Motion Center Toronto: Nov 10, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Coast Guard response to Carnival Splendor continues

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

A crewmember from the Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, 378-foot high endurance cutter homeported in Alameda, Calif., remains on scene of the stranded Cruise Ship Splendor to ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers and crew. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

For the past two days millions have watched as the cruise ship Carnival Splendor and its 4,400 passengers and crew was left stranded at sea after an engine room fire. As the story unfolds live on international television, the Coast Guard continues to work with the United States Navy and international partners ensuring the ship and all aboard return safely to port.
Without power, propulsion, minimal lighting and approximately 100 miles left to transit home (as of 2:30 p.m. Pacific time), the Coast Guard remains on scene providing aid and security to the Carnival Splendor.

Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau and Carnival Splendor

Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, right, assists the Cruise Ship Carnival Splendor, left, approximately 100 miles at sea. Coast Guard assets were the first U.S. responders on scene to assist the Carnival Splendor and will remain aboard the vessel until the ship is safely back in port. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

A team from the Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau – including a food service specialist, a health service technician and law enforcement officers – boarded the vessel this morning to provide medical assistance, ensure food and water safety and provide general security as the vessel remains under-tow.
Senior Chief Anthony Schell, a food service specialist, was one of the Coast Guardsmen from Morgenthau who went aboard the cruise ship and witnessed firsthand the interaction between the passengers and responders.
“The passengers really seemed to appreciate the fact that the Coast Guard, as well as others, were out here and that we were doing are job to ensure their safety,” said Schell.
Coast Guard assets were the first U.S. responders on scene to assist the Carnival Splendor and will remain aboard the vessel and monitoring from the 11th District Command Center until the ship and her precious human cargo are safely home. In all, three Coast Guard cutters and a long-range patrol aircraft responded to the incident.
“My crew of 165 young men and women and this cutter remain committed to ensuring the cruise ship and all those aboard make it safely back to port,” said Captain Anthony R. Gentilella, the commanding officer of Morgenthau. “The efficient response and coordinated effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy display the agility of the U.S. Armed Forces and the federal government in myriad crises.”

Boat Forces Tour – National Marine Center

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Written by: Dan Bender

Decommisoned Coast Guard boats are refitted at the National Marine Center and are put into service for Customs and Border Protection. Photo by PA2 Dan Bender

For this week’s Boat Forces Tour we’re visiting the National Marine Center in St. Augustine, Fla. The center is run by our sister service, Customs and Border Protection, but it also supports quite a few Coast Guard small boat assets.

Forward-looking infrared radar units, which allows Coast Guard and CBP crews to see in the dark, are also serviced at NMC. Photo by PA2 Dan Bender

“We are essentially the depot-level repair facility for all CBP vessels,” said Kent Clarke, deputy director of NMC, “we also have an agreement to repair the Coast Guard’s fleet of SPC-LEs and all of the RB-S outboard engines.”
The scope of their work is really quite remarkable.
“We’re actually the largest dealer in the U.S. for [150-h.p.] and [225-h.p.] Honda engines,” said Clarke whose facility maintains 280 CBP vessels, 46 Coast Guard SPC-LEs, as well as the engines of 457 RB-Ss in service.
There are many advantages to working with CBP.

Hundreds of outboard engines are serviced here each year. Photo by PA2 Dan Bender

“It would cost the Coast Guard a great deal of money to set up its own contract…and a lot of training for maintenance ,” said Chief Warrant Officer Curtis Fuller, the SPC-LE program manager who works alongside the CBP here in St. Augustine. “If the Coast Guard tried to perform all of the roles in house it would take an extremely large amount of certifications for the warranty repairs and downtime for the boats would increase.”
The partnership also benefits CBP who have also saved a lot of budget dollars by acquiring 96 decommissioned Coast Guard boats, refitting them at NMC and putting them back into service.
“The total cost-avoidance is over 13 million dollars,” said Clarke. “We basically get a new boat for a minimal amount of money—about 40,000 dollars on average.”
It’s a great partnership for both services as well as the taxpayer.

Contracts Daily

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

CONTRACTS

NAVY

                Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $189,214,000 modification under contract (N00024-08-C-2110) as part of the planned increment of detailed design engineering work supporting Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) construction. This modification exercises an option to increase the level of effort. Work includes engineering; integration; related development efforts including drawing and work package development; advanced planning; design weight estimate; lifecycle support products and related logistics data; production planning; test and evaluation; further definition of initiatives to reduce CVN 78 class total ownership costs; and other data necessary to support construction of CVN 78. Work will be conducted in Newport News, Va., and is expected to complete by September 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
                General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $15,252,057 cost-plus-fixed fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2302) for littoral combat ship (LCS) class design services. These LCS class design services provide necessary engineering, program, and technical support for LCS class ships. This includes class baseline design services, class configuration management services, class documentation services, ship interim support, ship systems development, and other technical and engineering analyses. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine (52 percent); Pittsfield, Mass. (34 percent); San Diego, Calif. (4 percent); Houston, Texas (4 percent); and various locations of less than two percent each. Work is expected to be complete by November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $8,895,553 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
                Valley Tech Systems, Inc.*, Folsom, Calif. (N68936-10-D-0002); Advanced Integrated Systems*, Santa Barbara, Calif. (N68936-10-D-0003); LC Engineers, Inc.*, Rahway, N.J. (N68936-10-D-0004); and New Directions Technologies, Inc.*, Ridgecrest, Calif. (N68936-10-D-0005), are each being awarded firm-fixed-price modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to exercise options for advanced technology products in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division's Weapons Prototype Division. Products and support to be provided include electronic components and systems, mechanical components and systems, energetic materials and systems, chemical materials and components, fabrication, assembly, plating/painting/ finish, and packing and shipping. The aggregate not-to-exceed amount for these multiple award contracts combined is $8,166,666, and the companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Valley Tech Systems will perform work under its contract in Folsom, Calif.; Advanced Integrated Systems will perform work under its contract in Santa Barbara, Calif.; LC Engineers will perform work under its contract in Rahway, N.J.; and New Directions Technologies will perform work under its contract in Ridgecrest, Calif. Work performed under these contracts is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

                Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $160,000,000 contract modification which will obligate the fiscal 2010 advance procurement funding for 16 fiscal 2011 C-130J aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/WLNNC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456; P00174).
                Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $16,185,862 contract modification which will exercise the high-speed anti-radiation missile targeting system fiscal 2011 contractor logistics support option. At this time, $4,302,000 has been obligated. AAC/IBAS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-09-C-0003; P00007).
                The Griffiss Utility Services Corp., Rome, N.Y., was awarded a $7,500,000 contract modification which will provide basic electric utility to the Air Force Research Laboratory Rome research site and the Defense Finance and Accounting Services Rome operating location at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park Rome, New York. At this time, no money has been obligated. AFRL/RIKO, Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8751-04-D-0001; P00002).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Lockheed Martin Corp., is being awarded a $157,699,625 cost plus fixed-fee contract modification (HR0011-09-C-0097). The long range anti-ship missile demonstration program is a joint DARPA/ONR effort to rapidly develop and demonstrate a ship-launched, stand-off anti-ship strike weapon capable of achieving mission kill against selective surface targets at significant stand-off ranges. Work will be performed in Grand Praire, Texas (71.32 percent); West Palm Beach, Fla. (12.53 percent); Broomfield, Colo. (5.85 percent); Litchfield Park, Ariz. (2.87 percent); Baltimore, Md. (2.05 percent); East Aurora, N.Y. (2.01 percent); Elkton, Md. (1.24 percent); Portland, Ore. (1.23 percent); and Melbourne, Fla. (0.92 percent). The work is expected to be completed by April 2013. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity.
The Boeing Co., is being awarded a $21,329,776 cost sharing contract (HR0011-11-C-0008) for the Triple Target Terminator program. Work will be performed in Saint Louis, Mo. (49.8 percent); Gainesville, Va. (43 percent); Westminster, Colo. (6.9 percent); and Redmond, Ore. (0.3 percent). The work is expected to be completed November 2011. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity.

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

The Missile Defense Agency is announcing the award of a sole-source cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Woburn, Mass., under the HQ0006-03-C-0047 contract. The total award value is $25,184,559. Under this modification, Raytheon will refurbish AN/TPY-2 radar #4. The work will be performed in Woburn, Mass. The performance period is through August 2011. Fiscal 2010 and 2011 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund this effort. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

US Foodservice Baltimore/Washington Division, Severn, Md., is being awarded a maximum $19,837,500 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor, sole-source bridge contract for full food service. Other locations of performance are mid-Atlantic north region. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Job Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Nov. 12, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-3405).

Gates, Clinton Discuss Partnership, Afghanistan

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discussed their cooperation with each other and answered questions about countering global terrorism in an interview broadcast last night.
Gates and Clinton sat down together for an interview with Cynthia McFadden, shown on ABC's "Nightline," while in Australia for the annual Australia-U.S. ministerial meetings.
The secretaries did not know each other before then President-elect Barack Obama asked both to serve in his Cabinet shortly after his election, they said. Their dealings mostly had been limited to Gates' appearances before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"What I know about Bob Gates is that he's a real patriot," Clinton said. "He loves our country, and that's how I feel about myself. ... We both have a highly developed responsibility gene, we have a long history of service, and we approach this job with a great deal of seriousness."
Gates said his starting point in working with Clinton was that the secretary of state is the principal spokesperson for U.S. foreign policy. When problems arose between past secretaries of defense and state, it often was because the secretary of defense was unwilling to acknowledge the appropriate division of government, he said.
"We both recognize that many of the challenges we face require what we call a whole-of-government approach," Gates said. "And that means the State Department and the Defense Department have to work well together, and that signal has to come from the top."
Both secretaries said they are optimistic about the U.S. strategy and operations in Afghanistan. There is progress there and in neighboring Pakistan, they said, to counter the "terrorist syndicate" that began with and continues to flow from the al-Qaida followers who devised the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks from Afghanistan.
Asked why the United States and its allies haven't taken the fight to terrorist havens in Yemen or Somalia, the secretaries said some work is being done in Yemen, but the focus has to remain on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
"That border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the epicenter of terrorism, because whether you're in Yemen or in Somalia or in Asia or wherever else, they are getting encouragement, they are taking inspiration, and often they are taking guidance from Osama bin Laden and [Ayman al-] Zawahiri and their minions who are telling these guys what kind of operations to plan, to keep their focus on the U.S., and so on," Gates said.
The defense secretary said he disagrees with the notion that history is against U.S. success in Afghanistan because of the past defeats of the British and Soviets there.
"History isn't against us," Gates said. "The people who have failed in Afghanistan have invaded Afghanistan. They've tried to impose a foreign system of government on the Afghans. And they have acted unilaterally."
With the backing of the United Nations, the support of the NATO alliance, and the invitation of the Afghan government, he said, the United States has broken with precedent on other foreign governments' involvement in Afghanistan.
For her part, Clinton said she has seen "considerable change" in Pakistan's willingness to fight terrorism in the region, and that Pakistan has proven it in lives lost to the fight.
Pakistan has withdrawn the equivalent of about six military divisions from its border with India and repositioned 140,000 troops on its northwest border with Afghanistan, Gates said.
"They're attacking the Taliban, but they're also attacking the safe havens that are a problem for us," he said.

The cost of expedited shipping to Canada is increasing to $15, effective November 15, 2010.

(11/09/2010)

The Decal/Transponder program is increasing the cost of expedited shipping to Canada from $12 to $15, effective November 15, 2010. After conducting an evaluation of shipping costs, it was determined that this increase is necessary in order to re-coup the expenditure incurred by CBP when providing this optional courtesy service for shipment of decal/transponder orders. All applications received by the Decal/Transponder program office on or after November 15, 2010 with expedited shipping to Canada selected will be charged the increased price of $15.

National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of November 09, 2010

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

National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of November 09, 2010

            This week the Army, Navy and Air Force announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Marine Corps and Coast Guard announced an increase. The net collective result is 392 fewer reservists activated than last week.
            At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 73,247; Navy Reserve, 6,570; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 10,923; Marine Corps Reserve, 5,072; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 798. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 96,610, including both units and individual augmentees.
            A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found on line at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20101109ngr.pdf .

General Officer Announcements #2

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

General Officer Announcements

              Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:
              Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as director, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, Arlington, Va. Barbero is currently serving as the deputy commanding general for advising and training, U.S. Forces Iraq, Operation New Dawn, Iraq.
              Army Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commanding general for advising and training, U.S. Forces Iraq, Operation New, Dawn, Iraq. Ferriter is currently serving as commanding general, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Fort Benning, Ga.

Flag Officer Announcement

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

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Navy Capt. James W. Crawford III, JAGC, for appointment as legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). He is currently serving as legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C.

General Officer Announcements

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

             Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:
             Army Col. Jeffrey L. Bailey has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Bailey is currently serving as deputy commander (operations), 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized)/ U.S. Division-North, Operation New Dawn, Iraq.
             Army Col. Curt A. Rauhut has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Rauhut is currently serving as director, operations, business transformation, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D.C.

United States and Canada Meet for the 11th Cross-Border Crime Forum Ministerial

Release Date: November 10, 2010
For Immediate Release

Officials Discussed Cross-Border Crime and Border Security

WASHINGTON—Attorney General Eric Holder, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General Rob Nicholson and Canada's Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews met today to enhance continued engagement between the two countries during the 11th United States-Canada Cross-Border Crime Forum (CBCF) Ministerial.
The annual CBCF focuses on enhancing cooperation on key cross-border crime and security issues, with a particular focus on cross-border investigations and the resulting prosecutions. The CBCF brings together senior public safety and law enforcement officials, and prosecutors to address a number of cross-border issues, including terrorism, mass-marketing fraud, interoperability, organized crime and others.
To better combat ever-evolving threats and transnational crime, the United States and Canadian officials highlighted the critical role of the CBCF in addressing the broadening scope of cross-border and homeland security concerns faced by both nations, and discussed streamlining information sharing and enforcement efforts, as well as enhancing the ability of both countries to identify and respond to a wide range of threats.
"The threats we face today are unprecedented, but they are not isolated. There's no question that our countries' security interests are intertwined," said Attorney General Holder. "By coming together, we are signaling our ongoing commitment to strengthen our important relationship and build on the progress that's been made in recent years."
"DHS remains committed to strengthening collaboration with our Canadian counterparts to combat terrorism and evolving threats in both nations," said Secretary Napolitano. "I look forward to continuing this historic partnership as we enhance our efforts to protect our citizens from terrorism and transnational crime while facilitating legitimate trade and travel along our shared border."
During the forum, officials underscored the importance of a shared vision for border security and highlighted progress made by the United States and Canada over the past year to safeguard the critical resources, infrastructure and citizens of both nations. They also discussed the report, Identity-Related Crime: A Threat Assessment, as well as joint cross-border operations, such as Shiprider, which stations joint law enforcement teams along the international maritime border.
"Close international co-operation plays an important role in protecting our two countries from the dangers of cross-border crime," said Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General Nicholson. "This meeting fostered that co-operation, and I am confident that we will continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of both the United States and Canada."
"This Forum is another demonstration of our Government's commitment to working with our longtime friend and ally to combat crime at our shared border. Our discussion focused on how we can build upon existing cooperation that addresses our mutual concerns, in a way that promotes competitiveness and economic prosperity. We face the same threats, and share the same concerns," said Canadian Minister of Public Safety Toews. "Joint partnerships, such as Shiprider, strengthen our joint ability to maximize law enforcement resources and make our communities safer. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the NEXUS program encourage free flows of legitimate trade and travel."
In addition to the meeting, Stephen Rigby, Canada Border Services Agency President; David Aguilar, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner; and John Morton, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director, participated in the official signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Sharing of Currency Seizure Information—announced by Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews in July 2010. The MOU will help identify potential threats and assist in money-laundering and terrorist-financing investigations by creating a notification protocol for both countries when Canadian and United States border officers intercept more than $10,000.
The next United States-Canada Cross Border Crime Forum will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2011.

Face of Defense: Band Strikes Music Industry Chord

By Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

Florida National Guard

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 10, 2010 - When the band American Attitude formed four years ago, the members just wanted to fill some empty seats at their noncommissioned officers club on drill weekends.

American Attitude, left to right: Air National Guardsmen Master Sgt. Marc Myers and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Henderson, Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Matt Smithers and Air National Guardsman Master Sgt. Shawn Watchhorn. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The Guardsmen from the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing thought their hard-rock cover band would provide some much-needed entertainment at the Jacksonville F-15 base, and with the base commander's permission, they started playing at unit parties and events.

Now, after a few years of also playing local bars and charity events in northeastern Florida, American Attitude officially has broken into the music industry. The band landed a recording deal, is writing original material and is playing in Las Vegas.

American Attitude members Master Sgt. Shawn Watchorn on guitar, Master Sgt. Marc Myers on drums and Tech. Sgt. Chris Henderson on vocals are full-time Guardsman at the 125th. Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Matt Smithers on bass completes the hard-rocking quartet during its shows.

Smithers, who joined the band after the original bass player left, described the group's style and stage presence as a spontaneous blend of "feel-good, high-energy music" that is difficult to categorize.

"It's a combination of metal, rock, funk and punk," he explained. "It's really just a fusion thing. ... We say it's a hard rock base, but we incorporate so many different flavors of music. If it rocks, we'll play it."

The band started gaining attention this year after Watchorn posted some of its original music online at GIJams.com. The site – dedicated to promoting military musicians – was the brainchild of legendary songwriter Denny Randell, and featured American Attitude as well as other bands from across the country. Watchorn said he didn't think anything would really come of it, but about a month later, he got a phone call from Randell himself.

"He called us up and said he loved our music and the fact we were all military members," Watchorn said. "He liked that we were creating our own music and juggling our music with our jobs and families."

When Randell asked if American Attitude was interested in signing with his new record label called "GI Jams" and being featured on a forthcoming compilation album of military artists, the band jumped at the opportunity. As part of the deal, American Attitude signed to play a Veterans Day concert in Las Vegas, and is looking at a possible tour for the label next year.

"We never imagined it would get to this level," Watchorn admitted.

While they still practice regularly in Myers' cramped and crowded garage, the band members have moved beyond just performing cover songs and are making their mark with original American Attitude songs.

The members spend weeks writing original material, with Watchorn sketching out the rough structure of the songs and vocalist Henderson putting the lyrics together. A few jam sessions later, they have a song ready to try out on their audience.

"I don't know if other bands do it that way, but it just works really well for us," Smithers said.

While their material runs the gamut from mellow to upbeat party songs, one piece – "Redemption" – tackles the serious issue of post-traumatic stress disorder.

"When I wrote the lyrics for 'Redemption,' I thought that PTSD was something that really needs to be brought to the forefront more," Henderson said. "I had been reading some articles and listening to interviews about how it has been kind of ignored or almost shunned. You can get a broken arm mended, but if you have some sort of psychological trauma, [some people think] you have to just suck it up and not even bring it up. We need to change the way people look at it."

Now that they have a record deal, the band members are focusing more on original material than ever before, and Watchorn said they see any performances as an opportunity to promote the National Guard and military service.

"Every time we're out, we still put an American flag on the stage and tell everyone about the Guard and the military," he said. "We always give a shout-out to the members of the armed forces, past and present. We're a sailor and airmen all the time, so we project that out in public, too."

Behind the Scenes: Coast Guard on Border Wars

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Written by: Christopher Lagan

This week's episode of National Geographic Channel's Border Wars features the Coast Guard Cutter Cushing's role in a $46-million dollar drug bust. Click the image to watch an excerpt from the episode. (Image courtesy of National Geographic)

Ever wonder what it would be like to ride along with the Coast Guard on a major drug bust? Your wait is over.

Tonight’s episode of Border Wars on National Geographic Channel will take you behind the scenes with the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Cushing as they partner with Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection to stop more than 3,000 pounds of cocaine from being smuggled into the United States.

Back in May, Border Wars went underway aboard Cushing as the crew seized 66 bales of cocaine after the 87-foot fishing vessel Two Brothers was intercepted by the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force en route to the U.S. to unload their cargo of illegal drugs.

Here’s what the producers of Border Wars are saying about this week’s episode:

Witness one of the Caribbean’s largest drug busts of the year — over 1.5 tons of cocaine worth more than $40 million found aboard a Panamanian fishing boat heading to the U.S. As the State Department negotiates for possession of the ship, the DEA and Coast Guard stand guard over the cargo. When a suspected smuggler requires medical attention, the situation becomes urgent in a scramble to get medication on board.

Click here to watch an excerpt from tonight’s episode.

Tune in to National Geographic Channel tonight at 9 p.m. to watch Border Wars. If you can’t catch it tonight, the episode will re-air on November 13th & 17th.

Secretary Napolitano and USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas Announce Anti-Fraud Enhancements to E-Verify

WASHINGTON–Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today announced the expansion of the E-Verify program's capabilities to include U.S. passport photo matching—further enhancing the integrity of the program by enabling E-Verify to automatically check the validity and authenticity of all U.S. passports and passport cards presented for employment verification checks.

"E-Verify is a smart, simple and effective tool that helps employers and businesses throughout the nation maintain a legal workforce," said Secretary Napolitano. "Including U.S. passport photo matching in E-Verify will enhance our ability to detect counterfeit documents and combat fraud."

"U.S. passport photo matching is another in the long line of enhancements we have made to improve the integrity of the E-Verify system," said Director Mayorkas. "Adding U.S. passport photos expands our current photo matching efforts and will play a significant role in preventing and detecting the use of fraudulent documents—all part of major anti-fraud initiatives undertaken by the Department."

Beginning today, E-Verify employers are now able to verify the identity of new employees who present a U.S passport or passport card by comparing that data with State Department records. Approximately 10 percent of all E-Verify queries currently provide a U.S. passport to establish both identity and employment authorization in order to prove employment eligibility.

Since September 2007, E-Verify has provided photo matching capabilities to employers throughout the nation to verify the identity of new employees when they presented employment authorization documents or permanent resident cards as proof of identity and work authorization for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

E-Verify is a free, easy-to-use web-based system—operated by DHS in partnership with the Social Security Administration—that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their employees. E-Verify is now used by more than 230,000 employers at more than 800,000 worksites.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify.

Afghan Civilians Lead ANSF, ISAF to IED Cache

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-11-CA-135

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (Nov. 10) - Afghan civilians led an Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol to an improvised explosive device cache in the Aliabad district of Kunduz province Monday.

While on routine patrol ANSF and ISAF forces were meeting with Afghans. During the conversations, the Afghans informed ANSF and ISAF of a nearby weapons cache. The Afghans led the joint security force to the cache and also turned over bomb-making paraphernalia.

The cache consisted of an IED made with three 81mm mortars, nine IEDs ready to be emplaced, eight 81mm mortar rounds, one anti-personnel mine and one 82mm mortar round.

The cache was secured and destroyed safely in place.

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader in Ghazni

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - An Afghan and coalition force killed a Taliban leader and facilitator during an intelligence-driven overnight operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader distributed bombs and bomb components to insurgent groups in the area, and reportedly distributed more than 90 roadside bombs during the September parliamentary elections, officials said.

As the security force approached the targeted compound in the Ghazni district, a man carrying a weapon ran out and tried to hide. The security force pursued him in an attempt to capture him peacefully, but when he threatened the security force, they shot and killed him. The security force subsequently identified him as Mirza Jan, the operation's target.

In other operations yesterday:

-- A partnered Afghan and coalition security force targeting the Taliban district leader for Helmand province's Garm Ser district, who also leads a roadside-bomb attack cell, detained two suspected insurgents during an overnight intelligence-driven operation. The security force also found 30 pounds of opium at the scene.

-- Also in Helmand, a separate security force targeted a Taliban facilitator who acquires funds, transfers supplies and handles logistical concerns for Taliban operatives in the Nahr-e Saraj district, detaining two suspected insurgents.

-- In Kandahar province, Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a compound west of Kandahar City to search for a Taliban facilitator associated with a vehicle-borne bombing attack against Combat Outpost Senjarray earlier this month, detaining two suspected insurgents.

-- An operation in Paktika province's Nikeh district targeting a Haqqani terrorist network leader who coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and leads a group of fighters resulted in one suspected insurgent detained.

-- Acting on intelligence information, a combined Afghan and coalition security force just outside Farah province's Bala Boluk district captured a senior Taliban leader for the province's Posht-e Rod and Gulistan districts. He was responsible for planning and directing roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and reportedly was preparing for upcoming remote-controlled bomb attacks and ambushes in the area, officials said.

-- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban roadside-bomb facilitator and attack planner, along with two of his associates, in Kabul province's Musahi district. He maintained constant contact with insurgent attack cells connected to attempted attacks throughout July's International Peace Conference in the Afghan capital of Kabul and Afghanistan's parliamentary elections in September.

-- An Afghan and coalition force killed two insurgents during an overnight operation in Nangarhar province's Sherzad district, targeting a Taliban facilitator known to provide weapons and explosives to senior Taliban leaders in Kabul and Nangarhar provinces. He reportedly uses his residences to house insurgents receiving roadside-bomb training. As the security force approached the targeted compound, they saw armed insurgents come out. The security force attempted to interdict the group peacefully, but the insurgents attacked with small-arms fire. The security force responded, killing at least two insurgents carrying automatic weapons and pistols. Officials said they're still gathering information to determine whether the targeted Taliban leader was one of the insurgents killed.

-- A combined security patrol detained two targeted insurgents and found a weapons cache in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district. Multiple intelligence reports and tips from local residents led the security force to the location of two insurgents and a weapons cache that was to be moved to Kabul.

The security detained the targeted insurgents and found seven 82 mm high-explosive mortar rounds and 100 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition at the scene.

-- An Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban facilitator of weapons and bomb-making materials during an intelligence-driven overnight operation in Ghazni province.

–International Security Assistance Force officials said Afghan and coalition forces protected any women and children present during the operations.

In other news from Afghanistan, ISAF officials are looking into the possibility that three Afghan civilians were inadvertently killed and another was wounded by ISAF forces during combat operations with insurgents in Helmand province's Sangin district today.

Four Afghan civilians were brought to a nearby ISAF base following the engagement; three died, and one was wounded.

"Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of this terrible accident," said Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.

Gates Shows Optimism for Afghan Fight, U.S. Leadership

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates yesterday gave an optimistic view of the war in Afghanistan and of U.S. leadership overall during a television interview in which he reflected on his four decades of public service.

The secretary reaffirmed to Cynthia McFadden on ABC's "Nightline" that he plans to leave office next year -– he won't say when -- and that he is optimistic about what he hopes to accomplish in the meantime.

"I would hope that it would be that people would recognize that we're making progress in Afghanistan -- that this is worth doing, and that the sacrifices our young men and women are making is, in fact, producing success," he said.

Gates joked at the notion that he is irreplaceable in his job. "Sanitariums are full of indispensable men," he said, quoting a French proverb. But he took a serious tone in describing his "highest priority" of making sure warfighters are well cared for.

"I would say I have a very paternalistic view toward these men and women out there," he said, adding that when he speaks to young servicemembers, "I say I feel a responsibility for you as if you were my own son or daughter. And I feel that very deeply."

The secretary confirmed that he writes handwritten notes to families of the fallen, even reading their death notices in hometown newspapers to personalize them.

"I read about what their coaches say about them, what their Boy Scout leaders say about them, what their ministers say about them, what their friends and families say about them," he said. "I try to know something about every one of these incredible people."

Gates noted how the threats to the United States and the subsequent demands on servicemembers have changed since the Cold War, when the focus was on averting a nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union. The threat was simpler then, he said, and though the consequences would be cataclysmic, the likelihood of such a war was low. In today's world, he added, the danger of a cataclysm is low, but the likelihood of attacks is high.

"We have been both good and lucky since 9/11," he said, adding that military, government and police capabilities are far better now before the terrorist attacks on the United States.

The diversity of challenges around the world means the United States can't afford to reduce the size of its military right now, Gates said, adding that the scope of capabilities demanded of today's servicemembers is broad.

The secretary recounted meeting a U.S. military captain during his first visit to Afghanistan. Based along Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, the young officer trained Afghan soldiers, built roads and met with village elders. "He was providing basic services, and he was fighting a war," Gates said of the captain. "I turned to him and said, 'It would be a hell of a thing to go back to selling shoes now, wouldn't it?'"

But the secretary said he is optimistic that the United States will prevail in Afghanistan -– and at home. Pressed on how he feels about Washington politics and governance, Gates said he has seen that Washington "is a little out of touch" and suffers from self-serving people. However, he added, that has been true throughout U.S. history.

"I've read a lot of history, and I know that the things that annoy me about Washington have been characteristic of the place since the beginning of the republic," he said. "So that gives me comfort in terms of looking at the future.

"History's dustbin is littered with countries and powers that have underestimated the United States and our power of recovery," he added. "We have been through many tribulations. We are the most self-critical nation in the world, and we are the most quickly self-correcting, and you can see it right now.

"We're going to be just fine," he added. "I absolutely believe that."

United States and Canada Meet for the 11th Cross-Border Crime Forum Ministerial

Release Date: November 10, 2010
For Immediate Release

Officials Discussed Cross-Border Crime and Border Security

Obama: 'Strengthen Bond Between Nation, Warriors'

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - In proclaiming tomorrow's Veterans Day holiday, President Barack Obama expressed hope that the observance would strengthen the bond between the American people and the men and women who defend them.
Here is the text of the president's proclamation:
On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us.
It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her warriors.
In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more than two centuries, our veterans have charged into harm's way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our Nation's finest citizens, and they have shown the heights to which Americans can rise when asked and inspired to do so.
Our courageous troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their place alongside previous generations of great Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in conflicts spanning nearly a decade.
Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families.
America's sons and daughters have not watched over her shores or her citizens for public recognition, fanfare, or parades. They have preserved our way of life with unwavering patriotism and quiet courage, and ours is a debt of honor to care for them and their families. These obligations do not end after their time of service, and we must fulfill our sacred trust to care for our veterans after they retire their uniforms.
As a grateful Nation, we are humbled by the sacrifices rendered by our servicemembers and their families out of the deepest sense of service and love of country. On Veterans Day, let us remember our solemn obligations to our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens have fought and died for.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2010, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
(Signed)
Barack Obama

CBP Officers in El Paso Arrest Alleged Child Sex Offender While Officers at Columbus Port Stop Mother and Infant with 500+ Pounds of Pot

(Monday, November 08, 2010)

El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at El Paso area ports of entry recorded a wide variety of enforcement actions during a busy weekend. CBP officers made numerous fugitive apprehensions, stopped drug smuggling attempts, uncovered immigrations violations, and located prohibited agriculture items while inspecting inbound and outbound traffic at area border crossings. CBP officers also rendered first aid to a woman who delivered a baby at port of entry restroom

CBP officers at the Columbus port of entry removed 309 marijuana-filled bundles from the floor of a 2004 Ford Expedition on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010.

“CBP officers remain committed to enforcing the laws of the United States while they execute their primary homeland security mission at our area ports,” said Ana Hinojosa, CBP Director of Field Operations in El Paso. “CBP employees take pride in knowing they are doing their part to keep the communities where they work and live as safe as possible.”

CBP officers working at area ports made a total of 10 fugitive apprehensions during the three day period including a 60-year-old Horizon City (Texas) man who was being sought on an outstanding warrant for indecency with child – sexual contact. CBP officers arrested Humberto Estrada Pimental shortly after noon Saturday at the Ysleta international crossing. After confirming his warrant information he was turned over to the El Paso County Sherriff’s Office and booked into the El Paso County Jail.

CBP officers working at area ports of entry seized 923 pounds of marijuana in five incidents. The largest drug bust of the weekend occurred Sunday afternoon at the Columbus port of entry. CBP officers discovered 551 pounds of marijuana hidden in the floorboard of 2004 Ford Expedition that entered the port from Mexico. The car was driven by a 22-year-old Colorado woman who was traveling with her 1 ½ year-old son.

CBP officers arrested Vanessa Fuller of Aurora, Colorado. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents to face federal drug smuggling charges. Her son was turned over to representatives of the New Mexico Department of Child Protective Services.

During the previous three days area CBP officers uncovered 55 immigration violations. Intended immigrants made up a large group of the violators. A total of 23 were identified through thorough document exams. In these cases individuals will use a legally issued border-crossing card (laser visa) to live or work in the U.S., which is not authorized. Violators generally lose their documents and are returned to Mexico.

CBP officers this weekend also identified 10 imposters while performing inspections at area ports. Imposters generally will use a legitimate entry document assigned to another person and present it as their own. CBP officers also recorded 22 cases of people making false claims to U.S. citizenship, people attempting to enter with counterfeit or altered documents, and stopping those who previously entered the country illegally.

CBP agriculture specialists working at area ports made nine seizures of prohibited food and agricultural items this weekend, resulting in $2,100 in fines being assessed. Prohibited items seized this weekend included pork, bologna, guavas, sugar cane, tangerines, apples, peaches, live plants and cotton seeds.

At approximately 2 p.m. Sunday, CBP officers at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing were summoned by janitorial staff who heard a woman screaming in a public restroom. A CBP officer entered and found a woman in the process of giving birth. The CBP officer radioed for assistance however the woman had already delivered a baby girl. CBP officers provided first aid until EMS arrived to assist and transport the 22-year-old woman and her baby to University Medical Center.

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP ISF/"10+2" 2010 Outreach Schedule

(11/10/2010)

CBP is hosting trade outreach events in various locations around the country and hosting webinars via the Internet to provide the trade community with an opportunity to learn more about the new Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements (a.k.a. ISF/”10+2”) final rule. These events are intended to give the importing and filing community a basic understanding of how to fulfill the new requirements.

The program will consist of: a high-level overview of the “10+2” requirements; an update on the statistics and current trends; critical information on the enforcement regime; and will conclude with an opportunity for the trade to ask pertinent questions. ( FAQs: Importer Security Filing "10+2" Program (doc - 657 KB.) )

Space is limited so please pre-register using the CBP on-line registration process.

Future CBP ISF/"10+2" Outreach Events

CBP Importer Security Filing & Additional Carrier Requirements (10+2) Presentation & Discussion
Jamaica, NY
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
( Registration Form )
( Cancellation Form )

ISF/”10+2” outreach events have already occurred:

CBP Importer Security Filing & Additional Carrier Requirements (10+2) Presentation & Discussion
Elizabeth, NJ
Thursday, October 28, 2010

ISF/”10+2 Webinar for Small to Medium-Sized Companies
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
To replay the ISF/”10+2” Webinar, please visit the archived version
( CBP ISF/"10+2" Webinar with Small to Medium-Sized Companies Webinar Recording )
( ISF/"10"2 Webinar Presentation for Small-to Medium-Sized Companies (ppt - 11,129 KB.) )

ISF/”10+2” Webinar for Small to Medium Sized Companies
Thursday, May 27, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

ISF/”10+2” Webinar for East Coast Small to Medium Sized Importers/Brokers - Thursday, May 13, 2010
( ISF/"10"2 Webinar Presentation for Small-to Medium-Sized Companies (ppt - 11,129 KB.) )

ISF/”10+2” Webinar for Gulf Coast and Mid-West Small to Medium Sized Importers/Brokers
Tuesday, May 4, 2010

ISF/”10+2” Webinar for West Coast Small to Medium Sized Importers/Brokers
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Customs and Border Protection Officers at Brownsville Port of Entry Arrest Man Wanted on Charges of Sexual Assault of a Child

Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry apprehended a man on an arrest warrant for sexual assault of a child from Corpus Christi, Texas.

On Friday, Nov. 5, CBP officers at the Gateway International Bridge referred a male pedestrian identified as Ivan Estevan Claudio, 29, a United States citizen who resides in Corpus Christi, Texas for a secondary examination. A CBP officer’s primary checks of a national database revealed a possible active warrant for sexual assault of a child for Claudio. At secondary, CBP officers confirmed the active warrant for Ivan Estevan Claudio. Pending charges against Ivan Estevan Claudio are related to a case from Nueces County in the Corpus Christi, Texas area for sexual assault of a child. CBP officers arrested Claudio and subsequently turned him over to the custody of a Cameron County sheriff’s department. Ivan Estevan Claudio was transported to the Carrizales/Rucker Detention Center pending extradition to Corpus Christi, Texas.

“CBP officers’ primary checks identified Claudio as a wanted person out of Nueces County, Corpus Christi, Texas. The apprehension of this fugitive is a direct result of the outstanding vigilance our officers employ each day," said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Apprehending fugitives wanted for sex-related charges involving children clearly illustrates CBP’s role in keeping our communities safe and secure.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reminds Public Ponche Ingredients are Prohibited from Entry

San Diego - Ponche, a traditional Mexican holiday punch, is shared and enjoyed among many families along the Southwest Border during holiday seasons. However the ingredients used to make it, guavas, Hawthorne apples and sugar cane are all illegal when imported across the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists at the ports are expecting an increase in the attempted importation of the prohibited ingredients through passenger ports.

Hawthorne apples (tejocotes)

CBP is advising the public the prohibited items pose significant pest risks. Both the guavas and Hawthorne apples are prohibited, under 7 CFR 319.56, and the sugar cane if imported freshly harvested is prohibited under 7 CFR 319.15.

According to Pete Flores, the acting Director of Field Operations in San Diego, the ports of entry are expecting an increase in attempts to illegally bring the Ponche ingredients across the border.

“I want to remind the public that these products are prohibited and failure to declare them could result in penalties,” he said. “Historically, we’ve seen an increased rate of interception of these items during the holiday seasons.”

According to CBP, officers and agriculture specialists will be on the lookout for individuals attempting to import these ponche ingredients through the passenger environment and will refer vehicles for secondary inspection that are believed to be transporting these and other prohibited items.

Chairman's Corner: Happy Veterans Day

By Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - Across our Nation tomorrow, we honor those who have served so nobly in uniform, selflessly defending and protecting America's promise throughout our history.
But that same history teaches us that peace does not preserve itself. It demands effort and pain and sacrifice. It also requires generations of young men and women, willing to deploy to the far ends of the earth to, as one memorial puts it, defend countries "they never knew and a people they never met."
Today, a new generation of GI's has deployed to far-off places and defend people they did not know. War has bloodied them. Loss has tempered them. Great families have sustained them.
Through it all, they have emerged the most resilient, combat-ready force I have seen in my four decades of service. And yet, they continue to look to veterans past -- their predecessors -- for example.
They know they stand on very broad shoulders.
As we enjoy this special holiday, I ask every American to join me in thanking those who have -- for all of us -- stood that treacherous ground and borne that terrible burden: our wounded and missing warriors, their families and the families of the fallen. Please recommit yourselves to supporting them over there and when they come home. They have given us so much, and we owe them so very much in return.
To all our veterans -- past and future -- as well as your families, the Joint Chiefs and I salute you. We will always remember your service and may America always remember its promise to you.

Joint Press Conference with Secretary Gates and Minister Zahid from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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

                 SEC. GATES: Thank you.
                Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to be here on my first visit to Malaysia, and certainly my first visit as Secretary of Defense.
                I'd like to start by wishing Prime Minister Najib a quick recovery from his illness. I'm sorry that it kept us from meeting in person. We spoke on the phone earlier this afternoon. And Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin and Minister Zahid hosted two very productive sessions today.
                As you know, my visit follows closely a trip to Kuala Lumpur by Secretary of State Clinton. Between the two of us and our motorcades, I'm sure we managed to make your traffic even worse. (Laughter.) So I apologize for the disruption.
                But in all seriousness, our two side-by-side visits send a clear message about the strong state of our bilateral ties and our mutual desire to deepen them further. In the area of defense, the U.S. and Malaysia have a multifaceted relationship that has spanned over 25 years, with many opportunities to enhance it still. To that end, we discussed building on our cooperation on counterterrorism and counter proliferation, and on maritime security.
                I also expressed my support for Malaysia's contributions in Afghanistan, where we share a desire to combat extremism, strengthen the rule of law, and promote economic development. Malaysia has a strong record as a leader in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts, and we discussed ways to work together to bolster that capability further.
                I also stressed the importance of building stronger mechanisms for military-to-military cooperation, such as increasing the number of combined exercises and enhancing our ability to operate together.
                The growth of our defense ties has gone hand-in-hand with the close working relationship I have developed with Minister Zahid. Earlier this year, I welcomed him to the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting, and we both participated last month in the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus in Hanoi.
                Malaysia's important role in that new forum is a testament to its commitment to the principles that I have said before are key to this region's prosperity, including free and open commerce; adherence to the rule of law and international norms; open access by all to the global commons of sea, air, space and now cyberspace; and the principle of resolving conflict without the use of force. It is our shared belief in these principles that have led the U.S. and Malaysia to the strong defense relationship that we have today, and these are the principles that will continue to guide us as we take on new security challenges together with other nations in the region in the years to come.
                Thank you.
                Q: With apologies for the off-topic question, Mr. Secretary, on Iraq, what is your message to the political bloc leaders as they go through these couple of days of meetings? Have you been in touch with any of them directly to express that message? And how long does Iraq, once it has a new government, have to ask the United States if it wants to extend U.S. troop presence in that country?
                SEC. GATES: Well, first of all, our -- we have made pretty clear to the -- to the Iraqis that what we seek and hope they will come together on is an inclusive government that represents all of the major elements of Iraqi society, and in a non-sectarian way so that they go forward as a nation together. And it is our hope that that is the direction that they are moving in taking a further step toward a democratic Iraq.
                I have not spoken to any of the Iraqi leaders myself recently, although as you well know other members of the administration, in particular Vice President Biden has been very much engaged.
                In terms of a future strategic relationship beyond the end of 2011, I would say that that initiative clearly needs to come from the Iraqis. We are open to discussing it. And I think it really depends as much as anything on -- in terms of timing, it's really up to the Iraqis. I think it will take them a little time once they get a government, once they select a president, prime minister and speaker of the Council of Representatives, to make the ministerial appointments and form the government. So we will just -- we'll stand by, and we're ready to have that discussion if and when they want to raise it with us.
                Q: Secretary Gates, after the recent foiled plot linked to al Qaeda and Yemen, how do you see -- given your background in intelligence, how do you see the threat posed by al Qaeda evolving generally? And is the United States able to keep up with that threat, given the huge commitment in Afghanistan?
                And then to you, Mr. Minister, given the tensions between China and Japan recently, are you concerned that Beijing is bullying the smaller states of the region with its growing economic power?
                SEC. GATES: Well, first of all, I would say that the heart of al Qaeda remains with bin Laden and Zawahiri in the -- in the border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is -- that is, as Secretary Clinton has said, the epicenter of terrorism. They provide guidance. They provide priorities. They provide legitimacy to other al Qaeda affiliates that are developing in other places, including in the Arabian Peninsula, in Yemen in particular, and in Northern Africa, in the Maghreb.
                The first thing I would say is that, as we see al Qaeda becoming active -- and I should have mentioned here in Asia as well -- as we see al Qaeda spreading its tentacles in this way, the good news is we have some very strong partners that are working on this problem because of their own self-interest. We have many allies that are -- that are helping us. And I would say, just to point to the Maghreb, France is obviously very much involved. And when we're talking about Asia, this is one of the areas of which the United States and Malaysia have been cooperating.
                So we're not in this fight by ourselves. We have some strong friends who see their own self-interest in dealing with this threat of extremist terrorism. And so I'm confident that we will have the resources and the capability to continue to deal with it.
                MIN. ZAHID: China is our traditional friend, so we having trading with them ever since the 1,000 years ago. And we do not feel we are being bullied or other -- the small countries in Southeast Asia are being bullied by that. And as clearly mentioned by our -- (inaudible) -- prime minister in the -- (inaudible) -- we both need each other because we have many challenges in Malaysia which Malaysia and Chinese are contributing the development in this country. And we are very confident that we are more comfortable to engage with China rather than to have a sour relationship with them. So it's the -- China, they have very positive attitude toward us.
                Q: A question for the Minister and Secretary of Defense Gates. You mentioned about increasing the number of combined exercises between Malaysia and the United States. And in what fields would these be?
                SEC. GATES: Well, we've had a number of exercises already. In fact, I think we had something like 15 exercises just this last year. Clearly, one area where we have exercised -- and just to pick up on the minister's point, an area where we also would like to work with China -- is -- in terms of exercises and contact, is in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
                Every country in the region has -- as well as ourselves -- has an interest in this capability. And I note the World Food Program center that's going to be built here. So I think Malaysia has a -- has a big role to play in this.
                So that's one area. Counterterrorism, counter proliferation, piracy, these are all areas where I think there's the opportunity for further exercises.
                MIN. ZAHID: In terms of military training, as far as the actions and programs between the U.S. and Malaysian top military personnel --and the assistance of 1206 program -- (inaudible). And we are working together and user of the 1206 program, and we would like to share our experience.
                And definitely U.S. will be persevering probably to expand the program, if not to upgrade to the level of state-of-the-art equipment. And I reckon the commitment of U.S. government, especially the Defense Department of the U.S., has shown the new development between U.S. and Malaysia. And even this visit, visit by Secretary Gates, gesture of a message saying very clearly that they regard us truly as observer, participant and friend now too.
                Q: Secretary Gates, recently the China is moving the navy inside South China Sea. And my question is, the Chinese people is doing our doing our military best in Hainan Island, and how the USA people -- (inaudible) -- from the China -- from the Hainan Island?
                SEC. GATES: I won't get into any specifics, but the points that I made in Hanoi and points that I have been willing to make are in -- are along the lines of what I just described this morning.
                Every nation has the right to have its own military forces. And what we ask is that people observe international norms of conduct, that they abide by international law, that they provide for the freedom of navigation and maritime security. And within that framework, that's our approach in a variety of places around the world, and that continues to be our approach here as well.
                Thank you.