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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Army Patrols In Kandahar Airfield, AfghanistanDTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marine Patrols In Helmand Province, AfghanistanDTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marine Patrols In Helmand Province, AfghanistanDTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon AircraftDTN News - BELGIUM DEFENSE NEWS: Belgium Receives Its First NH90 Naval HelicopterDTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Confirms Intent To Bid For Canada's MSVS SMP
DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Confirms Intent To Bid For Canada's MSVS SMPDTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Confirms Intent To Bid For Canada's MSVS SMPSophia Loren and Jane MansfieldSophia Loren and Jane Mansfield Sophia Loren and Jane Mansfield DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War Armistice
DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War Armistice
DTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - KOREAN PENINSULA NEWS: North Korea Celebrates 60th Anniversary of The Korean War ArmisticeDTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Indian Air Force's 2nd C-17 Globemaster IIIHappy Birthday & God Bless You By DTN NewsDTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) F-16C Fighting Falcons Black Knights Formed - Paint Scheme UnveiledDTN News - RUSSIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Russian Defense Ministry Signs $100 Mln Deal To Overhaul 3 Tu-160 Bombers

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DTN News: U.S. Forces – Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Army Patrols In Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan
Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – August 2, 2013: U.S. Army Spc. Carlos Tapia checks a crew system equipped with a machine gun before convoy operations on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistn, July 30, 2013. Tapia is assigned to Alpha Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, Combined Force Dragoon, which provided security during the operation.

DTN News: Royal Family News Dated March 21, 2013

DTN News: Royal Family News Dated March 21, 2013
 Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources 

(NSI News Source Info) Toronto, Canada – March 21, 2013: Comprehensive daily news related to The Royal Family. 
 
*Comprehensive daily news related to The Royal Family News for the world of TODAY respectively;

The Royal Family

QUEEN ELIZABETH II ASCENDED THE THRONE IN 1952 AND HER REIGN HAS WITNESSED UNPRECEDENTED SCRUTINY OF THE MONARCH’S ROLE AND HER FAMILY’S PRIVATE LIFE. HER SON, PRINCE CHARLES HAS BROUGHT UP THE LATEST GENERATION OF ROYALS, PRINCES WILLIAM AND HARRY, ALONE FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF THEIR MOTHER, DIANA.
 
 
 

ROYAL FAMILY LATEST NEWS

 
*Link for This article compiled

DTN News – DEFENSE NEWS: Textron Awarded Contract To Produce Turrets And Provide Support For Colombia’s APCs

DTN News – DEFENSE NEWS: Textron Awarded Contract To Produce Turrets And Provide Support For Colombia’s APCs

 

Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 21, 2013: Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS), an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, announced today a $5.5 million contract award from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to provide 12 armored turrets, technical support services, vehicle repairs and spare parts for the Colombian Army’s (COLAR) Armored Personnel Carriers (APC).

The COLAR has 39 COMMANDO™ Advanced APCs in operation with its Armored Cavalry units and, under a separate U.S. Foreign Military Sales case, has requested to purchase additional APCs.

Since fielding its APCs in May 2010, the COLAR has employed them extensively while combating internal revolutionary forces in Colombia. These vehicles have provided the mobility, protection and firepower needed to meet all COLAR tactical armored vehicle requirements.

TM&LS’ APC is an extended version of the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), combat proven over 10 years and used by the U.S. Army and other militaries in locations including Afghanistan and Iraq. The APC’s additional two feet in length and six inches in internal height allow greater troop carrying capacity in areas of operations. These vehicles are part of the COMMANDO™ Advanced line of armored vehicles, which offer excellent on-road and off-road mobility enabling them to operate in urban, jungle, desert and mountainous terrain. Crew protection is reinforced with a V-shaped hull bottom and 360-degree protection from direct fire.

“This contract is an extension of our positive working relationship with the Colombian Ministry of Defence and Army leadership, and an example of our capability as a full-spectrum armored vehicle provider,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Walmsley.

“Colombia’s APCs are performing exceptionally well in a variety of operational roles, while offering outstanding protection to COLAR soldiers. Building on this success, we’re working with Colombia to increase the number of APCs in COLAR units while sustaining its entire vehicle fleet with a coordinated program of maintenance, training and field service support,” Walmsley added.

Rigorously tested and proven in the toughest environments, the COMMANDO family of vehicles offers a range of protection options, unmatched on-road/off-road mobility and ample firepower. TM&LS produces four lines of COMMANDO four-wheeled vehicles – COMMANDO Utility, COMMANDO Advanced, COMMANDO Select and COMMANDO Elite.

As an end-to-end armored vehicle provider, TM&LS also offers its customers COMMANDO fielding, training, maintenance and logistics support throughout each vehicle’s life cycle.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense News
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News – DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Names Orlando Carvalho Executive Vice President, Aeronautics; Lorraine Martin To Lead F-35 Program

DTN News – DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Names Orlando Carvalho Executive Vice President, Aeronautics; Lorraine Martin To Lead F-35 Program
**Larry Lawson to Retire

 

Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 18, 2013:  Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE:  LMT] announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Orlando Carvalho, 54, to executive vice president of the Aeronautics business area, and Lorraine Martin, 50, as vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program.  The board also elected Martin a corporate officer.  Both appointments are effective immediately and follow the retirement of Larry Lawson, 55, on April 5 after 26 years with Lockheed Martin. 

“I’d like to thank Larry for the many contributions he’s made to our success in his 26-years of dedicated service,” said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin chief executive officer and president.  “He has had a distinguished career at Lockheed Martin and we wish him the best in his retirement.” 

“Orlando and Lorraine are impressive leaders who have consistently demonstrated their ability to build strong customer relationships, successfully manage complex programs, and inspire our teams,” continued Hewson.  “These appointments are examples of our deep bench of talent and demonstrate the value of our robust succession planning efforts.”          
“Orlando is a proven leader with nearly 33 years of experience with Lockheed Martin, a strong record of achievement, and a keen understanding of our customers and their mission.” 

Since joining Aeronautics in 2011, Carvalho has been responsible for the performance of all aspects of the F-35 Lightning II program, the U.S. government’s largest and most complex development and production program.  Under his leadership, the F-35 program has delivered impressive results, including consistently exceeding the flight test plans; significantly improving on-schedule delivery of the Mission Systems and Autonomic Logistics Information System software releases; delivering 30 aircraft in 2012 while increasing affordability; and supporting the launch of training operations at Eglin AFB and the stand up of the first Marine Corps and Air Force operational F-35 bases. 

Prior to joining Aeronautics, Carvalho led Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems & Sensors, a business with more than $6 billion in sales and 15,000 employees delivering systems engineering, software development and program management in support of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps, and  customers in 50 nations.  Throughout his career, Carvalho has held a series of increasingly responsible positions in the company’s Electronic Systems and Aeronautics business areas.  He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Fairfield University.

“As a seasoned leader with nearly 25 years of Lockheed Martin experience, Lorraine has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and has been instrumental in improving the F-35 program performance and delivering outstanding results for our customers,” continued Hewson. 

 As Vice President and Deputy of the F-35 program, Martin has been responsible for partnering with Carvalho to oversee the F-35 system development and demonstration program, transition from development to production, flight testing, and global deployment and sustainment for 13 military services in nine partner countries. 

Since joining the Aeronautics business area in 2008, Martin has led the C-130 and C-5 programs, where she was responsible for all aspects of the design, delivery and sustainment of these successful aircraft programs.  She also led the Flight Solutions business, where she was responsible for developing and delivering U.S. and international military aircrew training programs, including the F-35 training system.  Martin began her Lockheed Martin career in 1988, after serving five years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, and has held a number of leadership positions of increasing responsibility in the company’s Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Solutions and Aeronautics business areas.  She holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in Computational Mathematics from DePauw University.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

Media Contacts:
Andrea Greenan, 301-897-6210,
andrea.m.greenan@lmco.com
Joe LaMarca, 817-777-6736,
joseph.lamarca@lmco.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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DTN News – AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Rolls Out First Next-Generation 737 At Higher Production Rate

DTN News – AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Rolls Out First Next-Generation 737 At Higher Production Rate

 

Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 18, 2013: Boeing (NYSE: BA) has rolled out the first Next-Generation 737 built at the new production rate of 38 airplanes a month. Panamanian customer Copa Airlines will take delivery of the 737-800 in early April.
The airplane will now undergo functional, systems and flight testing over the next three weeks before being delivered.

Boeing is in the process of increasing the production rate on its 737 program from 35 to 38 airplanes per month because of market demand for the world’s best-selling commercial jetliner. Next year, the 737 production rate will increase to 42 airplanes per month.
Copa Airlines operates a fleet of more than 50 Next-Generation 737s.

About Copa Holdings, S.A.
Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia, subsidiaries of Copa Holdings, are leading Latin American providers of passengers and cargo services. The airlines provide service to 65 destinations in 29 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, operating one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry, consisting of 83 aircraft: 57 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft and 26 Embraer-190s. From the U.S., Copa Airlines currently offers nonstop service to Panama from Miami, New York City (JFK), Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. (Dulles), Orlando, Chicago (O’Hare) and Las Vegas, and will begin daily nonstop service between Boston and Panama on July 10. Copa Airlines joined Star Alliance in June 2012. For more information, visitwww.copa.com

Contact:
Kristi Moen
737 Program
 +1 206-459-0805
Kristi.j.moen@boeing.com
Release and photo available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com/ 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image – Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News – AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing 747-8 Serves 100th Airport

DTN News – AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing 747-8 Serves 100th Airport
**Hanoi is 100th airport to welcome 747-8 revenue operations

 

Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 18, 2013: The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 747-8 has served its 100th airport just 16 months after entering service. The airplane, a 747-8 Freighter operated by launch customer Cargolux, arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, from Kuwait on Sunday.

“As the 747-8 launch customer, I want to congratulate the Boeing and Cargolux teams for their commitment and hard work that made this achievement possible,” said Richard Forson, Cargolux interim president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to be the first airline to operate the 747-8F to the 100th airport worldwide that is able to accommodate this great aircraft on a commercial revenue flight. After all, it’s a milestone for Boeing and Cargolux alike and a testament to the true pioneering spirit that has always characterized our two companies.”

Cargolux took delivery of the first 747-8 Freighter in October 2011 and placed it directly into service to its home base in Luxembourg. Since then, the 747-8 fleet has supported revenue service operations at 100 airports on six continents and has been approved for more than 240 airports around the world, significantly more than the airplane’s main competitor.

The fleet has also been performing well in service, with a dispatch reliability of approximately 98.4 percent.

“The arrival of the airplane in Hanoi is just another testament to the capabilities and value the 747-8 is providing our customers,” said Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager, 747 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The milestone demonstrates the newest member of the 747 family can operate safely within an airport environment, accounting for regulatory requirements, clearances, pavement loading and parking requirements.

The 747-8 family provides airlines with double-digit improvements in fuel burn, operating costs and emissions, while being 30 percent quieter and adding more capacity. To date 42 747-8s, including 29 freighters, eight Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and five Intercontinentals have been delivered to a total of seven airline customers and several undisclosed BBJ customers.

Contact:
Joanna Pickup
747 Communications
 +1 425-879-6077
joanna.pickup@boeing.com
Release and photo available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com/

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News – QATARI DEFENSE NEWS: Gulf Falcon 2013 Qatar-France Military Exercise

DTN News – QATARI DEFENSE NEWS: Gulf Falcon 2013 Qatar-France Military Exercise 

 

Source: DTN News 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 18, 2013: Gulf Falcon Exercise 2013, conducted by the Qatari Armed Forces and the French Armed Forces from February 16 to March 7, concluded in Al Galayel Square.

HE the Chief of Staff Major-General Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah and his French counterpart Admiral Edouard Guillaud attended the final day of the exercises in which 3,000 troops participated.

The Gulf Falcon Exercise is held every four years by the Qatari Armed Forces and its French counterpart. Some 1,700 Qatari troops participated in the exercise, along with 1,300 French soldiers. The exercise aims to highlight the joint defence strategy of Qatar and France.  

In a statement to the press, HE the Chief of Staff Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah thanked the French Armed Forces for participating in the exercise. He added that the Gulf Falcon 2013 was part of the bilateral co-operation between two countries.  

Al-Attiyah said that the exercise has been planned for a long time, expressing his satisfaction of how the exercise was executed. The Chief of Staff said that the participation of all the branches of the Armed Forces distinguished Gulf Falcon 2013 from other exercises.

 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN News 
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DTN News – SYRIA CIVIL WAR: Syrian General Apparently Defects, Says Morale Among Troops At A Low

DTN News – SYRIA CIVIL WAR: Syrian General Apparently Defects, Says Morale Among Troops At A Low

 

Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Laura Smith-Spark. Chelsea J. Carter and Amir Ahmed, CNN
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 17, 2013:  A top Syrian general has reportedly defected from President Bashar al-Assad’s government, telling an Arabic news station in an interview that aired Saturday that morale among security forces in Syria is at a low.

The reported defection followed the United Nations announcement that one of its employees, a teacher, was killed during fighting between rebels and government forces at a refugee camp outside Damascus.

If confirmed, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ezz al-Din Khalouf’s defection is the latest in a series of such moves by high-profile government officials, raising questions about the stability of al-Assad’s government two years into the civil war gripping the country.

Khalouf, head of logistics and supply for the Syrian army, told the Arabic news network Al Arabiya that many tied to al-Assad’s government have lost faith, but continue to pledge their allegiance to the president.

“It is only for appearance’s sake to present an image to the international community showing that the regime is the one that pulls together all segments of Syrian society under.”

Khalouf told Al Arabiya he had been working with rebels to defect. He appeared in the interview with his son, a Syrian army captain, who defected with him.

There was no immediate reaction from the Syrian government on the reported defection, which follows the two-year anniversary of the uprising.

Rebels posted what they claim are two videos on YouTube that offer proof that they helped Khalouf and his family escape Syria through Daraa province into Jordan.

CNN cannot confirm the authenticity of the videos, but Al Arabiya reported the interview with Khalouf was conducted in Jordan.

U.N. employee killed at camp

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees confirmed Saturday that a member of its teaching staff was killed Wednesday trying to flee the fighting at the Khan Eshieh refugee camp in Syria.

Nasri Khalil Hasan was killed while trying to make his way with his wife and four children to a makeshift shelter after the camp was reportedly struck by an artillery shell, the UNRWA said in a statement.

Hasan was hit by shrapnel from a subsequent explosion, it said.

Because the hospital at the refugee camp was not open, he was taken to a hospital in the nearby city of Jdaydeh, according to the UNRWA. He died at the hospital the next day, the agency said.

Cluster bombs linked to civilian casualties

The news of Khalouf’s apparent defection and the death of Hasan came the same day a human rights group accused Syrian forces of using an increasing number of cluster bombs in residential areas.

Human Rights Watch says its researchers have identified 119 locations across Syria, where at least 156 cluster bombs have been used from August to mid-February.

The result is “mounting civilian casualties,” the rights group said.

Human Rights Watch said it has investigated two cluster bomb attacks in the past two weeks — in Deir Jamal, near Aleppo, and Talbiseh, near Homs.

These attacks killed 11 civilians, including two women and five children, and injured 27 others, the rights group said.

“Syria is expanding its relentless use of cluster munitions, a banned weapon, and civilians are paying the price with their lives and limbs,” said Steve Goose, director of the arms division at Human Rights Watch.

“The initial toll is only the beginning because cluster munitions often leave unexploded bomblets that kill and maim long afterward.”

The Syrian government did not immediately respond to a CNN request for comment.

In October, Syrian armed forces denied the possession or use of cluster bombs.

A statement released through the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency said “misleading media outlets” had published “untrue news claiming the Syrian Arab Army has been using cluster bombs against terrorists.”

The Syrian army “does not possess such bombs,” it said, adding that the media reports were “aimed at diverting the public opinion from the practices of the armed terrorist groups against civilians.”

The Human Rights Watch report is based on field investigations, analysis of video footage posted by activists and eyewitness reports, it said.

The collection of data does not include details of casualty numbers but many deaths and injuries have been documented, the group said.

“Remnants of at least 156 distinct cluster bombs have been identified so far from the video footage,” the group said.

“Human Rights Watch has documented government use of cluster munitions, both air-dropped and ground-delivered, but it has seen no evidence of cluster munition use by opposition rebel groups.”

Weapons are indiscriminate

Another rights group, Amnesty International, has accused the Syrian government of using cluster bombs in civilian areas.

“Civilians continue to be at the receiving end of increasingly frequent indiscriminate attacks by Syrian government forces,” Amnesty said in a report Thursday.

“Internationally banned cluster munitions are being used daily against civilian residential areas in towns and villages, in utter disregard for the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.”

The report said the “vast majority” of abuses were committed by Syrian government forces, but that rebel groups are also carrying out abuses such as kidnapping and summary executions.

Syria is not one of the 111 states worldwide that have signed up to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans their use. The United States also is not a signatory.

Cluster munitions are widely viewed as unacceptable because the bomblets spread across a wide area and make no distinction between civilians and fighters.

Death toll

CNN cannot independently verify death tolls or other accounts of violence in Syria.

Last month, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said about 70,000 people had been killed in the two-year-old conflict.

The Syrian army continued to hunt “terrorists” — its description of rebel fighters — in several areas on Saturday, including outside Damascus and Homs, and in Idlib province, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

 

 

 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Laura Smith-Spark. Chelsea J. Carter and Amir Ahmed, CNN
*Speaking Image – Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News – DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Army Prepares For Next Network Integration Evaluation

DTN News – DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Army Prepares For Next Network Integration Evaluation

 

Source: DTN News – – This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Claire Heininger, U.S. Army

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 16, 2013: With two units now readying for Afghanistan with the Army’s new tactical communications network, the service will continue to drive technology forward through its next Network Integration Evaluation this spring.

Soldier training, vehicle integration, system check-outs and other preparations are well underway in advance of Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, 13.2, which begins in May at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range, N.M. It is the fifth in the series of semi-annual field evaluations designed to keep pace with rapid advances in communications technologies and deliver proven and integrated network capabilities to Soldiers. 

The NIEs are not stand-alone events, but build on previous exercises by improving the Army’s integrated network baseline and incorporating Soldier feedback into system functionality and training methods. As the Army continues to field network capability sets with systems and doctrine vetted through the NIE, the events will further evolve to include joint and coalition involvement next year.

“The NIE offers us the ability to evaluate and improve the network incrementally,” said Maj. Gen. Harold Greene, the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, known as ASA(ALT). “It forces the community together in an environment where Soldiers are telling us what we did well and what we didn’t do well — very graphically, very visually, very obviously.”

From combined arms maneuver across more than 150 miles of desert to subterranean operations in mountain caves, NIE 13.2 includes mission threads designed to measure network performance at all echelons, from the brigade commander down to the dismounted Soldier. It will include an aerial tier to extend the range of communications and operational energy solutions to more efficiently power networked equipment.

“We’ve got some good questions, and the scenario will allow us to get at a lot of those operational pieces,” said Col. Elizabeth Bierden, chief of the Network Integration Division, Brigade Modernization Command, or BMC. “We’ve seen many of the systems before, but I think we just get the network better every single time.” 

The main focus for NIE 13.2 is the Follow-on Test and Evaluation, or FOT&E, for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, known as WIN-T, Increment 2, the Army’s mobile network backbone. WIN-T Increment 2 provides an enhanced capability over the current Increment 1 version used today in Afghanistan, including unprecedented “on-the-move” communications capabilities down to the company level. A successful test will enable the Army to keep fielding WIN-T Increment 2 to operational units beyond Capability Set 13, which is now being delivered to select brigade combat teams, or BCTs, preparing for deployment.

During the FOT&E, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division will conduct the full range of military operations — from movement to contact to peacekeeping — and stretch the WIN-T network over even greater distances than during NIE 12.2, which was the unit’s first formal chance to assess the system. Following that evaluation in May 2012, the Army aggressively pursued and implemented corrective actions to address the areas identified for improvement, and 2/1 AD Soldiers have also become more comfortable and proficient with the equipment.

“The training is more hands-on, and with the knowledge we already have we’re able to go more in-depth,” said Spc. Erik Liebhaber, who has participated in three NIEs and said training for 13.2 incorporated specific scenarios that Soldiers had previously encountered in the field. “That’s a big part of the continuity.” 

Other systems under formal test include Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P), the Army’s next-generation situational awareness and blue force tracking technology; Nett Warrior, a smartphone-like system for dismounted leaders; the Area Mine Clearance System-Medium Flail, an armored vehicle designed for clearing large areas of anti-tank and anti-personnel landmines; and Tactical Communication and Protection System, designed to prevent hearing injury while allowing Soldiers to remain cognizant of their environment during combat. A dozen additional systems, such as those comprising the aerial tier, will receive less formal evaluations.

Both JBC-P and Nett Warrior have actively incorporated user feedback from several previous NIE cycles into their hardware and software designs.

“It’s gotten a lot simpler to use,” Staff Sgt. Lance Bradford said of JBC-P. “That was our largest suggestion to them — you’ve got to get this more user-friendly.”

Soldier feedback and lessons-learned from the NIEs not only affect the conduct of future NIE iterations, but have also been applied to the process of producing, fielding and training units on Capability Set (CS) 13, which is the Army’s first such communications package to provide integrated connectivity throughout the BCT. The NIEs informed all aspects of CS 13, from how network systems are installed onto a vehicle, to which training approach is most effective, to which Soldiers within a brigade are issued certain pieces of equipment. 

Two BCTs of the 10th Mountain Division, now in the final stages of training before deploying to Afghanistan later this year, are receiving lessons-learned and recommended operational uses for the equipment that were developed during the NIE process. Serving as Security Forces Advise and Assist Teams (SFAATs), the units will rely on the new network as they work closely with the Afghan forces, take down fixed infrastructure and become increasingly mobile and dispersed in their operations.

While NIE missions to date have confirmed that CS 13 can support such operations, they have not been limited to the Afghan mission. The NIE 13.2 scenario will set the stage for future exercises that will include new offensive and defensive operations replicating what units may face in other regions, including joint and coalition involvement beginning with NIE 14.2 next spring. 

“We are trying to set the stage for a joint and multinational effort in 14.2, and so we’re looking across functions at Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, close air support, air ground-integration, with the major objectives focused on joint entry operations and the joint network,” said Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, BMC commander. “We’ll be in a position to look at a number of those joint functions and we’ll set the stage through the series of NIEs we have coming up.”

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Claire Heininger, U.S. Army
*Speaking Image – Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 15, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 15, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  149-13 March 15, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 15, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  March 15, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
AIR FORCE
            Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., (FA8810-13-C-0002) is being awarded a $105,868,182 cost-plus incentive-fee and fixed-price incentive-firm contract for contractor logistics support, legacy sustainment and combined task force support for the Space Based Infrared Systems.  The location of the performance is Colorado Springs, Colo.  Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2016.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013.  The contracting activity is SMC/ISK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.  
 
            The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., (FA8681-13-D-0102) is being awarded a $99,900,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and indefinite- quantity/indefinite-delivery contract for production assets, spares, repairs and sustainment for the joint direct attack munitions system.  The location of the performance is St. Louis, Mo.  Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2016.  Type of appropriation is foreign military sales funding.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/EBDK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.  Contract involves foreign military sales. 
 
            Vital Link Inc., Sealy, Texas, (FA8519-13-D-0001) is being awarded a $73,540,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for repair, refurbishment and relocation of the fleet of T-9, T-10/T-11 and T-12 Noise Suppression Facilities.  The locations of the performance are Dyess Air Force Base, Texas; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Tinker AFB, Okla.; Hill AFB, Utah; Kadena Air Base, Japan; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Kunsan AB, Korea; Langley AFB, Va.; Luke AFB, Ariz.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Buckley AFB, Colo.; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Minot AFB, N.D.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Osan AB, Korea; McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Bureau, Tenn.; Barksdale AFB. La.; Royal Air Force Lakenhealth, United Kingdom; Bradley Field ANGB, Conn.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; McConnell AFB, Kan.; Offutt AFB, N.E.; Robins AFB, Ga.; Scott AFB, Ill.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.;  Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Andrews AFB. Md.; Shaw AFB, S.C.; Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.; Tyndall AFB, Fla.; Homestead AFB, Fla.; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Eielsen AFB, Alaska; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Holloman AFB, N.M.; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Randolph AFB, Texas; Sheppard AFB, Texas; Vance AFB, Okla.; Columbus AFB, Miss.; Ramstein AB, Germany; Aviano AB, Italy; Springfield, Ill.; Sandston, Va.; Klamath, Ore.; St. Louis, Mo.; Columbia, S.C.; Burlington, Vt.; Belle Chasse, La.; Cape Cod, Maine; Hartford, Conn.; Westfield, Maine; Detroit, Mich.; Boise, Idaho; Springfield, Ohio; Swanton, Ohio; Sioux City, Iowa; Sioux Falls, S.D.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Madison, Wis.; Tucson, Ariz.; Tulsa, Okla.; Fort Worth, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Montgomery, Ala.; Duluth, Minn.; Houston, Texas; Fresno, Calif.; Fort Smith, Ariz.; Syracuse, N.Y.; Fargo, N.D.; Terre Haute, Ind.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Pleasantville, N.J. and Great Falls, Mont.  Work is expected to be completed by March 14, 2014.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through 2014 depot purchase equipment maintenance funds.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WNKBBA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.   
 
            InDyne Inc., Reston, Va., (F04684-03-C-0050, P00440) is being awarded a $34,107,547.11 contract modification for range operations, communications and information services.  The locations of the performance are Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.; Pilliar Point, Calif.; Anderson Peak, Calif. and Santa Barbara, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2013.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013.  The contracting activity is 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.  
 
            Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., (FA8750-13-C-0021) is being awarded a $10,064,926 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for interface to operational systems for the functional development model.  The location of the performance is Sparks, Nev.  Work is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2015.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012.  The contracting activity is AFRL/RIKF, Rome, N.Y.   
 
NAVY
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $32,820,176 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2300) to exercise options for class service efforts and special studies, analyses and reviews for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program.  Lockheed Martin will assess engineering and production challenges and evaluate the cost and schedule risks from affordability efforts to reduce LCS acquisition and lifecycle costs.  Work will be performed in Hampton, Va. (32 percent); Marinette, Wis. (27 percent); Moorestown, N.J. (22 percent), and Washington, D.C. (19 percent), and is expected to be complete by March 2014.  Fiscal 2012 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy funding in the amount of $32,820,176 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 
 
            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $28,557,888 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6311) to provide engineering and production planning services for mission packages that will deploy from and integrate with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).  The Navy’s plan is to use continuous evaluation of system maturity through a disciplined system engineering framework to improve mission capability in identified mission areas. LCSs Mission Packages will be optimized for flexibility in the littorals.  Mission package capabilities are currently focused on primary mission areas of mine warfare emphasizing mine countermeasures, littoral anti-submarine warfare, and littoral surface warfare operations, including prosecution of small boats.  The LCSs Mission Packages are developed and acquired separately from the LCSs seaframe.   Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va. (32 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (25 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (21 percent); Manchester, N.H. (11 percent); Silver Creek, N.Y. (10 percent); Hollywood, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2014.  Fiscal 2012 Operations & Maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $28,557,888 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 
 
            Austal USA LLC., Mobile, Ala., is being awarded a $19,987,274 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) to exercise options for class service efforts and special studies, analyses and reviews for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program.  Austal USA LLC., will assess engineering and production challenges and evaluate the cost and schedule risks from affordability efforts to reduce LCS acquisition and lifecycle costs.  Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala. (72 percent) and Pittsfield, Mass. (28 percent), and is expected to complete by March 2014.  Fiscal 2012 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy funding in the amount of $19,987,274 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
 
            L-3 Communications Corp., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a $12,449,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for spare parts for AN/PVS-15, AN/PVS-18 and AN/PVS-31 night vision goggles.  Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by March 2018.  Fiscal 2013 Procurement, Defense Activity funding in the amount of $365,668 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract is being awarded sole source in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented in FAR 6.302-1.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-13-D-JQ04).
 
            3 Phoenix Inc.*, Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $6,886,142 modification to previously awarded SBIR Phase III contract (N63394-10-C-1200) for additional engineering and system integration support for the AN/SPS-74 periscope detection radars system program.  This effort includes equipment, engineering services, and field services in support of in-service engineering requirements as well as material and services required for equipment changes, repair, and spare and repair parts.  The contractor will provide drawings, software engineering, and documentation development in support of the AN/SPS-74 periscope detection radars system.  Work will be performed in Wake Forest, N.C., and is expected to be completed by March 2015.  Fiscal 2012 Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation funding in the amount of $6,886,142 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, Calif. is the contracting activity. 
 
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
            Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.Jersey is being awarded a sole source, cost-plus-award-fee contract modification to exercise an option to, under contract # HQ0276-10-C-0001.  The value of this contract modification is $24,023,258, increasing the total contract value from $1,316,430,438 to $1,340,453,696.  Under this modification, the contractor will support advanced concepts initiatives by the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program Office to identify technology for introduction into present and future Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Baselines/Spirals.  The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey.   The performance period is from the date of award through December 31, 2013.  Fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund this initial effort.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This is not a Foreign Military Sales acquisition.  Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity (HQ0276). 
 
ARMY
            Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded a $23,180,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee incrementally-funded contract.  This increment is worth $2,092,939.  This is a modification of an existing contract to continue services in support of the U.S. Air Force simulation, training and experimentation program.  Work will be performed in Fairfax, with an estimated completion date of March 26, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (W900KK-07-D-0715). 
 
            CAE USA Inc., Tampa, Fla., was awarded an $18,193,388 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of a training facility at Al Mubarak Air Base, Kuwait.  This contract is in support of foreign military sales.  Work will be performed in Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 8, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-13-C-0016). 
 
            Inuit Services Inc., Nome, Ark., was awarded an $18,183,760 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the base operations support services for Fort McCoy, Wis.  Work will be performed in Fort McCoy, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with six bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort McCoy, Wis., is the contracting activity (W911SA-13-D-0005). 
 
            Advanced Electronics Co., Ltd., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was awarded a $12,656,358 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of Panther radios.  This contract is in support of foreign military sales.  Work will be performed in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-C-0142). 
 
            IAP World Services, Cape Canaveral, Fla., was awarded a $7,929,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  This is a modification of an existing contract to continue caretaker services at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-11-C-3027). 
 
            The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $7,226,490 firm-fixed-price contract.  This is a modification of an existing contract to exercise the option for Apache Block III contractor logistics support.  Work will be performed in Mesa, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0161).
 
            Northrop Grumman Information Technology Inc., McLean, Va., was awarded a $5,428,394 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  This is a modification of an existing contract to continue the production and support services of the lower tactical Internet data products.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 12, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-07-D-0005). 
 
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Colonial Energy Inc., Fairfax, Va., was awarded contract SPE600-13-D-7529.  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment for a maximum $15,813,276 for direct supply pipeline quality natural gas.  Location of performance is Virginia with a March 31, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military services are Navy.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 Navy funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va.
 
            Integrys Energy Services, De Pere, Wis., was awarded contract SPE600-13-D-7523.  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment for a maximum $14,907,210 for direct supply pipeline quality natural gas to the northeast region.  Location of performance is Wisconsin with a March 31, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 Service funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va. 
 
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded an $11,037,154 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HR0011-13-C-0038). The statement of work for this effort is classified.  Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (100 percent).  The work is expected to be completed by March 14, 2016.  The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity. 
 
            Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., is being awarded an $8,086,263 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HR0011-13-C-0040).  The statement of work for this effort is classified.  Work will be performed in McLean, Va. (100 percent).  The work is expected to be completed by March 14, 2016.  The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity. 
 
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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  149-13 March 15, 2013
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