Seabees who were recognized as having made a significant positive impact on the success of the battalion.

Donovan did not pass up the opportunity to encourage Seabees to earn the Seabee Combat warfare Specialist (SCWS) qualification. She even took some time to pose with Seabees who wanted a photo to post on Facebook.

Kraninger, whose son Erik is a builder in NMCB-11, also shared wisdom with the Seabees. Both Kraninger and Donovan had positive things to say about the condition of the camp and the preparedness and attitudes of the Seabees.

This was the first such visit since NMCB-11 official took authority of Camp Krutke earlier this month.

NMCB-11 is deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Federal Jury Finds Dennis Mahon Guilty in Scottsdale Bombing Case

2012-02-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

PHOENIX – Dennis Mahon, 61, of Davis Junction, Ill., was found guilty of the 2004 bombing of the City of Scottsdale Office of Diversity and Dialogue, and the injury to Donald Logan and other victims. Specifically, a federal jury in Phoenix found Dennis Mahon guilty of Conspiracy to Damage Buildings and Property by Means of Explosive, Malicious Damage of a Building by Means of Explosive, and Distribution of Information Related to Explosives. Daniel Mahon was found not guilty as charged in Count One of the superseding indictment. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell. The defendant is being held after trial. Sentencing is set before Judge Campbell on May 22, 2012.

“I commend ATF, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Scottsdale Police Department for their dedication and perseverance throughout the course of this investigation and prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel. “I also commend our prosecution team for their tremendous efforts in securing today’s conviction. Crimes motivated by bias and hatred continue to be a reality in our culture. This case shows that we will do all within our power to work with our law enforcement partners not only to prevent hate crimes, but also to vigorously prosecute those who commit them.”

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) is committed to aggressively pursuing hate-fueled acts of violence,” said Thomas Atteberry, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s verdict makes clear that such acts of violence will not be tolerated by the good people of Arizona. I commend the tenacity of the ATF agents that led this investigation for eight years, culminating in a verdict of guilt upon Dennis Mahon. We will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to put criminal hatemongers on notice – no matter how long it takes – they are not beyond our reach. I want to especially thank the leadership of the US Attorney’s Office and recognize the cooperative efforts of our investigative partners; the United States Postal Service and the Scottsdale Police Department.”

“The guilty verdict handed down today by the jury brings to close a long, thorough investigation into a vicious crime,” said Pete Zegarac, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Phoenix Division. “The parcel bomb was meant to cause harm and destruction to its victims, but it ultimately brought destruction to Dennis Mahon. The collaborative investigation between Postal Inspectors, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Scottsdale Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has ensured that Dennis Mahon will no longer be free to send bombs to others.”

The evidence at trial showed that a bomb detonated at the City of Scottsdale Office of Diversity and Dialogue on February 26, 2004, causing injury to Donald Logan, Renita Linyard, and others. The evidence also showed that Dennis Mahon had specific knowledge of how the bomb, addressed to Donald Logan, was constructed. The evidence further showed that Dennis Mahon conspired with other individuals on behalf of the White Aryan Resistance to promote racial violence.

A conviction for Counts One and Two carries a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for Count Three carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Campbell will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Postal Service; and the Scottsdale Police Department. The prosecution was handled by John Boyle and Michael Morrissey, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

Navy Seabees Pave Way for US, Allied Forces

2012-02-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 Public Affairs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Seabees deployed to Afghanistan are undertaking projects to repair and improve large stretches of roads in Helmand Province which will greatly increase the maneuverability of U.S. and allied forces in the region.

Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11's Detachment Dwyer have widened, leveled, and laid gravel to existing roads to facilitate the movement of supplies and personnel in southern Helmand Province.

Two miles of road have been cleared and graveled since the project was turned over from NMCB-4 earlier this month according to crew leader Equipment Operator 2nd Class Mardi Ros of Tomball, Texas.

Crews have been forced to deal with torrential rain causing them to spend days clearing sections of road they had already flattened.

"We are working on keeping lines of communications open for displaced personnel," said Det. Officer in Charge, Lt. Seth D. Cochran of La Plata, Md. "Our goal is to improve freedom of movement for our supported command, so that movement of supplies takes place without any damage to equipment, as was the case previously."

This project is one of many NMCB-11 is involved in throughout the country.

Homeported in Gulfport, Miss., NMCB-11 is deployed to Afghanistan to conduct general, mobility, survivability engineering operations, defensive operations, Afghan National Army partnering and detachment of units in combined/joint operations area - Afghanistan in order to enable the neutralization of the insurgency and support improved governance and stability operations.

Army Casualty

2012-02-27T15:24:00.002-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II, 48, of Baltimore, Md., died Feb. 25, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Marchanti was assigned to 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Division Security Partnering Team of the Maryland Army National Guard, Baltimore, Md.

For more information related to this release, media may contact the Maryland National Guard public affairs office at 443-250-7242.

Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Afghan Strategy

2012-02-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2012 – The rioting and killings that have followed the accidental burning of Qurans by coalition personnel will not change the NATO strategy in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are fully committed to continuing operations aimed at turning over security responsibility to Afghan forces by the end of 2014, Little said.

Panetta and Dempsey “believe we have achieved significant progress in reversing the Taliban’s momentum and in developing the Afghan security forces, and they believe that the fundamentals of our strategy remain sound,” Little said in a Pentagon news conference, joined by Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby, who spoke to the Pentagon press corps from the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Afghans rioted following the revelation that NATO forces inadvertently burned Islamic religious articles, including Qurans. Four Americans have been killed, including two officers serving as advisors in the Afghan interior ministry in Kabul.

It is important that the recent events not blind people to the progress being made in the country, Little said. The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, in partnership with Afghan national security forces, is making progress in defeating al-Qaida and its terrorist allies and denying them the ability to maintain a safe haven in Afghanistan, he added.

Afghan rioting is decreasing, with only three demonstrations held today, Kirby said, noting that ISAF leaders have joined with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in urging calm and an end to violent protests.

“We appreciate the steps President Karzai is taking to quell violence in the country, and we commend the hard work and sacrifice of the Afghan security forces who have suffered casualties attempting to quell the violence,” Little said. “We respect the right of all Afghans to peaceful protest, but further bloodshed serves neither the coalition nor the Afghan people, who are themselves falling victim to violence.”

Little said the relationship between ISAF forces and their Afghan partners remains strong, pointing out that U.S. forces work with 330,000 Afghan security forces to defend the country. “Together, they fight in very difficult situations, building trust and mutual respect despite recent incidents,” the press secretary said.

The spirit of American, coalition and Afghan forces will be tested throughout the campaign in Afghanistan, Little said. “Anyone who believes they can weaken our resolve through these cowardly attacks is severely mistaken,” he added.

The coalition will emerge from the challenges stronger and more unified, Little said. “There is much at stake in Afghanistan, and our commitment to our mission and our strategy will not waver,” he said.