Sunday, November 13, 2011

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. To Build Up Military Base In Darwin To Counter Growing Chinese Influence

Asian Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. To Build Up Military Base In Darwin To Counter Growing Chinese Influence
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada, November 13, 2011: President Barack Obama will announce an accord for a new and permanent U.S. military presence in Australia when he visits next week, a step aimed at countering China's influence and reasserting U.S. interest in the region, said people
familiar with his plans.

The agreement will lead to an increase in U.S. naval operations off the coast of Australia and give American troops and ships "permanent and constant" access to Australian facilities, the people said. While no new American bases will be built under the plan, the arrangement will allow U.S. forces to place equipment in Australia and set up more joint exercises, they said.

The move could help the U.S. military, now concentrated in Japan and South Korea in Northeast Asia, to spread its influence west and south across the region, including the strategically and economically important South China Sea, which China considers as its sovereign territory.

It was unclear how much the new presence would cost the Pentagon, which is facing years and hundreds of billion dollars in spending cuts.

But the expanded military presence is designed as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to the region, part of an effort to refocus on Asia as the U.S. withdraws from Iraq and draws its forces down in Afghanistan, officials in both countries said.

"It will demonstrate U.S. resolve, not just for Australia, but in the region," Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan, the Australian defense attaché in Washington, said in an interview this week.

At a daily press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Chinese officials "hope relevant countries' bilateral cooperation will be conducive to the Asia-Pacific region's security, peace and stability."

The strategy comes weeks after China sent its first its first aircraft carrier to sea, a defining moment in its effort to become a top-tier naval power that seeks to challenge U.S. military supremacy in Asia and protect Chinese economic interests that now span the globe.

Several Asian nations, fearful of the threat China poses, also are beefing up their arsenals, fearing that the U.S. security umbrella is being eroded by China's enhanced capabilities and possible U.S. defense cuts.

One base slated for the stepped-up American presence is in Darwin, on the country's north coast. Other locations are possible, including one near Perth, on the west coast, one person said.

"Strategically, we want to be able to reassure the rest of Asia that the American presence is still strong in the 21st century as China develops its force," said Ernie Bower, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

Officials declined to detail how many new troops or sailors would be part of the U.S. effort, or how many ships would be stationed in the area, ahead of Mr. Obama's announcement next week. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, while traveling throughout the region last month, vowed an expansion in U.S. influence, but also declined to specify costs or force sizes.

An administration official said the stepped-up presence will be phased in over several years under the agreement. The deal isn't yet final and details could change.

On his trip, Mr. Obama will mark the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Australian alliance with a speech to Parliament and a visit to a military base in Darwin, where he and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will jointly address Australian troops.

Neither leader is expected to characterize the move as directly confronting the Chinese. But U.S. officials said one of the goals of Mr. Obama's Asia trip is to clarify free access to the South China Sea.

Mr. Panetta, after a meeting with the Australians in September, said that enhanced military cooperation would counter "threats and challenges" to come. "Security and prosperity of our two great nations depends on the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

The full range of U.S. naval ships is expected to rotate through the joint facilities, stopping for exercises as well as repairs and other shore work. Naval aircraft also will have access to a base in Darwin.

The increased U.S. presence will be a rotating force, one person said. In September, Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the enhance cooperation would be "more ships in, ships out; more planes in, planes out; more troops in, troops out."

Gen. McOwan, the defense attaché, said the increase in U.S. naval operations will send a message to the Chinese that the U.S. is committed to defending the security of regional sea and air trade routes. The stepped-up American presence will reassure Australia and well as other countries in the region that the U.S. is engaged at a time when Chinese intentions are uncertain, he said.

Still, Gen. McOwan added that the American commitments Mr. Obama plans to announce are "not going to frighten the Chinese."

"It's more symbolic than real," he said.

—Julian E. Barnes,
Brian Spegele



*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

©

COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - BOEING NEWS / AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Emirates Announce Historic Order For 50 777-300ERs

Asian Defense News: DTN News - BOEING NEWS / AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Emirates Announce Historic Order For 50 777-300ERs
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 13, 2011: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Dubai-based Emirates Airline today announced an order for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) plus options for an additional 20 of the popular twin-aisle commercial jetliner.

The order, with a value of $18 billion, makes this the single largest commercial airplane order in Boeing's history by dollar value. It also makes 2011 the best-selling year for the 777 program, surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005. With the Emirates order, the 2011 net order book for the 777 currently stands at 182. The options for 20 additional airplanes is valued at $8 billion.

"The 777's reliability, performance and operating economics have firmly established it as the backbone of our fleet," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group. "We have an ambitious and strategic plan to continue growing our international network and especially increasing our long-haul, non-stop routes. This order supports our fleet expansion and reiterates our commitment to operating a modern fleet for the benefit of our passengers and to ensure operational efficiency as well."

Emirates is the world's largest 777 operator with a fleet of 94 777s through direct purchase and lease, plus additional unfilled orders on backlog for 41 777-300ERs previously on order. It is also the only airline in the world to operate every model in the Boeing 777 family, including the 777 Freighter.

Emirates took delivery of its first Boeing 777 – a 777-200 in 1996, and since then, the airline has deployed the 777 on short, medium and long-haul routes.

"This is an extremely proud moment for us as it not only underscores Emirates' ongoing confidence in the 777 but also makes this the single largest order by dollar value in Boeing's history," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As the largest operator of the 777 in the world, Emirates has played an important role in development of the airplane and its input over the years has been invaluable in the development of the 777 program."

The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.

Contact: Saffana Michael Boeing Commercial Airplanes +9 7150-4590651 Saffana.michael2@boeing.com

Photo and caption will be available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com


*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

©

COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT: Philippine Troops Seize Rebel Camp In Fierce Attack

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

DTN News - POST-GADDAFI ERA IN LIBYA: As Oil Production Rises, Libya Expects To Hit Prewar Levels By June

Asian Defense News: DTN News - POST-GADDAFI ERA IN LIBYA: As Oil Production Rises, Libya Expects To Hit Prewar Levels By June
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / TRIPOLI, Libya - November 10, 2011: The acting Libyan oil minister, Ali Tarhouni, said on Thursday that so much progress was being made in resuscitating the country’s oil fields that production would return to more than 40 percent of its prewar level by the end of the year and completely recuperate by June.

“Things are going very well,” he told reporters at a news conference. “The oil sector is ahead of our expectations and everyone’s expectations. We will surpass 700,000 barrels a day by the end of this year.”

Officials say Libya’s production is 500,000 barrels a day.

Before fighting erupted last winter, Libya produced 1.6 million barrels a day and exported 1.3 million barrels, mostly to Europe. But during the war, the rebels were able to export only a trickle with the help of the gulf nation of Qatar as they tried to gain badly needed cash.

Libyan oil is particularly important for world markets because of its high quality. It needs relatively little refining and is preferred in many European and Asian markets. Since Libyan oil came off line, world benchmark oil prices have been highly volatile despite slumping demand in the United States and Europe.

The return of Libyan oil has allowed other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to curtail production and strengthen prices in recent weeks.

Fighting caused damage to some of the country’s refineries, and several vital pipelines were cut by the rebels. Several major fields were shut down abruptly, potentially causing damage. International oil and oil service companies removed skilled personnel from the country and hundreds of blue-collar foreign workers from Turkey and Egypt fled as well. But Libyan workers are returning to the fields and restarting operations. Many foreign oil experts have expressed surprise at how well the Libyans have done by themselves, but they say that Libyan officials may be overly optimistic that the country can recover all its production next year.

Some say it could take two years or more, and that will depend on a peaceful transition.

“The oil is coming on a lot faster than expected,” said Francis Osborne, head of energy economics for the consulting firm KBC. But he added, “There is a labor problem. Libyan oil workers are cautious about going back to certain fields, and foreign workers are cautious or requesting increased salaries. There is also the question of security and protection.”

Jon Pepper, a Hess vice president, said, “We’re not sending anyone back yet. We want to see how things settle out. We’re not up and running and it will take time before we are.”

Since the death of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi last month, violence in the country has been reduced greatly, especially in the cities and most of the countryside. But deep in the desert, where many of Libya’s largest oil fields are, there are reports of roaming bands of armed people.

Related Images:




*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

©

COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 10, 2011

Asian Defense News:
DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 10, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - November 10, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued November 10, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

ARMY

CWU, Inc., Clearwater, Fla. (W911W4-12-D-0008); Buffalo Group, Reston, Va. (W911W4-12-D-0007); Global Executive Management, Hudson, Fla. (W911W4-12-D-0006); Multi Lingual Solutions, Inc., Rockville, Md. (W911W4-12-D-0005); Strategic Intelligence Group, Fairfax, Va. (W911W4-12-D-0004); Strategic Solutions Unlimited, Inc., Fayetteville, N.C. (W911W4-12-D-0003); Szanca Solutions, Inc., Bedford, Pa. (W911W4-12-D-0002); and Valbin Corp., Bethesda, Md. (W911W4-12-D-0001), were awarded a $9,700,000,000 fixed-price and cost-reimbursable-task-order contract between 14 contractors. The award will provide for the procurement of foreign language services in support of the Defense Language Interpretation Translation Enterprise program. Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 26, 2016. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 11 bids received. The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity.

Legis Consultancy, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded a $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the architect-engineering services for nationwide cost engineering support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla district. Work will be performed in Atlanta, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 7, 2016. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with seven bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912EF-12-D-0006).

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $19,104,938 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 129 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles; 11 armor B-Kits; 20 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles; and 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System B-Kits; with install for United Arab Emirates. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0159).

Defense Support Services, L.L.C., Marlton, N.J., was awarded a $17,404,900 cost-plus-award-fee contract. The award will provide for the logistics support services to the Army. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity (W91151-06-D-0004).

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded a $15,171,136 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to support the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system quick reaction capability. Work will be performed in Poway, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 7, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0153).

Rush - Link One JV, Titusville, Fla., was awarded a $14,412,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the construction of an Army Reserve center located in West Palm Beach, Fla. Work will be performed in West Palm Beach, Fla., with an estimated completion date of April 1, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with six bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-12-C-0002).

Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems, Inc., Fairfax, Va., was awarded a $10,720,446 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the operations and maintenance services for the GUAVA family of sensors systems. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-09-D-0029).

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $9,834,704 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 8,011 muffler kits for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).

LMG Construction Services, L.L.C., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded an $8,253,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the construction of an operation readiness battalion complex at Fort Bliss, Texas. Work will be performed in Fort Bliss, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 7, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with ten bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-12-C-0003).

Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Plymouth, Minn., was awarded a $7,198,538 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 357 munitions control units. Work will be performed in Wilmington, Mass., and Plymouth, Minn., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-11-C-0126).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded a $6,946,589 cost-no-fee contract. The award will provide for the procurement of material items supporting production and conversion of M1A2 tanks to a M1A2S configuration for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work will be performed in Oxford, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-0350).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

US Foodservice Oklahoma Division, Oklahoma City, Okla. was issued a modification exercising the first option year on contract SPM300-09-D-3272/P00015. The award is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $42,664,188 for full line food distribution for the Texas and Oklahoma area. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were eight solicitations made with three responses. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011/fiscal 2012 Defense Capital Working Funds. The date of performance completion is May 11, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

Labatt Food Service, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a firm-fixed-price, sole source, prime vendor contract with a maximum $26,409,327 for full line food distribution to customers in central Texas and New Mexico. Other locations of performance are Dallas, Texas and New Mexico. Using services are Army and Air Force. There was one solicitation with one response. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011/fiscal 2012 Defense Capital Working Funds. The date of performance completion is Nov. 10, 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-12-D-3510).

Korrect Optical*, Louisville, Ky. was issued a modification exercising the first option year on contract SPM2DE-11-D-7546/P00003. The award is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $23,738,582 for various optical lenses. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were six solicitations made with three responses. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 Defense Capital Working Funds. The date of performance completion is Nov. 30, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

NAVY

Huntington Ingalls, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $26,521,082 modification to previously awarded contract (N62793-07-C-0001) for core team and continuous maintenance planning, hull planning, yard services and execution of continuous maintenance for USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for fiscal 2012 and 2013. This contract allows for the necessary planning, alterations, maintenance, repairs and routine work to enable USS Enterprise to continue mission capability until the end of the ship's service life. Majority of work will be performed in Newport News, Va., with some work being conducted as required in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $24,325,392 are obligated on this award will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon, Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $20,701,792 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5126) exercising options for engineering, production, and integration services in support of DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer program for fiscal 2012. Funds in the amount of $5,438,000 are obligated at time of award. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (25 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (25 percent); Marlboro, Mass. (20 percent); Dulles, Va. (20 percent); San Diego, Calif. (5 percent); and Alexandria, Va. (5 percent), and is expected to complete by November 2012. 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.

Guam Cleaning Masters*, Dededo, Guam, is being awarded a $7,134,401 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity contract for grounds maintenance and tree trimming services for various United States military installations in Guam. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, management, tools, material, equipment, facilities, transportation and incidental engineering and other items necessary to accomplish all work to perform grounds maintenance and tree trimming services for all United States military activities in Guam. The services under this contract include maintenance for improved, semi improved and unimproved grounds, as well as maintenance of storm drainage systems. This contract contains two option years, which if exercised, will bring the contract value to $22,249,593. Work will be performed in Guam, Marianas Islands, and is expected to be completed by November 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $6,062,108 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity (N40192-12-D-9008).

Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded a $6,584,539 firm-fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for an increase in the unit price of 691 hydraulic upgrade kits, previously purchased, for the Block 3 upgrade effort. Work will be performed in Benoni, South Africa, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $17,783, 184 fixed-price-award-fee contract modification for total system support responsibility to Boeing for the C-17 weapon system to include program management, sustaining logistics, material and equipment management, sustaining engineering, depot level aircraft maintenance, engine management, long term sustainment planning, air logistics center partnering support, depot activation, and support of Air Force and foreign military sales operators of the C-17. The Aerospace Sustainment Directorate (WR-ALC/GR) of Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA861404-C-2004-P00555).

* Small business



*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

©

COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS