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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth, Quigley, Sorensen Announce $33.5 Million In Federal Funding For Peoria And Chicago Airports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    10.23.24
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today announced $33,510,000 in federal funding from the Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program.
    With today’s announced funding, General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport will receive $13,510,000 for the replacement of their air traffic control tower, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport will receive $20,000,000 for an expansion to Terminal 5.
    “By improving and modernizing airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced federal funding for upgrading our airports across Illinois will enhance the travel experience for passengers and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth and our Congressional colleagues to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary federal resources to keep passengers safe and connected.”
    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “This funding will help improve and modernize O’Hare and Downing International Airports and, after years of neglecting our nation’s infrastructure, I’m proud every day to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work rebuilding infrastructure all across our country. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin and the Illinois delegation to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”
    “This important funding coming to Peoria International Airport is about connecting my neighbors in Central Illinois to the world. The new air traffic control tower will allow controllers to see the end points of both runways and all taxiways, making it safer for travelers and airport staff. I am grateful to Senators Durbin and Duckworth for their support of this project as we continue our work to keep air travel safe and open Peoria to new destinations,” said Sorensen.
    “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that travelers receive the best and most efficient service possible at O’Hare. Today’s funding announcement will build on the progress we have already made. This expansion will benefit not only our constituents but also travelers across the country, while boosting our economy. When I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I did so knowing it would bring vital investments like these and create lasting benefits across our state. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future and a stronger transportation network for everyone,” said Quigley.
    Durbin and Duckworth previously worked to secure a provision in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to make Peoria’s airport-owned air traffic control tower (ATCT) eligible for federal funding. Following the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the ATCT has received $29 million in federal funding across two previous grants.
    Durbin and Duckworth helped secure two previous BIL Airport Terminal Program grants for Chicago O’Hare International Airport for the Terminal 3 Project totaling $90 million, a 2023 grant of $50 million and a 2024 grant of $40 million.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Travels Across Northwestern New Mexico, Meets with Tribal Leaders and Highlights Infrastructure Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    New Mexico – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, traveled across Northwestern New Mexico to hold meetings with Tribal leaders and highlight federal investments he secured for Tribal Nations and surrounding New Mexico communities.

    Luján began by meeting with the new leadership of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe to congratulate the newly elected leaders and listen to the Tribe’s priorities. Luján also visited with the Tribal leadership of the Pueblo of the Zuni to meet with the leadership and discuss the Zuni Pueblo’s priorities. During both meetings, Luján highlighted his work on behalf of Tribal communities and infrastructure improvements he was able to secure for the Jicarilla Apache Tribe and the Zuni Pueblo. Luján is fighting to pass bills to resolve the water rights of New Mexico’s Tribal Nations and has successfully delivered millions of dollars for Tribal communities, including over $1.8 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to boost infrastructure and nearly $7 million to expand broadband for Jicarilla Apache and Zuni Pueblo communities.

    “This week, I had the privilege of meeting with the leaders of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe and Zuni Pueblo to hear directly from them about their priorities and how we can continue to work together,” said Senator Luján. “I am proud to be fighting for the water resources of our Tribal communities and to have delivered millions to improve infrastructure and expand broadband access. I was grateful to have these conversations with Jicarilla Apache and Zuni leaders and will continue to fight to strengthen the relationship between Tribal communities and the federal government.”

    On Tuesday, Luján visited a Navajo Nation home to highlight federal funding secured to bring modern electrical systems to homes across the Navajo Nation and New Mexico. Luján fought to pass the American Rescue Plan, which has funded projects like Light Up Navajo and delivered electricity to hundreds of Navajo Nation homes. The federally funded Light Up Navajo project has delivered electricity to nearly 1,000 Navajo Nation households and built almost 250 miles of power lines.
    “In 2024, no family should be without electricity,” said Senator Luján. “I was honored to visit a Navajo Nation home that now has access to electricity thanks to the American Rescue Plan, which I was proud to have helped pass into law. Although we’ve helped electrify many homes in our Tribal communities, the job is not done. There are still far too many families across the Navajo Nation that are living without access to electricity. I remain committed to expanding electrical connectivity and will keep fighting to bring electricity to every Navajo Nation home.”

    Later, Luján toured and received an update on the status of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. The major water infrastructure project is expected to deliver a long-term, sustainable water supply to nearly a quarter million people across the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. In the Senate, Luján has delivered over $300 million in federal funding to support the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Luján has worked on this project throughout his career in Congress.
    “Once completed, the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will deliver clean, reliable drinking water to thousands of Navajo Nation homes, including many homes that currently live without running water,” said Senator Luján. “I am glad to see the progress that has been made on this monumental water infrastructure project and am proud to have delivered millions of dollars to support it. I will continue to fight to ensure the pipeline is fully funded and completed by 2029.”

    Finally, Luján visited the Gallup Indian Medical Center to meet with U.S. Indian Health Service officials and view improvements to the facility that were made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Luján fought to pass into law.
    “Across the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities, it is paramount that there is convenient access to health care providers and hospitals,” said Senator Luján. “Thanks to legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped get signed into law, we are making it easier to access reliable health care for the people of the Navajo Nation. Facilities like the Gallup Indian Medical Center are making it easier for our Tribal communities to access the health care they deserve, and I will continue to fight for affordable, accessible health care for the Navajo Nation and Tribal communities across our state.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Human rights advocate Alexander Lapshin: No place to go, but still fighting for global freedom

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Frederick John Packer, Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    Global freedom has been in decline for nearly two decades, according to Freedom House, an American non-profit organization devoted to supporting democracy around the world.

    That means the role of high-profile freedom activists, including activists in exile — people who are displaced from their countries of origin due to their activism but continue to affect change through various means — has become ever more crucial.

    A recent incident involving Alexander Lapshin, a Soviet-born Israeli travel journalist turned human rights advocate, at Armenia’s Yerevan airport highlights the ongoing persecution faced by activists even in seemingly secure environments.

    On Sept. 21, during Armenia’s Independence Day celebrations, Lapshin said he was detained at the request of Belarusian authorities, accused of insulting the honour and dignity of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko by highlighting the authoritarian nature of his regime in social media posts.

    Though not formally expelled from any one country, Lapshin’s circumstances have effectively left him with no safe or stable place to settle. He says legal and political pressures in both Ukraine and Israel prevent him from returning.

    Armenia ultimately refused to arrest him, but Lapshin and his family were forced to endure four hours of distressing uncertainty at the Yerevan police station before his release was formally registered by Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

    This provocation underscored the persistent threats activists face even in countries offering relative safety.

    Extradited to Azerbaijan

    Just weeks before his arrest in Yerevan, we met with Lapshin in Ottawa to learn about his odyssey, and by extension, the suffering of his family resulting from his work as a travelling journalist.

    It’s not the first time Lapshin had been targeted by authoritarians. In 2016, while in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Lapshin was detained by the authorities at the request of the Azerbaijani government. He was subsequently extradited to Azerbaijan on charges related to his travel in 2012 to the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh — an area claimed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    The Azerbaijani government accused Lapshin of violating its laws by entering the enclave without permission and promoting its independence. However, at that point Lapshin had never been involved in politics nor called for the region’s independence. The Azerbaijani court dropped this charge, though convicted him of taking an unauthorized journalistic trip.

    The story of Lapshin’s arrest and extradition drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and various governments, who viewed it as a blatant violation of his rights to freedom of movement and expression.

    Lapshin was nevertheless found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. However, following significant international pressure and diplomatic negotiations, he was pardoned and released in September 2017.

    Lapshin’s Azerbaijani ordeal

    In his subsequent testimony to the Centre for Truth and Justice, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, Lapshin detailed the severe abuse he endured during his imprisonment in Azerbaijan.

    Upon arrival at Kurdakhani prison — known for holding political prisoners — Lapshin was subjected to humiliating strip searches and invasive medical checks. For seven months, he was confined to a small, windowless cell, kept under constant artificial light and allowed only one hour of exercise in a similarly confined yard. His diet was minimal and of poor quality, leading to significant physical and psychological distress.

    Lapshin testifies about how he was treated in Azerbaijan. (The Centre for Truth and Justice YouTube channel)

    The most harrowing part of his imprisonment came on Sept. 10, 2017, when four masked men brutally assaulted him in his cell. Lapshin described the attack in detail:

    “I felt three of them holding my legs and chest while one strangled me. They punched my ribs, my head and my genitals. I lost consciousness within seconds.”

    He sustained severe injuries, including broken ribs, a broken wrist and multiple broken teeth. Azerbaijani authorities maintained that he had attempted suicide.

    Lapshin’s further testimony about how he was treated in Azerbaijan. (The Centre for Truth and Justice YouTube channel)

    The European Court of Human Rights eventually examined his complaints and found a violation of his “right to life.” The United Nations Human Rights Committee found multiple violations of his rights (including freedom from torture) under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    According to Lapshin, Azerbaijan released him not because of the European Court’s decision, but due to his near death following an attempted murder in custody. He believes the president of Azerbaijan decided to release him without formalities to avoid international tension if he’d died in prison.

    Broader implications

    Lapshin’s recent detention in Armenia is part of a continued pattern of harassment against him as he’s morphed from a travel blogger to a human rights advocate.

    Despite the ordeal, Lapshin sees these provocations as an opportunity to create greater public awareness. The media coverage generated from such incidents often works to his advantage, drawing more attention to the plight of political prisoners and the excesses of authoritarian regimes.

    Lapshin sees his ordeals as helping to raise public awareness about authoritarians.
    (WikiMedia), CC BY

    Lapshin’s collaboration with Jivan Avetisyan, a prominent film director focusing on human rights issues, exemplifies his strategic approach to advocacy — turning personal trauma into powerful narratives that reach a global audience.

    Such collaborations contribute significantly to keeping human rights abuses in the spotlight.

    Activists like Lapshin are crucial figures in the global struggle against authoritarianism. Despite enduring harsh persecution, they persist in their advocacy efforts from the relative safety of democracies, and work to raise awareness among policymakers and the public.

    Lapshin’s recent trip to Ottawa is one example of this. He met with Global Affairs Canada officials and presented them with a sanctions list targeting Azerbaijani officials he alleges are responsible for war crimes and abuses, including those involved in his prison mistreatment.

    Impact and challenges

    Activists like Lapshin employ diverse strategies to advance their causes, such as social media engagement and public mobilization, as well as partnerships with global human rights organizations.

    These efforts often result in positive changes, including the release of detained activists and the imposition of sanctions on oppressive governments. Lapshin’s resilience, along with that of notable exiled activists like Chinese-born Chen Guangcheng and Belarus’ Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, demonstrates the power and influence that individuals can wield against repressive regimes from afar.



    Read more:
    Fighting for a future: The Belarusian regiment in Ukraine is staking its claim on democracy

    Activists, in particular those in exile, face numerous challenges, including transnational repression and a lack of resources. Authoritarian regimes employ measures like surveillance, intimidation, physical assaults and even murder to target activists beyond their borders. These activists must also navigate legal, financial and cultural barriers in foreign countries when they seek asylum, find work and try to integrate into new societies, all while continuing their advocacy.

    Lapshin’s experiences illustrate these challenges. The ongoing threats and harassment against him continue even today. Nonetheless, his dedication to human rights advocacy remains unwavering.

    I am a member of various professional / academic associations and some human rights NGOs including (pro bono) the Canada Committee of Human Rights Watch. None of these would be affected by this article nor would I gain any benefit as a result.

    Philip Leech-Ngo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Human rights advocate Alexander Lapshin: No place to go, but still fighting for global freedom – https://theconversation.com/human-rights-advocate-alexander-lapshin-no-place-to-go-but-still-fighting-for-global-freedom-241550

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace says Luxon rolling in the mud with Fed Farmers lobbyists

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace says Luxon must have been “rolling in the mud” with pro-pollution Federated Farmers lobbyists, as the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passed into law last night.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “With such grievous weakening of freshwater protection in this bill, it’s clear that Luxon has been rolling in the mud with Federated Farmers lobbyists who are terrified of the possibility that the dairy industry will face consequences for polluting rivers and contaminating drinking water.”
    “Everyone, no matter where they live or who they voted for, deserves access to safe drinking water and should be able to go for a swim in their local lakes and rivers. But with the Resource Management Amendment Bill, this Government is taking away some of the only rules that protect fresh water.”
    The Bill will eliminate rules around intensive winter grazing and stock exclusions. It will remove local governments’ ability to use Te Mana o Te Wai – a policy that puts the health of freshwater ecosystems first, the health of people second, and commercial use of water last. In June, a Greenpeace OIA revealed that even the Department of Conservation had advised against the Bill on the grounds that it would make freshwater quality worse.
    This news comes hot on the heels of the Government’s announcement that they would make an additional last-minute amendment to the bill – after public consultation had finished – to prevent local councils from implementing stronger freshwater protections.
    “In his ongoing war on nature, Luxon is putting fresh water at risk and undermining local democracy because local governments are not adhering to his pro-pollution agenda,” says Appelbe.
    “It’s no coincidence that this latest amendment came the day before the Otago Regional Council planned to vote to proceed with their Land and Water Regional Plan, which would have set in place stronger and more ambitious freshwater protections.”
    More than twenty thousand people have signed a Greenpeace petition calling on the Government to leave the current freshwater protections in place, and Greenpeace says more resistance will come.
    “This move happened just a week after community members in the Central Hawke’s Bay gathered to voice their opposition to the Ruataniwha Dam – renamed the Tukituki water storage scheme – which will ruin an incredibly important braided river and flood 22 hectares of conservation land,” says Appelbe.
    “New Zealanders are not new to this fight, and together, we will protect fresh water. We value the lakes, rivers, and drinking water that Luxon’s government seeks to pollute.
    “Luxon is new to this job, and he may find he’s in for more than he’s bargained for. While he was CEO of Air New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay locals, Greenpeace and Forest & Bird campaigned relentlessly over many years to stop version one of the Ruataniwha Dam. That resolve remains even stronger now.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – The Sustainable Business Council celebrates 25 years of ambition and progress

    Source: Sustainable Business Council

    25 years ago, a group of business leaders with bold ambitions got together and put a stake in the ground on sustainability.
    The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) was first conceived in 1999 as a coalition of leading businesses with a mandate that reflected the era and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
    Current SBC Chair, Claire Walker, commented on the value of keeping an eye on the long game.
    “Reaching 25 years is something to celebrate. Over that time SBC has provided a place for business to learn, to forge powerful partnerships and to be challenged and stretch – the role it has played has adapted to different environments,” said Walker.
    Then known as the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development (NZBCSD), the organisation was (and remains) the only NZ-based Global Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, headquartered in Geneva.
    The next significant era involved BusinessNZ, the peak body for New Zealand business, which in 2009 established a Sustainability Forum.
    SBC Executive Director Mike Burrell noted, “The idea was to provide a platform for companies wanting to define and lead sustainable business matters rather than simply respond to government-led initiatives.”
    Two years later, NZBCSD merged with the Sustainability Forum and became SBC.
    “Many current SBC members have been part of the membership since very early days – and the fact that we have stood the test of time is a credit to them,” said Burrell. “This includes Deloitte, Fonterra, Meridian, The Warehouse Group, Toyota NZ, and more.
    “Our focus now is on leadership, action on climate, nature, and thriving people. We support the fundamentals, advocate for change, and help broker large scale projects led by SBC member businesses who include some of the biggest organisations in New Zealand.”
    Significant milestones include the establishment of the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) – a CEO-led community of around 80 organisations leading the response to climate change. The combined emissions reduction achieved by current CLC signatories between signing up to the Coalition and November 2023 is 3.6 million tCO2e, a cumulative reduction of 29%.
    Another key achievement is the establishment of AgriZeroNZ, which began as an SBC-led collaboration and has gone on to become a world-first public-private partnership helping farmers reduce emissions, while maintaining profitability and productivity.
    “SBC member businesses have made big strides over the years, in terms of how they operate,” said Burrell.
    “The conversation has shifted a lot – from whether climate change is real, to the need to measure and report on an organisation’s operations, to levers for supporting sustainable decision making more broadly.”
    Sir Stephen Tindall, founder of The Warehouse Group and founding member of SBC also noted the shift since its formation.
    “When we set up the Sustainable Business Council we had no idea how much climate change would have advanced,” said Tindall.
    “Business needs to play its part along with bipartisan government to attempt to slow down global warming. We can only do this by working collaboratively with everybody to create a real ‘nationwide ambition’.”
    SBC will formally mark the milestone of 25 years with an Anniversary event at Parliament hosted by Minister of Climate Change, Simon Watts, on 22 October 2024.
    “Not only can businesses lead – it’s in our interests, and will mean New Zealand continues to achieve its potential over the next 25 years and beyond,” said Burrell.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #10

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency crews remain busy at the wetlands fire near Meremere.
    The fire remains contained and controlled. However, following further mapping, the size of the fire has been refined to 1039 hectares, with a 19-kilometre perimeter.
    There are road closures in the area this morning, including Island Block Road from State Highway 1 to the Falls Road intersection, Falls Road and the Bridge on Falls Road.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says several hotspots were identified by the drone crews overnight.
    “We are using air operations to dampen these hotspots down,” he says.
    There are two fire investigators on the ground this morning to investigate the cause of the fire. It is too early to give an indication of cause.
    Mark Tinworth says people near the fire should contact the Environmental Health Officer for advice before using food, feed or water from storage tanks for drinking as these may have been impacted by smoke and ash from the fire.
    “We acknowledge people will be impacted by this fire and have worked hard to limit those impacts.
    “Our crews gave it their all to bring this fire under control as quickly as they did, and I want to thank them for that.”
    The next update will be late afternoon. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government News – Chief Ombudsman issues another stinging criticism of Oranga Tamariki over failure to investigate child assault and violence claims

    Source: Office of the Ombudsman

    The Chief Ombudsman has again issued a stinging criticism of Oranga Tamariki this time over failing to properly investigate reports of assaults and violence against pre-school and primary-aged children.
    “It is deeply concerning to me that I find myself yet again in the position of highlighting some very serious concerns about Oranga Tamariki’s processes and procedures. In this case, the Ministry received multiple reports of abuse against pre-school and primary aged children but didn’t treat them with the seriousness they deserved.”
    Peter Boshier began an investigation after receiving a complaint from a family member of the children about the way Oranga Tamariki responded to reports of concern.
    Mr Boshier found that between January 2022 and July 2023, Oranga Tamariki received nine reports of concern from seven different parties regarding alleged violent and abusive actions towards the children by the mother’s partner. The reports of concern came from both family members and professionals.
    “A thorough investigation of these reports was clearly required for the safety of the children but Oranga Tamariki repeatedly failed to do this. When it did investigate, it didn’t investigate properly,” Mr Boshier says.
    “The Ministry had photographic evidence and corroborative reports from other parties but still took no action.
    “I found a series of failures by Oranga Tamariki from beginning to end. For instance, it closed complaints without assessing them properly in the initial stages, it incorrectly advised the Family Court that there had been no family harm incidents in a period of more than a year, and it did not adhere to its own policy on making and monitoring safety plans. One safety plan included inappropriate requirements for the children to take action to ensure their own safety.
    “Oranga Tamariki failed to ask the children for their views about their safety and made short term assessments which did not take into account broader violence risk factors. The situation left the children at serious risk and culminated in an alleged attempted kidnapping of one child and the alleged kidnapping of another child who was a relative.”
    During his investigation Mr Boshier advised Oranga Tamariki of his provisional opinion and asked for an urgent interim update on the safety of the children. The Ministry told the Ombudsman it had developed a more robust safety plan.
    Mr Boshier made two follow up inquiries. In response to the first inquiry, Oranga Tamariki advised the safety plan was working well. But within a fortnight, after the second inquiry, the Ministry advised that the safety plan was being reconsidered after a breach had occurred. Three days later, there was another breach. The children are now in the care of their father.
    Mr Boshier’s final opinion is that Oranga Tamariki acted unreasonably and contrary to law in the way it responded to repeated reports of concern. He made a number of significant recommendations which Oranga Tamariki accepted. This included Oranga Tamariki undertaking an immediate and thorough assessment of the children’s safety, an apology and financial remedy to the complainant for costs they incurred in seeking to ensure the children’s safety through the Family Court, an audit of similar cases, training for staff, and changes to Oranga Tamariki policy and process.
    “Oranga Tamariki has advised me that the children are now safe and well in their father’s care,” Mr Boshier says.
    “Since I became Chief Ombudsman, Oranga Tamariki has come to my attention for all the wrong reasons.
    “I published a report earlier this year that outlined some of the cases I’ve dealt with, where system and process failures were common. I said then that I could not provide an assurance that Oranga Tamariki is consistently operating in accordance with good administrative practice. I’m afraid I still can’t provide that reassurance.
    “Oranga Tamariki still has a long way to go. I continue to strongly urge the leadership at Oranga Tamariki to prioritise essential improvements and address the fundamental underlying problems. Our children and young people deserve so much better.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kelly Announces $9M Investment for Drought Mitigation in Kansas – Governor of the State of Kansas

    Source: US State of Kansas

    TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Kansas is receiving $9 million from the federal Inflation Reduction Act for two projects aimed at mitigating the impact of drought in Kansas.

    “Decades of over-appropriation and more frequent droughts have now put communities across Kansas in crisis,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These projects will be instrumental in our work to increase our state’s water quality and quantity.”

    The Kansas Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge, Storage, and Recovery Project near Wichita will receive $7 million. This is a critical supply for more than 20% of municipal, industrial, and irrigation water users in Kansas.

    The Kansas Voluntary Agreements Program was selected to receive $2 million for the state-implemented Kansas Water Transition Assistance Program in either the Prairie Dog Creek or Rattlesnake Creek Basins.

    When fully implemented, the Equus project will recharge the Equus Beds Aquifer, providing water to Wichita at a rate of up to 100 million gallons per day through injection and infiltration of Little Arkansas River diversions into the aquifer in south-central Kansas. The Kansas Water Right Transition Assistance Program will conserve approximately 10,000 acre-feet by rotating temporary land fallowing or permanently retiring water rights.

    Governor Kelly advocated for federal water funding to be extended into Kansas to help family farms and ranches, small towns, and wildlife avoid the severe and potentially irreversible impacts of drought.

    Representative Sharice Davids voted for the Inflation Reduction Act and supported additional federal funding for these projects.

    “I’m glad to see resources from the Inflation Reduction Act coming home to Kansas,” said Representative Sharice Davids (KS-O3). “The ongoing effects of drought are a persistent threat across our state. This investment is a critical step to protect Kansans’ livelihoods, support the work our farmers do to feed the world and protect the economic security of towns across Kansas.”

    This announcement builds upon previous investments of almost $33 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for aging infrastructure, water recycling, and WaterSMART projects in Kansas.

    The Inflation Reduction Act includes an overall $550 million for domestic water supply projects and $4 billion for water conservation and ecosystem projects in the Colorado River Basin and other areas experiencing similar levels of long-term drought. To date, U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation has announced 222 drought mitigation and 16 domestic water supply projects from Inflation Reduction Act funding for a total of more than $2.5 billion.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saskatchewan — UPDATE – Saskatchewan RCMP: subjects of AMBER Alert found safe, investigation continues

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 17, 2024
    Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

    News release

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert General Investigation Section (GIS) took carriage of the investigation into the incident that resulted in an AMBER Alert being issued on the afternoon of October 17.

    After subsequent investigation, it has been determined that no charges will be laid at this time in relation to the incident.

    “The immediate police response and resulting AMBER Alert helped us locate the baby quickly – and ensure his safety,” says Insp. Ashley St. Germaine from Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “This situation is testament to the power of the Saskatchewan AMBER Alert program. We sincerely thank members of the public and our news partners for their assistance with this investigation, which thankfully had a positive outcome.”

    We are unable to provide additional details about the incident – or the child – as there is no current court process attached to it and to be mindful of the privacy of the baby.

    Officers from Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP, Big River RCMP and many other units and detachments from across the province assisted in this investigation.

    Because we have received an inquiry, we would like to confirm that the adult male named in the AMBER Alert appeared in Prince Albert Provincial Court this morning on one charge of assault and one charge of assault by choking in relation to a recent incident on Montreal Lake Cree Nation. The victim was an adult female, who reported non-life-threatening injuries to police. To maintain the privacy of the victim, no further details will be provided at this time, including naming the charged male.

    –30–

    Backgrounder

    Saskatchewan RCMP: subjects of AMBER Alert found safe, investigation continues

    2024-10-17

    On October 17, 2024 just before 2 p.m., Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP received a report that a five-day-old baby had been taken from a residence on Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

    Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP immediately responded. Investigation determined the baby had been taken by his father.

    Subsequent investigation led to Saskatchewan RCMP determining the incident met the criteria for the issuance of an AMBER Alert. The alert was issued at approximately 5:08 p.m.

    Note that the alert stated the baby was taken from the health clinic. This information, gathered during the initial response, was incorrect.

    Shortly after, the father turned himself in without incident at the Big River RCMP detachment.

    Officers assessed the baby, who appeared healthy and safe. EMS was called to assess him as a precaution.

    The investigation continues.

    We thank our media partners and the public for their assistance with this investigation.

    CANCELLED: Amber Alert Child Abduction Notification

    2024-10-17

    The baby has been located in Big River. He appears safe and will be assessed by EMS. The suspect is in custody.

    Thank you to the media and the public for their assistance in this investigation. Please remove their names and photos from circulation, including social media. Thank you for your cooperation.

    The investigation is ongoing. We will provide more information as soon as we are able to.

    Please report any information to 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pierceland — Update: Pierceland RCMP investigating sudden death

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 21, 2024
    Pierceland, Saskatchewan

    News release

    As a result of subsequent investigation by Pierceland RCMP and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, the male’s death has been determined to be non-suspicious in nature.

    As the investigation has now determined that this is a sudden death, no further updates or information can be provided.

    –30–

    Backgrounder

    Pierceland RCMP investigating sudden death

    2024-10-17

    On October 16, 2024, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Pierceland RCMP received a report of a sudden death at a residence on the Mudie Lake First Nation. Officers immediately responded and located the individual, who was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.

    Pierceland RCMP continue to investigate this sudden death with the assistance of the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

    Currently, the investigation has not identified a risk to public safety. Updates will be provided when available.

    Clarification: The residence is in Mudie Lake, a part of Island Lake First Nation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: King Charles arrives in Samoa for ‘resilient environment’ CHOGM

    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific journalist in Apia

    King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla have landed in Apia, Samoa.

    The monarch has been greeted by a guard of honour at the airport before being escorted to his accommodation in Siumu.

    Local villagers have lined the roadsides with lanterns to welcome His Royal Highness.

    King Charles will deliver an address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Friday.

    The royal office said as well as attending CHOGM, the King’s programme in Samoa would be supportive of one of the meeting’s key themes, “a resilient environment”, and the meeting’s focus on oceans.

    The King and Queen were to be formally welcomed by an ‘Ava Fa’atupu ceremony before meeting people at an engagement to highlight aspects of Samoan traditions and culture.

    Charles will also attend the CHOGM Business Forum to hear about progress on sustainable urbanisation and investment in solutions to tackle climate change.

    He will visit a mangrove forest, a National Park, and Samoa’s Botanical Garden, where he will plant a tree marking the opening of a new area within the site, which will be called ‘The King’s Garden’.

    Queen Camilla’s engagements include visiting an aoga faifeau to see first-hand how pupils are taught to read and write, and will visiting the Samoa Victim Support Group, an organisation which assists survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

    Since 1969, King Charles III has visited 44 of 53 Commonwealth countries, many of them on several occasions.

    His visits to the Pacific — before he was King — included representing his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Fiji’s independence celebrations in 1970; and visiting Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

    Queen Elizabeth II visited the Pacific multiple times during her reign.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Myanmar/Bangladesh: Rohingya community facing gravest threats since 2017 – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    • Rohingya say Arakan Army drove them from their homes and killed civilians
    • Urgent need for international support and humanitarian aid as thousands of new arrivals seek protection in Bangladesh
    • Bangladesh must refrain from sending Rohingya back to Myanmar, where indiscriminate military air strikes also killing civilians.

    Newly arrived Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh need urgent access to food, shelter and medical attention after enduring the worst violence against their communities since the Myanmar military-led campaign in 2017, Amnesty International said today.

    Testimony shows how Rohingya families forced to leave their homes in Myanmar have been caught in the middle of increasingly fierce clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, one of many armed groups opposing the junta. Hundreds of thousands have been internally displaced and upwards of tens of thousands of Rohingya have crossed the border or are waiting to cross the border to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

    “Once again, the Rohingya people are being driven from their homes and dying in scenes tragically reminiscent of the 2017 exodus. We met people who told us they lost parents, siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren as they fled fighting in Myanmar. But this time, they are facing persecution on two fronts, from the rebel Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, which is forcibly conscripting Rohingya men,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said.

    “Those lucky enough to make it to Bangladesh do not have enough to eat, a proper place to sleep, or even their own clothes.”

    The 2021 military coup in Myanmar has had a catastrophic impact on human rights. Myanmar’s military has killed more than 5,000 civilians and arrested more than 25,000 people. Since the coup, Amnesty has documented indiscriminate air strikes by the Myanmar military, torture and other ill-treatment in prison, collective punishment and arbitrary arrests.

    The recent escalation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State started in November 2023 with the launch of a rebel counter-offensive by the Arakan Army and two other armed groups that has posed the biggest threat to military control since the 2021 coup. Myanmar’s military has responded by stepping up indiscriminate air strikes that have killed, injured and displaced civilians.

    The impact on Rakhine State, where many of the more than 600,000 Rohingya in Myanmar still live, has been severe, with towns transformed into battlegrounds.

    In Bangladesh, authorities have been pushing Rohingya fleeing the conflict back into Myanmar, while those who reached the Bangladesh camps told of a desperate shortage of essential supplies and services there.

    In September 2024, Amnesty interviewed 22 people in individual and group settings who recently sought refuge in Bangladesh, joining more than one million Rohingya refugees, the majority having arrived in 2017 or earlier.

    The new arrivals said the Arakan Army unlawfully killed Rohingya civilians, drove them from their homes and left them vulnerable to attacks, allegations the group denies. These attacks faced by the Rohingya come on top of indiscriminate air strikes by the Myanmar military that have killed both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine civilians.

    Many Rohingya, including children, who were fleeing the violence to Bangladesh drowned while crossing by boat.

    Bangladesh pushbacks deepen woes of Rohingya

    The people Amnesty International interviewed in Bangladesh had recently fled Maungdaw Township in northern Rakhine State, which the Arakan Army tried to capture from the Myanmar military after it seized Buthidaung Township in May.

    Many were survivors of a drone and mortar attack that took place on 5 August on the shores of the Naf River that divides Myanmar and Bangladesh.

    All those interviewed stressed that their urgent priority now was access to basic services in the camp, including aid, shelter, money, security, food and healthcare.

    They were also terrified of being sent back to Myanmar. But Amnesty International found that Bangladeshi border authorities have forcibly returned Rohingya people fleeing the violence, in violation of the international law principle of non-refoulment, which prohibits returning or transferring anyone to a country where they are at risk of serious human rights violations.

    A 39-year-old Rohingya man told Amnesty International he fled Maungdaw with his family on 5 August 2024. In the early morning of 6 August, their boat was near the Bangladesh shore and started taking on water before tipping over. Residents told him later that Bangladeshi border guards prevented them from helping.

    “The border guards were nearby, but they did not help us,” he said.

    He said he passed out and woke up on the beach to see dead bodies washed ashore. He later discovered that all his six children, aged between two and 15, had drowned. He said his sister also lost six of her children.

    Bangladesh border guards detained him. The next night he and the others with him were sent back to Myanmar, where they found another boat and returned. According to one credible estimate, there have been more than 5,000 cases of refoulement this year, with a spike following the 5 August attacks.

    “Sending people back to a country where they are at real risk of being killed is not only a violation of international law; it will also force people to take greater risks while making the journey to avoid detection, such as traveling by night or on longer routes,” Agnès Callamard said.

    The Rohingya who made it to the refugee camps are living off the generosity of relatives there. New arrivals in particular expressed concern that they were unable to register with the UN refugee agency for essential support. As a result, many are going without meals, and are afraid to venture out for fear of deportation, even when in need of medical care.

    Interviewees also mentioned the deteriorating security situation in the camps, due mainly to the presence of two Rohingya armed groups: the Rohingya Solidarity Organization and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Myanmar’s shifting conflict dynamics in Rakhine State have meant that some Rohingya militants have aligned with the junta in Myanmar. As a result, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh fear that they or their family members could be snatched and forcibly taken back and conscripted to fight there.

    The vast majority hoped for resettlement in a third country.

    “We are constantly afraid of moving from one place to another because we don’t have any documents. We are newcomers here, and we have also heard about people being abducted,” a 40-year-old woman said.

    “The interim Bangladesh government and humanitarian relief organizations must work together so that people can have access to essential services such as food, adequate shelter and medical care,” Agnès Callamard said.

    “Bangladesh must also ensure that it does not forcibly return people to escalating conflict. Meanwhile, the international community needs to step up with funds and assistance for those living in the refugee camps.”

    In a meeting with Amnesty International, Bangladesh officials rejected the allegations of refoulement but said border guards “intercept” people trying to cross the border. They also stressed that the country cannot accommodate any more Rohingya refugees.

    Arakan Army and Myanmar military abuses

    The Myanmar military has persecuted Rohingya for decades and expelled them en masse in 2017. It is now forcing them to join the army as part of a nationwide military service law. The Myanmar military has also reportedly reached an informal “peace” pact with the Rohingya Solidarity Organization, an older Rohingya armed group that has reemerged as a force in recent months. These complex developments have further inflamed tensions between the Rohingya and the ethnic Rakhine, whom the Arakan Army purports to represent.

    The rise in fighting nationwide has also resulted in mounting allegations of abuses by armed groups fighting against the military. Many Rohingya described the fatal consequences of being trapped between the two sides.

    “Every time there is a conflict, we get killed,” one Rohingya interviewee told Amnesty.

    A 42-year-old shopkeeper said that on 1 August, a munition of unknown origin landed outside his house in Maungdaw, killing his 4-year-old son. On 6 August, the Arakan Army – whose fighters he identified by their badges – entered his village in Maungdaw and relocated all the Hindu and Buddhist families to another area they said was safe, while the Rohingya families were left in place.

    “They began causing unrest [using it as a base to launch attacks] in the village, which forced us, the Muslim families, to leave on 7 August. We were the only ethnic group left in the village. It seemed like they did this intentionally,” he said.

    When he later took shelter in downtown Maungdaw on 15 August, he said he saw Arakan Army “snipers” shoot two Rohingya civilians. “I witnessed the Arakan Army kill a woman right on the spot with gunfire while she went to a pond to collect water … there was another man who was sitting and smoking in front of his house and he too was shot right in his head and killed.”

    In response to questions by Amnesty International, the Arakan Army said on 13 October that these allegations were unsubstantiated or not credible. It said it issued warnings for civilians to leave Maungdaw ahead of its operations and helped evacuate people, that it instructs its soldiers to distinguish between civilians and combatants, and that in case of breaches, it takes disciplinary action.

    Since late last year, Amnesty International has separately documented Myanmar military air strikes that have killed civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure in Rakhine State. This year, the impact of the Myanmar military conscripting Rohingya has added to the historical, systemic discrimination and apartheid already experienced by Rohingya.

    “I felt really bad that they were involving us in their fight, even though we had nothing to do with it. It felt like they were laying the foundation to get us killed,” a 63-year-old cattle trader said.

    Families wiped out

    On 5 August 2024, the intensity of bombardments and gunfights between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army forced scores of people from Maungdaw to seek shelter in sturdier homes near the Naf river border with Bangladesh.

    Recalling that day, the Rohingya cattle trader said the Arakan Army was “getting closer to our village, capturing the surrounding villages … they flew drones in the sky, holding them there for about an hour, and could drop bombs from the drones whenever and wherever they wanted with remote control. They killed so many people.”

    That afternoon, many recounted seeing a drone and hearing multiple blasts. The cattle trader said he heard eight to 10 blasts, and that bombs were exploding “before even touching the ground”. He saw a small unmanned aerial device flying near the crowd that looked like a “rounded-shaped drone” with something attached underneath.

    He said his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two of his grandchildren were killed, while the youngest grandchild, aged one, was seriously injured and later had her lower left leg amputated at the knee in Bangladesh.

    One 18-year-old woman from Maungdaw said she lost both parents and two of her sisters, aged seven and five, during the blast. At the time of the attack, her father was carrying one of her sisters while her mother carried the other. When they reached the Maungdaw shore in the afternoon in search of boats to cross to Bangladesh, an explosion occurred.

    “We quickly hid in the mud, sitting down in the muddy water, and then another bomb exploded, killing my parents, sisters and many others,” she said. “I saw it all with my own eyes – my parents and sisters were killed when the bomb shrapnel hit them.”

    While she didn’t see a drone, she said the “big bomb” that killed her family members “came flying”. The sound has haunted her ever since. She said she saw about 200 bodies on the shore, a figure cited independently by another interviewee.

    Almost everyone Amnesty spoke to said they lost at least one relative while trying to flee Myanmar. Medical records shared with Amnesty International from the days after the attack show treatment for bomb blast injuries after arriving in Bangladesh. Since August there has been a dramatic increase in treatment of war wounds from those fleeing Myanmar.

    In its response to Amnesty International, the Arakan Army said that the Myanmar military or aligned armed groups were likely those most responsible and that eyewitnesses or survivors may be affiliated with militant groups.

    “The Arakan Army must allow an independent, impartial and effective investigation into possible violations carried out during their operations. Both the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military must abide by international humanitarian law,” Agnès Callamard said.

    “We continue to call on the UN Security Council to refer the entire situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Secretary of the Navy Visits Georgia Tech Research Institute, Underscoring Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration

    Source: United States Navy

    ATLANTA – Oct. 23, 2024 – The Secretary of the Navy Hon. Carlos Del Toro visited the Georgia Tech Research Institute today to highlight the vital role of research and development in maintaining naval dominance and warfighting excellence. The Secretary addressed Georgia Tech students and faculty, and Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps students from Georgia Tech, Spelman College and Morehouse College, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to national security. 

    The Secretary’s visit underscored the Navy’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with academic institutions like Georgia Tech. GTRI, the applied research division of Georgia Tech, plays a crucial role in developing cutting-edge technologies for the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense. 

    “Georgia Tech is a powerhouse of innovation, and GTRI’s research is critical to ensuring our Sailors and Marines have the technological edge they need to prevail in any conflict,” said Secretary Del Toro. “The work being done here, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, and electromagnetic spectrum operations, is directly aligned with the Navy’s strategic priorities.” 

    The Secretary highlighted GTRI’s contributions to the DON, including: 

    • Collaborative Research: GTRI works closely with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and other DoD entities to address specific technological needs. 
    • R&D Contributions: GTRI develops advanced systems such as autonomous vehicles, millimeter wave radar technologies, and electronic warfare solutions. 
    • Prototyping and Testing: GTRI provides facilities for testing and validating new technologies to meet military specifications. 
    • Technology Transition: GTRI focuses on translating research outcomes into practical applications, enhancing operational capabilities for the Navy and broader defense community. 

    The Secretary’s remarks also emphasized the importance of innovation in the face of evolving global challenges. 

    “To win the fight of the future, we must embrace and implement emerging technologies,” said Del Toro. “We are in an innovation race, and it is one we must win.” 

    The Secretary highlighted several DON innovation initiatives, including: 

    • The Naval Science and Technology Strategy: This strategy guides the Navy and Marine Corps’ investments in science and technology research. 
    • The Naval Innovation Center (NIC) at the Naval Postgraduate School: The NIC accelerates the innovation process by bringing research concepts out of the lab and into the field faster. 
    • The Department of the Navy’s Science and Technology Board: This board provides independent advice and counsel on matters relating to science, technology, and acquisition. 
    • The Disruptive Capabilities Office (DCO): The DCO identifies and implements already-available or emerging technologies to address the fleet’s capability gaps. 

    “With today’s enemies developing more advanced technological threats, we are grateful that the Secretary of the Navy made time to visit our Atlanta Region NROTC Midshipmen,” said Atlanta Region NROTC Commanding Officer Capt. Jesus Rodriguez. “Our future Naval officers were provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when the Secretary personally impressed on them the importance of continued studies in science and technology. Our Midshipmen and NROTC staff are all appreciative for the opportunity to meet with and listen to our Navy’s leadership emphasize the importance of our students’ initiative in technological development during their Naval careers.” 

    The Secretary concluded by issuing a call to action to the students in attendance. 

    “Innovation must permeate every aspect of our department’s approach to deliver technologies and capabilities at a speed and scale necessary for our Navy and Marine Corps to confront the challenges of today and the future.” 

    Read Secretary Del Toro’s remarks here.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Secretary Del Toro As-Written Remarks at the Georgia Tech Research Institute

    Source: United States Navy

    Introduction/Thank You

    Good afternoon, everyone!

    It is wonderful to be with you at Georgia Tech Research Institute, the future of engineering, science, and technology.

    President Cabrera, thank you for your leadership of the students here at Georgia Tech, the future scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers of our country.

    Dr. Hudgens, thank you for your leadership and vision for the Georgia Tech Research Institute, and all that you are doing to advance our national security interests.

    I thank the future Navy and Marine Corps Officers from the NROTC consortium here with us today.

    Thank you for answering the call to service—for choosing a path both challenging and difficult. I look forward to you joining our Fleet and Force.

    To all of our Georgia Tech faculty and students, distinguished visitors, and guests—welcome, and thank you for your time today.

    World Today

    As you have read in the news, we face challenges in every corner of the world—from the Indo-Pacific, to Europe, to the Red Sea.

    In Europe, we are approaching the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    Ukraine is fighting not only for their own liberty and freedom—they are fighting to protect democracy in Europe and indeed around the world.

    We proudly stand beside them in support for their just and noble cause.

    For the first time since World War II, we face a comprehensive maritime power—our pacing challenge—in the Indo-Pacific.

    The People’s Republic of China continues to exert its excessive maritime claims through their navy, coast guard, and maritime militia.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, we have been working tirelessly alongside our NATO allies and Middle Eastern partners to protect innocent civilian mariners and commercial shipping from Iranian-aligned Houthi attacks.

    Following the October 7th attacks in Israel one year ago, our Navy and Marine Corps were swiftly deployed to the region, forming an integrated force capable of responding to any threat.

    Carrier Air Wing Three, our “Battle Axe,” played a pivotal role in protecting civilian mariners, deploying over sixty air-to-air missiles and over 420 air-to-surface weapons.

    We mourn the loss of two trailblazing, combat-decorated naval aviators from Carrier Air Wing Three who passed away during a training event last week: Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Lieutenant Serena “Dug” Wileman.

    Their sacrifice reminds us that what we ask of our Sailors and Marines is anything but routine.

    And our hearts go out to the families and friends of these brave and selfless warfighters.

    The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, made significant contributions in the region by deterring hostile Houthi attacks and preventing the conflict from escalating throughout the region.

    Our warships—including the Carney, Mason, Gravely, Laboon, Eisenhower, and Thomas Hudner—have demonstrated exceptional performance under fire, successfully deterring and defeating missile and drone attacks targeting innocent maritime shipping.

    Two of our highly capable destroyers, the USS Cole (DDG 67)—a warship which carries a proud legacy of standing tall to acts of terrorism—and the USS Bulkeley (DDG 84)—which will always have a special place in my naval carer as her first Commanding Officer—aided our Israeli allies in shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles. 

    I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, dedication, and resilience shown by our Cole and Bulkeley Sailors.

    These brave young men and women illustrate the consistent excellence and effectiveness expected of our United States Navy.

    Our Navy-Marine Corps Team remains at the center of global and national security—maintaining freedom of the seas, international security, and global stability.

    DON Innovation Initiatives

    To win the fight of the future, we must embrace and implement emerging technologies.

    We stand on the shoulders of giants in innovation.

    And delivering technology which changes the very nature of warfighting is in our DNA.

    A little over a year ago, I stood in the courtyard of the Pentagon to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Naval Research Lab—the place that invented radar, GPS, and the first satellite tracking system—and a place I worked at as a young lieutenant commander.

    At that time, I challenged the research, engineering, and technology developers of today to take their place in the company of those innovation giants.

    I challenged my team to innovate at the speed of relevance to deliver concepts of operations and capabilities which bolster deterrence and expand our warfighting advantage.

    I challenged my Chief of Naval Research to align the Office of Naval Research’s investment in science and technology research—including the research conducted here at Georgia Tech—with each effort aimed at addressing issues we face as a maritime nation.

    Within three months of my challenge to the Chief of Naval Research, he delivered.

    Our new Naval Science and Technology Strategy now drives our Navy and Marine Corps’ innovation investments in science and technology research during this decisive period.

    This strategy is a global call to service for scientists, engineers, inventors, and innovators from academia, industry, and government to work with us in solving naval problems to ensure our freedom and way of life.

    And the Georgia Tech Research Institute has answered this call.

    During this past fiscal year, ONR completed 22 grants here at GTRI worth $23.6 million, and Georgia Tech currently has 72 active contracts and grants with the Navy worth $216 million.

    These ONR grants support research and development of technology in cyber, AI and autonomy, materials and electronics, as well as ocean, atmosphere, and space—focus areas in our Naval S&T Strategy.

    Service to our national security is indeed the engine of GTRI.

    Another critical investment we have made as a result of our strategic change is the establishment of the Naval Innovation Center at the Naval Postgraduate School.

    The NIC will enhance and accelerate the innovation process at NPS by driving “ideas to impact,” bringing research concepts out of the lab and into the field faster by empowering students and partners across the entire Naval Research and Development Establishment to work with the Naval innovation ecosystem and industry—in a whole-of-Navy approach—to speed the delivery of warfighting advantages to our Naval forces.

    Furthermore, we are supporting the construction of a purposefully-designed facility to house the NIC at the Naval Postgraduate School, providing a space for collaboration, defense-focused experimentation, and demonstration of operational use cases to ensure the right technology is evolving.

    S&T Board One Year Update

    Last fall, I also announced the establishment of the Department of the Navy’s Science and Technology Board, with the intent that the board provide independent advice and counsel to the Department on matters and policies relating to scientific, technical, manufacturing, acquisition, logistics, medicine, and business management functions.

    Our Science and Technology Board just completed its inaugural year.

    Under the expert leadership of former Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig, this impressive group of thought leaders with expertise in government, industry, and academia has completed an ambitious research agenda to identify new technologies for rapid adoption.

    Since I signed out the Board’s initial tasking in February, they have achieved the impressive feat of undertaking and concluding six studies, delivering near term, practical recommendations, that the Department of the Navy can quickly implement.

    I have accepted recommendation reports from the Board and issued implementation guidance related to the path forward on unmanned systems, improving sailor physical and mental health, mission assurance of digital infrastructure, and capitalizing on opportunities for additive manufacturing.

    In fact, Georgia Tech’s own Chief Manufacturing Officer and Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Dr. Tom Kurfess, lent his breadth and depth of expertise in leading a study on additive manufacturing which I accepted last month.

    It is a testament to the Board’s energy and dedication, that it is already embarking on additional projects to keep our Navy at the leading edge of technology and innovation.

    Innovation Closer to the Fight

    Similar to the focus of our S&T Board of Advisors, who are looking at today’s problems and ways that technology can provide new ways to tackle our operational challenges, I chartered a Disruptive Capabilities Office last January to look at already-available or emerging technology to address the Fleet’s capability gaps. 

    And they have delivered.

    DCO identified meaty organizational, doctrinal, and technological advancements that the Navy has implemented, within six months, to close an emergent warfighting gap in Counter-UAS base defense for the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

    DCO is also leading an effort to combine innovative commercial space-enabled capabilities in coordination with the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, and other governmental agencies to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness for the Department of the Navy along with our allies and partners.

    Replicator and Capability-Based Delivery

    My call to innovation has also put more “ready players on the field” as we look to grow force structure in the near term.

    In the last twelve months, I have fielded varying sizes of unmanned surface vessels into the hands of our operators for use in experimentation, CONOP development, and for operation.

    We are expanding our systems to include not only homogeneous but also heterogeneous collaborative autonomy.

    I am extremely proud of my team’s leadership in this domain, to include our leadership in identifying and quickly procuring the capabilities that support Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks’s “Replicator” initiative.

    It is no accident that four of the five selected “Replicator” systems came out of the Department of the Navy’s innovation ecosystem.

    And over the last year, our Department has expended more missiles than we have since the Second World War.

    My Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems has been at the forefront of this fight.

    Last year, I challenged that office to operate and field its systems as a “portfolio of capabilities”—and they have delivered.

    The IWS RCO has been working hand-in-hand with our operators in the fight in the Red Sea to deliver innovations, in near-real time, as we continue to innovate—at speed.

    Call to Action/Closing

    I am extremely proud of everything our department has accomplished over the last three years, and I am excited for our Navy-Marine Corps team as we chart a course for the future—a future that will require us to respond and adapt to whatever geopolitical challenges our Nation may face.

    To those Georgia Tech, Spellman, and Morehouse College students who are not affiliated with the NROTC program—if anything that I said today interests you, I encourage you to speak with me or a member of my staff to learn more about how you can join our team in the Navy or Marine Corps.

    Service in the Navy and Marine Corps is more than just a job—it represents a chance to serve and become something much bigger than yourself.

    And the Department of the Navy also provides numerous opportunities for public service beyond serving in uniform—we need engineers, scientists, and analysts in our Department.

    As our Department continues to re-imagine and refocus our innovation efforts, I encourage all of you—our nation’s scientists, engineers, researchers, and inventors—to join us.

    No matter how you serve, you’ll be part of a team working together toward a shared goal.

    We are indeed in an innovation race—and it is one we must win.

    Innovation must permeate every aspect of our Department’s approach to deliver technologies and capabilities at a speed and scale necessary for our Navy and Marine Corps to confront the challenges of today and the future.

    Thank you all for your commitment to the Department of the Navy, the maritime services, and indeed our Nation.

    May God continue to bless our Sailors, Marines, Civilians, and their families stationed around the globe with fair winds and following seas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Meremere Wildfire, North Waikato

    Source: Waikato District Health Board

    The large vegetation fire near Meremere, which includes the Whangamarino wetlands is now under control. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the fire may take some time to fully extinguish due to where it is burning in peat and wetland.

    Although under control, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora says there is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, people who are pregnant, young children and the elderly – may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation.

    Dr Richard Wall, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service says exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease.

    “People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise”.

    Dr Wall said residents on a roof water tank supply were advised to disconnect the pipe to their tank if a lot of ash and debris was falling to avoid water becoming contaminated.

    “Only reconnect the water supply after the next heavy rain (discarding the ‘first flush’), to avoid getting ash in your drinking water.”

    The experience of being exposed to an event like a fire can be distressing and it’s normal to feel anxious in situations like this. If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737 any time and you can speak to (or text) a trained counsellor free of charge or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

    If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside if it is safe to do so.

    Remember to:

    • Keep your windows and doors shut
    • Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’
    • Air out your house when the smoke clears
    • Look out for children, older people, and others at risk
    • Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.
    • Roof water supply: Disconnect the pipe to your tank if there is ash and debris on your roof, and only reconnect after the next heavy rain to avoid getting ash in your drinking water.

    For information about the fire visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website

    Media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Date set for 2024 Tulip Dig

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The City of Greater Bendigo’s annual Tulip Dig will take place at 9am on Thursday November 7, 2024 in the Conservatory Gardens.

    City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Chris Mitchell said the Tulip Dig is an extremely popular annual event with many gardeners keen to secure some bargain priced bulbs to display in their own gardens.

    “Due to the popularity of this event there will again be a four-bag limit, with bags supplied by the City on entry at a cost of $5 per bag. It is a cashless event with payment by EFTPOS only,” Mr Mitchell said.

    “Only small hand trowels and digging tools are permitted to retrieve bulbs as City staff will pre-loosen the soil in the garden beds.

    “Therefore, no shovels or hoes can be brought into the gardens for safety reasons on the day.

    “We are expecting big crowds of people of all ages on the day and ask all participants to show respect to others when digging for bulbs as aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.”

    A number of pre-bagged tulip bulbs will also be available for purchase from the City’s Heathcote Customer Service Centre on the same day for $5 per bag.  A limit of one bag per person will apply.

    Tulip Dig event details:

    • No BYO bags. Bags will be supplied by the City on entry at a cost of $5 each
    • There will be a limit of four bags per person
    • Payment to be made by EFTPOS only as this is a cashless event
    • Only small hand trowels and digging tools allowed. No shovels or hoes permitted for safety reasons
    • Aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated
    • Conservatory gates will open at 9am

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for community members to participate in coal ash advisory committee

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast

    Lake Macquarie and Lake Munmorah communities are encouraged to take part in a new advisory committee set up to help inform the NSW Government’s remediation of sites containing coal ash repositories.

    The government is establishing the committee to support its response to the ‘NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into costs for remediation of sites containing coal ash repositories’ available here.

    In response to the Inquiry’s recommendations, NSW Health has commissioned a review of environmental data to determine whether people living close to power stations and coal ash dams are exposed to potentially harmful chemicals through air, water, soil or local fish and seafood.

    The committee will allow open discussions between NSW Health and representatives of the local community, stakeholder groups and local councils on the potential health impacts of coal ash.

    NSW Health is seeking applications from community members and those from local civic, professional, and environmental groups to apply to join the committee.

    Committee members will contribute to committee discussions, attend around four meetings a year, and help communicate information about the coal ash study to the broader community

    Those interested can obtain a nomination form by contacting independent Chair of the Community Advisory Committee: David Ross, at David.Ross@phoenixstrategic.com.au. Nominations close on 6 December 2024.

    Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

    “This new committee will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of coal ash deposits on communities in Lake Macquarie and Lake Munmorah.

    “I encourage interested residents in those areas to take this opportunity to donate their time and expertise to find a way forward to clean up these sites for the lasting benefit of their communities.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia outperforms on global budget league tables

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government’s responsible budget strategy has seen Australia become one of the top ranked economies in the world for fiscal management in 2024, according to figures released by the International Monetary Fund.

    Australia is expected to have the third strongest budget balance as a share of GDP among G20 countries in 2024, and up from 14th in 2021 under the Coalition according to the IMF Fiscal Monitor.

    This is a big vote of confidence in Labor’s management of the nation’s finances.

    From 14th to a podium finish in less than one term is a powerful demonstration of our responsible economic management.

    Our budget has become one of the best in the world under the Albanese Government and that’s what this data shows.

    We’re getting the budget in better nick and paying down billions of dollars of Liberal debt.

    Our responsible economic management has helped in the fight against inflation and has helped make room in the budget for things that matter like healthcare, aged care, and defence. 

    Under the Albanese Government, Australia is ranked ahead of all G7 economies on budget management in 2024, including the US, UK, Canada, France and Germany.

    Since the election, Australia has seen one of the biggest budget improvements of the G20.

    Australia also has the fifth lowest gross debt to GDP ratio in the G20 in 2024, a position which improved in 2023, and has been maintained since then.

    The 2024 budget balance ranking for Australia has also improved since the April projections.

    This endorsement of Labor’s responsible economic management comes after the Final Budget Outcome for 2023‑24 which confirmed the Albanese Government delivered the first back‑to‑back surpluses in nearly two decades.

    The underlying cash surplus of $15.8 billion (0.6 per cent of GDP) for 2023‑24 followed the $22.1 billion (0.9 per cent of GDP) surplus delivered in 2022‑23.

    In dollar terms, these were the biggest back-to-back surpluses on record, meaning the Albanese Government has delivered the largest nominal improvement in the budget position in a Parliamentary term.

    If we took the same approach as our predecessors, we wouldn’t have come close to delivering back-to-back surpluses.

    The budget position has improved by $172.3 billion across the past two years compared to what we inherited from our predecessors.

    The government’s budget strategy strikes the right balance between fighting inflation, rolling out responsible cost-of-living relief, supporting growth in our economy and strengthening public finances.

    We’ve delivered two surpluses at the same time as we’ve rolled out responsible cost-of-living relief including tax cuts for every taxpayer, energy bill relief for every household, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care and the first consecutive real increases to the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance in three decades.

    Our economic plan is all about easing the cost of living and fighting inflation at the same time as we lay the foundations for a stronger economy for the future, and back-to-back budget surpluses help on each of these fronts.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government to provide scam victims clear pathway for redress

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government is making Australia the hardest target for scammers – sending a clear message that this harmful practice won’t be tolerated here, and making sure victims know we have their backs.

    Today, the government is announcing further steps by providing $14.7 million over two years to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to establish a clear single pathway for scam victims to seek compensation.

    The Government has already announced its intention to nominate AFCA to operate the external dispute resolution scheme for the first three designated sectors under the Scams Prevention Framework – banks, telecommunication service providers and digital platforms providing social media, paid search advertising and direct messaging.

    Scams victims will be able to seek compensation through a single door if they have been unable to reach a satisfactory outcome through internal dispute resolution, even if the complaint is against multiple regulated industries.

    This means if a person is the target of a scam on social media and loses money from their bank account, both the bank and the social media platform could be liable if they failed to put adequate protections in place.

    Currently social media companies have no internal or external dispute resolution mechanism and redress is close to impossible.

    This is a major uplift in consumer protections for scam activity.

    Today’s announcement will support the significant expansion of AFCA’s remit involved with, adding scams complaints against telcos and certain digital platforms.

    AFCA receives more than 100,000 complaints about financial firms each year. In 2023–24, approximately 11,000 of these were scam‑related complaints.

    AFCA will continue to operate its existing EDR jurisdiction for non‑scam complaints in relation to financial services, as will the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman in relation to non‑scam complaints about telecommunications service providers.

    This funding announcement builds on the government’s landmark Scams Prevention Framework legislation. The Framework creates core obligations designed to prevent, detect, disrupt, and respond to manipulation tactics used by scammers to target Australians.

    Initially banks, telcos, and some digital platforms will be subject to mandatory sector‑specific codes and face significant penalties for non‑compliance.

    Consultation on the exposure draft of the Framework legislation concluded on 4 October 2024. The Government is considering the feedback provided during consultation to inform development of a final bill for introduction to Parliament this year.

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones

    “Our scams crackdown will cut off the avenues scammers use to target Australians by setting a high bar for what businesses must do to prevent them.

    “Scam victims will have a clear pathway for redress.

    “We want victims of scams to know the Government has their backs, and we want businesses to understand that they have a responsibility to protect Australians from these often devastating scammers.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Matt Shirvington, Sunrise, Channel 7

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    MATT SHIRVINGTON:

    Welcome back. Well, the Department of Finance has announced over $14 million worth of funding in an effort to make Australia the hardest target for scammers. The new proposals come as the government aims to crack down on fraud, ensuring victims are able to seek compensation through a new, streamlined service. For more Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones joins us now. Great to have you with us. So, how will this new funding benefit victims straight off?

    STEPHEN JONES:

    The situation at the moment is the law is really grey on what the obligations on banks, on telecommunications companies and social media platforms are to keep their customers safe. I’m introducing new laws into parliament in the next few weeks which will raise the bar significant new protections for consumers, but also ensuring they have a single front door to go through when something goes wrong and they’re unable to resolve their complaint. That front door will be the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. Significant uplift in funding, $14.7 million so they can deal with a caseload of complaints that they’re going to have to deal with. So, if I could put it simply, new obligations, new – new avenues for redress, Australian consumers better off.

    SHIRVINGTON:

    The main thing, I think, for most people when they get targeted and scammed is the speed of some sort of resolution. Is it going to speed that up?

    JONES:

    Absolutely. There’ll be stronger obligations on banks, dispute resolution processes and an independent tribunal if things can’t be resolved. And I’ll ensure that there’s a fast track process in there as well, to ensure that people can raise their complaints. A lot of it will be, I want my money back, but a lot of it will also be, can you pull down that fake webpage?

    SHIRVINGTON:

    Yes.

    JONES:

    That is impersonating me. That is impersonating a bank or a telecommunications company. Pull down that material because people are being lured into losing money through that. So, there’s a range of complaints, new avenues to be able to deal with that.

    SHIRVINGTON:

    That’s fantastic. Thank you so much for joining us. The other thing that piques my interest too is the SMS sender ID registry that you’re implementing, which will mean it won’t pop up on those SMS threads from the banks as well. Appreciate your time this morning.

    JONES:

    Good to be with you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ahead of the Threat Podcast: Episode One

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    In December 2021, UKG Kronos was hit with a ransomware attack that impacted thousands of business customers.

    On this episode of Ahead of the Threat, co-hosts Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI, speak to Aaron Ain, former CEO and current Executive Chair at UKG, who gives a firsthand account of what it’s like to lead a multinational technology company during major cyber incident. Learn how Aaron handled the extreme pressure of the situation, prioritized transparency to rebuild customer trust, and made enduring structural reforms to supply-chain security and cybersecurity at the board level.

    At the start of the episode, Bryan and Jamil discuss trending topics like Iran’s brazen effort to interfere in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the Salt Typhoon hack of U.S. telecoms, and recent supply chain compromises.
    —————————————————
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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOsOCAaH2Ms

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, House Republicans Urge Biden-Harris Admin to Improve Plastic Management Treaty at U.N.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    10.23.24
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Biden-Harris administration to press for improvements to a global plastics treaty being negotiated by United Nations participating countries. Sen. Sullivan expressed concerns that the treaty could be plagued with vague requirements and expensive efforts that do not provide adequate solutions to the pressing issue of plastic waste. The letter was first reported on in an article by Politico’s Jordan Wolman on October 16.
    “Since this treaty has no enforcement provisions and relies on the good faith and self-reporting of signatory countries, the treaty needs to be common-sense and future-looking, building on reducing demand for single use plastic, on technical innovation, and on implementing measures that enhance the circularity of plastic,” Sen. Sullivan wrote. “I urge the Biden-Harris administration to focus on securing an agreement that the U.S. can join and one that will result in a lasting solution to end plastic pollution.”
    Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) led a similar letter in the House joined by 26 of his Republican colleagues.
    Click here to read the full letter.
    Senator Sullivan has led on the issue of plastic pollution, specifically in regard to oceans and marine ecosystems, with his Save our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act, introduced with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and signed into law in December 2020. This legislation has fostered multiple efforts to eliminate plastic pollution and mitigate the impacts on the environment, including:
    The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (SWIFR), authorized by SOS 2.0 and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has provided $375 million in infrastructure and recycling programs for local communities.
    The Save Our Seas Initiative, launched by USAID in 2022, has implemented programs in 25 cities across 10 countries to reduce the flow of ocean plastic pollution. The initiative’s recently-launched CIRCLE Initiative (Catalyzing Inclusive, Resilient and Circular Local Economies) is a public-private partnership that furthers this aim.
    The Department of State leads inter-agency efforts to negotiate a 175+ country global treaty on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The Department also launched the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative; EPPIC is a public-private partnership built to catalyze governments, NGOs, and businesses to support innovative solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.
    The Marine Debris Foundation, a charitable and nonprofit foundation established by SOS 2.0, announced Juneau, Alaska as its headquarters, following strong support by Sen. Sullivan to locate the headquarters in Alaska.
    The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) published a landmark report on the U.S. contribution to global ocean plastic waste; other members of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee have published additional reports that further our understanding and galvanize action to combat plastic pollution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham: ICC Prosecutor Misconduct Allegations, Timeline Cast Moral Cloud Over Israeli Arrest Warrant Applications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – Following media reports that International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan is facing allegations of misconduct, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) is calling for the immediate release of records pertaining to these allegations. Senator Graham points out that the harassment allegations surfaced in early May, just a few days prior to Prosecutor Khan canceling his scheduled trip to meet with Israeli officials, and instead abruptly announcing he applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.

    Graham wrote, “In the weeks before Prosecutor Khan applied for warrants, I worked with a bipartisan group of United States Senators to urge Prosecutor Khan to adhere to the Rome Statute in conducting his investigation. Specifically, on a May 1, 2024 phone call, this bipartisan group urged Prosecutor Khan to respect the principle of complementarity and to engage in good faith with Israeli officials before making any decision as to how to move forward against the State of Israel.”

    He concluded, “It has now come to my attention through media reports that Prosecutor Khan was facing allegations of misconduct around the same time, and the resolution of this matter remains a mystery. The abrupt decision to cancel this visit to Israel, along with these contemporaneous allegations needs to be explained, and I request full transparency on the matter to ensure there is no conflict of interest. These media reports are disturbing, and I call for a release of the records pertaining to these allegations, including any decision not to open an investigation, and for an update on where this matter stands. Until such transparency is satisfactorily achieved, another cloud—a moral one—hangs over Prosecutor Khan’s abrupt decision to abandon engagement with Israel and seek arrest warrants.”

    To read the full letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: US Navy: Projecting Strength and Building the Fleet of Tomorrow

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    US Navy: Projecting Strength and Building the Fleet of Tomorrow

    By Senator Lindsey Graham and Morgan Ortagus

    Fox News

    October 23, 2024

    https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/us-navy-projecting-strength-and-building-fleet-tomorrow

    It’s time for all Americans to grasp a hard truth: in a world that may be on the brink of World War III, our military budgets are inconsistent with the threats we face. This is especially the case with the budget of the Department of the Navy.  

    The bad news: the current Navy budget will not make a stronger military or a larger U.S. fleet a reality. The good news: through American innovation and more agile products, we can build a bigger and more efficient Navy.  

    However, President Biden’s proposed FY2025 budget of $257.6 billion for the Department of the Navy is well below inflation and does not provide for a more lethal Navy. 

    As both President Biden and President Trump certified, the most direct challenge facing the U.S. Navy today is from the People’s Republic of China. Therefore, strong investments must be made now to ensure the Navy, and most importantly the United States, can meet this threat head-on.

    It comes as no shock to the reader that America and its allies and partners are facing an unprecedented deluge of maritime threats by the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Navy alone has provoked a U.S. destroyer in the Taiwan Strait with dangerous maneuvers, harassed Taiwan with aggressive military exercises, entered America’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Bering Sea, developed a jam-resistant submarine torpedo, and injured several Filipino sailors at and around Second Thomas Shoal.  

    These developments incrementally set the conditions for a direct conflict on the open seas. Meanwhile, Washington has been lulled into complacency by decades of maritime supremacy. Most concerning, the United States lacks the political resolve to shed the Navy’s Soviet-era mentality and adapt to the new era of great power competition. 

    To meet the moment’s maritime threats, America must choose between tough and tougher: make significant investments in our fleet or face the costs of inaction.

    Section One: Expanding U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity and Cooperation with Allies

    Our shipbuilding industrial base is grappling with significant delays and challenges, affecting major programs like the Columbia-class submarines, Constellation-class frigates, and Ford-class carriers. These delays are not only impacting the procurement of new ships, they are also impacting the ability to maintain the current fleet. 

    A great first step to combating the maritime threats our nation faces is to expand the physical footprint of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.  

    The U.S. shipbuilding industry is first in its class and the men and women that come to work every day in our nation’s shipyards build the world’s most lethal and capable warships. In states like South Carolina, there are a wealth of maritime industry suppliers and shipbuilders diligently producing the necessary components to construct our nation’s ships.  

    But that alone is not enough. China’s Bohai Shipyard boasts an annual capacity exceeding the total number of ships our Navy has launched since 2014.  

    In addition, China is rapidly expanding its existing shipyards and according to experts “has been investing so much in shipbuilding over the past 18 years that it can now build more ships in a month than the United States can in a year.” 

    By comparison, America only has four public shipyards and these yards focus on maintenance of submarines and aircraft carriers and not the construction of new vessels.

    The Department of the Navy should look at states like South Carolina to build new shipyards to maximize the U.S. shipbuilding capacity and our maritime industry. 

    In addition, the Navy must expand maintenance capacity here in the states as well as in the Pacific. The U.S. Navy has already decided to augment its capacity by placing a submarine maintenance facility in Guam. This should be replicated for other vessels elsewhere. 

    It is clear that the need for more shipbuilding capacity is great and immediate. Investing here at home will certainly help address the need. At the same time, our nation should also not discount opportunities to work with others when the opportunity presents itself.  

    The U.S. Navy cannot afford to leave any stone unturned when thinking of innovative ways to grow the fleet as quickly as possible.

    Section Two: Fleet Requirements and Capabilities

    A fundamental step toward a 21st-century U.S. Navy is improving both the size and modernity of our existing fleet. The fleet currently consists of carriers, surface combatants, submarines, amphibious warships, combat logistics ships, fleet support vessels and mine warfare assets.  

    Yet this fleet is hardly agile or scalable enough to meet a Chinese maritime threat that includes drones, hypersonic missiles and other high-tech tools of warcraft.

    Persistent gaps also remain in amphibious warfare and in contested logistics. Amphibious combat vehicles, landing vessels, and light warships are all needed in higher quantities for rapid and effective landings. 

    Unmanned and underwater systems are especially relevant to modern naval operations. Often at a fraction of the cost of manned vessels, these vessels – both large and small – perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, logistics and strike operations.  

    They also relieve pressure on our high-demand, low-density assets while augmenting the fleet. The proof is in their success in Ukraine, where naval drones have successfully countered Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, forcing them into safe harbors and destroying dozens of Russian vessels.

    In addition to their combat roles, unmanned systems are revolutionizing naval logistics. Unmanned logistics platforms can autonomously deliver supplies, ammunition, and fuel to forward-deployed forces, significantly extending the operational reach of our fleet.  

    These systems reduce the need for manned resupply missions, which are often vulnerable to enemy attacks, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of our operations. By integrating unmanned logistics into our naval strategy, we can maintain sustained operations in contested environments, ensuring our forces remain equipped and ready for extended engagements.

    A possible way to advance the construction of these unmanned vessels is through an international partnership. Such a partnership could be modeled after the trilateral security partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS) for submarine production in Australia. An AUKUS-like agreement for unmanned systems could create a new pathway for faster construction of these unmanned platforms and increase the integration between partners.

    China’s naval power is growing at an alarming rate, with close to 400 ships currently in service and projections of 435 by 2030. The impact of this expansion is worsened by our diminishing technology gap, as China advances its naval technology while the U.S. Navy struggles to build ships.  

    Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s latest shipbuilding assessment calls for 381 battle force ships (carriers, destroyers, amphibious ships, submarines, etc.) and 134 unmanned vehicles, totaling 515 vessels.  

    While it is great to have a roadmap, the U.S. Navy’s own shipbuilding plan projects that we would not reach 381 battle force ships until 2043 under the best scenario. This delay poses an unacceptable risk to our national security and could force our sailors into a fight they are underequipped to win.

    To avoid that scenario and reduce the exposure of manned ships to enemy attacks, we must expedite shipbuilding with a focus on unmanned surface and subsurface systems that are affordable and quick to produce. America does not have to win a shipbuilding foot race, but we must strategically invest in both the capabilities and capacities to counter China’s growing maritime capabilities and protect our interests.

    Section Three: Funding the Department of the Navy

    The U.S. military budget is woefully underfunded for the threats our nation faces today. The U.S. is on target to spend only 3.1% of total GDP on defense in Fiscal Year 2025 and that percentage is projected to fall to a paltry 2.4% in 2034 under the Biden-Harris budget plan.  

    Budgetary “business as usual” will only widen the gap between U.S. and Chinese naval capabilities. With China’s defense budget growing in both size and sophistication, it is imperative the United States make greater, and smarter, investments of our own. 

    Increasing funding for the Navy’s ship procurement, known as the Shipbuilding and Conversion account, alone will not be enough.  In order to address the shipbuilding problem, Congress should consider a comprehensive approach that includes strong and consistent funding across procurement, operations and maintenance, research and development, personnel and military construction accounts.  

    In order to do this, Congress will need to think outside the box as the current budgetary restraints limit the needed investments. Congress should form a “Fleet Investment Fund” – codifying the Navy’s entire budget growth at least 5% above inflation and more than the department’s topline request – covering all aspects of naval development and readiness. 

    Most importantly, this account should not be subject to any caps or restrictions within the president’s budget request to Congress each fiscal year. The formation of this account must be seen as a national imperative.

    Conclusion

    There is no doubt that the costs of these investments are great and will require tradeoffs and significant political capital, but the costs of inaction will be far greater. History demonstrates that adversaries are emboldened by America’s hesitation and deterred by its resolve. History proves that the U.S. Navy can adapt to evolving defense needs. 

    Since 1945, America has served as the global guarantor of open seas and freedom of navigation in contested waterways and critical trade routes. President Theodore Roosevelt stated before Congress in 1902 that “a good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace.”

    Morgan Ortagus is the founder of Polaris National Security and formerly served as the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department under President Trump. 

    Republican Lindsey Graham represents South Carolina in the United States Senate. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Statement on Deputy Chair of ACMA

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The Albanese Government will commence a selection process for the next Deputy Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in the coming weeks, with current Deputy Chair Ms Creina Chapman advising she is retiring and will not seek reappointment at the completion of her term.
     
    The Government acknowledges Ms Chapman for her outstanding leadership and contribution to the ACMA since her initial appointment in June 2018.
     
    As Deputy Chair, Ms Chapman has provided admirable leadership to the Authority and staff, and valuable advice to the Government on significant changes across the communications and media landscape. This has included overseeing the implementation of major Government reforms to improve consumer safety, protection and connectivity for all Australians.
     
    The selection process for the next ACMA Deputy Chair will be conducted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and is expected to commence next month.
     
    Ms Chapman’s term concludes on 10 December 2024. An interim Deputy Chair will be appointed while the selection process is finalised and will be announced in due course.
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

    “On behalf of the Australian Government, I would like to thank Ms Chapman for her exemplary leadership as Deputy Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority over the past 6 years.
     
     “She has navigated the Authority through a time of significant change for the communications and media industries and contributed to reforms that make a real difference for Australians when it comes to consumer safety and connectivity. 
     
    “In this way, Ms Chapman has made a positive and enduring contribution to the Australian communications and media landscape. We wish her well for the remainder of her term and her future endeavours.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lee Announces More Than $21 Million to Protect Nevada’s Water Resources

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    Made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Lee helped negotiate and pass

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) announced more than $21 million in federal investments from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to help safely manage wastewater, protect local water resources, and deliver safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses in Nevada. These Fiscal Year 2025 investments were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Lee helped negotiate and pass. 

    Specifically, the federal investments are coming to Nevada by way of EPA’s State Revolving Funds: 

    • $13,270,000 is coming via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) — $1,054,000 of which will specifically address emerging contaminants such as PFAS in wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source pollution. 
    • $7,921,000 is coming via the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), with the primary purpose of addressing emerging contaminants — including PFAS — in drinking water.

    “Protecting our local water supply means making sure that Nevada’s water is clean and safe from harmful contaminants like PFAS,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I helped negotiate and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because it I knew it would secure the federal resources we need in Nevada, just like today’s investments. I’ll continue working to bring back federal dollars so we can deliver clean drinking water to our homes, schools, and businesses while safely managing our wastewater.” 

    In 2023 alone, Congresswoman Lee helped deliver more than $122 million in federal water investments to southern Nevada and recently secured all three of her priorities in the bi-annual Water Resources Development Act that passed out of the House. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Playing a key role in managing cruise ship activity

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Our Harbourmaster’s Office plays a key role in managing cruise ship activity across Waitaha/Canterbury.  

    There are four places in Canterbury that get visits from cruise ship ships during the summer months – they are Kaikōura, Lyttelton, Akaroa and Timaru. 

    Our team in the Harbourmaster’s Office are responsible for several functions including:  

    • granting permissions to enter the Kaikōura and Akaroa anchorage sites
    • enforcing speed and wake requirements
    • maintaining communications with the ship as necessary.  

    We also work closely alongside other agencies to ensure cruise ship operations are completed in a safe and coordinated manner.  

    “This season, we have reduced the number of designated anchorages down to three in Akaroa harbour due to concerns about the environment and seabed,” said Guy Harris, Harbourmaster.  

    “We have also further limited the maximum size of a cruise ships that may enter Akaroa without requiring a resource consent.”  

    Working together to reduce cruise ship impact  

    In partnership with the Department of Conservation, Christchurch City Council, and ChristchurchNZ, we continue to closely monitor cruise ship activity in Akaroa. 

    Cruise ship visits in Akaroa have been a matter of community interest and discussion in recent years, with concerns raised over the number of ships visiting, potential damage to the seabed and safety.  

    The reduction in cruise ship visits to Akaroa is consistent with the intent of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 2021 report, which focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of the tourism industry.   

    Limiting ship length and thruster use 

    Information from a risk assessment in 2019 led us to limit thruster use by ships at anchor, to reduce the potential for seabed disturbance. A survey of the Akaroa Harbour in 2021 led us to close some anchorages and limit the size of ships coming into the Harbour from 260 lengths between perpendiculars (LBP) to 200m LBP. For a larger ship to enter it would need to get resource consent first. 

    “A repeat survey of the open and closed anchorages in Akaroa was undertaken by Southern Hydrographic in 2023 with an additional survey planned for 2025.  

    “This will help us determine the rate of physical recovery of the closed anchorages and inform future operational decisions,” said Guy. 
    A total of 17 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Akaroa this season.  

    Construction of a new Akaroa Wharf 

    Christchurch City Council will soon begin work to rebuild the Akaroa Wharf. Construction is expected to get underway in late 2025 and be completed in 2027.  

    Drummonds Jetty is currently being extended in preparation as a temporary replacement while the main wharf is constructed. The Harbourmaster’s Office team will be installing some channel marker buoys for vessels approaching Drummonds Jetty and have been working with Christchurch City Council on shifting some swing moorings to ensure there is a clear channel.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Check the rules before you burn outdoors

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Around this time of year, we get many calls complaining about smoky or smelly outdoor fires. To avoid complaints from your neighbours and a visit from one of our incident response officers, get familiar with the outdoor burning rules and consider alternatives to burning.

    Under 2 hectares? You can’t burn outdoors

    Remember that if your property is under two hectares (20,000 square metres), you can’t burn outdoors, even if you live in a rural area.

    If your property is over two hectares, you can burn only paper, cardboard, untreated wood, and dry vegetation from your property and a neighbour’s property. Smoke must not cause a nuisance beyond your property boundary or be blown towards a township. If you live in a Clean Air Zone, you may only burn between 1 September and 30 April. For more information about the outdoor burning rules, visit our outdoor burning page.

    Check it’s alright before you light

    Before lighting any fires, visit checkitsalright.nz to find out whether your area is in an open, restricted or prohibited fire season and what you should do to keep yourself and others safe.

    Rubbish fires are a no-go

    No matter how large your property is, you must not burn rubbish. Burning rubbish causes toxic chemicals to be released into the air and creates a health hazard as well as a nuisance for you and your neighbours. Materials that must not be burned in Waitaha/Canterbury include:

    • plastic
    • metals
    • batteries
    • painted or treated wood
    • rubber
    • coated wire
    • oil
    • chemicals
    • tar and bitumen
    • materials containing asbestos
    • containers that have stored hazardous materials.

    Plastic and wood can be disposed of with general rubbish, but batteries, paint and hazardous materials need to be taken to a transfer station. Visit your local council’s website to find out how to sort your waste and the location of your nearest transfer stations.

    Of particular concern in the rural environment is the burning of bale wrap and other household rubbish. Bale wrap and other farm waste can be recycled through Agrecovery or Plasback.

    Burn only dry organic material

    “Burning wet organics, like freshly felled trees for example, generates much more smoke than a dry burn. That’s when you get thick, black smoke that causes a real nuisance to the surrounding community,” said compliance team leader, north, Brian Reeves. “The smoke contains small particles that can irritate the nose and throat and even have more serious health impacts over time.”

    Outdoor burning rules state that the moisture content of any material being burnt must not be greater than 25 per cent.

    Alternatives to outdoor burning

    Consider smoke-free alternatives for dealing with your green waste. Garden waste can go in the green bin or the compost. Grass clippings and leaves can also be used as mulch in the garden.

    Cooking outdoors is allowed

    Whether you prefer a barbecue, pizza oven, hāngī or umu, you can cook outdoors as long as the smoke is not offensive or objectionable beyond your property boundary.

    How to report outdoor burning

    If smoke from outdoor burning is causing a nuisance for you, call us on 0800 765 588 (24 hours) or use the Snap Send Solve app to report an issue from your mobile phone.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Suspension of new SNAs passes its third reading

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The three-year suspension of identification of new significant natural areas (SNAs) has passed its third reading.

    “We’ve made this change via the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act because we’ve heard concerns from some stakeholders that the approach to identifying new SNAs was too broad, capturing areas with less significant native biodiversity and overly restricting land use,” Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard says.

    Councils had to identify new SNAs and include them in district plans as part of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.

    “The suspension of this requirement allows time for a review of SNAs that will consider how they should be identified, assessed and managed.”

    Some SNA implementation timeframes have also been extended to 31 December 2030 under the new legislation.

    As part of the review of SNAs, Ministry for the Environment officials met with selected groups and individuals with technical knowledge including ecologists, local government officials, Māori, landowners and others.  

    Policy options have been prepared and will be sent to Ministers in due course.

    Consultation on proposed changes to the NPSIB following the review will take place early next year.

    “We want to work collaboratively with landowners to make sure that the most unique and special environments are sensibly protected, without putting undue restrictions on land use change.”

    Notes to editors: 
    Under the NPSIB, an area qualifies as an SNA if it meets any one of the attributes of the following four criteria: (a) representativeness; (b) diversity and pattern; (c) rarity and distinctiveness and (d) ecological context and once the council has followed processes for consultation and engagement with landowners.

    National direction supports local decision-making under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). It includes national policy statements, national environmental standards, national planning standards and section 360 regulations.

    In May, the Government introduced a Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill which proposed, amongst other matters, to suspend for three years NPSIB requirements for councils to identify new SNAs and include them in district plans. This Bill today passed its third reading.

    The obligation to protect indigenous biodiversity under the Resource Management Act is unaffected by the suspension. Other NPSIB provisions including the management of existing SNAs continue to apply.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Administrator Checks on Recovery Efforts in Georgia, Meets with State and Local Officials as Hurricane Helene Recovery Continues Throughout the Southeast

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    em>More than 141,000 Georgia households have been approved for $156 million in FEMA housing and other types of assistance
    FEMA Administrator to travel to South Carolina on Thursday, October 24 to check on long-term recovery
    WASHINGTON – Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Augusta, Georgia to meet with state and local officials, survivors and FEMA staff supporting recovery efforts. She will also meet with Georgia Emergency Management Agency to discuss long-term recovery. Tomorrow, she will travel to South Carolina to meet with Gov. McMaster, check on federal recovery efforts and visit local Disaster Recovery Centers. 
    To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved over $2 billion in federal assistance for individuals and communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. FEMA has over 5,000 personnel deployed throughout the Southeast, contributing to a total of over 6,000 federal responders who are working together to support state and local governments in their recovery efforts. FEMA personnel remain on the ground in communities across the Southeast and are actively coordinating with local officials, conducting damage assessments and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. 
    Federal assistance for those affected by the hurricanes includes $940 million to support survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property.
    Applying for assistance is a critical first step towards recovery. Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. Individuals affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get an application started. Individuals can also apply using the FEMA App, calling 1-800-621-3362 or in person at a local Disaster Recovery Center. Disaster Recovery Centers in the affected communities can provide survivors with in-person help on their applications and answer questions. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. FEMA also has Disaster Survivor Assistance team members in the field supporting survivors and helping them with the application process. 
    Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for other federally declared disasters.   
    Recovery Update
    For those affected by Hurricane Helene, FEMA has approved over $1.3 billion in assistance. This includes $797 million in assistance for individuals and families, along with more than $524 million for debris removal and efforts to protect public health and safety. In response to Hurricane Milton, FEMA has approved more than $749 million in assistance, with $142 million allocated for individuals and families and over $606 million for debris removal and safety measures.
    FEMA now has 57 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected communities to provide survivors with in-person assistance with more opening each day. These centers offer help with applications for FEMA assistance, information on available resources and guidance through the recovery process. Over 1,300 Disaster Survivor Assistance team members remain on the ground in neighborhoods in all affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 
    Support for Georgia
    FEMA has approved over $156 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 141,000 households.
    There are 214 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also nine Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Augusta, Baxley, Douglas, Lyons, Midway, Sandersville, Savannah, Thompson and Valdosta where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene. 
    Support for South Carolina
    FEMA has approved over $166 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 176,000 households. 
    More than 1,800 survivors who cannot return home are currently staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.
    There are 124 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also eight Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Allendale, Anderson, Gaffney, Graniteville, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry and Union where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
    Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 
    Support for North Carolina
    FEMA has approved over $134 million for over 94,000 households and other types of assistance. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $189 million for debris removal and reimbursement of emergency protective measures for the state.
    More than 2,600 survivors who cannot return home are currently staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Mass shelter numbers remain steady, with 11 shelters housing just over 440 occupants. 
    FEMA delivered over 7.8 million meals and 10.3 million liters of water to North Carolina. Commodity distribution, mass feeding and hydration operations remain in areas of western North Carolina. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Residents can visit ncdps.gov/Helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    There are over 420 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also 15 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Charlotte, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lenoir, Marion, Morgantown, Newland, Old Fort, Sparta, Sylva and Waynesville where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery. To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
    Support for Florida
    In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $319 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 99,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $335 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work. In response to Milton, FEMA has approved over $142 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 121,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $606 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work.
    In response to Helene and Milton, FEMA delivered over 4.6 million meals and 4.4 million liters of water to Florida.
    More than 5,500 survivors who cannot return home are currently staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Mass shelter numbers continue to decline, with 14 shelters housing just over 650 occupants. 
    There are 495 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities to provide support. There are also 16 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Alligator Point (Mobile), Branford, Brooksville, Fort Pierce, Homosassa, Lake City, Largo, Live Oak, Madison, Old Town, Palmetto (Mobile), Perry, Punta Gorda (Mobile), Sarasota, Stuart, and Vero Beach supporting survivors from Debby, Helene and Milton where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  
    Support for Virginia
    To date, FEMA has approved over $6.6 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 2,200 households.
    There are about 76 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also six Disaster Recovery Centers open in Christiansburg, Damascus, Dublin, Independence, Marion and Tazewell where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov).
    Support for Tennessee
    FEMA has approved more than $14.3 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 3,900 households.
    There are more than 56 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are now three Disaster Recovery Center open in Erwin, Greenville and Morristown where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.
    Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    MIL OSI USA News –