Rumors ran like wildfire through the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) at Monday's announcement and press release by Secretary of Defense Gates.
The call to eliminate 50 general officers was only noted in passing (see where the priorities aren't?). And the closing of Joint Forces Command itself commanded only some interest. But the reported (here at the ADC Conference) call for identification of extraneous base assets raised a conflagration! Speculation ran rampant if this is the beginning of a next dreaded BRAC, when the deadline looms next month for all tasks of the 2005 BRAC to be accomplished.
Whatever the process ahead, local PNWers should relax - somewhat. The consolidation of Ft. Lewis and McChord AFB into one Joint Base (JB Lewis-McChord), headed toward finalization in September, should, given the strategic value of the joint base, make the local installation as impregnable as it is possible to be.
BUT, always in the realm of possibility have been programmatic changes. The Commander in Chief and the Secretary of Defense have always had the authority to realign units without the concurrence of Congress and Governors (as with the Guard).
It is no less likely today, than yesterday or tomorrow, that the nation's defense will require individual units to be reassigned. The first Stryker brigade was realigned from Ft. Polk, LA to Ft. Lewis BEFORE BRAC 2005. Other troop movements transferring troops and units here to growth installation JBLM did not occur because of BRAC.
So, which Army units remain at JBLM-Lewis Main, or whether any Air Force units remain at JBLM-McChord Field always has and always will be subject to their military mission and the dictates of their Commander in Chief, our President.
It is and always has been up to the community to work to insure that our local military installations retain the highest and most current military mission possible (including locally controlled factors).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Whidbey NAS Wins MX Award
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today the 2010 winners of the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards for depot and field-level units. These awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon system and military equipment maintenance.
A total of six field-level awards are presented in three categories - large, medium, and small. The recipients of this year's Secretary of Defense Field-level Maintenance Awards in the in the medium category includes the Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash.
The awards will be presented to the winners at the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards banquet on Nov. 17, 2010, during the 2010 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition at the Tampa convention center in Tampa, Fla. Additional information regarding the 2010 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition can be found here.
A total of six field-level awards are presented in three categories - large, medium, and small. The recipients of this year's Secretary of Defense Field-level Maintenance Awards in the in the medium category includes the Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash.
The awards will be presented to the winners at the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards banquet on Nov. 17, 2010, during the 2010 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition at the Tampa convention center in Tampa, Fla. Additional information regarding the 2010 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition can be found here.
Monday, August 2, 2010
AUSA Recognizes Outstanding Legislators
The Association of the United States Army recognized Reps. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., and Rodney Freylinghuysen, R-N.J., at its Outstanding Legislator award presentation on Capitol Hill last week.
Dicks, Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, said in accepting the award, “We are committed to helping the troops” and that the committee has and “needs to operate on a bipartisan basis. I pledge to you that I will keep that going.” He cited the work of his fellow recipient and Reps. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., and “Bill” Young, R-Fla., both former full committee chairmen, in working together on legislation to improve the lives of soldiers, their families and retirees.
Soldiers in all components “are doing incredible work” and “sometimes we don’t realize that.” He added, “We cannot do enough” to help wounded warriors.
AUSA President Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., said, “These two congressmen, as well or better than anyone in this business, understand what the military is up against and understand its impact on the nation.”
Sullivan thanked Dicks for being “an advocate for a strong national defense to include military end strength increases.” Sullivan also cited Dicks' assistance in raising the death gratuity, helping enact the Post 9/11 GI Bill and in health care.
Cong. Dicks will be a speaker at the next Military Affairs Forum on August 18. You may register for that event here.
Dicks, Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, said in accepting the award, “We are committed to helping the troops” and that the committee has and “needs to operate on a bipartisan basis. I pledge to you that I will keep that going.” He cited the work of his fellow recipient and Reps. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., and “Bill” Young, R-Fla., both former full committee chairmen, in working together on legislation to improve the lives of soldiers, their families and retirees.
Soldiers in all components “are doing incredible work” and “sometimes we don’t realize that.” He added, “We cannot do enough” to help wounded warriors.
AUSA President Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., said, “These two congressmen, as well or better than anyone in this business, understand what the military is up against and understand its impact on the nation.”
Sullivan thanked Dicks for being “an advocate for a strong national defense to include military end strength increases.” Sullivan also cited Dicks' assistance in raising the death gratuity, helping enact the Post 9/11 GI Bill and in health care.
Cong. Dicks will be a speaker at the next Military Affairs Forum on August 18. You may register for that event here.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Cong. Dicks On Tap for Military Affairs Forum
MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM
CONFIRM: CONG. DICKS WILL ATTEND THIS MEETING.
Event Speaker: Congressman Norm Dicks
Congressional Update from Congressman Norm Dicks, Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee has jursidiction of the
Departments of Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, Office of Secretary of Defense, and Defense Agencies including activities related to military personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; research and development; and the Military Health System. Also includes intelligence activities such as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency.
(Jurisdiction excludes Department of Defense-related accounts and programs under the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army ((Civil Works)).)
In addition to prepared remarks, Cong. Dicks will respond in a Q& A session.
Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, August 18, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma 98402
Price: $20.00 pre-paid on or before August 13, noon
$25.00 pre-paid after August 14-17
$30.00 walk-ins/at the door
Information: Monique Shields, (253) 627.2175
RSVP: DUE 12 noon, August 13 (Friday)
Register: Online Link
If you have reserved for others, please share this confirmation with them.
Cong. Dicks will depart promptly AFTER this meeting to attend the funeral service for Sen. Ted Stevens.
CONFIRM: CONG. DICKS WILL ATTEND THIS MEETING.
Event Speaker: Congressman Norm Dicks
The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee has jursidiction of the
Departments of Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, Office of Secretary of Defense, and Defense Agencies including activities related to military personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; research and development; and the Military Health System. Also includes intelligence activities such as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency.
(Jurisdiction excludes Department of Defense-related accounts and programs under the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army ((Civil Works)).)
In addition to prepared remarks, Cong. Dicks will respond in a Q& A session.
Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, August 18, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma 98402
Price: $20.00 pre-paid on or before August 13, noon
$25.00 pre-paid after August 14-17
$30.00 walk-ins/at the door
Information: Monique Shields, (253) 627.2175
RSVP: DUE 12 noon, August 13 (Friday)
Register: Online Link
If you have reserved for others, please share this confirmation with them.
Cong. Dicks will depart promptly AFTER this meeting to attend the funeral service for Sen. Ted Stevens.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Noteworthies With a Local Link
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:
Capt. Kelvin N. Dixon, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, International Transition and Advisory Mission - Navy, Umm Qasr, Iraq. Dixon is currently serving as deputy reserve commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Wash.
Capt. Kelvin N. Dixon, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, International Transition and Advisory Mission - Navy, Umm Qasr, Iraq. Dixon is currently serving as deputy reserve commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Wash.
Monday, July 19, 2010
VACATION = WORK = VACATION
It all started with an invitation to join the Washington State National Guard for a "Guard For A Day" event, any one of six days - my choice.
Well, it was all either a weekend (how like the Guard) or a Friday vacation day. So, I decided on the vacation day - both to "reserve" my weekend for family and to fulfill a sense of obligation to learn more about Washington's National Guard. So, what started as a vacation day had become a work day.
Quickly, once involved in the "Guard For A Day," the newly designated work day became a vacation day again. Yes, I know that it really is work for Guardsmen on their weekends or their two weeks required annual duty. And, because of this "Guard For A Day" opportunity, I could see that it was serious business.
The professionalism was evident, with the initial boarding and flight of the C-23 Sherpa from Olympia to Yakima (and return later). Once in Yakima, the required educational effort proved just that - educational. Still, talking with our Guardsmen in the vehicle maintenance bays was a pleasure. And, anyone would be delighted at the smile of a young Guardsman, when asked who got to fly the Shadow UAV, as she said she did.
But, the excursions to the firing range where soldiers qualified for unstabilized firings of M2s and Mk 19s, impressed one of the serious business soldiers are about.
What changed it all into pure delight was the UH-60 Black Hawk flight. Remember that video popular some years back: "Over Washington" where an aerial camera follows the fields and terrains, including the dramatic flight over an escarpment of the Columbia River basin?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Reception Honors Col. Kevin Kilb
For its continuing tradition of welcoming the commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing to the community, the Military Affairs Committee presented a welcome reception to Col. Kevin Kilb, Cdr., 62nd AW, hosted by TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
The 62nd AW is the largest U.S. Air Force unit in the community. Until recently, the 62nd AW Commander was also responsible for McChord AFB, prior to the consolidation of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The welcome reception for Col. Kilb had been delayed until now due to his demanding training and 0perations schedule.
The 62nd AW is the largest U.S. Air Force unit in the community. Until recently, the 62nd AW Commander was also responsible for McChord AFB, prior to the consolidation of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The welcome reception for Col. Kilb had been delayed until now due to his demanding training and 0perations schedule.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lakewood Subchapter of the Association of the United States Army
July 15, 2010
The 4th Stryker Brigade is coming home! You may have heard 17,000 soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) are returning from the War over the summer months. The JBLM commanding general has assigned the 4rd Stryker Brigade to the city of Lakewood as a community connector unit. There are approximately 5,000 soldiers in this brigade; yes, 5,000!
Recently, the Association of the United States Army’s Fort Lewis Chapter established a Lakewood Subchapter to provide long term financial and welfare support to the 4rd Stryker Brigade. The Lakewood Subchapter currently has the task of raising $50,000 for an upcoming “Welcome Home Bar-B-Q” event, which is scheduled for early October. We need everyone’s help to welcome our hometown heroes home! If each business contributes $1,000 or more, just think how much quicker we can achieve the $50,000 goal!
We sincerely hope you’ll help us with this fundraising. This is a Win-Win opportunity for all of us. The Association of the United States Army is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Therefore, your contributions are tax deductible. If you have any questions or require more information, please contact Carlene Joseph at (253)312-9279.
We appreciate your consideration!
Respectfully,
Larry Saunders
President
AUSA Lakewood Subchapter
The 4th Stryker Brigade is coming home! You may have heard 17,000 soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) are returning from the War over the summer months. The JBLM commanding general has assigned the 4rd Stryker Brigade to the city of Lakewood as a community connector unit. There are approximately 5,000 soldiers in this brigade; yes, 5,000!
Recently, the Association of the United States Army’s Fort Lewis Chapter established a Lakewood Subchapter to provide long term financial and welfare support to the 4rd Stryker Brigade. The Lakewood Subchapter currently has the task of raising $50,000 for an upcoming “Welcome Home Bar-B-Q” event, which is scheduled for early October. We need everyone’s help to welcome our hometown heroes home! If each business contributes $1,000 or more, just think how much quicker we can achieve the $50,000 goal!
We sincerely hope you’ll help us with this fundraising. This is a Win-Win opportunity for all of us. The Association of the United States Army is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Therefore, your contributions are tax deductible. If you have any questions or require more information, please contact Carlene Joseph at (253)312-9279.
We appreciate your consideration!
Respectfully,
Larry Saunders
President
AUSA Lakewood Subchapter
Monday, July 12, 2010
SSBR Spotlights Redeployment
The South Sound Business Report (SSBR), with host Jeff Rounce, reviewed with guests the redeployment of about 15,000 soldiers back to Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) now underway.
This SSBR program will be showing on KBTC-TV (PBS Tacoma) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, and 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. It will also show on KSTW-TV (CW-11) the next two Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Guests are Carlene Joseph, Pres., Capt. Meriwether Lewis AUSA Chapter and Gary Brackett, Mgr., Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and staff of its Military Affairs Committee.
This SSBR program will be showing on KBTC-TV (PBS Tacoma) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, and 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. It will also show on KSTW-TV (CW-11) the next two Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Guests are Carlene Joseph, Pres., Capt. Meriwether Lewis AUSA Chapter and Gary Brackett, Mgr., Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and staff of its Military Affairs Committee.
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