LOCATIONS
24 Apr 07. Allen-Vanguard, the global security specialist, has strategically expanded its operations by opening a new office in the Middle East (Sultanate of Oman) in February 2007. The new site is being managed by Graham Stradling, director of Middle-East operations. Allen-Vanguard is opening the new office as a cost-effective means to raise its presence in the area. Personal contact is an important part of doing business in the Arab world, and having a local headquarters will help improve overall customer service. All of Allen-Vanguard’s products and services will be available to government security agencies both in Oman and throughout the Gulf region. Allen-Vanguard, the global security specialist, has strategically expanded its operations by opening a new office in the Middle East (Sultanate of Oman) in February 2007. The new site is being managed by Graham Stradling, director of Middle-East operations.
15 Apr 07. A groundbreaking ceremony was held aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. on April 13 for a state-of-the-art aircraft hangar and facilities, which will upgrade the mission capabilities of the base. The new hangar, which will stand at 277,000 sq. ft. once complete, will accommodate approximately 33 P-3C Orions and four C-130 Hercules aircraft from Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. The project was initiated after the Base Realignment and Closure Committee (BRAC) ordered the closure of NAS Brunswick in 2005. (Source: Seawaves Publishing Inc.)
20 Apr 07. The Navy bid farewell to the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2), April 20 in a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. During its 29-year career, the ship’s primary mission was to transport Marine Corps forces. However, Saipan was also involved in providing evacuation and disaster relief when needed. (Source: Seawaves Publishing Inc.)
29 Apr 07. April 30 at 10am Lockheed Martin will unveil its new, state-of-the-art production facility for the Non-Line-Of-Sight Launching System. The new $3.7 million facility will produce the Container Launch Unit (CLU) subsystem of the NLOS-LS and continues the company’s legacy of providing U.S. and allied forces with the latest missile launcher technology. The NLOS-LS is capable of targeting visually-obscured or over-the-horizon adversaries as part of the U.S. Army’s Modular and Future Combat Force, as well as Special Operations Forces. The self-contained system, which can operate either vehicle-mounted or deployed independently in the field, is capable of autonomous or manned operations. The new NLOS-LS production facility incorporates the Baltimore-based business’ years of experience with the MK 41 Vertical Launcher missile system, which is either in service or on order for 186 ships in 19 different ship classes in 12 navies around the world. With potential applications for all military services, NLOS-LS is currently planned as a mission module aboard the U.S. Navy’s new fleet of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). It could also be used on an Unmanned Surface Vehicle weapon mission module.
JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
16 Apr 07. The commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Capt. Scott Stearney, relieved the commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Cmdr. Christopher Rankin today. This was due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead his crew and carry out essential missions aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Cmdr. Timothy Murphy, the squadron’s executive officer, is currently serving as the acting commanding officer. Rankin has been temporarily assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 8 pending further review. (Source: Seawaves Publishing Inc.)
PERSONNEL
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
16 Apr 07. Balkans: More Reservists. The Armed Forces’ Minister said (16 Apr 07) that a new Call-out Order had been made enabling Reservists to be called-out for service in the Balkans. The order took effect on 2 Apr 07.
Comment: Some 190 Reservists were mobilised for service