NewzIntel.com

Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI Security: MH-139 completes first IOT&E flight, advancing nuclear security operations

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo.  –  

    The 582nd Helicopter Group achieved a major milestone in its modernization efforts as the MH-139 Grey Wolf completed its first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations on January 28, 2025.

    The flight, conducted by the 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, tested the aircraft’s ability to support intercontinental ballistic missile convoy operations, a crucial mission for securing the nation’s strategic deterrence forces.

    “This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the MH-139 is ready for full operational capability,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Lincoln, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center IOT&E test director. “This was the first of 37 planned flight events, and our objective was to integrate the MH-139 into convoy security operations while testing communication networks between air and ground forces.”

    The MH-139 Grey Wolf brings enhanced speed, payload capacity and endurance, far surpassing the UH-1N Huey, which has been in service since the Vietnam era. As Twentieth Air Force transitions to the MH-139, the increased capabilities will streamline nuclear security operations and improve response times for Tactical Response Force teams.

    “The MH-139 Grey Wolf fundamentally changes how we support nuclear security,” said Col. Philip Bryant, 582nd HG commander. “It can carry twice as many security forces, fly 1.5 times as fast and has a considerably longer loiter time than the UH-1N, which greatly strengthens our mission to protect the missile fields.”

    During this first test event, the aircraft flew alongside a 341st Missile Wing convoy, validating mission effectiveness and operational suitability. The aircrew assessed the MH-139’s ability to insert and extract tactical response teams while maintaining seamless communication with ground forces.

    IOT&E is scheduled to continue through June 2025.  The 550 HS will be performing tests at all three Missile Wings and at multiple ranges to fully analyze the MH-139’s performance for all its operational missions.

    “Our Airmen are adapting quickly to this new platform,” said Bryant. “The MH-139 provides a game-changing advantage for our nuclear security forces, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition from the UH-1N to the MH-139 Grey Wolf.”

    As testing progresses, 20 AF remains focused on delivering a modernized, effective nuclear security force, ensuring the protection of America’s ICBM fleet against evolving threats.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guardians of the North, 28th Maintenance Group mobilizes entire B-1 Fleet

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D.  –  

    Raider maintainers from the 34th & 37th Bomber Generation Squadrons recently mobilized Ellsworth’s entire fleet of B-1B Lancers; while most will temporarily relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., some made their way to Anderson AFB, Guam for a Bomber Task Force deployment.

    The temporary relocation is necessary to complete a runway construction project tied to the future bed down of the B-21 Raider and as the last B-1 departed January 25, 2025, it marked the first time in 30 years the Ellsworth flightline was empty of Lancers.

    Generating aircraft sorties, especially B-1B Lancer sorties, requires an exceptional team of aircraft maintainers. “The mighty B-1 has been around for over 40 years and the foundational mission remains the same: win today, dominate tomorrow” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Feigen, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron commander. “From production to the technicians to the lowest level, elevating the lethality of the B-1 maintainer in partnership with Grand Forks will cause pause in our enemies.”

    Before the wheels of a B-1 lift off the ground, maintainers are tasked to ensure aircraft are serviceable, safe and combat ready. They conduct detailed inspections, apply necessary repairs, and log every maintenance action for accountability.

    “It’s a very high paced mission from where I stand. You’re always going from one job to the next. The game plan is always changing, quite literally by the minute on the flight line,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lane Benefield, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron B-1 crew chief. “This gave [our team] the opportunity to step up into different roles, showing great flexibility from enduring the cold and being away from family and loved ones,”

    B-1 Maintainers work around the clock in all types of weather and conditions. Grand Forks is known for challenging winters, but the Raider maintainer’s work ethic remains, and the team ensures there are always combat-ready B-1s available. The Airmen of Grand Forks are also steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the B-1 mission continues.

    “It’s been a long effort in coordination with our partners here at Grand Forks and our supporting agencies back home,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Mount, 28th Maintenance Squadron commander. “This is a once in a career moment for the B-1 community to relocate our fleet completely. It’s not every day that runway repair is done at wholescale. There’s a pride that follows in knowing all of our teams are succeeding in their mission and continue to present a credible threat to our adversaries through power projection.”

    Whether from North Dakota, South Dakota or from a forward operating base Raider maintainers have the capability and capacity to enable long range strike, anytime, anywhere.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tax credit fuels bioprocessing industry investment

    The province’s inviting and tax-friendly business environment, free and fast-flowing economy and abundant agricultural resources make it one of the best places to do business in North America. In addition, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC), launched in spring 2023, helps to attract investment that will further diversify Alberta’s agriculture industry.

    The most recent example of a company choosing to grow its business in Alberta is Canary Biofuels, which has qualified for the APITC by constructing a cold press oilseed crushing plant in Lethbridge. Canary Biofuels is investing $18 million in the project that is expected to create 40 permanent and 25 temporary jobs, process 200,000 tonnes of seed per year and produce value-added products such as canola oil and meal. Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, Alberta’s government has granted Canary Biofuels conditional approval for a tax credit estimated at $1.7 million.

    “Alberta is an agriculture powerhouse with a thriving food and bioprocessing sector. The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit has made the province a preferred destination for large-scale agri-processing investments and encourages companies like Canary Biofuels to invest in our province, create jobs and diversify the economy.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    “The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit is a prime example of how our government is strengthening our agriculture industry by supporting businesses, like Canary Biofuels, to grow, create jobs, and continue to help drive our economy forward.”

    Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East

    The APITC provides a 12 per cent non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit when businesses invest $10 million or more in a project to build or expand a value-added agri-processing facility in Alberta. The program is open to any food manufacturers and bioprocessors that add value to commodities like grains or meat or turn agricultural by-products into new consumer or industrial goods.

    Canary Biofuels is an agricultural processor that produces feedstock for the renewable fuels industry as well as high-value products for the livestock feed industry. It is headquartered in Calgary with a process facility in Lethbridge.

    “Canary would like to thank the Government of Alberta for its support. Programs like the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit are essential for smaller companies like Canary to access capital. This project will support jobs and indirectly support thousands of Albertan and Canadian oilseed farmers by providing more localized offtake for their crops, including off-spec materials.”  

    George Wadsworth, CEO Canary Biofuels Inc.

    Alberta’s agri-processing sector is the second-largest manufacturing industry in the province and the biofuel industry plays an important role in the sector, generating millions in annual economic impact and creating thousands of jobs. Alberta continues to be an attractive place for agricultural investment due to its agricultural resources, one of the lowest tax rates in North America, a business-friendly environment, and a robust transportation network to connect with international markets.

    Quick facts

    • On Feb. 7, 2023, government announced the introduction of the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit through Budget 2023.
    • On Apr. 24, 2023, Alberta’s Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit began accepting applications from agri-processing corporations for conditional approval.
    • As of Feb. 11, 2025, 16 corporations had applied to the program for projects worth about $1.63 billion in new investment in Alberta’s agri-processing sector.
    • So far, 10 corporations have received conditional approval under the program. Each one must submit progress reports on their project, then apply for a tax credit certificate when the project is complete.
    • Canary Biofuel’s crush process incorporates a proprietary cold press design that allows the processing of all varieties and qualities of seed while producing a super degummed quality oil suitable for animal feed, renewable diesel and renewable aviation biofuels. In addition, the non-solvent process produces a high-value animal feed ingredient.
    • The current crush plant in Lethbridge has been operating at 50,000 MT/year and has just completed the first phase of expansion at 80,000 MT/Y with following expansion phases of 120,000 and finally 200,000 MT/Y to be completed sometime in 2026.
    • Canary Biofuel currently employs about 25 people in Canada and at full expansion it is expected they will employ more than 40.

    Related information

    • Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit

    Related news

    • Tax credit beefs up burger patty production (July 11, 2024)
    • Tax credit mooooves Alberta’s dairy industry forward (June 19, 2024)
    • Tax credit fuels investments in bioprocessing industry (April 22, 2024)
    • Tax credit sprouts more little potato products (Feb. 22, 2024)
    • New tax credit opens the door to big investments (April 24, 2023)
    • Capitalizing on value-added agriculture (Feb. 7, 2023)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 821st Contingency Response Element boosts airfield capacity for Operation Southern Guard

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba  –  

    When the success of a mission hinges on the seamless flow of supplies and personnel, the Contingency Response Element (CRE) becomes the linchpin of logistical operations.

    For Operation Southern Guard, the CRE from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., has proven indispensable in transforming airfield capabilities to support Joint Task Force Southern Guard’s (JTF-SG) critical mission of expanding illegal alien holding operations.

    “The backbone of logistics is distribution. Being surrounded by water became a constraint for sustainment, but the CRE, with their assets and determination, came through to bridge that gap by improving the airfield capabilities to enhance the flow of cargo in and out of the island,” said Army Sergeant Maj. Johanny Ortega, the JTF-SG J4 sergeant major.

    Since initiating operations on Feb. 2, the CRE has facilitated the delivery of over 400 tons of essential cargo, including construction equipment, materiel handling equipment, power generation equipment, fuel and food.

    These supplies are pivotal for the rapid establishment and enhancement of facilities necessary for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ongoing migrant operations.

    Leading the charge on the ground is Air Force Lt. Col. Adam McDade, commander of the 821st Contingency Response Squadron, better known as “Hellhounds.”

    “We specialize in establishing and augmenting airfield operations in diverse environments, from austere dirt landing strips to fully operational international airports,” McDade explained. “Here at Guantanamo Bay, while an established airfield exists, it wasn’t equipped to handle the volume of aircraft necessary to support the deployment of forces.”

    The CRE’s deployment has significantly increased the airfield’s capacity, expanding operations from accommodating a single aircraft at a time to managing up to three aircraft simultaneously, operating around the clock.

    “We’re currently averaging between three to five aircraft per day, and we anticipate this number will rise as more forces are deployed,” McDade noted.

    The rapid deployment of the CRE showcases their readiness and precision.

    “I received about 24 hours’ notice before deploying my initial assessment team of 11 personnel,” said McDade. “Following our assessment, the rest of our team began arriving within 48 hours. Our unit maintains a constant state of alert for missions like this, so we were well-prepared to mobilize quickly.”

    The CRE’s contributions are a vital component of JTF-SG’s broader mission, which includes providing security, logistical coordination, intelligence support, and facility management for DHS-led operations at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

    “Without the CRE’s expertise and rapid deployment capabilities, our operational tempo and efficiency would be significantly hindered,” Ortega concluded, emphasizing the indispensable role of the CRE in the success of Operation Southern Guard.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Tactical Tuesday – CIWS

    Source: US Navy (video statements)

    On this #TacticalTuesday, we’re highlighting CIWS!
    The MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System is a high-speed, radar-guided, 20mm Gatling gun that autonomously defends U.S. Navy ships from anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and asymmetric threats.
    #Phalanx #CIWS #NavalDefense #Lethality #USNavy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf0ImkwByFM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: FRCE team saves millions for Marine Corps

    Source: United States Navy

    A small team of skilled technicians working at the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) detachment at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, is making a big difference for the Marine Corps in terms of cost savings and flight line readiness.

    FRCE’s Beyond Capable Maintenance Interdiction (BCMI) team at Beaufort provides dedicated service to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA-224), Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31), supporting the F/A-18 C/D Hornet platform and assisting with component repairs the squadrons are neither resourced nor staffed to complete. Comprising three artisans, the Beaufort detachment’s BCMI team is a small program that adds up to huge savings: In 2024 alone, the team supported a cost avoidance for MALS-31 totaling more than $59 million. 

    “The BCMI team does a phenomenal job, and the cost savings they support give you an idea of what they’re capable of,” said Bryan Holland, FRCE’s F-18 branch manager at Beaufort. “They’re working radar components and circuit cards and pneudraulics – there are some high-cost items they’re repairing, and they’re able to save them and put them back into service. I don’t think we saw any part last year that they weren’t able to fix.”

    Having the BCMI team on-site saves the Marines both time and money because it prevents the squadrons from having to turn in the nonfunctional components and procure new ones through the supply chain. The process helps speed replacement of specific components needed by the fighter squadron – which performs maintenance at the organizational level, or O-level – that cannot get replaced or repaired through the MALS, which provides maintenance at the intermediate level, or I-level. FRCE’s Beaufort detachment, including the BCMI team, performs maintenance at the depot level, or D-level – the most advanced level in the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program structure. 

    “Flight line availability of aircraft is the priority, and if it weren’t for our BCMI team working with the MALS, those parts would have to leave Beaufort and go into depot maintenance at either our FRC East location at Cherry Point, another Fleet Readiness Center location in Florida or California, or even back to the original equipment manufacturer,” Holland explained. “If our guys weren’t there, the squadron might have to wait two-three weeks or longer to get the parts they need, if there’s not one available on the shelf – we can usually do the job much faster.”

    Ted Light, the FRCE site supervisor, agreed that the BCMI process saves valuable maintenance turnaround time.

    “Think about it: The component is in your hands, and if it’s able to be repaired, that’s generally going to be a lot faster than the Marines having to go out and order a new one,” Light added. “If a complete rework of the component isn’t necessary, but maybe just one or two parts in it require repair that is beyond the capability of the I-level Marines, it just makes sense to give it to our BCMI team. They can usually turn around and give it back to the Marines within a day or two, depending on what needs to be fixed.”

    The BCMI team works hand-in-hand with Marines, even sharing some spaces with the MALS-31. In addition to supporting faster turnaround, this close proximity allows BCMI team to share their advanced knowledge of components repair with the Marines, Light said.

    “Our BCMI team can teach the Marines what to look for in order to identify an issue with a component, or show them what we do to correct that issue,” he said. “It can give the Marines a higher-level understanding of the inner workings of these components, and what needs to be done to fix them. The team is not training the Marines to perform work the Marines aren’t qualified for, of course, but knowledge is power – always has been.”

    Being essentially collocated with the squadrons also allows the BCMI team – along with all of FRCE’s Beaufort workforce – to see exactly where their end products go. This reinforces the sense of responsibility and determination to get a quality product out the door and back in the hands of the fighter squadron, Holland noted.

    “Our number one priority is to make sure the squadrons have the aircraft they need to go out and train their pilots,” he said. “We have a sense of urgency to get the components and airplanes back up and running for the warfighter, so they can do their job.

    “I’ll say it 100 times: Readiness of the warfighter is always the priority. At the big depots, most people see the product come in, they do their work on it, and then see it go right back out the door, with a general sense that they’re supporting our nation’s warfighters,” Holland continued. “At Beaufort, it’s different because we can see who that warfighter is. We see the Marines who pilot and crew the aircraft we’re working on, every day.”

    FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The Beaufort detachment employs 32 workers in support of maintenance for the F/A-18 C-D Hornet, an all-weather, twin-engine, multi-mission tactical aircraft. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga” Needs to Be Scaled to All Subjects of the Country

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the II All-Russian Conference of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”

    February 25, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the II All-Russian Conference of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”

    February 25, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the II All-Russian Conference of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”

    February 25, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the II All-Russian Conference of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”

    February 25, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the II All-Russian Conference of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko welcomed the participants of the II All-Russian Conference of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”. The conference was held at the site of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) with online participation of representatives of 86 subjects of the Russian Federation.

    “President Vladimir Putin supported this large-scale project. “Berloga” involves the younger generation in the sphere of technology through games. The Republic of Bashkortostan became a pioneer in the implementation of the cyber-physical platform. There, educational institutions and technology companies joined “Berloga”. This allowed us to take the technological education of schoolchildren to a new level. And also to use games as a powerful tool for involving young people in themes that are priority for the region. This experience was picked up by other regions,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    He also noted that the project’s geography already covers 21 regions and the Berloga team, together with local representatives, is actively developing regional “road maps” that include creating new useful games, opening a network of clubs, launching educational programs and training teachers. According to him, this work is being carried out especially actively in Novosibirsk Oblast, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Kamchatka and St. Petersburg.

    “We see that the project is gaining more and more popularity. Users have already downloaded the Berlogi games more than 320 thousand times. But our plans are even more ambitious. It is necessary to scale the project to other regions of the country,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    ASI General Director Svetlana Chupsheva reported that in a year and a half, four flagship free video games dedicated to the development directions of Russia’s technological sovereignty have been released on the Berloga platform. New formats are being developed – the Workshop of Cyberphysical Innovations, tournaments of young cyberphysicists, etc. Russian indie developers have also joined in the creation of useful games, having already released 14 mini-games on the platform.

    “For the first time the idea of creating”Dens” was presented to the President of the Russian Federation at the forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time” in 2023 as a tool for involving schoolchildren in new technologies and programming through mobile games. This is an excellent example of how, together with our colleagues from the NTI Circle Movement, with the enormous support of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the NTI Platform and University 2035, we were able to grow an entire ecosystem from an idea. Now the key task for the regions is to create infrastructure and opportunities for schoolchildren to try to join the project for the first time. At the same time, young people can try themselves not only as programmers, but also choose the role of a designer or analyst. The project expands the range of opportunities for the manifestation of children’s talents,” noted Svetlana Chupsheva.

    The National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga” is being implemented by a team of ASI, the National Technology Initiative (NTI) Platform, the NTI Circle Movement and University 2035 with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation; the Republic of Bashkortostan acted as the pilot region for the project launch.

    Prime Minister of Bashkortostan Andrey Nazarov noted that the republic pays special attention to engineering and information technology. It is actively developing them within the framework of additional education, which covers more than half a million children and adolescents. Schoolchildren of Bashkortostan choose information technology, unmanned aircraft systems and robotics. Since 2023, a network of 100 Berlogi technology clubs and 20 support sites in different districts has been developing in Bashkortostan – in them, schoolchildren undergo educational programs in cyberphysics, programming, robotics, electronics, UAS, etc. The Cyberphysical Innovation Workshop in Ufa has opened laboratories and youth design bureaus, which are becoming a point of attraction for schoolchildren, students, representatives of the technology business, young scientists and developers of the region.

    “Thanks to the assistance of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, Bashkortostan has become a pilot region for the implementation of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga” project. Over two years, more than 6.5 thousand schoolchildren have been involved in the project. We opened a Cyber-Physical Innovation Workshop at the Ufa Interuniversity Student Campus. It has become the all-Russian methodological coordination center of the National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga”. In addition, we help other regions create such workshops in their own regions, including in Crimea, the Donetsk People’s Republic and Altai,” said Andrey Nazarov.

    According to Gennady Bukaev, Vice President of PJSC NK Rosneft and General Director of JSC Rosneftegaz, following the example of the Republic of Bashkortostan, all Russian regions can build a new system of technological education based on the Berloga NKFP, promote priority areas of development through game formats popular with young people, and introduce their cultural and historical features.

    “The project team is currently working on launching a new direction of game development. These games will simultaneously immerse children in the study of school subjects – including physics, chemistry – and introduce them to real professions, give them the opportunity to try themselves in one role or another, in solving a real production problem. Such games can become a tool for long-term career guidance and the formation of a personnel reserve for specific tasks – for the needs of regions in partnership with technology companies that are interested in working with young people, in the fight for talent,” emphasized Gennady Bukayev. “I urge representatives of regional teams and enterprises to use this opportunity at the start and become flagships of the new direction.”

    As noted by the Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the leader of the NTI Circle Movement Dmitry Zemtsov, the Berloga project began with one game teaching schoolchildren the basics of programming. Now the platform has already released two dozen useful games, including those from young indie teams – schoolchildren and students, finalists of the National Technology Olympiad and the All-Russian Developers Competition, which was held jointly with VK Play.

    “The National Cyber-Physical Platform “Berloga” today is an entire ecosystem that involves young people in the field of technology, it includes useful games – with training in programming, engineering, UAV piloting, chemistry – as well as phygital formats, clubs, educational programs and technological solutions. The setting of “Berloga” is best suited for talking to the younger generation about the future of technology, our country and the whole world. At the same time, the world of “Berloga” is constantly evolving, enriched thanks to new games and the All-Russian Science Fiction Competition, which we launched together with ASI this year,” added Dmitry Zemtsov.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Barred European Union politician brands Israel as ‘a rogue state’

    Israel has now banned another European Union parliamentarian from entering the country, reports Al Jazeera.

    The government gave no reasons why Lynn Boylan, who chairs the European Parliament EU-Palestine delegation, was denied entry.

    “This utter contempt from Israel is the result of the international community failing to hold them to account,” Boylan, an Irish MP in Brussels, said in a statement.

    “Israel is a rogue state, and this disgraceful move shows the level of utter disregard that they have for international law.

    “Europe must now hold Israel to account.”

    Boylan said she had planned to meet with Palestinian Authority officials, representatives of civil society organisations, and people living under Israeli occupation.

    She is a member of the Sinn Fein party in Ireland, which has been among the most vocal countries in criticising the Israeli government over its treatment of Palestinians.

    France’s Hassan also refused
    Earlier, EU lawmaker Rima Hassan was also refused entry at Ben-Gurion airport and ordered to return to Europe.

    “Hassan, who is expected to land from Brussels in the coming hour, consistently works to promote boycotts against Israel in addition to numerous public statements both on social media and in media interviews,” said Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel’s office.

    Hassan is a French national of Palestinian origin known for her support of the Palestinian cause and for speaking out against Israel’s war on Gaza.

    Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, outlined a range of worries about the situation in war-battered Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

    “We have constantly called on all parties, including Israel, to respect international humanitarian law,” she said, adding that Europe “cannot hide our concern when it comes to the West Bank”.

    ICC raps Merz over warrants
    Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has declared that states cannot unilaterally “determine soundness” of its rulings

    Earlier, it was reported that Germany’s election winner Friedrich Merz was saying he planned to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the country — despite an ICC war crimes warrant issued for his arrest, which Merz claimed did not apply.

    The ICC responded by saying states had a legal obligation to enforce its decisions, and any concerns they may have should be addressed with the court in a timely and efficient manner.

    “It is not for states to unilaterally determine the soundness of the court’s legal decisions,” said the ICC in a statement.

    Israel rejects the jurisdiction of the court and denies war crimes were committed during its devastating war on Gaza.

    Germans feel a special responsibility towards Israel because of the legacy of the Holocaust, and Merz has made clear he is a strong ally. But Germany also has a strong tradition of support for international justice for war crimes.

    Amnesty slams ‘shameful silence’
     Amnesty International and 162 other civil society organisations and trade unions have signed a joint letter calling on the EU to ban trade and business with Israel’s settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

    “Despite EU consensus about the settlements’ illegality and their link to serious abuses, the EU continues to trade and allow business with them,” the letter said.

    This contributes to “the serious and systemic human rights and other international law abuses underpinning the settlement enterprise”, it added.

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July issued a landmark advisory opinion affirming that states must not recognise, aid or assist the unlawful situation arising from Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ames’ Own: Wayne R. Johnson Elected to the 2025 National Academy of Engineering Class

    Source: NASA

    NASA Ames’ Wayne Johnson Elected to 2025 Class of New Members of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)

    Dr. Wayne R. Johnson, aerospace engineer at Ames Research Center, will be inducted as a new member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE), class of 2025, on October 5, 2025, for his 45+ years of contributions to rotorcraft analysis, tiltrotor aircraft development, emerging electric aircraft, and the Mars Helicopter development. NAE members are among the world’s most accomplished engineers from business, academia, and government and are elected by their peers. The full announcement was released to the press on February 11, 2025 from NAE and is at
    https://www.nae.edu/19579/31222/20095/327741/331605/NAENewClass2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat to Invest up to $3.5 Million in Disruptive ESA Based Drone Detection Startup Crosense

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a global leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, today announced an investment of up to $3.5 million in Crosense, an early-stage startup revolutionizing drone detection and tracking. The investment is part of a funding round co-led by Frontier Capital, reinforcing strong industry confidence in Crosense’s disruptive technology. This move aligns with Gilat’s recently declared strategic focus on expanding its presence in the Homeland Security (HLS) and Defense sectors.

    Crosense is developing a disruptive new class of deep-tech, electronically steered antenna (ESA) based drone detection and tracking systems, addressing an urgent, unmet need for securing airports, military bases, and critical infrastructure against unauthorized drone activity. Unlike traditional solutions, Crosense’s passive, all-weather, real-time system will provide 24/7 hermetic coverage, ensuring accurate, scalable, and cost-effective detection in all terrains, including dense urban environments.

    “The rapid rise of drone threats has created an immediate demand for more effective detection solutions, and Crosense’s technology is poised to disrupt the market,” said Roni Stoleru, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Gilat. “This investment reflects Gilat’s commitment to the defense sector and our strategy to bring innovative, field-proven solutions to military and government customers worldwide. By supporting Crosense, we are reinforcing our role in safeguarding critical assets with next-generation technologies.”

    “We are thrilled to have Gilat as our strategic partner and investor,” stated Crosense founder and CEO, Gil Zwirn. “Gilat’s extensive knowledge and expertise, as well as its robust global marketing and sales channels will be instrumental in our journey. This collaboration is expected to propel Crosense forward, fostering innovation and growth, and amplifying our reach and impact.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Together with our wholly-owned subsidiaries—Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu—we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems; high-performance satellite terminals; advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect Gilat’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and Yemen and the instability in the middle east; and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Gilat’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Gilat undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks

    Hagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing Officer

    hagayk@gilat.com

    Alliance Advisors:

    GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
    Phone: +1 212 838 3777

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening address by SCED at Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the opening address by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025 today (February 25):
     
    Samuel (Chairman of the Competition Commission, Mr Samuel Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning. Welcome to the Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025. It is my great honour to join you here today.
     
         This is the second time this event is organised in Hong Kong. This conference provides an excellent platform to discuss how competition and innovation can complement each other with respect to competition law and policy. I was told that today we have over 300 industry leaders, regulators, scholars and experts from all over the world joining the discussion. They include internationally renowned and reputable speakers who will share with us their insights. Thank you for your support and welcome to Hong Kong.
     
         Indeed, competition is a global issue. In a local economy, it is also a cross-sector one. I understand that the conference will talk about competition in a wide range of sectors including financial services, technology, green industry, as well as aviation.
     
         Hong Kong is a free market economy. We are consistently ranked by the Fraser Institute as the freest economy in the world. We also support free trade. A range of freedoms are guaranteed in the Basic Law, such as the freedom of speech, of the press and of publication. In addition, many of you may know, Hong Kong has free flow of capital, information and talent, which are the key factors behind Hong Kong’s success. The word “free” is in the spirit of Hong Kong.
     
         In an economy so free like ours, we need a competitive market that is healthy, and can lead to better prices, products and choices for everyone. We fully recognise how important it is. To this end, we enacted the Competition Ordinance in our laws in 2012. The Competition Commission, which is the host today, was established in the year that followed.
     
         The work of the Competition Commission is not easy. As our independent competition agency, the Commission has a mandate to investigate anti-competitive conduct; educate the public on the competition laws; and advise the Government on competition matters.
     
         I would like to thank Samuel, the Chairman of the Commission, and Rasul, the CEO (Chief Executive Officer of the Competition Commission, Mr Rasul Butt), for the excellent work you have done for Hong Kong. A robust competition regime is one of the ingredients contributing to our success. Our competition legislation was ranked seventh in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook. Hong Kong is attractive to foreign investments because our market is free, fair, and rule-based. These qualities are important to enterprises. As at end 2024, we had about 10 000 companies coming from outside Hong Kong. It was a record high, and up 10 per cent from a year before that. This is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong. We are grateful for that, and we will continue to do our best to make Hong Kong a prime investment location.
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, it is never an easy task to establish an effective competition regime from scratch that fully adapts to the local context and compatible to international norm. But I am proud to say that Hong Kong has made good progress and is on the right track. In future, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to support the work of the Commission. We will also continue to embrace competition, empower the Commission, and embark on more competition campaigns.
     
         I hope you will all find the discussion sessions arranged by the Commission in the coming two days insightful and fruitful. Together, let us work towards the common goal of building a future that is not only brighter, but also fairer.
     
         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government building sustainable, resilient and future-ready infra: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Government building sustainable, resilient and future-ready infra: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

    Build India Infra Awards recognise excellence, celebrate innovation and inspire the next generation to dream bigger and build better: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

    With smart cities and green highways, the Government is building an infrastructure ecosystem that is sustainable, resilient and future-ready. This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal during his virtual address at the second edition of Build India Infra Awards 2025 on January 24. He elaborated that the Budget 2025-26 allocates Rs 11.21 trillion for the infrastructure sector to not only help build roads and railways but also create jobs and businesses enabling citizens to experience better mobility and convenience.

    The Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, PM Gati Shakti initiative is ensuring integrated and multimodal infra development – making transport seamless, reducing logistical costs & boosting our economic potential.

    Shri Goyal stated that the Build India Infra Awards recognise excellence, celebrate innovation and inspire the next generation to dream bigger and build better. He further noted that these awards honour not just projects, but perseverance that is transforming India’s infra and shaping our nation’s future. From highways that redefine connectivity to railways driving economic growth; world-class ports boosting trade efficiency to modern airports strengthening regional and global connectivity – every milestone reflects India’s bold vision and commitment to progress, the Minister pointed out.

    In conclusion, the Minister urged the participants to continue collaborating, innovating and accelerating, ensuring that India’s infrastructure remains the backbone of its economic development.

    ***

    Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2106144) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategic importance of aviation and inclusion of sustainable aviation fuels in the Clean Industrial Deal – E-000740/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000740/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew)

    A competitive and sustainable European aviation sector requires clear political recognition and a supportive regulatory framework.

    The priority now is to accelerate investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and close the price gap. Boosting investment in next-generation SAF – such as eSAF and power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels – is critical to meeting the 2030 mandates under ReFuelEU.

    Europe can lead this transition and ensure the aviation sector’s competitiveness by accelerating these investments through a dedicated EU aviation industrial strategy.

    A strong policy signal is essential to encourage Member States, businesses and investors to support the sector’s transition. The Clean Industrial Deal represents a crucial opportunity to reinforce this recognition and provide the necessary incentives for SAF production and aviation decarbonisation.

    Can the Commission clarify:

    • 1.What concrete actions it is taking to acknowledge the strategic importance of the aviation sector in the EU and secure its competitiveness?
    • 2.Whether it intends to include aviation and SAF in the Clean Industrial Deal to provide a clear political signal to Member States, businesses and SAF investors that the sector is a priority for the EU and worth investing in?

    Submitted: 18.2.2025

    Last updated: 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR, an Official TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Provider, Expands Enrollment and Renewal Options by Opening a New Location at Plaza Las Américas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), an authorized TSA PreCheck® enrollment provider, continues to expand locations outside the airport environment to enroll and renew consumers in the Trusted Traveler program by opening a new location at Plaza Las Américas in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This marks CLEAR’s first non-airport location in San Juan for TSA PreCheck enrollment and renewal services, complementing its 55 airport-based enrollment and renewal locations across the U.S. TSA PreCheck enrollment and renewal services through CLEAR are also available at select Staples stores nationwide.

    The launch of this new enrollment location represents the ongoing expansion of CLEAR’s national TSA PreCheck enrollment footprint. Throughout 2025, CLEAR will continue delivering convenience to consumers by launching additional locations and extended hours of operation for enrollment and renewals.

    “TSA PreCheck Enrollment through CLEAR provides a fast and efficient travel experience,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. “We’re excited to bring this trusted traveler program to Plaza Las Américas, the Caribbean’s largest shopping center, delivering greater convenience with expanded enrollment options beyond the airport.”

    “Plaza Las Américas is proud to offer TSA PreCheck enrollment with CLEAR,” said Edwin Tavárez, General Manager at Plaza Las Américas.“As the Caribbean’s largest shopping center and a key destination for travelers, this new service provides added convenience for our visitors, making it easier than ever to prepare for a seamless airport experience.”

    Hours of operation at Plaza Las Américas are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. AST to 7 p.m. AST, and Sunday from Noon AST to 7 p.m. AST. The location is on level 1 of Plaza Las Americas, across from the Lacoste store. Enter via the entrance near the Genesis store, proceed straight ahead, and take a right before the escalator. Look for the TSA PreCheck through CLEAR standing banners and pods.

    TSA PreCheck members benefit from the convenience of keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on through the airport security checkpoint, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. Members typically get through security screening much faster, with about 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints nationwide.

    New TSA PreCheck applicants can pre-enroll or find an enrollment location by visiting the authorized CLEAR’s authorized TSA PreCheck website, https://tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov/. Most existing TSA PreCheck members can renew directly on the website, regardless of the provider they enrolled with originally.

    A list of CLEAR enrollment locations for TSA PreCheck is included below, and on the CLEAR, TSA PreCheck website: https://tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov/locations.

    About TSA PreCheck®

    TSA PreCheck is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler program that allows enrolled travelers expedited screening through airport security. TSA PreCheck lanes are located at over 200 airports with nearly 100 airlines participating. Since TSA first launched the TSA PreCheck application program as a DHS Trusted Traveler Program for low-risk travelers in December 2013, active membership in the program has grown to more than 20 million members.

    About CLEAR
    CLEAR’s mission is to create frictionless experiences. With over 27 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    About Plaza Las Américas
    Plaza Las Américas is the leading shopping center in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. It is part of a family-owned group of Puerto Rican companies with a commercial tradition that began at the 19th century. The shopping center has over 300 retailers and services, including around 50 food stands or restaurants, and 15 movie theaters. With 2 million square feet, Plaza Las Américas is located in the heart of the San Juan Metropolitan Area, adjacent to the central business district of the Island, and 15 minutes away from the port of San Juan, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the Convention Center and most of the hotels in the metropolitan area.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com  

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Gebrüder Weiss expands its logistics services in Poland

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss

    Since the beginning of the year, Gebrüder Weiss has been offering partial and full truck loads (LTL / FTL) as well as extended logistics solutions in addition to air and sea freight services / Poland continues to gain in importance as a logistics center for the transport of goods in Europe

    Krakow / Lauterach, February 25, 2025. Gebrüder Weiss is further expanding its transport and logistics services in Poland: since the beginning of 2025, the international logistics company has also been offering its customers national and international partial and full truck loads (LTL / FTL) as well as additional warehousing and logistics solutions, including order picking. Companies can use the myGW customer portal to track their shipments in real time and have all documents available in digital form. The new services complement Gebrüder Weiss’ existing logistics, air and sea freight services on offer since 2020. As a result, the team is growing to 70 employees.

    “Our goal is to offer companies in Poland with a first-class and comprehensive range of logistics services,” emphasizes René Stranz, Area Manager Slovakia and Poland at Gebrüder Weiss. “By combining different modes of transport, our customers will be able to react even more flexibly to market requirements and make their supply chains more efficient in the future.” Poland has become a sought-after production and warehousing location within Europe. Its economy grew three times faster than the EU average in 2024 thanks to rising consumer spending. Poland is an important trading partner and export market, especially for German companies, but also for imports from Asia and the US. At the same time, the transport infrastructure is being continually expanded, including a new major airport with an international freight center.

    Today, Gebrüder Weiss in Poland has branches in Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdynia and Warsaw. Its customers come mainly from the high-tech, automotive, consumer goods and e-commerce industries. In addition to transport, the logistics provider also handles the storage and order picking of pharmaceuticals that require special refrigeration for companies in the pharmaceutical industry. In order to optimize its customers’ supply chains even more comprehensively, the logistics company is also planning to expand its offer as a Lead Logistics Provider in the medium term. “Depending on how the economy develops, further locations are also possible,” says Maciej Szczyglowski, Country Manager Poland Land & Logistics at Gebrüder Weiss. “For example, in Wroclaw or Katowice, where we can imagine new logistics terminals for goods handling.”

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.46 billion euros in 2023. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New air route links China’s Xinjiang, Kuala Lumpur

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, Feb. 25 — A new air route linking Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, via the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, has been launched.

    The maiden flight left Urumqi Diwopu International Airport on Monday morning, marking the first regular passenger service from Xinjiang to Kuala Lumpur, according to the airport.

    The new route reduces the one-way travel time from Urumqi to Kuala Lumpur to eight hours, offering passengers a more diverse, convenient and efficient travel option, and further boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges and economic ties between China and Malaysia, said the airport.

    To date, Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has international passenger routes to 23 regions in 20 countries, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

    Xinjiang’s tourism revenue jumped by 21 percent to over 359 billion yuan (about 50.05 billion U.S. dollars) last year with more than 300 million tourist visits received.

    Since November 2023, China has continuously adjusted and optimized its visa-free transit policy to boost openness and people-to-people exchanges. Last year, over 20.1 million foreign visitors entered China under the visa exemption policy, marking a year-on-year increase of 113.5 percent in eligible transit visa-exemption travelers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: World-class research centers ensure rapid entry of technologies to the market

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A meeting on the results of the activities of world-class scientific centers was held under the chairmanship of Dmitry Chernyshenko

    February 24, 2025

    A meeting on the results of the activities of world-class scientific centers was held under the chairmanship of Dmitry Chernyshenko

    February 24, 2025

    A meeting on the results of the activities of world-class scientific centers was held under the chairmanship of Dmitry Chernyshenko

    February 24, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    A meeting on the results of the activities of world-class scientific centers was held under the chairmanship of Dmitry Chernyshenko

    A meeting on the results of the activities of world-class scientific centers (WCSC) was held at the Government Coordination Center under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. The meeting presented the results of the WCSC’s work over the five years of the program’s implementation – from 2020 to 2024.

    “World-class research centers were created in 2020 as part of the national project “Science and Universities”, the implementation of which was completed last year. On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, a new stage of the centers’ development will be implemented as part of the state program “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation”. Over time, they were reoriented from fundamental centers to applied tasks, while showing high results. NCMUs ensure the rapid entry of in-demand technologies into the market. Today, we see good indicators of their extra-budgetary financing – 34% of the budget part, which indicates their demand in the market,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Last year, President Vladimir Putin clarified the strategic goal-setting in the field of science. Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that it is especially important to concentrate efforts on the tasks set by the head of state. In accordance with current challenges, the country’s strategic priorities in the field of science and technology have been updated. State support measures will be focused on them.

    The competition for support of world-class scientific centers will be announced this week.

    “This year’s competition will be aimed at creating centers of the same format as the existing ones, but with an eye on the development and implementation of the most important science-intensive technologies up to and including the sixth level of technological readiness. The Ministry of Education and Science has carried out work to take into account the areas of the humanitarian and social profile,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, paid special attention to attracting young specialists to world-class scientific centers. According to him, the NCMU creates opportunities for young researchers to manage scientific projects, thereby motivating talented young people to engage in science and increasing the prestige of the scientific profession. Thus, 38% of the research conducted by the centers was carried out under the supervision of young (under 39 years of age) promising researchers.

    The NCMU employees have been awarded the highest level of prizes and awards for the results they have created. In particular, Irek Mukhamatdinov, a senior researcher at the NCMU “Rational Development of Liquid Hydrocarbon Reserves of the Planet”, became a laureate of the Russian Presidential Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists for 2022.

    Representatives of world-class scientific centers also spoke about developments that have practical significance.

    Rector of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Andrey Rudskoy reported that the National Center for Advanced Digital Technologies has created a platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench®. Compared to traditional approaches, the development of products and goods based on digital twin technology can reduce time, financial and other resource costs by 10 times or more. The prototype of the digital platform has been demonstrated and tested in operational conditions.

    In addition, technologies have been developed for producing metal-matrix composite materials using additive manufacturing. This is a reserve for the production of lithium-ion batteries with controlled three-dimensional micro- and macrostructure, improved energy capacity characteristics.

    Rector of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy Vladimir Trukhachev reported that the NCMU “Agrotechnologies of the Future” created 11 new varieties of peas using genetic technologies that accelerated the ripening process twice as much as traditional selection. Several large Russian producers have already begun to purchase peas of the new varieties.

    Vice-Rector of Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University Danis Nurgaliev noted that the National Center for Mining and Metallurgical Research “Rational Development of Liquid Hydrocarbon Reserves of the Planet” has implemented industrial scaling of in-situ oil refining technology using catalysts that can increase well flow rates by 20–100% and reduce the content of toxic metals in oil within the formation.

    A number of effective technologies of the NCMU are currently being replicated not only in Russian but also in foreign companies and act as import substitutes for products of such companies as Shell and Schlumberger.

    More than 20 low-tonnage chemical products developed by the center to improve the efficiency of oil field development are already being successfully used in practice.

    Efim Khazanov, chief researcher at the Gaponov-Grekhov Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, reported that the Center for Photonics has developed a fractional rejuvenation device based on a powerful ytterbium fiber laser used in medical cosmetology for skin rejuvenation by laser exposure. In 2024, serial production of a cosmetology device based on a laser developed at the center was launched.

    Kirill Sypalo, Director General of the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after Professor N.E. Zhukovsky, said that the NCMU “Supersonic” has created a unique infrastructure to support work on the layout of a supersonic passenger aircraft. The use of such optimal layouts will reduce operating costs per flight by three to four times (in relation to first-generation supersonic passenger aircraft).

    Intelligent systems for monitoring and ensuring cybersecurity of onboard equipment and systems of supersonic passenger aircraft have also been developed.

    Leonid Gokhberg, First Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, noted that the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Human Potential has created 40 unique databases on human potential development, half of which are international. The total number of users is more than 20 thousand people worldwide. The databases are used to evaluate family, demographic and economic policies and international research.

    In conclusion, Dmitry Chernyshenko instructed world-class scientific centers, together with the Ministry of Education and Science, federal authorities – curators and industrial partners, to present plans for the further use of the results obtained within the framework of the centers’ programs.

    The meeting was also attended by Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov, representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Energy, the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use and others.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank and Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. sign USD 150 mln Equivalent in RMB Loan Agreement for the LNG Transportation Project

    Source: New Development Bank

    The New Development Bank (NDB) and the Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (BCFL) are pleased to announce the signing of a USD 150 mln equivalent in RMB 1,069.23 mln loan agreement aimed to acquire at least three liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers, addressing the significant increase in demand for LNG in China and closing the gap between demand and supply of LNG carrier capacity. The signing took place in the headquarters of NDB on February 21, 2025. Mr. Vladimir Kazbekov, NDB Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Jiuyong Yin, Vice President of Bank of Communications and Mr. Bin Xu, Chairman of BCFL participated in the signing.

    This is the first non-sovereign loan granted by NDB to a non-banking financial institution in China. The relationship between the Bank of Communications (BoCom) and NDB, both headquartered in Shanghai, reflects a longstanding and strategic partnership formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016. The partnership reached another significant milestone with NDB granting its first non-sovereign loan to a non-banking financial institution in China – BCFL, BoCom’s wholly owned subsidiary. This achievement highlights NDB’s dedication to supporting a diverse range of financial institutions and strengthening local markets.

    Under the terms of the loan agreement, NDB will provide USD 150 mln equivalent in RMB 1,069.23 mln loan to BCFL to acquire at least three LNG carriers, resulting in the expansion of its green leasing portfolio. The imports of LNG will help reduce China’s coal consumption and related Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, which is in alignment with the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” issued by the Chinese Government. Meanwhile, this batch of LNG carriers will be equipped with advanced propulsion systems, representing a significant improvement in the shipping industry in terms of efficiency, economies of scale and environmental performance.

    Aligned with the NDB’s General Strategy for 2022–2026, this loan promotes private sector participation in addressing infrastructure gaps and scaling up infrastructure investments, with a focus on enhancing development impact in the local market. Additionally, the loan reflects NDB’s commitment to supporting cleaner energy solutions, as it is tied to LNG-related projects that contribute to a lower-carbon energy mix. By utilizing local currency for financing, NDB reaffirms its strategic focus on expanding local currency operations over the 2022–2026 strategy cycle.

    “The non-sovereign loan provided by the New Development Bank to BCFL will significantly enhance its liquefied natural gas transportation capacity. It demonstrates NDB’s dedication to supporting China in reaching a peak in its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This transaction will further strengthen the strategic partnership between NDB and BoCom. The LNG Transportation Project is aligned with NDB’s focus on supporting clean energy and energy efficiency projects as well as the Bank’s commitment to scale up non-sovereign operations,” said Mr. Vladimir Kazbekov, NDB VP & COO.

    “Thanks to NDB for choosing BoCom Financial Leasing, a subsidiary of BoCom, to cooperate. This loan is closely related to the national strategy of green and sustainable development and further consolidates the long-term strategic relationship between NDB and BoCom. As financial institutions both in Shanghai, we hope that the two parties will continue to cooperate in more areas such as bond underwriting, financial markets, and international business in the future,” said Mr. Ying, Vice President of BoCom.

    “We would like to thank NDB for its recognition and trust in BoCom Financial Leasing. BCFL continues to work on green and sustainable financial development, and the proportion of green leasing keeps growing. The loan funds from this cooperation will be used for the company’s three LNG ships built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co., LTD. We take this as an important cooperation for the strategic partnership between BoCom and NDB,” stated Mr. Xu, Chairman of BCFL.

    Background Information

    New Development Bank

    NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

    For more information on NDB, please visit www.ndb.int

    Bank of Communications Financial Leasing

    BCFL was founded as a wholly owned subsidiary of BoCom in 2007 with the headquarter in Shanghai, China. It is one of the leading financial leasing companies in China and was one of five pilot financial leasing entities approved by the State Council of China. With the support from BoCom, it has grown rapidly since its incorporation and has become one of largest financial leasing companies in China. It operates in various sectors including aviation, shipping, and traditional leasing business.

    For more information on BCFL, please visit www.bocommleasing.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees record-breaking inter-regional trips in travel rush

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Passengers wait to board a train at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station in Luoyang, central China’s Henan Province, Feb. 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The total number of inter-regional passenger trips across China during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, also known as chunyun, reached a record of 9.02 billion, official data showed Sunday.
    The figure marked a 7.1 percent increase over the same period in 2024, according to a special work team established to facilitate sound operations during chunyun, which concluded on Saturday.
    The travel rush, often referred to as the world’s largest annual human migration, highlights China’s vast mobility and economic activity. With a steadily recovering economy and rising demand for travel, this year’s chunyun saw a robust transportation network handling unprecedented passenger volumes.
    Road traffic made up the lion’s share of these trips. During the period, about 8.39 billion trips were made by road, increasing 7.2 percent year on year.
    Railway passenger volume reached 513 million, expanding 6.1 percent year on year, setting a new record during the chunyun period, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
    According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the country’s civil aviation sector recorded 90.2 million passenger trips and 739,000 flights during the period, both of which reached new historical highs.
    The Spring Festival, an occasion for family reunions, fell on Jan. 29 this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong int’l airport’s passenger traffic up 27.8 pct in January

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hong Kong International Airport handled 5.28 million passengers in January, marking an annual growth of 27.8 percent, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said on Monday.

    According to air traffic figures for Hong Kong International Airport in January released by AAHK, flight movements increased 17 percent year-on-year to 33,660, hitting a post-pandemic high.

    On Jan. 25, the airport handled over 193,000 passengers, reaching another post-pandemic high and representing a full recovery to the pre-pandemic peak level.

    In January, all passenger segments, including Hong Kong residents, visitors and transfer/transit passengers, experienced double-digit year-on-year increases in comparison with the same month last year. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia, the Chinese mainland and Japan recorded the most significant increases during the month.

    On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume surged 30.5 percent to 54.2 million, while flight movements experienced a significant 27.6 percent increase to 368,195. Cargo throughput saw a growth of 12 percent to 4.95 million tons. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McAllen man enters plea to illegally pointing laser at law enforcement aircraft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old local resident has admitted he pointed a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    George Anthony Garza pointed the laser multiple times on the evening of Dec. 29, 2024.

    On that date, a CBP aircrew in an official Air and Marine Operations helicopter observed a green laser beam being pointed at the helicopter multiple times during flight, impeding the vision of a pilot. Authorities were able to determine the source originated from Garza’s backyard.

    Law enforcement approached Garza at his residence, at which time he surrendered the laser pointer and admitted to aiming the beam at the aircraft that night. 

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing June 3. At that time, Garza faces up to five years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

    The FBI, CBP and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration and the McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ongoing Liquidity Crisis Hindering United Nations Ability to Retain Geographically Diverse, Skilled Workforce, Delegates Stress as Fifth Committee Resumes Session

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Stressing that the Organization’s key asset is its staff, many delegates of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today emphasized the pressure that the ongoing liquidity crisis is having on efforts to rejuvenate the Organization and attract and retain talent from all parts of the world.

    “The human resources policies and the liquidity situation of the United Nations are inextricably linked,” said Singapore’s representative, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening day of the Committee first resumed session.  “We note with concern from the Secretary-General’s report that temporary hiring restrictions imposed as a result of the dismal liquidity situation of the UN have constrained efforts to fill geographical posts that could have gone to un- and under-represented countries.”

    She emphasized that staff training and development are key to building a United Nations that can respond to contemporary challenges.  “While we are cognizant of the UN’s ongoing liquidity challenges, we hope that their training is not compromised to achieve short-term savings,” she said, adding that training locations should not be limited to UN Headquarters.

    Echoing this sentiment, the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, said the Organization’s financial situation must be carefully considered when discussing the Organization’s most essential resources: its staff.  “We strongly believe in the fundamental importance of a comprehensive and strategic workforce planning system,” she said, adding that planning and selection should be closely aligned with a recruitment process that ensures the Organization attracts and hires the most suitable candidates with the right skill sets.  In addition, the 120-day target for staff selection should be met.  “We repeat our call to rejuvenate the Organization and acquire and retain young talent,” she said, adding that talent outreach and well-structured internship programmes are key priorities that “we take very seriously”.

    Speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Iraq’s delegate said geographical representation and gender parity remain a core concern for the Group, which expects the Secretariat to intensify its efforts to achieve equal representation at all staff levels, with a focus on senior level staff at D-1 and above posts, as well as significant contributions from troop-contributing countries and police-contributing countries.  He noted that the Secretary-General’s staff composition report showed that staff declined by 34 to 36,757 during the reporting period ending on December 2023, due in part to temporary hiring restrictions placed against the regular budget in July 2023. 

    Keen to review the Secretariat’s efforts to improve the Organizaton’s rejuvenation, including through the Young Professionals Programme, the Group notes that during the 2022-2023 biennium, 175,781 applications applied for 2,765 jobs in the internship programme.  “With an average of 63 applicants competing for one vacancy, the Group looks forward to having more information on how the refined internship programme, including the financial support from the UN, will help more applicants from all developing countries be successfully selected as interns,” he added.

    Kuwait’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, agreed that the Organizaton’s staff are its greatest asset and noted that data from Secretariat reports indicate that personnel from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries remain underrepresented.  “Recruiting must be completed to ensure a balance,” he said. Recognizing the unprecedented loss of staff working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), he called for the protection of staff and all relief workers.

    The President of the UN Field Staff Union said the Organizaton’s severe liquidity and funding shortfall has created a crisis that threatens the foundation of the staff’s work.  “UN staff — who are the backbone of this institution — are being forced to bear the brunt of these financial constraints.  Workloads are increasing beyond sustainable levels,” he said, urging Member States to meet their financial commitments fully and on time.  “The cost of inaction is measured in human lives.  If we allow this crisis to continue, we are not just failing UN staff; we are failing the world.

    “Fewer staff means fewer peacekeepers in conflict zones, fewer aid workers delivering food and medicine, fewer experts tackling global challenges.  Every member of staff lost weakens our ability to respond to the world’s most pressing crises.  Let me be clear — this is not just about jobs.  It is about the UN’s ability to fulfill its mission,” he said.

    The representative of Switzerland, speaking also for Liechtenstein, welcomed Secretariat efforts to improve mechanisms for recruiting young professionals, including modernizing job descriptions, removing artificial barriers to entry and enhancing digital and language skills.  She also backed the Secretary-General’s proposal to structure and professionalize the UN internship programme.  “We note with interest the recommendations to introduce financial support for interns to strengthen geographical diversity and to offer more structured learning,” she added.

    The representative of the United States said Washington, D.C., will consider proposals using three criteria:  whether the proposal promotes a transparent and accountable system; reflects actual or proposed cost-savings and efficiencies; and how it aligns with his Government’s national interests and priorities, including “making the US safer, stronger and more prosperous”.  To this end, the delegation will defend against efforts to undermine the system of desirable ranges by advancing a vague, discriminatory and deeply flawed concept of equitable geographic representation. 

    Human Resources Management

    Martha Helena Lopez, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources, presented the Secretary-General’s five reports on human resources management reform:  Overview of human resources management reform for the period 2023–2024 (document A/79/566); Review of the United Nations Secretariat Internship Programme (document A/79/566/Add.1); Composition of the Secretariat: staff demographics (document A/79/584); Composition of the Secretariat: gratis personnel, retired staff, consultants, individual contractors and United Nations Volunteers (document A/79/581); and Practice of the Secretary-General in disciplinary matters and cases of possible criminal behaviour, from 1 January to 31 December 2023 (document A/79/615).

    Regarding the redesigned internship programme, she said “it aligns with UN values of fairness and accessibility, upholds commitments to youth in the Pact for the Future, and ensures meaningful engagement of young people.”  The proposal addresses the need for more structured learning and financial support for interns, including the cost of travel, health insurance, a monthly stipend and a technology allowance for remote interns.  “This would remove a significant barrier to broader participation for individuals from all economic backgrounds,” she added.  The Secretariat invites the Assembly to approve the removal of current restrictions and the principle of a centrally funded support scheme.

    The Secretary-General report covering staff demographics offers a comprehensive view of Secretariat staff from 1 January to 31 December 2023 and during the 2019 to 2023 period, she noted.  It gives a comprehensive analysis of the gratis personnel, retired staff, consultants, individual contractors, and United Nations Volunteers engaged across the Secretariat from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023 and highlights trends observed from 2014 to 2023, offering insights into the evolution of the Secretariat’s affiliated personnel.  The final report provides comprehensive measures for the Secretary-General’s approach to misconduct cases and analysis of the data and trends in the Secretariat’s disciplinary practices.

    Juliana Gaspar Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), presented that body’s related reports (documents A/79/745, A/79/746, A/79/747, A/79/748 and A/79/749).

    After those presentations, Fifth Committee Vice-Chair Johanna Bischof (Austria) drew delegates’ attention to the relevant reports of the Joint Inspection Unit and related notes by the Secretary-General transmitting his comments and comments of the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination on the respective reports: Review of the use of non-staff personnel and related contractual modalities in the United Nations system organizations – Note by the Secretary-General (documents A/79/694 and A/79/694/Add.1); Review of the quality, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of health insurance schemes in the United Nations system organizations (documents A/79/695 and A/79/695/Add.1); and Flexible working arrangements in United Nations system organizations (documents A/79/693 and A/79/693/Add.1).

    Joint Inspection Unit

    Carolina Fernández Opazo, Inspector and Chairperson of the Joint Inspection Unit, introduced the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2024 and programme of work for 2025 (document A/79/34), and Federica Pietracci, Senior Programme Management Officer of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, introduced the Note by the Secretary-General on the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2024 (document A/79/742).

    Standards of Accommodation for Air Travel

    Ms. Lopez also introduced the Secretary-General’s report on standards of accommodation for air travel (document A/79/628), and Ms. Gaspar Ruas presented the Advisory Committee’s related report (document A/79/7/Add.44).

    Proposed Programme of Work 

    The Committee also approved its proposed programme of work for this session (document A/C.5/79/L.29).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Call on Duffy to Provide Immediate Transparency on FAA Personnel Firings and Safety Concerns

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, expressing deep concerns about the recent firings of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel and the troubling involvement of unaccountable entities, including SpaceX, in critical aviation safety decisions. The letter urges Duffy to prioritize the safety of America’s air travel system and to reverse recent cuts to essential FAA safety roles.
    “We write to express our deep concerns with the recent firings of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel and the involvement of a cadre, unaccountable to the American people, in critical aviation safety decision making. The past week has seen mass firings of Federal workers, done without regard to personal performance, the impact on mission effectiveness, and the effect on the country’s ability to deliver services at home or compete abroad. We urge you to stand up for the safety of our national air space and reverse these devastating cuts in key safety roles,” wrote the senators.
    The letter raises alarms about a series of concerning aviation incidents over the past month, including multiple crashes and close calls that highlight the need for highly trained, impartial professionals at the FAA. The lawmakers stressed the need for a commitment to safety, calling out the dangers of prioritizing political agendas over the well-being of American air travelers.
    “We need experienced, qualified, and impartial professionals to investigate these unfortunate incidents, develop plans to prevent these types of accidents from occurring in the future, and implement those plans with the safety of the public as the sole and guiding objective,” wrote the senators.
    In the letter, the senators also raised significant concerns regarding the role of SpaceX in the future of air traffic control, following public statements by Duffy that employees of Elon Musk’s company are involved in “deliver[ing] a new, world-class air traffic control system” and that his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is “plug[ged] in” to the country’s aviation system.
    The lawmakers noted that the involvement of Musk’s employees in the FAA “is troubling given that SpaceX has been investigated and fined by the FAA for multiple incidences of safety violations, and is at this time actively under investigation by the FAA for additional safety violations.”
    The letter calls for a series of detailed answers from Duffy regarding the role of SpaceX, the processes used to evaluate and select external contractors, and the impact of recent personnel terminations on the safety and effectiveness of FAA operations. The letter also demands a full public accounting of the decision-making process that led to these significant changes, with a commitment to ongoing transparency.
    Text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Airports Contribute $68.9 Billion Annually to State’s Economy

    Source: US State of Colorado

    WATKINS, CO –The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS). This comprehensive study aims to quantify the economic contributions of airports across the state, updating the previous analysis conducted in 2020. 

    “The aeronautics industry in Colorado creates jobs, boosts economic growth, and contributes to the success of our agricultural and trade partnerships. International and domestic air travel in Colorado has contributed to aeronautical business retention within our state, and opened up job opportunities that have fostered a skilled-workforce here in Colorado” said Governor Polis. 

    The 2025 CEIS evaluates the economic impact of on-airport activities and visitor spending at each participating airport. In addition to these key metrics, the study explores the critical role of airports in facilitating air cargo operations, driving economic growth, and supporting Colorado’s agriculture industry. It also examines tax revenues generated by aviation-related activities and highlights the significant economic contribution of Denver International Airport. 

    The 2025 study assessed the annual economic impact of 66 public-use airports in Colorado, measuring their contributions in terms of employment, payroll, value added, and total business revenue. The findings revealed that these airports collectively generate $68.9 billion in annual business revenue, support 348,500 jobs with a total payroll of $23.5 billion, and contribute $40.3 billion in value added. While employment levels remained relatively steady, the study highlighted a significant 42% increase in annual business revenue associated with Colorado airports from 2020 to 2025. 

    “This crucial study underscores the vital importance of airports and air travel for communities large and small throughout Colorado,” said Colorado Aeronautical Board Chair Kent Holsinger. 

    “Since opening thirty years ago this week, DEN’s exponential passenger growth and emergence as a central hub in the global aviation market has contributed to it being a multi-billion-dollar economic engine for the Denver metro area, Colorado and the entire Rocky Mountain region. This is something we are incredibly proud of, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously,” Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said. 

    The 2025 CEIS deliverables, including the executive summary, individual airport brochures, and animated flight maps, are now accessible at https://www.coloradoaviationsystem.com/2025-ceis. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.24.2025 Sens. Cruz, Cornyn, Schumer, Gillibrand Reintroduce Border Airport Fairness Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the Border Airport Fairness Act, legislation that would designate user fee airports within 30 miles of a land border as a port of entry (POE) and eliminate duplicative government fees.
    Upon introduction of the Border Airport Fairness Act, Sen. Cruz said, “Congress needs to take advantage of every opportunity to improve efficiency in logistics and travel in the United States. By giving our border airports the designation they deserve, we will put them on the same footing as all the other similarly situated primary commercial service airports. This will boost commerce in the Rio Grande Valley and upstate New York and reduce repetitive costs that affect both airports and travelers. As Commerce Committee Chairman, I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this important legislation enacted.”
    Sen. Cornyn said, “Right now, airports in Harlingen, Texas, and Plattsburgh, New York, have to pay to hire U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents despite their close proximity to the border, resulting in higher costs for both the airports and travelers. This legislation would designate these airports as official ports of entry, requiring CBP to provide agents.”
    Sen. Gillibrand said, “This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will designate Plattsburgh International Airport as a port of entry. This change will save the airport hundreds of thousands of dollars each year – money that the airport will then be able to spend on infrastructure upgrades and passenger experience improvements. I’m proud to be introducing this bill and look forward to getting it passed.”
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    Currently, user fee airports like the Valley International Airport (VIA) in Harlingen, Texas, and Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) are the only two Primary Commercial Service airports in close proximity to a U.S. border land crossing that are not ports of entry and are not international or landing rights airports. This designation means that these airports must pay potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars to staff the airport with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. While these existing airports, and other potential future airports, qualify as ports of entry under the CBP’s criteria through their association with the nearest land border crossing, they have not received this designation—resulting in increased costs for these airports and travelers who fly in and out of these airports.
    Sen. Cruz, Cornyn, and Gillibrand previously introduced this legislation during the 118th Congress and Sen. Cruz introduced this legislation during the 117th Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Mission And Purpose On Full Display As Truman Returns To Sea

    Source: United States Navy

    “Our ship remains operationally ready to complete deployment with mission and purpose on full display by the entire crew,” said Capt. Chris Hill, commanding officer of Harry S. Truman. “We are out here launching and recovering aircraft, ready to ‘Give ‘em Hell’ with combat credible power.”

    The U.S. Navy’s ability to rapidly repair its warships anywhere in the world is a testament to our lethality and the warfighting advantage of relationships with Allies and partners.

    Led by Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC), Truman completed the five-day ERAV at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece. In an all-hands effort, Sailors worked with FDRMC personnel, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and local industry partner Theodoropoulos Group to assess damage, develop a repair plan, and restore weathertight integrity to the ship following the collision on Feb. 12.

    “FDRMC is focused on keeping our forward-deployed naval forces mission-ready across 5th and 6th Fleets, maintaining critical combat readiness for the ships and their Sailors,” said Capt. Mollie Bily, FDRMC commanding officer. “The rapid repair effort on Truman was a testament to our expeditionary maintenance expertise and the exceptional collaboration with our Norfolk Naval Shipyard teammates and industry partners.”

    Since deploying, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 has flown over 5,500 sorties, including two self-defense strikes into Houthi-controlled Yemen territory and a large force strike against ISIS-Somalia targets in Northeast Somalia in coordination with U.S. Africa Command. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group continues to provide maritime security and regional stability in support of its component commanders.

    The carrier strike group includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, with eight embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

    HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and maintain a forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. For more information, visit DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cowboy Guard and the California Air National Guard conduct MAFFS training in Arizona

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas

    FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – Airmen from the Wyoming Air National Guard, alongside the California Air National Guard, participated in Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from Feb. 13-15, 2025. 

    The annual training exercise is designed to ensure aircrews remain proficient in aerial wildfire suppression techniques before peak fire season.

    The Cowboy Guard is one of four units nationwide as part of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves equipped with MAFFS, a system that allows C-130 aircraft to drop fire retardant over wildfires in support of the U.S. Forest Service and other state and local agencies. The training aligns with two key lines of effort of the Cowboy Guard: responsiveness and partnership. By enhancing interoperability with other military and civilian agencies, the training ensures aircrews are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to wildfire emergencies.

    “MAFFS training is essential because our crews need to be fully prepared in case we are called upon to assist in wildfire suppression,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Carson, 153rd Airlift Wing aerospace ground equipment mechanic. “These exercises help us become more proficient at working in remote locations with minimal tools and supplies.”

    During the training, pilots, loadmasters and ground crews worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies to simulate real-world wildfire response conditions. The exercise included flight operations at low altitudes, simulated retardant drops and coordination with lead planes and ground teams.

    “This mission operates at the extreme limits of our aircraft’s capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Valine, a MAFFS instructor pilot with the Cowboy  Guard. “We take off at maximum gross weight, fly at very low altitudes and slow speeds, and operate in high-density altitude environments, often in mountainous terrain. This training ensures that our crews are ready for those challenges.”

    The MAFFS program enhances national firefighting capabilities by providing additional surge capacity when commercial firefighting resources are fully engaged. The Cowboy Guard has played a key role in the MAFFS mission since its inception in the 1970s.

    “The Cowboy Guard takes great pride in this mission,” Valine said. “When fire season begins, seeing our aircraft on the flight line means we’re ready to assist wherever needed.”

    This training also serves as preparation for real-world wildfire incidents, such as the Los Angeles fires, where the Cowboy Guard played a critical role in aerial firefighting efforts. The experience gained from training exercises like this directly translates to more effective and coordinated responses during actual emergencies, helping to contain wildfires and protect communities.

    The training exercise, which involved multiple MAFFS-equipped aircraft and personnel from various agencies, marks the beginning of preparations for the 2025 wildfire season.

    (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

    (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

    (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Names Acting Associate Administrator, More Leadership Changes

    Source: NASA

    NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro announced Monday Vanessa Wyche will serve as the acting associate administrator for the agency at NASA Headquarters in Washington, effective immediately. Wyche, who had been the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, is detailed as Petro’s senior advisor leading the agency’s center directors and mission directorate associate administrators. She will act as the agency’s chief operating officer for about 18,000 civil servant employees and an annual budget of more than $25 billion. Stephen Koerner will become the acting center director of NASA Johnson.
    The agency also named Jackie Jester as associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs and announced Catherine Koerner, associate administrator for the agency’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate will retire effective Friday, Feb. 28. Lori Glaze, currently the deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development will become the mission directorate’s acting associate administrator.
    “As we continue to advance our mission, it’s crucial that we have strong, experienced leaders in place,” Petro said. “Vanessa will bring exceptional leadership to NASA’s senior ranks, helping guide our workforce toward the opportunities that lie ahead, while Steve will continue to provide steadfast leadership at NASA Johnson. Jackie’s return to the agency will ensure we remain closely aligned with national priorities as we work with Congress. Cathy’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to human spaceflight, and we are grateful for her years of service. Lori’s leadership will continue to build on that legacy as we push forward in our exploration efforts. These appointments reflect NASA’s unwavering commitment to excellence, and I have full confidence that each of these leaders will carry our vision forward with purpose, integrity, and a relentless drive to succeed.”
    Prior to her new role, Wyche was the director NASA Johnson – home to America’s astronaut corps, Mission Control Center, International Space Station, Orion and Gateway Programs, and its more than 11,000 civil service and contractor employees. Her responsibilities included a broad range of human spaceflight activities, including development and operation of human spacecraft, NASA astronaut selection and training, mission control, commercialization of low Earth orbit, and leading NASA Johnson in exploring the Moon and Mars.
    During her 35-year career, Wyche has served in several leadership roles, including Johnson’s deputy center director, director of Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, flight manager of several Space Shuttle Program missions, and executive officer in the Office of the Administrator. A native of South Carolina, Wyche earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University. 
    As deputy director of NASA Johnson, Stephen Koerner, oversaw strategic workforce planning, serves as the Designated Agency Safety Health Officer, and supported the Johnson center director in mission reviews. Before his appointment in July 2021, Koerner held various leadership roles at NASA Johnson, including director of the Flight Operations Directorate, associate director, chief financial officer, deputy director of flight operations, and deputy director of mission operations.
    In her new role as the associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, Jester will direct a staff responsible for managing and coordinating all communication with the U.S. Congress, as well as serve as a senior advisor to agency leaders on legislative matters.  
    Jester rejoins the agency after serving as the senior director for government affairs at Relativity Space’s Washington office where she led policy engagement for the company. Prior to her time with Relativity, she served as a policy advisor at NASA and at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She has served as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. She has spent time in state government as the Chief Legislative Aide to a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Jester has significant experience advising on space policy issues, aviation operations and safety policy, and has helped develop numerous pieces of legislation.
    With a 34-year career at NASA, Catherine Koerner has been instrumental in leading NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, overseeing the development of the agency’s deep space exploration approach. Previously, she was the deputy associate administrator for the mission directorate. Her extensive career at NASA includes roles such as the Orion program manager, director of the Human Health and Performance Directorate, former NASA flight director, several leadership positions within the International Space Station Program during its assembly phase and helping to foster a commercial space industry in low Earth orbit.
    Glaze has a distinguished background in planetary science, previously serving as the director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division before joining Explorations Systems Development. Prior to her tenure at NASA Headquarters in Washington, she was the chief of the Planetary Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Deputy Director of Goddard’s Solar System Exploration Division. She has been a leading advocate for Venus exploration, serving as the principal investigator for the Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging mission. Glaze earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Physics from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate in Environmental Science from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. Her prior experience includes roles at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and at Proxemy Research as Vice President and Senior Research Scientist.
    For more about NASA’s missions, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Amber Jacobson / Kathryn HambletonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600amber.c.jacobson@nasa.gov / kathryn.a.hambleton@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders to Colleagues on Senate Floor: “Do You Have the Courage to Continue Telling the Truth When the President is Lying?”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today gave remarks on the floor of the Senate regarding President Trump’s lies and asking his colleagues when they will stand up to the president.
    Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched HERE: 
    We live in difficult times – in times where people throughout our country are experiencing a great deal of anxiety for a number of reasons. And in the midst of all of that, it is important that we not forget what is taking place, not only in Ukraine, but back home here in the United States. 
    And back home, right now, tens of millions of Americans are struggling economically to keep their heads above water. 60% of our people are living paycheck to paycheck. 85 million are uninsured or underinsured. And we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major nation on Earth. 
    And as someone who has visited senior centers throughout the state of Vermont and has spoken to seniors throughout our country, I can tell you that there is a significant level of fear and anxiety among the older people in this country with regard to what’s happening right here in DC. 
    When we have a president of the United States and Republicans who are talking about massive cuts to Medicaid, let’s understand – and seniors do understand – that we are not just talking about throwing millions of kids off the health care that they have, at a time when we are the only major country on Earth not to provide health care to all people, not just kids, off of health care.
    We are talking about massive cuts to community health centers, which receive over 40% of their funding from Medicaid, and where millions of seniors go to get the primary care they need. 
    And at a time when we already have a major crisis in nursing home availability, let us understand that Medicaid provides funding for two out of every three seniors who live in nursing homes. In other words, massive cuts to Medicaid would be a disaster for senior citizens throughout this country. But it is not just Medicaid cuts that worry our seniors. 
    Today, quite unbelievably, 25% of people in our country who are 65 years of age or older are trying to survive on incomes of $15,000 a year or less. I, myself, do not know how anybody, let alone a senior with health care needs, can survive on $15,000 a year, but that is what 25% of our seniors are trying to do. 
    Mr. President, this issue of so many seniors struggling to get by, struggling to heat their homes, struggling to buy the food or the prescription drugs they need – this is an issue we must address. And it is a crisis that is unacceptable in the richest country in the history of the world. 
    And that is why, Mr. President, I am proud to tell you that within the next several weeks I, along with a number of cosponsors, will be introducing legislation that expands Social Security benefits and extends the solvency of Social Security for decades.
    We’re hearing a lot of talk about cutting Social Security. We should not be talking about cutting Social Security. We must be talking about expanding Social Security benefits. And the legislation that I will introduce will do just that. 
    It will expand social security benefits by $2,400 a year, and it would not raise taxes by one penny on the bottom 93% of Americans – those who make less than $250,000 a year. And how do we do that? By lifting the cap and applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000.
    Unbelievably, under current law, a billionaire pays the same amount of money into Social Security as someone who makes $176,000 a year. Elon Musk, worth $400 billion, pays the same amount into Social Security as somebody who makes $176,000. That is because, under Social Security, there is an absurd cap on taxable income. 
    If we lifted that cap and made sure that millionaires and billionaires paid the same percentage of their income into Social Security as the working class of this country, we could extend the life of Social Security for generations to come and lift millions of seniors out of poverty. 
    Further, Mr. President, when we talk about the needs of senior citizens in this country, I want to mention that I will also be introducing legislation to expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing.
    It is unacceptable that millions of seniors are unable to read a newspaper because they cannot afford eyeglasses, can’t have conversations with their grandchildren because they can’t afford hearing aids, and have trouble eating because they cannot afford dentures. That should not be happening in the United States of America in the year 2025. 
    Expanding Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing is an extremely popular concept. Poll after poll shows that 80% of the American people – Democrats, Republicans, Independents – support doing just that. 
    All across this country there is a growing fear that the Trump administration is undermining the Constitution of our country – a Constitution which has kept us a free nation and an example, a model of the rest of the world, for the last 250 years. 
    During the last month alone, President Trump has attempted to usurp the powers of Congress illegally and unconstitutionally, refusing to fund programs passed by Congress. 
    He has illegally destroyed agencies like USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that were created by Congress. And under the leadership of Mr. Musk, they have illegally and inappropriately gained access to tax data and Social Security data of millions of Americans. 
    Every day, they are acting in an illegal and unconstitutional manner. Just this week, President Trump tweeted, “he who saves his country does not violate any law.” 
    Wow. 
    In other words, Mr. Trump sees himself, the president of the United States, as above the law and immune from the basic rules of the Constitution and the separation of powers that have governed this country since the founding. 
    “Anything I want to do, I’m president, I can do it. It doesn’t matter what Congress says, it doesn’t matter what the Constitution says, it doesn’t matter what the rule of law is about. I don’t need to hear from anybody else.” 
    That’s not what Americans fought and died to preserve. In regard to the move to authoritarianism, let me say a few words about an area that I think has not gotten much attention at all. And that is Trump’s attack on the free press, which is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. The Founding Fathers of this country considered freedom of speech and free press to be enormously important. That was the First Amendment. 
    Mr. Trump has sued CBS and its parent company, Paramount, for $20 billion because he didn’t like how they edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. The company is now reportedly considering settling the lawsuit, and I certainly hope they do not do that, out of fear of retaliation from Trump’s FCC. 
    He did not like a television program on CBS. But you don’t sue somebody for $20 billion because you didn’t like the program. 
    And obviously, the intention of that lawsuit is clear: and that is that CBS, and every other network and media outlet, will now have to look over their shoulder. “Oh, my goodness, we’re saying something critical of Donald Trump. Is he going to sue us for $5 billion or $10 billion? Maybe we should not run that Maybe we should not do that investigative report.” 
    Not just CBS. In recent times he has sued ABC. He has sued Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram. He has sued the Des Moines Register. 
    What crime did a little newspaper in Iowa make? What was their crime? They ran a poll which turned out, in retrospect, to be inaccurate. So pollsters all over America, be careful.  
    How absurd is that? And what kind of threat is it to freedom of speech and expression in this country? 
    Mr. President, when we talk about the Trump administration’s movement toward authoritarianism, we should take note of another remarkable and troubling set of events that happened just this week. We saw the president of the United States openly aligning himself with the dictator of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to undermine the independence of Ukraine and abandon our closest democratic allies in Europe. 
    Trump made it clear that he sees one of the world’s most brutal dictators as his pal. And our long time democratic allies as his enemies. 
    It appears that Mr. Trump wants a world that is safe for authoritarians and oligarchs, but dangerous and unstable for democracies. And when we talk about authoritarianism, we have got to mention the growing phenomenon in this country of the Big Lie: say something that is blatantly untrue, repeat it over and over again and then blast that lie out on social media until people actually believe it. 
    Let me mention one of the very big lies that Trump said recently regarding the war in Ukraine. Earlier this week, the president said that Ukraine started the war. Trump said that Ukraine started the war. Really? 
    That is, as I hope every member of the Senate knows, an absolute lie. 
    Russia invaded Ukraine twice, first in 2014 and then again on February 24, 2022. And on that date, February 24, 2022, Putin’s tanks and troops rolled into Ukraine. And on that day, Russian aircraft began bombing targets all over Ukraine. 
    Russia started the war, period, end of discussion. Trump is lying. 
    Since Putin’s invasion over one million people having been killed or injured. Every single day, Russia continues to rain down hundreds of missiles and drones on Ukrainian cities. Putin’s forces have massacred civilians and captured Ukrainian children, bringing them back to Russian “re-education” camps. There atrocities led the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, in 2022, as a war criminal. 
    Further, Trump called Ukrainian President Zelensky – not Putin, but Zelensky, a dictator. And that obviously is not true either. Zelenskyy won 75% of the vote in free elections. And in the midst of a brutal war, Ukraine’s parliament continues to function and open and unfettered political debate takes place. 
    Trump recently claimed that our European allies have done little to support Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s invasion. He said the U.S. has contributed three times more than Europe. But that is another lie. In fact, Europe has provided more aid to Ukraine than the United States. 
    But it’s not just that Trump is lying again. That is not new. It’s what this all reveals about where we want to take our country and where we want the world to be moving – what direction.
    Trump is cozying up to Vladimir Putin. So who is Putin? And what kind of world does Putin want to build? 
    Putin is a dictator who crushed Russia’s movement toward democracy after the end of the Cold War. Russia now holds sham elections where Putin wins 90% of the vote, and authorities there do not even try to hide their ballot stuffing. 
    There it is no freedom of speech or free media in Putin’s Russia. Protests are violently suppressed. Tens of thousands of people are in prison for protesting Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Political dissidents are harassed or thrown into jail. The bravest, like Alexei Navalny are killed outright. Hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled Putin’s Russia since his invasion of Ukraine. 
    That, Mr. President, is the Russian leader that Donald Trump admires. But, Mr. President, my Republican colleagues know all of this. And what is particularly disturbing to me – and I believe the American people – is my colleagues, my Republican colleagues understand and know that Trump is lying. They know that Russia started the war, not Ukraine. They know that Putin is a dictator, not Zelensky. But their silence has been overwhelming on this issue. 
    I cannot tell you how many times I have sat here on the floor and I have listened to my Republican colleagues come to the Senate to condemn Vladimir Putin and his brutal invasion of Ukraine. And many of their remarks were right on the money. They were perceptive and they were right. 
    And my simple question to my Republican colleagues right now is: “Where are you now?”
    Last I heard, Mr. President, this is still a democracy. Last I heard, we are still allowed to disagree with the president of the United States, even if he is a member of your own party. Last I heard, we are allowed to call out the president when he lies – blatantly lies, even if he is a member of our own party. And what really bothers me is I know that many of my Republican colleagues understand all of this. 
    And I just want to give you an example of what is going on right now. Let me just quote a few of my Republican colleagues in statements they have made since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. These are Republican members of the United States Senate. And I’m not going to mention names right now. I don’t want to embarrass anybody, put anybody on the spot. But these are quotes. 
    One leading Republican said, “we must remember the instigator of this war was Russia. It was president Putin who launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine.” And that Republican colleague was obviously right. 
    Another Republican said, and I quote. “I think Vladimir Putin started the war, I also believe, through bitter experience, that Vladimir Putin is a gangster.” That’s a Republican colleague. 
    A third Republican colleague said, “there is no equivalency between Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky. President Putin is evil and he has to be stopped.” 
    A fourth Republican said, when the war began, “today’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a premeditated and flagrant act of war. Putin has violated the border of a sovereign country.” And that senator later said, “anyone who is surprised by Putin’s deadly attack on a sovereign nation has not been paying attention. These are the actions of a mad man.” And just recently, that very same senator said, “Putin is not going to stop with Ukraine. If we abandon Ukraine and throw in the towel as some would like us to do, that is going to drastically change how people view the United States and how people rely on the United States and there will be major consequences.” 
    And a fifth Republican colleague here in the Senate called Putin a “thug” and compared him to Hitler. He said, “Vladimir Putin is not a legitimate leader. He is a war criminal that needs to be dealt with.” 
    That is what my Republican colleagues have said time and time again. 
    And the question is, now, do you have the courage to continue telling the truth when the president of the United States is lying? 
    This is an extraordinarily pivotal moment in American history. And all of us must have the courage to stand up for truth, to stand up for democracy, to oppose authoritarianism. 
    This is the moment. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NAS Oceana personnel keep master jet base mission-ready during record snowfall

    Source: United States Navy

    “Our top priorities are ensuring the base remains mission-ready and keeping our personnel safe,” said NAS Oceana’s Commanding Officer Capt. Josh Appezzato. “Thanks to the dedication of our security forces, public works teams, air operations personnel and culinary specialists, we’re able to continue operations despite the wintry conditions.”

    Safety remained a key focus, with NAS Oceana security forces ensuring gate operations ran smoothly and the installation remained secure. “Even in conditions like this, our security forces are on duty 24/7,” said NAS Oceana Security Officer Lt. Kari Wood. “We’re making sure mission-essential personnel can safely access the base while maintaining the security of our facilities.”

    Since Wednesday, the installation’s public works crews have been actively clearing the entire airfield as well as NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex’s primary roads to keep base access routes and the flight line open. “Our teams are working nonstop to clear priority areas like the installation’s main roads and emergency routes,” said NAS Oceana Public Works Officer Cmdr. Matthew Milkowski. “As we continue to clear secondary roads and parking lots, please use caution and give our crews the space they need to get the job done.”

    NAS Oceana’s air operations personnel closely monitored airfield conditions and cleared runways to ensure aircraft safety. “We’ve been removing snow from the airfield and closely watching the changing weather conditions to minimize the impact on our squadrons,” said NAS Oceana’s Airfield Manager Dean Dawes. “Providing a safe operating environment remains our top priority before we resume regular flight operations.”

    Keeping mission-essential teams fueled are the installation’s culinary specialists who continue to prepare and serve hot meals at NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex’s galleys. “Our job is to take care of the people who keep the base running,” said Bernice Williamson, food service officer at NAS Oceana’s Dam Neck Galley. “No matter the weather, our mission is to make sure our service members have a hot meal to keep them going.”

    The snowstorm produced nearly a foot of snow, breaking records for yearly snowfall in Virginia Beach since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While much of the region came to a standstill during the record-breaking snowfall, NAS Oceana’s mission-essential personnel worked tirelessly to keep the base operational, ensuring aircraft and facilities remained secure. Appezzato emphasized that preparation, teamwork and professionalism were key to making this possible.

    “It’s no small task to keep the Navy’s master jet base mission-ready in nearly a foot of snow, but NAS Oceana’s mission-essential personnel handled it with professionalism and expertise,” Appezzato said. “These dedicated individuals are critical to NAS Oceana’s ability to remain mission-ready in all conditions, and I am honored to have them on our team.”

    MIL Security OSI –