Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Admiral Provides Details of Somali Piracy Killings


By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2011 - Four pirates are dead and 15 are in custody, but not before they killed four Americans in the bloodiest piracy incident in recent history, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command told reporters in a conference call today.
Navy Vice Adm. Mark I. Fox, who also commands the Navy's 5th Fleet, said the pirates shot Scott and Jean Adams of California and Phyllis Mackay and Bob Riggle of Washington state. The surface vessel Quest was sailing around the world when the Somalis hijacked it off the coast of Oman.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters on Air Force One that President Barack Obama authorized the use of force if there was an imminent threat to the hostages. He said the president was informed of their deaths at 4:42 this morning.
"The loss of our fellow Americans is a tragedy," Fox said from his headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
The admiral gave a timeline of the action. Pirates captured the vessel about 190 nautical miles southeast of Masirah Island, Oman, Feb. 18. Four U.S. Navy warships responded: the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf and the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Bulkeley.
The ships found the vessel and made contact with the pirates via bridge-to-bridge radio, and began a series of negotiations. Yesterday, two pirates boarded the USS Sterett to continue negotiations.
"At 8 a.m. this morning ... a rocket-propelled grenade was fired by the pirates from the Quest toward the Sterett," Fox said. "Immediately thereafter, gunfire erupted from inside the cabin of the Quest. Several pirates appeared on the deck of the Quest and moved up to the bow with their hands in the air in surrender."
U.S. special operations forces closed in on the Quest in small boats and boarded the yacht. "They discovered that all four hostages had been shot by their captors," Fox said. The service members took immediate steps to provide medical care, but the four Americans died of their wounds. The boarding party also found two dead pirates aboard the vessel.
The special operations forces did not fire weapons during the boarding, Fox said.
"While clearing the vessel, two additional pirates were killed," the admiral said. "The remaining 15 suspected pirates are in U.S. custody."
Fox said two additional pirates were killed as the special operators cleared the boat. One was killed with a pistol, the other in a knife fight, the admiral said. There were no casualties to service members or damage to Navy ships. The Navy and the FBI are investigating the incident.
Fox said the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
 
Biographies:
Navy Vice Adm. Mark I. Fox
Related Sites:
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces

Related Articles:
Somali Pirates Kill 4 Americans on Hijacked Ship

CONTRACTS

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

AIR FORCE
            Raytheon Co., Intelligence and Information Systems, Garland, Texas, was awarded a $68,000,000 contract which will provide the required support to perform activities associated with the lifecycle phases for the Cross-domain Enterprise All-source User Repository (CENTAUR) system in support of current and future CENTAUR deployments.  At this time, $6,449,481 has been obligated.  ESC/HSJK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8707-11-D-0001).
NAVY
            Trident Systems, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $49,479,041 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the developmental engineering, prototyping, and providing limited quantity items in support of the Special Surveillance Program in support of the Navy and other Department of Defense and government agencies.  This is a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contract under topics SC05, OSD07-106, and N-01-136.  The objective of this effort is the development and optimization of core technologies that will improve operational performance and effectiveness of small unmanned aerial vehicle systems for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.  Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (90 percent), and Afghanistan (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $470,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-5.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-11-C-0006).
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $21,867,788 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0092) to exercise an option for the procurement of 7,665 enhanced laser guided training round Paveway II units for the Navy (7,217) and the governments of Pakistan (300), Spain (88), and Malaysia (60).  In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of 589 wooden containers for the U.S. Navy (500) and the governments of Pakistan (74) and Malaysia (15); 23 replacement-in-kind wooden containers for the the governments of Pakistan (one) and Spain (22); associated data; and non-recurring engineering efforts.  Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa., and is expected to be completed in June 2013.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($20,573,292; 94 percent) and the governments of Pakistan ($866,850; 4 percent); Spain ($254,276; 1.2 percent); and Malaysia ($173,370; 0.8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
            General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded an $11,126,773 firm-fixed-price modification to existing previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5141) for the production of Aegis gun and guided missile directors (MK82 Mod 0) and Aegis Director Controllers (MK 200 Mod 0).  The MK 82 director serves to position the fire control system antenna to a commanded and stabilized position in space for the purpose of illuminating a target.  The director controller MK 200 houses the solid-state servo-amplifiers that provide the servo drive signals that position the director to the desired target position.  Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt., and is expected to be completed by July 2013.  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.
            The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,705,181 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0013) for additional persistent unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services in support of naval maritime missions.  Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (65 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (35 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011.  Contract funds in the amount of $5,705,181 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Sikorsky Aircraft Services, Shelton, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $39,882,800 firm-fixed-price contract for helicopter hub rotors.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Army.  There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses.  The date of performance completion is Feb. 22, 2016.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-11-D-0048).
            W&G Machine Co., Inc.*, Hamden, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $7,638,243 firm-fixed-price contract for fan shaft assemblies.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Army.  There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses.  The date of performance completion is Feb. 22, 2016.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-11-D-0020).
ARMY
            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Penn., was awarded on Feb. 17 a $20,530,787 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 65 modification A-kits, 30 modifications B-kits and 35 engine cover sets.  Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Penn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023).
            Associates Roofing and Construction, Inc., Murrells Inlet, S.C., was awarded on Feb. 16 a $14,500,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  The single-task-order award will provide for roofing and construction within North Carolina and the South Atlantic Division.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 15, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 13 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-D-0015).
*Small business

CONTRACTS

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

AIR FORCE
            Raytheon Co., Intelligence and Information Systems, Garland, Texas, was awarded a $68,000,000 contract which will provide the required support to perform activities associated with the lifecycle phases for the Cross-domain Enterprise All-source User Repository (CENTAUR) system in support of current and future CENTAUR deployments.  At this time, $6,449,481 has been obligated.  ESC/HSJK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8707-11-D-0001).
NAVY
            Trident Systems, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $49,479,041 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the developmental engineering, prototyping, and providing limited quantity items in support of the Special Surveillance Program in support of the Navy and other Department of Defense and government agencies.  This is a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contract under topics SC05, OSD07-106, and N-01-136.  The objective of this effort is the development and optimization of core technologies that will improve operational performance and effectiveness of small unmanned aerial vehicle systems for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.  Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (90 percent), and Afghanistan (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2013.  Contract funds in the amount of $470,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-5.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-11-C-0006).
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $21,867,788 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0092) to exercise an option for the procurement of 7,665 enhanced laser guided training round Paveway II units for the Navy (7,217) and the governments of Pakistan (300), Spain (88), and Malaysia (60).  In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of 589 wooden containers for the U.S. Navy (500) and the governments of Pakistan (74) and Malaysia (15); 23 replacement-in-kind wooden containers for the the governments of Pakistan (one) and Spain (22); associated data; and non-recurring engineering efforts.  Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa., and is expected to be completed in June 2013.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($20,573,292; 94 percent) and the governments of Pakistan ($866,850; 4 percent); Spain ($254,276; 1.2 percent); and Malaysia ($173,370; 0.8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
            General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded an $11,126,773 firm-fixed-price modification to existing previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5141) for the production of Aegis gun and guided missile directors (MK82 Mod 0) and Aegis Director Controllers (MK 200 Mod 0).  The MK 82 director serves to position the fire control system antenna to a commanded and stabilized position in space for the purpose of illuminating a target.  The director controller MK 200 houses the solid-state servo-amplifiers that provide the servo drive signals that position the director to the desired target position.  Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt., and is expected to be completed by July 2013.  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.
            The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,705,181 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0013) for additional persistent unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services in support of naval maritime missions.  Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (65 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (35 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011.  Contract funds in the amount of $5,705,181 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Sikorsky Aircraft Services, Shelton, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $39,882,800 firm-fixed-price contract for helicopter hub rotors.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Army.  There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses.  The date of performance completion is Feb. 22, 2016.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-11-D-0048).
            W&G Machine Co., Inc.*, Hamden, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $7,638,243 firm-fixed-price contract for fan shaft assemblies.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Army.  There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses.  The date of performance completion is Feb. 22, 2016.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-11-D-0020).
ARMY
            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Penn., was awarded on Feb. 17 a $20,530,787 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 65 modification A-kits, 30 modifications B-kits and 35 engine cover sets.  Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Penn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023).
            Associates Roofing and Construction, Inc., Murrells Inlet, S.C., was awarded on Feb. 16 a $14,500,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  The single-task-order award will provide for roofing and construction within North Carolina and the South Atlantic Division.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 15, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 13 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-D-0015).
*Small business

Mullen Urges Peaceful Resolutions in Middle East


By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 22, 2011 - Citing "a time of enormous change" in the Middle East, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen today challenged regional leaders to step forward to ensure differences are resolved "peacefully, without loss of life."
Mullen met with leaders here during the third stop of his multinational trip to reassure U.S. allies amid regional unrest.
"I really came to the region to both listen [and] to understand what the concerns are on the part of the leaders who are here, as well as reaffirm the relationship and look at how we address these issues together," he told reporters after meeting with Mohammad bin Zayid Al Nuhayhyan, Abu Dhabi's crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the nation's armed forces.
"We discussed a wide array of issues, in great part focused on events in the region, but not exclusively," Mullen told reporters after that meeting.
Mullen also met with Staff Lt. Gen. Mohammad Thani Al Rumaithi, chief of staff for the United Arab Emirates armed forces.
The sessions were conducted at the Abu Dhabi National Convention Center, which is hosting the International Defense Exposition and Conference. It's the largest international arms expo in the Middle East, now in its 10th year, and the five-day conference attracted more than 1,000 companies, including about 110 from the United States.
Mullen, who walked briefly through the U.S. pavilion following his meetings, told reporters his sessions here, as well as those earlier this week in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reflected widespread concern about events unfolding in the region.
He acknowledged "anxiety, while at the same time great focus on how to move forward in a positive way."
There's particular concern about violence in Libya, where Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's government and military have launched a violent assault on pro-democracy demonstrators.
Asked by reporters about the situation in Bahrain, Mullen praised Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa's decision to "pull back the forces" and begin a national dialogue to address protestor's concerns. His decision to engage "has relieved a number of the leaders I have talked [with] in terms of easing the tensions," Mullen said.
The admiral reiterated confidence in the U.S.-Bahraini relationship and Bahrain's role hosting the U.S. 5th Fleet.
"I've been in touch with our leadership there in Bahrain," Mullen said. Bahrain's support for the 5th Fleet and its people "continues to be very strong, and I look forward to that being the case in the future," he said.
 
Biographies:
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
Related Sites:
Special Report: Travels With Mullen
State Department Background Note on United Arab Emirates
State Department Background Note on Bahrain

Updated information about IRS Tax Refunds


  • Where's My Refund? Find Out Click Here !?
  • General Fact Sheet about Tax Refunds
    IRS E-file Refund Cycle Chart – Tax Year 2010 Returns
    Transmitted and accepted by 11:00 am between... Direct Deposit Sent* Paper Check Mailed*
    January 14 and January 20, 2011 January 28, 2011 February 4, 2011
    January 20 and January 27, 2011 February 4, 2011 February 11, 2011
    January 27 and February 3, 2011 February 11, 2011 February 18, 2011
    February 3 and February 10, 2011 February 18, 2011 February 25, 2011
    February 10 and February 17, 2011 February 25, 2011 March 4, 2011
    February 17 and February 24, 2011 March 4, 2011 March 11, 2011
    February 24 and March 3, 2011 March 11, 2011 March 18, 2011
    March 3 and March 10, 2011 March 18, 2011 March 25, 2011
    March 10 and March 17, 2011 March 25, 2011 April 1, 2011
    March 17 and March 24, 2011 April 1, 2011 April 8, 2011
    March 24 and March 31, 2011 April 8, 2011 April 15, 2011
    March 31 and April 7, 2011 April 15, 2011 April 22, 2011
    April 7 and April 14, 2011 April 22, 2011 April 29, 2011
    April 14 and April 21, 2011 April 29, 2011 May 6, 2011
    April 21 and April 30, 2011 May 6, 2011 May 13, 2011
    April 28 and May 5, 2011 May 13, 2011 May 20, 2011
    May 5 and May 12, 2011 May 20, 2011 May 27, 2011
    May 12 and May 19, 2011 May 27, 2011 June 3, 2011
    May 19 and May 26, 2011 June 3, 2011 June 10, 2011
    May 26 and June 2, 2011 June 10, 2011 June 17, 2011
    June 2 and June 9, 2011 June 17, 2011 June 24, 2011
    June 9 and June 16, 2011 June 24, 2011 July 1, 2011
    June 16 and June 23, 2011 July 1, 2011 July 8, 2011
    June 23 and June 30, 2011 July 8, 2011 July 15, 2011
    June 30 and July 7, 2011 July 15, 2011 July 22, 2011
    July 7 and July 14, 2011 July 22, 2011 July 29, 2011
    July 14 and July 21, 2011 July 29, 2011 August 5, 2011
    July 21 and July 28, 2011 August 5, 2011 August 12, 2011
    July 28 and August 4, 2011 August 12, 2011 August 19, 2011
    August 4 and August 11, 2011 August 19, 2011 August 26, 2011
    August 11 and August 18, 2011 August 26, 2011 September 2, 2011
    August 18 and August 25, 2011 September 2, 2011 September 9, 2011
    August 25 and  September 1, 2011 September 9, 2011 September 16, 2011
    September 1 and September 8, 2011 September 16, 2011 September 23, 2011
    September 8 and September 15, 2011 September 23, 2011 September 30, 2011
    September 15 and September 22, 2011 September 30, 2011 October 7, 2011
    September 22 and September 29, 2011 October 7, 2011 October 14, 2011
    September 29and October 6, 2011 October 14, 2011 October 21, 2011
    October 6 and October 13, 2011 October 21, 2011 October 28, 2011
    October 13 and October 20, 2011 October 28, 2011 November 4, 2011

    * The IRS does not guarantee a specific date that a refund will be deposited into a taxpayer's financial institution account or mailed.
    Taxpayers who e-filed can get refund information 72 hours after the electronic return data is acknowledge as accepted by the IRS. To check the status of a refund visit Where's My Refund?

Leadership


Coalition Forces Detain Militants, Find Weapons in Afghanistan


Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops captured several insurgents, including a Haqanni terrorist network leader, yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Troops detained the Haqanni terrorist and another suspected insurgent in Khost province's Khost district, where they are believed to be responsible for coordinating attacks against local security forces.
In other news yesterday throughout Afghanistan:
-- In Khost province's Sabari district, security forces captured several suspected insurgents, including a Hezb-e Islami facilitator responsible for supplying the terrorist group with explosive devices.
-- Forces detained several suspected insurgents during clearing operations in Helmand province's Kajaki district.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained three suspected insurgents during a vehicle-interdiction operation in Nimroz province. The suspects were found with machine guns and more than 1,500 pounds of opium.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader responsible for trafficking bomb-making materials throughout the province in Zabul province's Qalat district.
-- Security forces detained a suspected insurgent in Logar province's Muhammad Aghag district while searching for a Taliban leader allegedly responsible for several bombings in the area.
-- Security forces found several drug and weapons stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. The operations resulted in seizure of 5,940 assault-rifle and machine-gun rounds, 26 assorted rockets and mortars, 15 hand grenades, 11 assault rifles, three pistols and a shotgun. Troops also confiscated more than 4,800 pounds of ammonium nitrate –- a banned fertilizer often used in roadside bombs -- and 44 pounds of opium.
In operations Feb. 20:
-- Security forces in Khost province's Terayzai district captured several suspected insurgents, including a Haqanni terrorist network leader with ties to numerous insurgent attacks in the area, and wounded an armed militant in the operation. The wounded insurgent was shot by security forces after refusing their request to disarm.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Takhar province's Bahkar district while searching for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist leader.
-- Acting on tips from local residents, Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents, including a Taliban weapons trafficker, in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district.
-- Forces detained two suspected insurgents during a clearing operation in Kandahar province's Registan district, while targeting compounds reportedly used for housing foreign fighters and weapons.
-- Security forces detained a suspected insurgent in Nangarhar province's Surkh Rod district while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for trafficking explosive devices and supplies to terrorists plotting to attack Afghan government officials.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Haqanni network terrorist responsible for trafficking explosives and supplies for suicide bombers in Paktika province's Orgun district.
-- Security forces found several drug stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 32 assorted rockets and mortars, 11 hand grenades, three assault rifles, two anti-tank mines, a pistol, and 150 pounds of explosives.
In Feb. 19 operations:
-- After spotting several insurgents displaying what officials called "hostile acts" in Helmand province's Sangin district, troops fired on the insurgent fighting position, killing several insurgents.
-- Afghan and coalition forces found several weapons stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. Operations resulted in seizure of 16,500 assault-rifle rounds, 17 rocket-propelled grenades, 16 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, 13 fake Afghan police identification cards, nine directional fragmentation charges, seven assault rifles, three four-gallon containers of liquid explosives, three pressure plates, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a pistol and 328 feet of detonation cord.
 
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force