Keen Sword is the latest in a series of joint-bilateral field training exercises designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. forces.
In addition to Carrier Air Wing 5 and the strike group staff, embarked aboard the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), CTF 70 is represented in the exercise by the expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, as well as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), both operating under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.
“The George Washington Carrier Strike Group’s presence is crucial in Keen Sword 25,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and the carrier strike group. “In Keen Sword, our strike group rehearses complex, high-end warfighting with the joint force and allies. This type of exercise showcases the range, agility and lethality of our unified force and reestablishes the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with emphasis.”
George Washington, returning in its second stint as the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier forward-deployed to Japan, departed the San Diego area on Oct. 8 to begin operations in the Indo-Pacific.
The carrier was previously forward-deployed to Yokosuka from 2008 to 2015, and will return there in late fall after completion of its current patrol. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) served as the forward-deployed carrier from 2015 until earlier this year.
“Keen Sword 25 provides the George Washington CSG an arena to flex its considerable capability in the air, surface and information domains,” said Newkirk. “Not only is the strike group conducting dynamic flight operations and complex expeditionary logistics during this exercise, it is also serving as a hub for tactical decision-making, driving action and reaction among forces throughout the region.”
The CSG team, with DESRON 15, is coordinating with Lake Erie, operating with allies in the Philippine Sea near Okinawa, as well as Preble, which is in Yokosuka providing a platform for bilateral Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force specialists.
Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to help promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This exercise, and others like it, are an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the will of the U.S. and allies to defend Japan, as well as the ironclad nature of the U.S.-Japan alliance, which has stood for more than 70 years.
Source: The White House
On October 25, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal assistance to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto from August 13 to August 16, 2024.
Federal funding is available to territory and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Ernesto in the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire territory.
Lai Sun Yee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the territory and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Subcommittee, and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of SFRC, released the following joint statement in response to the elections in Georgia over the weekend:
“Despite our recent concerns with democratic backsliding in Georgia, we had hoped to see a commitment by the Georgian government to run a free and fair election process that reflected the wishes of the Georgian people. In reality, we have witnessed something different in this weekend’s parliamentary elections. Reporting shared by the OSCE/ODHIR, International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute, and ISFED show multiple violations that severely compromised the standards for democratic elections. We are also alarmed by the dozens of reports of election day interference, including violence, voter intimidation and ballot stuffing, that could have further damaged the integrity of yesterday’s election results.
“We call on the Department of State, in partnership with our European friends, to immediately investigate reports of fraud and any external interference to determine whether any actions have seriously impacted the outcome of the elections. Those responsible should be held accountable.
“This is a precarious moment for Georgia. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, must recognize that its actions could have immediate consequences on its economic and security agenda. Russia has also undoubtedly benefitted from sowing division and disinformation. We recognize the right of the Georgian people to, if they so choose, protest peacefully and call on the relevant Georgian authorities to respect this deeply important democratic right.
“If needed, we will make additional changes to our bipartisan legislation, the Georgian People’s Act, to ensure that those responsible for fraud and manipulation of the election process are held accountable. The US Senate is fully committed to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people.”
Last week, Shaheen and Risch announced that 10 additional Senators intend to cosponsor their bipartisan Georgian People’s Act– legislation that would hold Georgian government officials and individuals responsible for corruption, human rights abuses and efforts to advance the foreign influence law or facilitate its passage.
Earlier this summer, Shaheen led a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional delegation to Georgia with U.S. Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), Chair of the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. During their visit, Senator Shaheen and Chair Turner met with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani to once again raise concerns about democratic backsliding following the passage of the foreign agents law and anti-Western rhetoric and communicate the United States’ commitment to its longstanding partnership with people of Georgia to achieve a Euro-Atlantic future, including by facilitating a free and fair election in October. Shaheen and Turner’s visit came shortly after U.S. action to pause bilateral assistance to Georgia following recent actions undertaken by the Georgian government.
Before the trip, Shaheen and Risch issued a statement welcoming the action by the U.S. State Department to pause $95 million in assistance to the government of Georgia following passage of a foreign agents law. Shaheen first visited Georgia as an election observer with Senator Risch in 2012. She has visited the nation three times since.
In the annual defense legislation, Shaheen secured a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to review security cooperation activities with Georgia in light of its new foreign agents law, a part of Shaheen’s and Risch’s bipartisan Georgian People’s Act. Prior to the vote in the Georgian Parliament, the Senators sent a bipartisan letter to the Prime Minister of Georgia urging the government to reconsider the bill.
In its 2025 Budget Bill, the Government is presenting a range of initiatives to tackle men’s violence against women. The Government intends to propose strengthening support to victims of prostitution, and to allocate SEK 10 million for this purpose in 2025. The Government also intends to propose reinforcements to national telephone help lines for victims of violence, with the aim of preventing and combating men’s violence against women, intimate partner violence, honour-based violence and oppression, and prostitution and human trafficking. It is therefore proposed that the National Centre for Knowledge on Men’s Violence Against Women (NCK) at Uppsala University receive an additional SEK 7 million in 2025. The aim is to increase the national help lines’ response rate.
“Efforts to prevent and combat men’s violence against women, intimate partner violence and honour-based violence and oppression are top priorities for the Government and the parties cooperating with it. That’s why we want to see an increase in support to people who are victims of prostitution, a highly vulnerable group of people. We also want to continue increasing support to the national phone help lines for victims of violence so that response rates can be improved. In order to combat violence and oppression, it is important that victims of violence can get through to the help lines,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg.
“Displaced women are especially vulnerable to exploitation and are at risk of being forced into prostitution. Efforts to combat human trafficking are taking place on a broad front, of which an important part is supporting and helping those who are vulnerable,” says former Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard.
“Women who are subjected to violence, abuse and coercive control must be given the support they need. This Government is investing heavily in combating the oppression of women, regardless of which form it takes,” says gender equality spokesperson Camilla Rinaldo Miller (Christian Democrats).
“These initiatives are important steps in ensuring that no victim of violence is left on their own. The Sweden Democrats and the Government take these issues seriously and will continue working to ensure that every voice seeking help is heard,” says gender equality spokesperson Michael Rubbestad (Sweden Democrats).
Strengthened support to victims of prostitution
In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government intends to propose a reinforcement of SEK 10 million in support to victims of prostitution in 2025. The Government also intends to propose a reinforcement of SEK 5 million in support to victims of prostitution in 2026. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats.
It is a priority that adults who want to leave prostitution or who have been trafficked for sexual purposes receive the protection, support and help they need, and that no children are subjected to sexual exploitation or human trafficking.
In December 2023, the Government received the report Ut ur utsatthet (‘Out of vulnerability’ – Swedish Government Official Report 2023:97) from the Inquiry on an Exit Programme for Victims of Prostitution. The report is being processed by the Government Offices.
Strengthening national help lines for victims of violence
NCK operates help lines for women, men and trans people. NCK is implementing this help line on behalf of the National Centre against Honour-related violence and oppression.
The telephone help lines are under a lot of pressure. Currently, 16 per cent of callers to the women’s help line do not even get in the queue, because the lines are so busy and the queue is full. 31 per cent of those phoning the women’s help line, 44 per cent of those calling the men’s help line, and 47 per cent of those calling the help line for trans people hang up before their call is taken. Particularly in the evening and at night, many people hang up before they get through to the front of the queue.
In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government intends to propose an additional SEK 7 million per year to the help lines in 2025–2027. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats. NCK also runs the ‘Right to choose’ (Rätt att välja) help line, a pilot project help line for people who have questions about, or who are being subjected to, honour-based violence and oppression.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Claremont, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a roundtable in Claremont on substance misuse prevention with Youth CAN leadership and community members. She then visited Hypertherm in Lebanon to discuss workforce challenges, housing and child care. Later, Shaheen continued her “Invest in NH Tour” with a visit to the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences at the Colby-Sawyer College Nursing School, which she secured funding to build. Photos from today’s events can be found here.
In Claremont, Shaheen led a roundtable with the Youth CAN coalition leadership team and community partners to discuss the organization’s work to prevent youth substance misuse in the Claremont and Newport area. Youth CAN is part of the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program which provides grants to local community coalitions to address the youth substance use disorder crisis.
“It is crucial that we reach children as early as possible to educate them about the dangers of substance misuse, and one of our most effective tools to do that is the Drug-Free Communities Program, said Senator Shaheen. “I’ve strongly advocated for the program and was happy to meet with Claremont and Newport’s coalition and discuss their critical work to prevent substance misuse.”
Shaheen has spearheaded crucial legislation and funding to stem the opioid epidemic, including to support the DFC Program. Shaheen recently introduced the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act to establish a new grant program that allows DFC coalitions to partner with schools to provide resources educating students about the dangers of drug use.
Shaheen then visited Hypertherm, an employee-owned manufacturer of cutting products and software, to tour its facility and discuss the company’s in-house technical training program for workforce development, as well as engagement with Vital Communities’ Corporate Council to address regional housing and child care challenges. Vital Communities’ Corporate Council collaborates with Upper Valley employers to help solve the challenges they’re facing.
“Many Granite State businesses, like Hypertherm in Lebanon, face complex barriers to recruiting and retaining a workforce,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was pleased to visit Hypertherm to learn more about the manufacturer’s innovative approach to workforce development and their collaboration with Vital Communities as well as discuss how Congress can continue help New Hampshire businesses address housing and child care challenges.”
Senator Shaheen has long supported programs that support workforce development and increase opportunities and growth for New Hampshire businesses, including by tackling New Hampshire’s housing affordability crisis and the child care crisis. Recently, Shaheen joined Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su at A Place to Grow to host a roundtable discussion at the facility to discuss the first U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program for early childhood education operations managers and a new report emphasizing the importance of care workers.
Later, as part of her “Invest in NH Tour”, Shaheen visited the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences at Colby-Sawyer College to discuss its new nursing and health sciences facility, which is funded in part by Congressionally Directed Spending. Shaheen secured $1.5 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding legislation to construct the new building and to help address critical health care workforce needs by training the next generation of nurses.
“As health care workforce shortages continue to impact our state, I was glad to visit and tour the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences at Colby-Sawyer College where they’re training the next generation of nurses,” said Senator Shaheen. “I secured funding to help construct the building and was glad to learn more about how the program is working to fill desperately needed nursing positions in the Granite State.”
Senator Shaheen has spearheaded numerous efforts in the Senate in support of New Hampshire’s health care workforce. During negotiations surrounding the American Rescue Plan Act, Shaheen helped steer efforts to increase funding for the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) to ensure hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers on the frontlines had the support they needed to keep their doors open and continue to care for patients. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen secured $17,419,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending in the FY 2024 government funding legislation to support health care and education needs in the Granite State.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Civil servants can express their interest now in joining the course to create brilliant line managers
Neil Alton, Government Skills
The developers of a new, free course designed to create a pipeline of brilliant new line managers want volunteers to help pilot it.
The course, called Achieving Your Potential, is for anyone who is not yet a manager but is thinking about becoming one and needs help to develop the skills, knowledge and networks to step into that new role confidently.
“The course is designed for would-be line managers and its goal is to help learners get the knowledge and skills they need to step into a line management role before they are in one,” said Government Skills learning and development expert Neil Alton, Head of Early Career management Training (pictured).
“It’s about enhancing their current ways of working as well as preparing them for the unique demands and responsibilities of managing others.
“Through it we want to create a pipeline of brilliant new line managers who understand and comply with the new Civil Service Line Management Standards which are such a vital tool for ensuring the Civil Service is a great place to work.”
The participants chosen to be part of the pilot will be divided into two cohorts – with one group starting in January and the second in May.
“The purpose of having two groups is so we can compare the skills and knowledge of the group of people who have completed the course with the skills and knowledge of the group of people who have yet to do it,” said Neil.
“Comparing results from the two groups will give us high-quality evidence so we can understand where the course is succeeding and where it might need further refinement.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Secretary of State for Wales has visited Associated British Ports and Dow in Barry as part of the UK Government’s mission to deliver economic growth.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens at ABP Barry.
The Secretary of State for Wales has visited two major employers in Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan as part of the UK Government’s mission to deliver economic growth.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens was given a tour of the Port of Barry and heard about Associated British Ports (ABP) and px Group’s plan for a Clean Growth Hub which aims to establish a cutting-edge facility where businesses can attract direct investment and create jobs.
The plan aims to transform a large area of the operational port into an area of green, high-growth infrastructure investment. It is designed to attract companies involved in innovative industries such as battery materials, rare earth metal processing and green energy manufacturing.
Earlier the same day the Welsh Secretary also visited Dow, a material sciences company, based on Cardiff Road, Barry. The site manufactures silicones for use in automotive, aerospace, energy infrastructure, construction and other industries across the UK and Europe. It employs more than 600 people with the majority living in the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as partnering with hundreds of suppliers – many based in and around Barry and South Wales.
The Welsh Secretary heard about how Dow contributes to the growth of the regional economy and about the company’s plans for the future.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:
My number one mission is to deliver investment and jobs to Wales so it was fantastic to hear about the Port of Barry’s exciting plans for the Clean Energy Hub which will attract business and investors while helping achieve our mission of making Britain a clean energy superpower.
We want to work in partnership with business to drive growth, opportunity and prosperity, so it was also great to spend time at Dow and see the work that they do to realise these ambitions in South Wales.
Ralph Windeatt, ABP Group Head of Business Development, said:
I was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Wales to our Port of Barry to discuss our plans for a Clean Growth Hub.
Associated British Ports’ five ports in South Wales are already becoming hubs at the heart of the green energy transition. With our partners px Group, we want to transform the Port of Barry to expand low-carbon, high-growth infrastructure investment. These plans will build on the low-carbon infrastructure we already have in place, including solar and wind power and green hydrogen production with our partners at EDF Hynamics and ESB International.
Our plans for a Clean Growth Hub will create jobs, mobilise inward investment and boost local prosperity and opportunity.
Andrew Laney, Senior Site Manufacturing Director at Dow, Barry said:
Dow is a business that plays a key role in South Wales, both socially and economically. The silicones we manufacture for so many industrial sectors across Wales, UK and Europe are proudly ‘Made in Barry’.
We were pleased to show the Secretary of State the operations on site and discuss how South Wales manufacturing can be well-recognised in the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy consultation.
The Museum of Oxford is commemorating the 90th anniversary of three pivotal events in the city’s history with a trilogy of plays.
Written by local playwright Peter Cann and directed by Tim Eyres, these performances bring to life Oxford’s working-class struggles during a turbulent year in 1934.
Cutteslowe Walls
The first play in the trilogy, The Cutteslowe Walls, recounts how a working-class community in North Oxford was separated from a nearby private estate by 9ft-high walls – which became known as “snob walls”. Built in December 1934, the walls stood for 25 years despite a long campaign to have them removed. The initial campaign to remove the walls was led by Abe Lazarus, a prominent trade unionist and communist organiser. Reginald Gibbs, a local councillor, also played a key role in these early efforts. After Reginald’s passing, his son Edmund and daughter-in-law Olive Gibbs continued the fight and the walls were finally demolished in 1959.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Mike Rowley, will attend the premiere of The Cutteslowe Walls on 2 November.
“I am honoured to be part of this commemoration. The Cutteslowe Walls symbolised a time of division in our city’s history, but the efforts of campaigners like Abe Lazarus and the Gibbs family remind us of the power of community and perseverance in fighting for fairness. This trilogy of plays allows us to reflect on these important struggles, while celebrating the spirit of unity that ultimately brought the walls down.”
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley
Oxford’s Inferno
The second play, Oxford’s Inferno, recounts the 1934 strike at the Pressed Steel factory in Cowley, which produced car bodies for the Morris car works. Workers walked out in protest against poor pay and harsh working conditions. The strike, initially involving 100 workers, soon grew to 1,000, led to the formation of a strong union that left a lasting impact on Oxford and beyond.
Little Edens
The final part of the trilogy, Little Edens, will be performed on December 7. Returning after a successful staging at the museum last year, the play focuses on the Florence Park Rent Strike. In September 1934, tenants of the newly built Florence Park estate began withholding rent in protest at poor living conditions. The homes, built by unskilled labourers, quickly deteriorated, prompting residents— many of whom had relocated from areas hit hard by the Great Depression, such as South Wales and Tyneside — to take action. After months of complaints, the residents embarked on a bitter rent strike, facing the threat of eviction. The strike highlighted the difficult conditions faced by many working-class families in Oxford.
The trilogy performances are as follows:
Oxford’s Inferno and The Cutteslowe Walls: Saturday, 2 November at 2.30pm and 5.30pm (all sold out)
Little Edens: Saturday 7 December at 2.30pm and 5.30pm
Tickets for the December performances are available from the Museum of Oxford shop or through Eventbrite.
Comment
“These stories show how working-class communities in Oxford shaped the city’s identity and contributed to wider social change. From fighting unfair working conditions to standing up against poor housing, the events portrayed in these plays demonstrate the resilience and solidarity of Oxford’s people. It’s great that these powerful stories can be shared with audiences at the Museum of Oxford.”
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
Despite being a relatively affluent area, Perth and Kinross has around 30,000 people living below the poverty line, with approximately 27,200 in deep or very deep poverty.
Tackling poverty is one of the Council’s main priorities and the local authority helped establish the Anti-Poverty Taskforce jointly chaired by the Chief Executives of PKAVS and Giraffe to address poverty across Perth and Kinross. The Taskforce brings together a range of partners, including the Council, to work together on addressing poverty.
Councillors will also discuss the sixth Annual Child Poverty Action report, which reveals there are still 5,750 children living in poverty in Perth and Kinross and sets out the actions that are being taken to reduce this number.
Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “Many people view Perth and Kinross as an affluent area but the truth is poverty is a real and growing problem for many of our residents.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have both contributed to a situation that requires dedicated and co-ordinated action to solve.
“For those living in poverty every day is a struggle and things that are an inconvenience to many of us – an unexpected bill or a spell of cold weather – can lead to a crisis for those on or close to the breadline. It is vitally important we support those people who find themselves in poverty.
“Those living in rural areas, as many do in Perth and Kinross, also face additional challenges regarding employment, housing, transport and more.”
Councillor Laing added: “The actions we are taking are showing results – there are now around 200 fewer children living in poverty now than there were last year. But that still leaves nearly 6,000 in poverty.”
The social contract sets out four key principles that will guide the Council, and its partners, as they strive to lift residents out of poverty.
These are:
No one should be in deep poverty:
Those unable to work should not be in poverty:
People should try to increase their earnings:
Low earners should not be in poverty: Commitment to Collaboration:
As part of these efforts, the Council is being asked to renew its commitment to collaborating with community partners, the third sector, and local communities to secure extra resources and support for those in deep poverty and provide addition resources for those unable to work due to health, disability or caregiving responsibilities.
It is also being asked to support job seekers and those wanting to work more hours and help those on low incomes to achieve a better standard of living.
Shaheena Din, joint chair of the Anti-Poverty Taskforce said: “Change happens when we come together.
“By working as one, we can make a real difference in lifting people out of poverty, because no one person or organisation can tackle this challenge alone.”
She added the Anti-Poverty Taskforce supports a range of people who are struggling to make ends meet. These include:
People facing ongoing hardship: Those on low incomes, whether they are receiving benefits or not, and may not be getting the support they’re entitled to.
People in deep poverty: Including single individuals without children, people from ethnic minorities, and households where someone has a disability.
Those on or just below the poverty line: those struggling to make ends meet.
People just getting by: managing on their own but often have little or no money left at the end of the month.
Asset rich but cash poor: Homeowners with limited savings and financial assets that are hard to access and facing hardship.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)
Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) announced today that Port Houston’s innovative PORT SHIFT program has been selected to receive$2,983,457 in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. This grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, is a critical investment in cleaner air, reduced emissions, and green job opportunities for the region.
“I’m thrilled that Port Houston has been chosen for this Environmental Protection Agency grant, which will bring real, lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and the health of all families in the region. With its ambitious PORT SHIFT program, Houston is taking a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, and I’m proud to have helped make this possible by voting for the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Congresswoman Garcia.
“PORT SHIFT is about more than moving cargo—it’s about building a port that’s prepared for the future and a community that’s healthier and stronger. With investments in zero-emission trucks, cleaner cargo handling, workforce training, and community engagement, Port Houston is setting the standard for what ports across America can accomplish. The Inflation Reduction Act is already paying off for the greater Houston region, and I’m excited to see Houston lead the charge toward a sustainable, greener future that benefits all,” concluded Congresswoman Garcia.
“Port Houston is vital to our local, state, and national economy. This funding from the Environmental Protection Agency will support moving towards a more sustainable way of conducting port operations through the deployment of new zero-emission technology and ensure shore power readiness at all seven wharves at the Bayport Container Terminal,” saidHouston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez.
“More importantly, near port communities will benefit from the grant’s plan to focus on climate and air quality planning. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Garcia for her leadership in securing this funding from the EPA and look forward to our continued partnership towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” concluded Martinez.
The grant funding announced today will support climate and air quality efforts at Port Houston, including:
Emissions inventory
Emissions reduction strategy analysis including truck route analysis, infrastructure cost assessment, climate action planning, and developing a performance measurement framework
Stakeholder collaboration with communities, trucking industry, and workforce
Resiliency planning
Congresswoman Garcia in May led a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan alongside her colleagues, urging support for Port Houston’s grant applications. The letter emphasized how PORT SHIFT’s climate and zero-emission technology initiatives would transform the freight sector, reduce diesel pollution, and engage and empower nearby communities, particularly low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allocated $3 billion to the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission port equipment and climate planning at U.S. ports. This program aims to build a zero-emissions foundation across the port sector, improve public health, and set a new standard for environmental engagement in near-port communities.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes has appointed longtime IAM activist Monica Pasillas as a Grand Lodge Auditor, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
Pasillas, a 13-year IAM member, initiated into IAM Chicago Local 2339O in 2011 as an ExpressJet flight attendant. She later transferred to Newark Local 2339N. She had taken on leadership roles in both locals including conductor sentinel, recording secretary, grievance representative and secretary-treasurer. In these capacities, she effectively advocated for the needs of members, played an integral role in ensuring their rights were upheld, participated in organizing and strike campaigns, and served on the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee.
“Monica is as well-rounded an IAM activist as we have in our organization,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “She has a tireless commitment to serving our membership, and will be a huge help in ensuring the safe stewardship of our membership’s resources.”
Pasillas, a fluent Spanish speaker with proficiency in French, expanded her leadership skills with her involvement in the Spanish Leadership at the IAM’s Winpsinger Center, where she helped promote education and support for Spanish-speaking members.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Monica into her role as a Grand Lodge Auditor,” said Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer. “Our Grand Lodge Auditing Team continues to adapt to the needs of our membership and assist every local across North America.”
In 2018, Pasillas transitioned to the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund (BTF) as an education representative, gaining valuable insights into the health and welfare needs of the participants. The following year, she joined the General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office as an administrative staff secretary, where she has held key roles in the Central Files Department, Pension Department, and currently, the Auditing Department.
“Monica brings a unique skill set and experience level to her new role as a Grand Lodge Auditor,” said Bryan Pinette, IAM Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer. “Our members will continue to be well-served by her determination to defend and protect our organization and the causes we care about.”
Pasillas holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences with a concentration in commercial French studies and supporting coursework in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a first-generation Mexican American growing up in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, Pasillas developed a strong sense of community and resilience. With a focus on empowering others by providing them with the resources and tools they need to thrive in their roles, she will continue to champion the voices of those like her, ensuring a bright future for all.
In an effort to grow new commercial markets that support the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research, NASA is preparing to relaunch its Mentor-Protégé Program for contractors on Friday, Nov. 1. The program originally was launched to encourage NASA prime contractors, or mentors, to enter into agreements with eligible small businesses, or protégés. These agreements were created to enhance the protégés’ performance on NASA contracts and subcontracts, foster the establishment of long-term business relationships between small businesses and NASA prime contractors, and increase the overall number of small businesses that receive NASA contracts and subcontract awards. “The NASA Mentor-Protégé Program is a critical enabling tool that allows experienced companies to provide business developmental assistance to emerging firms,” said Dwight Deneal, assistant administrator for NASA’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). “The program enables NASA to expand its industrial base of suppliers, as prime and subcontractors, to assist in executing the mission and programs throughout the agency.” The program’s relaunch follows an assessment of its policies and procedures by OSBP to ensure it continues to support NASA’s missions and addresses any supply chain gaps at an optimal level. To provide more information about the program and its relaunch, OSBP will host an online lunch and learn event on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 1:00 p.m. EST. The event is open to all current and potential mentors and protégés who want to learn more about changes in the program, qualifications to participate, and how to apply. “We are excited about rolling out the enhanced NASA Mentor-Protégé Program,” said David Brock, lead small business specialist for OSBP. “The program’s new focus will allow large businesses to mentor smaller firms in key areas that align with NASA’s mission and opportunities within the agency’s supply chain.” One key change expands eligibility to all small businesses, in addition to minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Ability One entities. This expansion enables the program to support an inclusive environment for more small businesses and underserved communities to interact with NASA and its contractors. The program also will focus on engaging businesses within a select number of North American Industry Classifications System (NAICS) codes and specific industry sectors, such as research and development and aerospace manufacturing. These adjustments will allow the program to better support NASA’s long-term strategic goals and mission success. The program is designed to benefit both the mentor and the protégé by fostering productive networking and contract opportunities. In a mentor-protégé agreement, mentors build relationships with small businesses, developing a subcontracting base and accruing credit toward their small business subcontracting goals. In addition, protégés receive technical and developmental assistance while also gaining sole-source contracts from mentors and additional contracting opportunities. NASA is responsible for the administration and management of each agreement. The OSBP oversees the program and conducts semi-annual performance reviews to monitor progress and accomplishments made as a result of the mentor-protégé agreement. To apply to be a mentor, companies must be a current NASA prime contractor with an approved small business contracting plan. Companies also must be eligible for the receipt of government contracts and be categorized under certain NAICS codes. Potential protégés must certify as a small business within NAICS size standards. Find more information about participating in NASA’s Mentor-Protégé Program at: https://www.nasa.gov/osbp/mentor-protege-program
Kathy Clark started her career at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland straight out of high school, and when offered either a job as an accountant or a job in training, the choice was crystal clear. “I started in training, I’ve stayed in training, and I’ll probably retire in training,” said Clark, now a human resources specialist and program manager of NASA Glenn’s mentoring program, Shaping Professionals and Relating Knowledge (SPARK). “I just love people.” Celebrating 41 years at NASA this October, Clark has long been an advocate for employees. For over 12 years, she served as chair of the center’s Disability Awareness Advisory Group (DAAG), which works to help provide individuals with disabilities equal opportunities in all aspects of employment. The group also strives to identify and eliminate workplace barriers, raise awareness, and ensure accessible facilities. After recently stepping down, Clark reflects on her legacy of creating change with the group and looks to the next generation of leadership, including longtime member and new chair Ryan D. Brown, to continue its important mission. “Don’t Let a Disability Stop You” Clark joined DAAG around 12 years into her career, after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was later asked to serve as chair after she helped bring a traveling mural to the center that showcased Ohio artists with disabilities. During Clark’s time as chair, the group helped secure reserved parking spaces for employees with disabilities, instead of just relying on a first-come first-serve system for accessible spots. She recalls DAAG championing other facility issues, such as fixing a broken elevator and faulty door that presented challenges for folks with disabilities. The group has also worked with human resources to compile best practices for interviews, hosted various speakers, and offered a space for members to share about their disabilities. “I was honored to be the chair and just be there for the people and to try to make a difference, to let them know, if you need something, reach out,” Clark said. “Don’t let a disability stop you.”
Kathy clark
“Let’s Go Above and Beyond” When it was time to choose Clark’s successor, she said, another supportive and vocal member stood out: Brown. Thanks to an Ohio program for individuals with disabilities, Brown was placed at NASA as an intern in 2006, later completing a co-op that led to a full-time accounting position at the center, where he now works as a lead in the financial systems branch. More than one in four adults in the United States have some type of disability, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and some are not always easy to see, Brown says. For instance, Brown has an invisible disability: a learning disability related to reading and writing. After connecting with a coworker early in his career who was a member of DAAG, Brown reached out to Clark to join. “Everyone has their challenges, regardless of if you have a disability or not, so making people comfortable talking about it and bringing it up is always good,” he said. “I think I’ve always liked speaking up for individuals and trying to spread that awareness, which has been great with DAAG.” Now the chair, Brown has supported the group in developing a job aid to help employees understand how to self-identify as having a disability. They’ve also recently organized awareness events to help other employees understand the experiences and challenges of individuals with disabilities. DAAG also continues to champion facility updates. For example, the group is currently working to get automatic door openers installed for bathrooms in buildings at the center where many employees gather. “Let’s try to go above and beyond and really make it easier on individuals,” Brown said.
ryan D. brown
“Make a Difference” Membership in the group is growing, and Clark looks forward to its future. “I could not have turned over the chair role to a better person than Ryan,” she said. Brown’s vision is to continue spreading the word that the group is available as a resource for employees, and for others throughout the center to be more aware of the experiences of individuals with disabilities. The work he does to help others inspires him every day, he says. “We’re here for individuals that don’t want to speak up, we’re here for individuals if they run into issues – they can always contact us,” Brown said. “It’s all about getting up there and trying to make a difference.”
The survey will begin in November 2024 and is expected to be completed in February 2025, weather and flight restrictions permitting.
Flights will include areas in Humboldt, Lander, Eureka, Elko, White Pine, and Nye counties in Nevada.
Initial survey flights will be based out of Tonopah, Nevada, and are planned to move northward over the winter. The survey base and flight locations are subject to change with little warning to other parts of the survey area as necessary to minimize ferrying distances and avoid adverse flying conditions.
The purpose of the survey is to provide images of subsurface electrical conductivity that expand the fundamental knowledge of geology underpinning the Basin and Range province of Nevada. These flights are a continuation of a project that began in 2022. The survey area hosts brines and evaporation-based mineral systems that might contain lithium resources, and rock formations that may contain other critical minerals as well as base and precious metals.
The helicopter will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground, about 200 feet (60 meters) above the surface. Flight line spacing will vary depending on location, typically separated by about 3 miles (5 kilometers).
A sensor that resembles a large hula-hoop will be towed beneath the helicopter to measure small electromagnetic signals that can be used to map geologic features. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase, typically within one to two years of flight completion.
None of the instruments carried on the aircraft pose a health risk to people or animals. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The survey company works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law.
The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only. Surveys do not occur over densely populated areas and the helicopter will not directly overfly buildings at low altitude.
This airborne electromagnetic survey is funded by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative as part of a national-scale effort to acquire modern high-resolution airborne geophysical data through airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using lidar technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects. This survey is designed to meet needs related to mineral resource assessments, geologic framework, and mapping studies, as well as supporting geothermal energy and water resources studies.
The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution three-dimensional representations of geology to depths over 1,000 feet (300 meters) below the surface. The models and maps produced from the survey are important for improving our understanding of critical mineral resource potential, groundwater aquifer structure and salinity, geothermal resource potential, and natural hazards. These results will support detailed geologic mapping studies being conducted by USGS and the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, by expanding on the mapping of formations where they can be observed in the hills and mountains into the valleys, where these geologic layers become buried under sediments and volcanic deposits.
The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, and many other state geological surveys and other partners, including private companies, academics, and state and federal agencies to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources.
The USGS is contracting with Xcalibur Multiphysics under Fugro Earthdata, Inc. to collect these data.
To learn more about how the USGS is investing the resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit our website. To learn more about USGS mineral-resource and commodity information, please visit our website and follow us on X.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Case Reflects Ongoing Commitment to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Dequarius Quitman Day, 32, of Muskegon Heights, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Day’s crime was especially concerning because of his history of domestic violence, including his threatening actions in this case. He previously pleaded guilty in July 2024.
“Too many women who crossed Mr. Day’s path lived in fear of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “For the millions of Americans who face domestic violence, an abuser’s access to a gun can mean the difference between life and death. We stand with the victims of domestic violence and will continue to do everything we can to protect them.”
On December 25, 2023, Day pointed a firearm at the mother of one of his children and threatened to shoot her. While on the phone with 911 requesting assistance, the woman provided the operator Day’s name, a description of his vehicle, a description of the firearm, and informed the operator he had a warrant for his arrest.
Day fled the scene in a vehicle but soon returned on foot to retrieve his cell phone. At that time, law enforcement placed him under arrest. Day lied to officers, claiming he did not have a vehicle. Law enforcement searched the surrounding area and located his vehicle parked a few blocks away. A loaded Taurus 9-millimeter pistol was found under a seat in the car as well.
Day had prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing firearms and had an active warrant for an alleged assault against the victim’s pregnant sister on December 9, 2023. He has been charged by the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office for both the December 9 and December 25 assaults and is presumed innocent of those changes until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Across the nation and in Michigan domestic violence is a serious threat. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Moreover, studies have shown that domestic violence perpetrators often use firearms to abuse and control their victims, who are five times as likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan has brought other cases to address the threat of domestic violence, which include the following:
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan recently announced a special partnership with the City of Lansing to address domestic violence in that city as part of a nationwide program.
Victims of domestic violence who feel they are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm should call 911. The following national hotlines are also available to help victims:
Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 (or text START to 88788)
The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
The Muskegon Township Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexia Jansen is prosecuting it.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
As U.S. forces gear up for the latest iteration of Keen Sword, Navy personnel from across the globe are preparing for one of the largest bilateral military exercises between the United States and Japan.
Among those participating are Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravo, currently stationed at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twentynine Palms. These Sailors will provide essential medical support throughout the exercise, ensuring operational readiness extends to medical care in the field. Their involvement highlights the critical role that medical teams play in maintaining the health and effectiveness of deployed forces.
The Oct. 23 to Nov. 1 exercise, aimed at testing operational readiness and strengthening combat interoperability, will bring together key military assets from both nations for a coordinated effort in maintaining regional security.
Since 1986, Keen Sword has brought together thousands of American and Japanese service members to train for potential real-world conflicts, with a specific focus on joint operations. The exercise serves as a platform for the U.S. military to work alongside Japan’s Self-Defense Forces in a simulated, yet highly realistic, mass casualty environment.
One of the many Sailors participating in the exercise is Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (HM1) Raymond Black from Colorado City, Arizona, a biomedical equipment repair technician. Black explained that the primary role of his team during the exercise is to set up and maintain a field hospital capable of receiving casualties in the event of an emergency.
“Much of the operation will be conducted by the Navy on ships, but our role will be setting up the field hospital to be on standby for patient evacs,” said Black. “That way if this were a real-world event, we would be prepared to receive casualties.”
The medical team participating in Keen Sword includes a wide variety of specialties, bringing together a broad range of medical expertise to support the mission effectively.
“It’s pretty much anything you’d need,” Black expressed. “We’ve got biomeds like myself. We’ve got radiology. We’ve got preventative medicine. We’ve got a surgical team, admin — we’re going to be basically a full hospital.”
Black, a seasoned biomed, has extensive experience serving overseas, having deployed to Iraq twice and Kuwait once. His deployments have given him a unique perspective on the challenges of maintaining and repairing medical equipment in a field setting.
“Trying to perform maintenance and repairs while deployed is significantly harder,” Black said. “You might have to wait weeks for parts, or the equipment could be so old that they don’t make parts for it anymore. That experience helps me prepare for the unexpected challenges we might face in this exercise.”
Lieutenant Junior Grade Belinda Larche, a patient administration officer originally hailing from Cameroon emphasized the importance of the exercise in evaluating readiness.
“Keen Sword is designed to assess EMF Bravo’s ability to deploy within 10 days and provide Role III healthcare support in an austere environment,” she said.
Larche, who has previously served overseas as a medical regulator (MEDREG) in Iraq, believes the skills she gained from her deployments will be critical during Keen Sword.
“I served in Iraq as the MEDREG of 28 Joint and 9 Coalition Units across the Combined Joint Task Force Area of operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM),” Latched explained. “As the MEDREG for Navy Expeditionary Medical Unit Role-2E, I led a team of three medical operations personnel in executing 25 urgent, priority, and routine intra and inter-theater medical evacuations. I believe the skills I honed during that mission will greatly assist me and my team to accomplish Keen Sword successfully.”
One of the less visible but equally essential roles during the exercise will be filled by Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Christopher Logan from Long Beach, California. Logan’s responsibilities include ensuring communication systems are fully operational, allowing seamless coordination during medical evacuations.
“I am going to help run the systems, make sure that nothing goes down, and try to maintain network stability as a system administrator,” Logan said. “We’ll also be setting up communications so we can transmit medical information and better coordinate patient care.”
HM1 Isai Lopez, a surgical technician from Florida, will assist in setting up and maintaining a sterile environment for potential surgeries. Lopez, who has previously served at NMRTC Rota and aboard the USS Essex, emphasized the value of training in realistic environments.
“In this exercise, we have the privilege of training to receive patients in a mass casualty situation for multiple days to create the stressful environment the medical force may receive in a real-life scenario. This allows us to find ways to be as efficient as possible,” Lopez said. “It’s crucial that this isn’t the first time we’re exposed to these situations. The way this (exercise) becomes most effective is for those attending Keen Sword to share their experience with every Sailor.”
Black also highlighted the exercise’s value for further bolstering strategic interoperability with Japan.
“Keen Sword helps us work out problems so we can operate smoothly with our Japanese allies,” he said. “Because, with any operation, the main issue is always communications — who’s doing what, what needs to happen, and when. The goal is to make sure that, if a conflict arises, these questions are already answered to the point that we’re fully ready.”
Keen Sword, which occurs every two years, reflects the ongoing commitment of the U.S. and Japan to maintain regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise comes amid growing concerns about the security dynamics in the region, particularly with China’s increasing military presence.
“We need to be prepared for anything,” Black added. “That’s why exercises like Keen Sword are so important.”
The mandate for the New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit is to locate, assist, and support child victims of online sexual abuse, and identify those who are criminally responsible. The unit includes 11 investigators, including one each from Saint John Police Force and Kennebecasis Regional Police Force, one analyst, and one support staff. ICE has been operational since 2007.
Between 2015 and 2023, there was a dramatic increase of reported child-related sexual exploitation files, including 568 new investigations in 2023 compared to 132 in 2015, an increase of 330% year over year. In 2023, as part of the provincial budget announcement, new positions and resources were allocated to the New Brunswick RCMP, which included funding for additional positions within the ICE Unit.
With youth relying more and more on social media for socializing and entertainment, there are more ways for criminals to target children for the purpose of sexual exploitation and share explicit content involving children.
“This increase in positions has proven to be very positive for us, and for New Brunswickers,” says Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP. “With these incremental positions and support, we have more resources available to pursue those who are trying to harm our youth.”
Since 2021, the New Brunswick RCMP’s ICE Unit has executed 73 search warrants, resulting in 52 arrests and 103 charges laid. There is an average of over 70 reports of sextortion per week in Canada.
“It is important for parents and guardians to speak with their children about how to stay safe when using the internet,” continues Cpl. Ouellette. “We understand that it may be difficult for youth to talk about these types of incidents, but it is vital to notify police as soon as possible if you have been a victim of online extortion or online sexual abuse of any kind.”
For more information on how to protect yourself and your children online, please visit the following links:
Headline: Trade finance resilience and low credit risk persist amid global challenges, confirms ICC
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), along with partners Global Credit Data (GCD) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has released its 2024 Trade Register Report, reaffirming the resilience of trade finance instruments and the continued low credit risk across products despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges .
The 2024 report confirms that trade, supply chain and export finance continue to exhibit low risk, with default rates remaining low across all regions and asset classes overall. When defaults do occur, they are generally idiosyncratic, stemming from well-known commercial, geopolitical or macroeconomic factors. As global trade faces ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures, these financial products continue to serve as vital tools for mitigating risk and maintaining liquidity, supporting the stability of trade flows.
The ICC Trade Register remains the leading, authoritative global source on credit risk and broader market dynamics in trade and supply chain finance. Its data set represents nearly a quarter of all global trade finance transactions. This 2024 edition includes extended market insights and data on global trade and trade finance. New features include insights from ICC and BCG’s practitioner survey on key trends and opportunities in trade and supply chain finance as well as a comprehensive data pack with analysis on credit risk in trade finance, available for member banks or for separate purchase through ICC.
This year, ICC and GCD demonstrated the value of high-quality, representative data in shaping trade finance regulations through their contributions to emerging regulation on Basel III capital treatment. Krishan Ramadurai, outgoing Chair of the ICC Trade Register Project, encourages more banks to participate in the project and says that more data will only reinforce the point that trade finance is a low default asset class.
The ICC Trade Register continues to look beyond credit risk, with detailed analysis on market trends and competitive dynamics across the trade and supply chain finance market.
Ravi Hanspal, Partner at BCG, said:
“Despite ongoing headwinds, we are seeing the trade and supply chain finance market continue to evolve rapidly. Banks are observing that customers are now prioritising leading service and digital capabilities more than ever, driving a step-change in investment by banks in technology to accelerate seamless trade.”
Marilyn Blattner-Hoyle, Global Head of Trade Finance and Working Capital Solutions at Swiss Reinsurance Company, said:
“ICC’s Trade Register and its deep data over many cycles is perhaps the most critical publication in the trade industry. The Register’s role in sharing quantitative and qualitative statistics underpins the power of trade as well as the stability of trade-related credit risks. It helps us to get comfortable insuring more trade with our bank clients, thus making trade and the world more resilient together. We use the Register in our actuarial assessments as well as our internal/external advocacy. We are proud to be the first insurance sponsor of the publication, affirming the important role of insurance in the global trade ecosystem.”
Christian Hausherr, Product Manager for SCF at Deutsche Bank and member of ICC Trade Register Steering Committee, said:
“In its thirteenth year after being established, the ICC Trade Register proves its relevance and importance to the trade finance community. Since then, the data approach as well as the scope of the Trade Register have been materially enhanced by the team managing the publication process on an annual basis. As of today, the Trade Register offers unique insights not only into trade finance risk, but also provides valuable macro-economic insights to its readers.”
ICC Policy Manager Tomasch Kubiak thanks member banks for their ongoing contributions.
“ICC is very appreciative of all the efforts member banks are putting in yet again for an enhanced version of the ICC Trade Register. This year’s project provides a full insight into meaningful trends in global trade finance as well as complete data collected from our members, which is now available on demand,”
he said.
Read or purchase the full ICC Trade Register Report.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lisa Bitel, Dean’s Professor of Religion & Professor of History, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The Celtic festival of Samhain celebrates a time of year when the division between Earth and the otherworld collapses, allowing spirits to pass through.Matt Cardy/Getty Images
The Irish often get credit – or blame – for the bonfires, pranksters, witches, jack-o’-lanterns and beggars who wander from house to house, threatening tricks and soliciting treats.
The first professional 19th-century folklorists were the ones who created a through line from Samhain to Halloween. Oxford University’s John Rhys and James Frazer of the University of Cambridge were keen to find the origins of their national cultures.
They observed lingering customs in rural areas of Britain and Ireland and searched medieval texts for evidence that these practices and beliefs had ancient pagan roots. They mixed stories of magic and paganism with harvest festivals and whispers of human sacrifice, and you can still find echoes of their outdated theories on websites.
But the Halloween we celebrate today has more to do with the English, a ninth-century pope and America’s obsession with consumerism.
A changing of the seasons
For two millennia, Samhain, the night of Oct. 31, has marked the turn from summer to winter on the Irish calendar. It was one of four seasonal signposts in agricultural and pastoral societies.
After Samhain, people brought the animals inside as refuge from the long, cold nights of winter. Imbolc, which is on Feb. 1, marked the beginning of the lambing season, followed by spring planting. Beltaine signaled the start of mating season for humans and beasts alike on May 1, and Lughnasadh kicked off the harvest on Aug. 1.
But whatever the ancient Irish did on Oct. 31 is lost to scholars because there’s almost no evidence of their pagan traditions except legends written by churchmen around 800 A.D., about 400 years after the Irish started turning Christian. Although they wrote about the adventures of their ancestors, churchmen could only imagine the pagan ways that had disappeared.
These stories about the pagan past told of Irish kings holding annual weeklong feasts, markets and games at Samhain. The day ended early in northwestern Europe, before 5 p.m., and winter nights were long. After sundown, people went inside to eat, drink and listen to storytellers.
The stories did not link Samhain with death and horror. But they did treat Samhain as a night of magic, when the otherworld – what, in Irish, was known as the “sí” – opened its portals to mortals. One tale, “The Adventure of Nera,” warned that if you went out on Samhain Eve, you might meet dead men or warriors from the sí, or you might unknowingly wander into the otherworld.
When Nera went out on a dare, he met a thirsty corpse in search of drink and unwittingly followed warriors through a portal into the otherworld. But instead of ghosts and terror, Nera found love. He ended up marrying a “ban sídh” – pronounced “BAN-shee” – an otherworldly woman. But here’s the medieval twist to the tale: He lived happily ever after in this otherworld with his family and farm.
The Irish otherworld was no hell, either. In medieval tales, it is a sunny place in perpetual spring. Everyone who lives there is beautiful, powerful, immortal and blond. They have good teeth. The rivers flow with mead and wine, and food appears on command. No sexual act is a sin. The houses sparkle with gems and precious metals. Even the horses are perfect.
Clampdown on pagan customs
The link between Oct. 31, ghosts and devils was really the pope’s fault.
In 834, Pope Gregory IV decreed Nov. 1 the day for celebrating all Christian saints. In English, the feast day became All Hallows Day. The night before – Oct. 31 – became known as All Hallows Eve.
Some modern interpretations insist that Pope Gregory created All Hallows Day to quell pagan celebrations of Samhain. But Gregory knew nothing of ancient Irish seasonal holidays. In reality, he probably did it because everyone celebrated All Saints on different days and, like other Popes, Gregory sought to consolidate and control the liturgical calendar.
In the later Middle Ages, All Hallows Eve emerged as a popular celebration of the saints. People went to church and prayed to the saints for favors and blessings. Afterward, they went home to feast. Then, on Nov. 2, they celebrated All Souls’ Day by praying for the souls of their lost loved ones, hoping that prayers would help their dead relatives out of purgatory and into heaven.
But in the 16th century, the Protestant rulers of Britain and Ireland quashed saints’ feast days, because praying to saints seemed idolatrous. Protestant ministers did their best to eliminate popular customs of the early November holidays, such as candle-lit processions and harvest bonfires.
In the minds of ministers, these customs smacked of heathenism.
A mishmash of traditions
Our Halloween of costumed beggars and leering jack-o’-lanterns descends from this mess of traditions, storytelling and antiquarianism.
Jack-o’-lanterns are neither ancient nor Irish. One of the earliest references is an 18th-century account of an eponymous Jack, who tricked the devil one too many times and was condemned to wander the world forever.
Supposedly, Jack, or whatever the hero was called, carved a turnip and stuck a candle in it as his lantern. But the custom of carving turnips in early November probably originated in England with celebrations of All Saints’ Day and another holiday, Guy Fawkes Day on Nov. 5, with its bonfires and fireworks, and it spread from there.
As for ancient bonfires, the Irish and Britons built them to celebrate Beltaine, but not Samhain – at least, not according to the medieval tales.
In 19th-century Ireland, All Hallows Eve was a time for communal suppers, games like bobbing for apples and celebrating the magic of courtship. For instance, girls tried to peel apples in one long peel; then they examined the peels to see what letters they resembled – the initials of their future husbands’ names. Boys crept out of the gathering, despite warnings, to make mischief, taking off farm gates or stealing cabbages and hurling them at the neighbors’ doors.
Halloween with an American sheen
Across the Atlantic, these customs first appeared in the mid-19th century, when the Irish, English and many other immigrant groups brought their holidays to the U.S.
In medieval Scotland, “guisers” were people who dressed in disguise and begged for “soul cakes” on All Souls Day. These guisers probably became the costumed children who threatened – and sometimes perpetrated – mischief unless given treats. Meanwhile, carved turnips became jack-o’-lanterns, since pumpkins were plentiful in North America – and easier to carve.
Like Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter, Halloween eventually became a feast of consumerism. Companies mass-produced costumes, paper decorations and packaged candy. People in Britain and Ireland blamed the Americans for the spread of modern Halloween and its customs. British schools even tried to quash the holiday in the 1990s because of its disorderly and demonic connotations.
The only real remnant of Samhain in Halloween is the date. Nowadays, no one expects to stumble into a romance in the sí. Only those drawn to the ancient Celtic past sense the numinous opening of the otherworld at Samhain.
But who’s to say which reality prevails when the portals swing open in the dark of Oct. 31?
Lisa Bitel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
The International Scientific and Practical Conference “Fire-Safe Construction” was held at the St. Petersburg University of the State Fire Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia at the Technopark of Science and High Technologies. The event was held as part of the forum “Security Service in Russia: Experience, Problems, Prospects” and brought together leading industry experts, representatives of government agencies, scientific institutions and specialized organizations to discuss current issues in the field of fire-safe construction.
The conference brought together representatives of specialized organizations, the scientific community, and the public sector. Employees of government bodies, including representatives of the Construction Committee of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of complying with fire safety standards to protect citizens and infrastructure.
The delegation of SPbGASU included Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering Andrey Nikulin, who delivered a welcoming speech at the opening of the session, Head of the Department of Construction Organization Roman Motylev, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering for Research, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Civil Engineering Structures Olga Pastukh, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering for Career Guidance, Associate Professor of the Department of Technosphere Safety Alexander Glukhanov and representatives of the Department of Metal and Wooden Structures: Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences Alexander Chernykh and Associate Professor Stefania Mironova, who took an active part in the scientific discussion. Colleagues shared their experience and research in the field of fire safety both in labor protection in construction and during construction, testing of various construction materials for the construction of buildings and structures, focusing on personnel training and the implementation of advanced safety standards.
As part of the section “Changes in legislation and new fire safety requirements”, Andrey Nikulin and Alexander Glukhanov presented a report “Training of personnel in the field of fire safety in construction. Problems and prospects”. In his speech, the dean emphasized that improving the quality of training specialists and strengthening the culture of fire safety is possible only with the active participation of mature, socially responsible businesses in the educational process. He noted that such interaction contributes to the development of high standards of fire safety at construction and operational sites, and also lays down important professional skills for future specialists.
The conference became a platform for presenting the latest approaches to technical regulation, innovative materials and technologies aimed at preventing fires in the construction industry. Thus, the participants discussed expert analysis of existing standards, presented developments of materials with reduced flammability and new methods of automated fire extinguishing systems. One of the reports was devoted to the use of nanotechnology to create environmentally friendly, fire-resistant materials, as well as computer modeling methods for assessing the effectiveness of fire prevention measures.
The conference concluded with a resolution containing recommendations for improving safety in the construction industry and calling for an update of fire safety standards. Participants noted the importance of government support, as well as the interest of business and educational institutions in the further development of a fire safety culture.
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.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
News
Global
29 October 2024
UNRWA is Irreplaceable
Photo Credit UNRWA 2018/ Iyad Faouri
Geneva, 29 October 2024 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) fully supports the Secretary-General and the United Nations’ resolute stance that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is irreplaceable. The absence of UNRWA from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza, will be catastrophic.
UNRWA’s comprehensive mandate underscores its unique role as a custodian of Palestinian refugees’ rights and well-being, extending well beyond the provision of basic aid. It is an essential provider of education, healthcare, social services, infrastructure, protection, and so many other vital services for Palestinian refugees. It upholds the dignity and rights of those it serves, promoting human development until a just and lasting solution to their plight is achieved. It is imperative that we support and protect this mandate.
UNRWA’s services are indispensable to the people of Gaza – there is no alternative to UNRWA. Together with our partners, including UN agencies, we will continue to provide support to individuals in crisis.
Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced the appointment of two new members to the National Advisory Council on Poverty. Marie Christian will hold the position of member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues, and Lindsay Kretschmer will hold the position of general member.
October 29 Ottawa, OntarioEmployment and Social Development Canada
Canada is building a future where poverty is eradicated and where every generation is given a fair chance to succeed. In 2019, the Government of Canada established the National Advisory Committee on Poverty to support the implementation of Opportunity for All: Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced the appointment of two new members to the National Advisory Council on Poverty. Marie Christian will hold the position of member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues, and Lindsay Kretschmer will hold the position of general member.
The Minister also announced the reappointment of two other Council members—general member Kwame Julius McKenzie, and Council Chairperson Scott MacAfee.
Minister Sudds thanks the two outgoing members, Sylvie Veilleux and Rachelle Metatawabin, for their contributions throughout their terms.
The Council plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy by engaging with Canadians and producing an annual report to provide an update on the progress achieved toward reducing poverty. This year’s report was tabled on Monday, October 28th.
The Minister thanks the Council for its report. She continues to listen to the Council’s recommendations to create a Canada where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Quotes
“New members bring fresh perspectives on how to tackle and reduce poverty in Canada. We remain steadfast in our commitment to making sure that no one is left behind, and we recognize the dedication of those working with us to achieve this goal. Together, we will keep acting with urgency, delivering for Canadians, and building a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where everyone has the chance to succeed.”
– Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds
“This past year, the National Advisory Council on Poverty heard first-hand how more and more people are in survival mode, seeking some sort of stability amid rising costs. We hope our fifth annual report provides a compelling sense of urgency for continued courageous action to eradicate poverty. Canada must urgently act to improve the areas of people’s lives they are struggling with now—for example, the rising costs of housing and food. This includes adapting and evolving current efforts and keeping in mind and at heart the importance of preventing more people from experiencing the trauma of poverty. As we welcome new members to the Council, we remain committed to holding the Government of Canada accountable to Canadians for lowering poverty.”
– National Advisory Council on Poverty Chairperson, Scott MacAfee
Quick facts
The Poverty Reduction Strategy established Canada’s Official Poverty Line and set concrete poverty reduction targets to measure poverty and track progress. The targets are:
a 20% reduction in poverty relative to 2015 levels by 2020; this target was met earlier than expected;
a 50% reduction in poverty relative to 2015 levels by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Poverty Reduction Strategy also committed to establishing the National Advisory Council on Poverty, whose mandate is to provide independent advice to the Government, to annually report on the progress achieved toward the Government’s poverty reduction targets and to continue a dialogue with Canadians on poverty.
Council members were selected through an open, transparent and merit-based process that represents Canada’s diversity. Members include Indigenous people, racialized people and people with lived experience of poverty.
In the 2024 report, the Council presents six recommendations along three overarching themes:
Meeting vital needs to thrive: This includes measures to address the rising cost of living, to better meet basic housing needs and increase food security.
Improving access to benefits and the delivery of services: This includes the need for low-barrier and equitable measures to facilitate access to benefits and services, and additional supports to system navigation initiatives and the non-profit sector.
Building strong communities and enabling equity: This includes creating a plan to address poverty inequality to decrease the poverty rate in marginalized groups.
The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, will make an important announcement on bringing new health care innovations to Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
October 29, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario
The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, will make an important announcement on bringing new health care innovations to Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
A media availability will follow the announcement.
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Time: Event will start at 2:30 pm (ET). Media are asked to arrive at 2:15 pm (ET).
Location:
Rogers Communications The Velma Rogers Graham Theatre 333 Bloor Street East Toronto, Ontario
Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to confirm their attendance.
Media representatives wishing to attend must present credentials.
Callie Franson Senior Communications Advisor and Issues Manager Office of the Minister of Small Business callie.franson@ised-isde.gc.ca 613-297-5766
Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)
Headline: WARNER, KAINE, AND SCOTT APPLAUD $380 MILLION IN INFLATION REDUCTION ACT FUNDING FOR PORT OF VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $380,000,000 in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to accelerate its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2040. Warner, Kaine, and Scott advocated for this funding and sent a letter of support for this grant. The funding was awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act that the members helped pass.
“The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry. As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities,” said the lawmakers. “That’s why we’re thrilled that this federal funding, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act we supported, will accelerate the Port’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and further cement Virginia’s place as a leader in clean energy.”
The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments to support clean energy projects. It included clean energy tax credits that have incentivized a series of corporate investments in Virginia, including:
A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms in Chesapeake, which will create over 330 jobs in Virginia.
An investment of over $400 million by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.
An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.
Today’s announcement builds on other transformational investments made to the Port of Virginia by the Biden-Harris administration with the backing of Warner, Kaine, and Scott. That includes $225.4 million to fully fund the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project, which will improve navigation and expand capacity by deepening and widening Norfolk Harbor’s shipping channels, allowing for two-way traffic in and out of the harbor. Of this amount, $141.7 million was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $83.7 million was provided through the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations bill.
The Port also previously received $20 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation for improvements to Portsmouth Marine Terminal that will allow it to serve as a staging area to support the manufacturing and movement of offshore wind goods to support the 2.6 gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial project and other commercial offshore wind projects up-and-down the East Coast. Warner, Kaine, and Scott led a Virginia Congressional Delegation letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the Port’s application for that funding.
RESTON, Va. — Low-level helicopter flights are planned over parts of the western Mojave Desert in Southern California to image geology using airborne geophysical technology.
The survey will begin in early November 2024 and is expected to be completed in December 2024, weather and flight restrictions permitting.
Flights will cover areas within Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties in California.
Initial survey flights will be based out of the Barstow area. The survey base and flight locations are subject to change with little warning to other parts of the survey area as necessary to minimize ferrying distances and avoid adverse flying conditions.
The purpose of the survey is to provide images of subsurface electrical conductivity that expand the fundamental knowledge of the geology of the western Mojave Desert.
The helicopter will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground, about 200 feet (60 meters) above the surface. Flight line spacing will vary depending on location, typically separated by about 3,300 feet (1 kilometer) in detail survey areas or 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) in more regional survey areas. A sensor that resembles a large hula-hoop will be towed beneath the helicopter to measure small electromagnetic signals that can be used to map geologic features.
The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase, typically within one to two years of flight completion.
None of the instruments carried on the aircraft pose a health risk to people or animals. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots that are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The survey company works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law.
The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only. Surveys do not occur over densely populated areas and the helicopter will not directly overfly buildings at low altitude.
This airborne electromagnetic survey is funded by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative as part of a national-scale effort to acquire modern high-resolution airborne geophysical data through airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using lidar technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects
This survey is designed to meet needs related to mineral resource assessments, geologic framework, and mapping studies, as well as supporting water resources studies. The survey area hosts evaporation-based mineral systems that may contain lithium and boron, as well as other critical minerals.
The survey will also cover areas over Edwards Air Force Base, California as part of a Department of Defense-funded collaboration between USGS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where the results will be used to evaluate how the results of airborne geophysical surveys can be integrated into water resources management of military installations.
The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution three-dimensional representations of geology to depths over 1,000 feet (300 meters) below the surface. The models and maps produced from the survey are important for improving our understanding of critical mineral resource potential, groundwater aquifer structure and salinity, and natural hazards. These results will support detailed geologic mapping studies being conducted by USGS and the California Geological Survey, by expanding on the mapping of formations where they can be observed in the hills and mountains into the valleys, where these geologic layers become buried under sediments and volcanic deposits.
Similar airborne electromagnetic surveys have been conducted in other parts of California over the last decade by USGS, the California Department of Water Resources, and local resource management agencies to support groundwater research and management.
The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the California Geological Survey, and many other state geological surveys and other partners, including private companies, academics, and state and federal agencies to modernize our understanding of the nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources.
Read this survey’s full project announcement here.
To learn more about how the USGS is investing the resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit our website. To learn more about USGS mineral-resource and commodity information, please visit our website and follow us on X.
Petroleum emissions from motor gasoline now exclude fuel ethanol from all sectors
Petroleum emissions from distillate fuel oil now excludes renewable diesel and biodiesel from all sectors
Natural gas emissions now exclude supplemental gaseous fuels from all sectors
GDP estimates (used in Table 5 and Table 7) are now expressed in 2017 chained dollars (previously expressed in 2012 chained dollars)
About
The term energy-related CO2 emissions, as used in these tables, refers to emissions released at the location where fossil fuels are consumed. Energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions vary significantly across states, on both an absolute basis and on a per capita basis. Total state CO2 emissions include CO2 emissions from direct fuel use across all sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation, as well as primary fuels consumed for electricity generation. Read the full report (Introduction and Key Concepts: State Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Tables )
State emissions methodology (PDF)
Other EIA state-related links
The underlying energy data used to calculate the state-level CO2 values can be found in the State Energy Data System (SEDS). SEDS is the main repository for all of EIA’s state-based energy data.
State Energy Portal offers multiple ways to examine energy and energy-related CO2 emissions data and contains narratives and rankings for each state.
EIA Energy Mapping System is an interactive map that shows the major energy facilities and infrastructure in the United States.
EIA collects data on state emissions for the electric power industry for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as CO2. The electric power industry includes electricity generated in the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors. The downloadable spreadsheet includes U. S. electric power industry estimated emissions by state from 1990 (Form EIA-860 and Form EIA-923).
State Emissions Data API offers programmatic ways to examine energy and energy-related CO2 emissions data.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing has been named the best airlift unit in the Air National Guard by the Airlift/Tanker Association, a group of aviation professionals dedicated to the support of military airlift.
The organization is set to honor the unit with its Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award during its upcoming annual convention in Grapevine, Texas, which is being held from October 31 to November 3, 2024. The award is a prestigious, national accolade that is presented annually to recognize the most outstanding Air National Guard wing contributing to the overall success of the Mobility Air Forces mission.
The 103rd Airlift Wing was selected for the award for its exceptional service during the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
“Over the years, I have seen the Connecticut National Guard doing amazing things on behalf of the people of Connecticut and the United States, and their professionalism, dependability, and leadership is second to none,” Governor Lamont said. “The 103rd Airlift Wing has provided exceptional support to our military forces in support of operations all over the world, and their bravery, teamwork, and exemplary skills make Connecticut proud. I congratulate the unit on receiving this national award in recognition of their accomplishments. The 103rd Airlift Wing is a model of patriotism.”
“On behalf of the entire Connecticut National Guard, I want to extend my congratulations to the men and women of the 103rd Airlift Wing for earning the prestigious Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award,” Major General Francis Evon, commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and excellence in service. You continue to exemplify what it means to be part of Connecticut’s Home Team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way you represent our state and nation. Your commitment to excellence and mission readiness sets the standard, and I look forward to witnessing your continued success.”
The 103rd Airlift Wing is among the most operationally engaged tactical airlift units in the Total Air Force.
During the period covered by this award, the unit was chosen to lead a four-ship C-130 Hercules force element while in the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during Exercise Mobility Guardian. The unit also provided expert tactical airlift capability for the European Command area of responsibility during exercise Air Defender.
Additionally, the 103rd Airlift Wing brought a C-130 Hercules aircraft to Uruguay in support of the Connecticut National Guard’s State Partnership Program and United States Southern Command’s campaigning objectives. In May 2024, the unit completed its Air Mobility Command, Inspector General-observed, Readiness Exercise Validation, where the 103rd Air Wing Inspector General was lauded as the “gold standard” in their ability to plan, execute and report on a largescale combat readiness exercise.
The Airlift/Tanker Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a forum for ensuring American military forces continue to have the air mobility capability required to implement U.S. national security strategy. Members include active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military personnel, both officers and enlisted, as well as civilian and industry supporters of the air mobility mission.
The Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award is named in honor of a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot who was credited with shooting down the last German airplane of World War II. He died on April 22, 2023, at the age of 99.
SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham formally requested a major disaster declaration from President Biden today in response to the flooding that devastated Roswell and Chaves County earlier this month.
The unprecedented storm that began on October 18 severely affected local residents, infrastructure, and essential services. By securing federal assistance, the state aims to provide Chaves County with the resources needed for a full recovery.
“The people of Chaves County need our support as they work to rebuild and recover,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “A federal disaster declaration will bring critical resources to the area, helping families and businesses get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
The Governor’s office continues to coordinate with local officials and emergency management teams to assess and respond to the damage.
On October 25, 2024, Capt. TaRail A. Vernon, Commanding Officer NMRTC Sigonella, presented five team members with their Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificates after learning about their Green Belt projects.
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt training is essential for professionals seeking to improve process efficiency and quality within their organizations. It provides a strong foundation in data-driven problem-solving and waste reduction techniques, enabling teams to enhance productivity and reduce costs. After completing a rigorous week of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training, these graduates are prepared to lead process improvement at the command by spearheading projects aimed at streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving overall efficiency.
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – A medical team from the Royal Netherlands Navy, stationed aboard the Dutch ship HNMLS Holland (P840), visited U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, early October, to tour the facility and assess its capabilities for potential emergency medical support.
The delegation was welcomed by the hospital staff who provided a tour of the medical and emergency department facilities. The visit highlighted the hospital’s readiness to support allied forces in need.
“The hospital is characterized as a ‘Role 2-plus’ facility which means we can provide advanced trauma management, perform emergency surgery, resuscitative care, stabilize patients and manage post-operative care,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Edinson Rosales, the Operational Forces Medical Liaison for the hospital. “This is a greater capability than most ships operating within the area have and is essential in supporting distributed maritime operations.”
The Holland, an offshore patrol vessel used for drug interdiction and anti-piracy operations in the West Indies, has Role 1 medical care capability. Role 1 is defined within the military health system as the ability to provide medical treatment, initial trauma care, and forward resuscitation, not including surgical care. In the event the ship has a need for greater care, it can contact the hospital.
“Next to primary care, the nurse and doctor on board the ship are able to do damage control resuscitation and life-saving interventions for severely wounded or ill patients. However, when a patient needs specialty care, such as surgery or ICU care, we need to transport patients to a hospital,” said Royal Netherlands Navy Lt. Jan-Peter Schaap, the medical doctor aboard the Holland.
“Whenever we get the chance, we like to see the hospitals in the ports that we are visiting. This way we get to know the facilities and the people within the hospital and therefore the medical possibilities,” said Schaap. “We are also responsible for providing medical care to the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel on board, so it is nice to have a U.S. Naval hospital to contact when we have questions regarding U.S. personnel.”
The hospital’s capabilities and contact information is shared within the port visit documents of the Dutch Navy and is used throughout their fleet.
“This visit underscores the importance of military-to-military support and cooperation,” said hospital Director for Administration, Lt. Cmdr. Jermaine Johnson. “Our ability to work seamlessly with our allies ensures that we can provide critical medical care during emergencies, enhancing our collective mission readiness.”
Military-to-military support strengthens alliances, fosters mutual trust, and enhances operational effectiveness. The visit provided an opportunity for both teams to exchange knowledge and expertise, further solidifying the partnership between the U.S. and Dutch naval forces.
“This collaboration is essential for ensuring that we can provide the best possible care to all service members, regardless of nationality and aligns with Navy Medicine’s global health engagements and the strategic goals of the Navy,” said Johnson.
As global challenges continue to evolve, U.S. Navy leadership emphasizes the importance of robust military alliances and support systems.
“Our hospital is in a remote part of the Caribbean where there isn’t a lot of support. The Naval station is strategic for maritime domain and the hospital is an important aspect of that strategy,” said Rosales.
Force readiness is a priority to ensure warfighters are staying in the fight. Whether this fight is for drug interdiction, migrant operations, humanitarian assistance, or disaster relief, by providing expeditionary medical support we are maintaining a ready force,” said Rosales. “In this case, it’s for a NATO partner who wants to ensure the health, safety, and readiness of their force, and have identified us as way to close a healthcare gap by relying on joint capabilities.”
U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay is a community-based facility providing health care to the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community that consists of approximately 5,000 military, federal employees, U.S. and foreign national contractors and their families. The hospital also operates the only overseas military home health care facility providing care to elderly Special Category Residents who sought asylum on the installation during the Cuban Revolution.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.
