NewzIntel.com

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CNO Remarks at National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Gala

    Source: United States Navy

    Thank you to NIAF for this incredible recognition. It is truly an honor to be with you this evening to receive the Leonardo Da Vinci Award for Military Service.

    As you just saw in the video, my grandparents came to America in search of the American dream – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and new opportunities for their families.

    They arrived with the firm belief and the strongest of convictions, that if you worked hard, learned all you could, and did things the right way that you and your family would find success in this new world.

    My grandfather, Rebello Franchetti, a seasoned stonecutter, lived those values, as did my grandmother, Chiarina Rhea, the matriarch of our family. Together, they laid a strong foundation for my father, Lawrence Franchetti to be the first person in our family to go to college, become an engineer and find his success as a plant manager.

    Through the example they set they passed on those same values – values you’ve heard a lot about tonight, to me. And I passed them on to my own college freshman, Isabel Maria Franchetti, who studied Italian and learned about our Italian heritage firsthand, when we lived in Italy as part of our Navy journey.

    There is no doubt that those values and the love and support of my family laid the foundation for my success as a naval officer and as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations.

    But, there is also no doubt that this award and my every success I’ve had is owed to our amazing team of Navy Sailors and civilians. People who come from across the rich fabric of America. People with who I’ve had the opportunity to serve with over all these 39 years.

    So, as we sit here tonight enjoying this friendship and this wonderful dinner, many of our Sailors are deployed. They’re standing the watch very far from home and far from their family. In fact, on any given day, roughly 110 ships and 70,000 Sailors and Marines are deployed operating around the world and around the clock to preserve our Nation’s security and prosperity, to deter any would-be adversary, and stand ready to fight and win decisively, if called. I could not be more proud of our Navy team.

    And, they are doing it alongside Allies and partners, including the very capable Italian Navy, and just in case you didn’t see it in the news, our Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group just wrapped up a series of operations with the Italian Carrier Strike Group, ITS Cavour in the Indo-Pacific, and I can say with confidence that the partnership between the U.S. Navy and the Italian Navy grows stronger every single day. So, thank you again to NIAF. Thank you to all of you.  I could not be more proud of my Italian-American heritage or more grateful for the values that helped pave my way. Thank you very much.

    Have a great night!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NMRTC Beaufort- Infection Prevention Week

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Beaufort S.C.- During the week of October 15th through the 18th, 2024, NMRTC Beaufort recognized Infection Prevention.
    Lieutenant Erika Berg and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Santana Parchment created a fun and educational week for the command and staff of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Beaufort to bring awareness to Infection Prevention. A few fun educational events that took place during this week; Build a Bug, Infection Control Trivia, and Bacteria or Virus Scavenger Photo Hunt.

    During the week emails were sent out with educational information about the a few topics such as healthcare worker sharps safety, chain of infection, healthcare equity in infection control, and standard precautions.
    To end the Infection Prevention week each department were challenged to create a “bug” to display. Their bug should identify what disease/condition it causes, how it spreads, how to prevent transmission, and what it looks like.
    The Triad and the command staff were all invited to vote on each of these bugs with 3 category options for winners. Occupational Health department won Best Educational board, Medical Homeport won the People’s Choice board, and the Main Operating Room won Leaderships Choice.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Middle East: Foreign Secretary’s statement, 28 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave an oral statement to the House of Commons on the situation in the Middle East.

    Delivered on:

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the Middle East.

    After over a year of horrifying violence, civilian suffering has increased, the conflict has widened, the risks of a yet wider regional war have risen.  

    Today, Mr Speaker, I want to address three elements of this crisis, and outline the urgent steps the Government’s taking in response.

    Mr Speaker, I will first consider events over the weekend. Targeted Israeli strikes hit military sites inside Iran, including a missile manufacturer and an air defence base.

    This was in response to Iran’s escalatory ballistic missile attacks on Israel condemned across the House. These attacks were the latest in a long history of malign Iranian activity. Its nuclear programme, with their total enriched uranium stockpile now reported by the IAEA to be thirty times the JCPoA limit. And political, financial and military support for militias, including Hizballah and Hamas.

    Let me be clear. The Government unequivocally condemns Iranian attacks on Israel. This Government has imposed three rounds of sanctions on Iranian individuals and organisations responsible for malign activity, most recently on the fourteenth of October. And we have consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian attacks, and attacks by Iranian-backed terrorists, whose goal is the complete eradication of the Israeli state. We do not mourn the deaths of the heads of proscribed terrorist organisations.

    The priority now is immediate de-escalation. Iran should not respond. All sides must exercise restraint. We do not wish to see the cycle of violence intensifying, dragging the whole region into a war with severe consequences. Escalation is in no one’s interest as it risks spreading the regional conflict further. We and our partners have been passing this message clearly and consistently. Yesterday, Mr Speaker, I spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Katz and urged both countries to show restraint and avoid further regional escalation.

    Mr Speaker, let me turn to the devastating situation in northern Gaza, where the United Nations estimates over four hundred thousand Palestinian civilians remain.

    Access to essential services worsen by the day. Yet still, very little aid is being allowed in. Israel’s evacuation order in the north has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians. Driven from destruction, disease, and despair. To destruction, disease and despair. Nine in ten Gazans have been displaced since the war began. Some have had to flee more than ten times in the past year. What must parents say to their children? How can they explain this living nightmare? How can they reassure it will ever end?

    There is no excuse for Israeli’s government’s ongoing restrictions on humanitarian assistance – they must let more aid in now. Aid is backed up at Gaza’s borders. In many cases funded by the UK and our partners. But now stuck, out of reach of those who need it so desperately. These restrictions fly in the face of Israel’s public commitments. They risk violating international humanitarian law. They are a rebuke to every friend of Israel, who month after month have demanded action to address the catastrophic conditions facing Palestinian civilians. So let me be clear once again. This Government condemns these restrictions in the strongest terms.

    Since our first day in office, the Government has led efforts to bring this nightmare to an end. We have announced funding for UK-Med’s efforts to provide medical treatment in Gaza, for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza, for Egyptian health facilities treating medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza.

    We are matching donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal. And, together with France and Algeria, we called an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address the dire situation. We sanctioned extremist settlers, making clear their actions do not serve the real interests of either Israel or the region.

    And we have moved quickly to restore funding to UNRWA, overturning the position of the last Government. We did that to support UNRWA’s indispensable role in assisting Palestinians, and to enable them to implement the recommendations of the independent Colonna report.

    All over the world, in every war zone, every refugee camp, the United Nations is a beacon of hope. And so it’s a matter of profound regret that the Israeli parliament is considering shutting down UNRWA’s operations. The allegations against UNRWA staff earlier this year were fully investigated, and offer no justification for cutting off ties with UNRWA.

    This weekend, we therefore joined partners in expressing concerns at the Knesset’s legislation, and urged Israel to ensure UNRWA’s lifesaving work continues. We call on UNRWA to continue its path to reform, demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality.

    And finally, Mr Speaker, I will cover the conflict in Lebanon. A country that has endured so much in my lifetime and now sees fighting escalate once again, killing many civilians, and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes. While in northern Israel, communities live in fear of Hizballah attacks, unable to return home.

    Here too, the Government has led efforts to respond. Our swift call for an immediate ceasefire was taken up by our partners and in the United Nations Security Council. The Defence Secretary and I have visited Lebanon, where Britain’s ongoing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces is widely recognised as an investment in a sovereign and effective Lebanese state.

    At the start of October, I announced ten million pounds for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Last week, my Right Honourable Friend Minister Dodds announced further funding for the most vulnerable amongst those fleeing from Lebanon into Syria, while my Honourable Friend Minister Falconer joined the Lebanon Support Conference in Paris. And today, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister will meet Prime Minister Mikati to reassure him of our support.

    Mr Speaker, across the region, our priorities are clear. De-escalation. Humanitarian assistance. Immediate ceasefires. Upholding international law. Political solutions.

    This is how we save lives. How we liberate hostages, like British national Emily Damari. And how we pull the region back from the brink.

    The Government has stepped up our diplomatic engagement to this end. The Prime Minister has spoken directly to both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Pezeshkian. While I have made five visits to the region in just four months, held around fifty calls and meetings with Ministers and leaders in the region, and spoke this weekend to US Secretary Blinken, just back from the region.

    Mr Speaker, it is a source of deep frustration that these efforts have not yet succeeded. We have no illusions about the deep-seated divisions in this region. A region scarred by fighting and false dawns in the past. But it is never too late for peace. Never too late for hope.

    This Government will not give up on the people of the region. We will keep playing our part in achieving a lasting solution. So that, one day, they might all live side by side in peace and security.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Encourages Virginians to Apply for Participation in 2025 Inaugural Parade

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden wave to members of Fauquier County’s Canine Companions for Independence during the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parade

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a special message encouraging groups throughout Virginia to apply for participation in the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade, which will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

    “Presidential inaugurations are not just symbolic ceremonies – they are an instrument of democracy by which we execute the peaceful transfer of power in this country,” said Sen. Warner. “I encourage Virginia’s talented entities – including our many marching bands, floats, and equestrian groups – to take part in this time-honored tradition, dating back when President Jefferson rode his horse from the Capitol to the President’s House in a procession that would become the Inaugural Parade we know today.”

    The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) Parade Coordinator Office is now accepting applications through December 4, 2024 for the 60th Inaugural Parade. The JTF-NCR is responsible for collecting and organizing all 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade applications, which are then reviewed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), a group tasked with organizing all Inaugural events at the discretion of the President-Elect.

    In 2017, the parade consisted of 48 non-Department of Defense elements chosen from 141 applications. Groups interested in applying are encouraged to review the parade application guide before registering for an account, which can be done HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Kaine Lead Colleagues In Engaging Administration On Proposal To Address Submarine Production Delays

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 28, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on Friday led a bipartisan group of their Senate colleagues in asking the Biden Administration to address funding shortfalls for submarine programs as they consider funding levels for Fiscal Year 2025. In two separate letters to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young and Department of the Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the lawmakers also urged the Administration to carefully assess the merits of the proposed Shipbuilder Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) agreement—which would restructure how the Navy pays for submarines—as a potential solution to address delays and get the programs back on track.
    While Congress has invested over $2.3 billion between 2018 and 2023 and an additional $3 billion this year as part of a national security supplemental in the nation’s submarine industrial base, the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs face significant delays and are expected to be over budget. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is especially critical to the fulfillment of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral partnership, through which the United States will sell at least two submarines to Australia to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific.
    “The United States’ submarine programs provide our nation an undersea advantage that is critical to our national security,” the members wrote. “Based on the information available so far, the Shipbuilder Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) agreement strikes us as a promising approach to ensure our submarine industrial base rises to the occasion, accelerates submarine production, and fully meets the critical and building demand on U.S. shipyards… We request that you give all due consideration to this initiative, while ensuring it includes the accountability and leverage measures necessary to ensure our federal investments in submarine production go as far as possible in getting these critical programs on track.”
    The members continued: “It is our understanding that over months of conversation Pentagon leadership, the Navy, and industry reached an agreement to maximize use of taxpayer funding for construction of the next tranche of Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines – including by raising wages to attract and retain America’s skilled and organized shipyard workforce, addressing rising costs, and advancing much-needed infrastructure investments, all to improve program reliability and schedule.”
    “We therefore urge more consistent communication with Congress and with OMB so that all parties clearly understand the Navy’s position on SAWS and overall plans to get our nation’s submarine production on track,” the members concluded. “It is critical that our submarine programs be on schedule and on budget.”
    U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) also signed the letter.
    The letter to OMB is available here. The letter to the Navy is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a crisis of truth is putting US electoral system under stress

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clodagh Harrington, Lecturer in American Politics, University College Cork

    America is in the grip of a crisis of truth and its political and electoral systems are under duress. Losing the connection between what is true and what is fiction could have enormous consequence in the middle of this US election campaign.

    Academics refer to this as an epistemological crisis, a situation where different people believe different “truths” and it becomes difficult to get a shared understanding of key facts. This, they argue, can lead to polarisation and potentially, even, an ungovernable country, based on an inability to decide on what is factually correct.

    Jonathan Rauch, the journalist and author of The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, says historically disagreement about what is true has, on some occasions, led to untold killing and suffering.

    Right now in the US, it’s clear that there are massive differences in what people believe is true. Polls show, for instance, that around 69% of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters think the 2020 election result was not legitimate and that Joe Biden did not win.

    This division is amplified by what is happening in and around the campaigns, and the use of new and developing techniques. The Trump campaign, for instance, continues to make claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

    Sharing misinformation (that is, when inaccurate content is disseminated but not with the intent to mislead) has always been part of political life, but it is now quickly amplified by social media. Spreading disinformation takes this to the next level, when organisations or individuals deliberately spread lies. But the means to do so have grown more sophisticated, as demonstrated in the recent Moldovan election, where a massive Russian disinformation campaign was discovered.

    History reminds us that fake news is at a premium during wartime and the world is currently experiencing two major conflicts. In both cases, the geopolitical consequences for the US are sky-high.

    By spring 2024, US news media were reporting on Russia’s potential to interfere in the US election. The US administration’s position on the Ukraine war in particular matters greatly to the Kremlin, and it is no secret that a Donald Trump victory would suit Putin far better than a continuation of the Ukraine-funding Democrat alternative.

    What is an epistemological crisis?

    In September, US officials warned of election threats, not only from Russia but also Iran and China. Former director of the US Cyber-Security and Infrastructure Agency, Chris Krebs, stated that 2024 is “lining up to be a busy election interference season”. What makes these multi-faceted and constantly evolving threats even harder to manage is the fact that Maga influencers are embroiled in the proceedings. This makes a unified American response against an external threat all but impossible.



    Read more:
    Why do millions of Americans believe the 2020 presidential election was ‘stolen’ from Donald Trump?

    One recent such example involved a company in Tennessee which was used by members of the Russian state-owned broadcaster RT (formerly Russia Today) to spread Russia-friendly content. The content-creators were paid US$10 million (£7.7 million) by RT to publish pro-Russia videos in English on a range of social media platforms. The RT employees were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

    This is one of many developments by the foreign interference machine as the election on November 5 nears. Other incidents include dozens of internet domains used by the Kremlin to spread disinformation on websites designed to look like news sites and to undermine support for Ukraine. The US government response to these complex and boundary-blurring threats is complicated by the tension between maintaining discretion and informing the public.

    Old challenges, new technology

    Looking back, the 2016 presidential campaign and subsequent victory for Trump brought many firsts, some comical, others deadly serious in this post-truth arena. The lighter side included inaccurate claims made by White House press secretary Sean Spicer about the size of Trump’s 2017 inauguration crowd. When Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway declared on television to have “alternative facts” to those reported by the media on the crowd size, her phrase entered general use.

    With hindsight, such falsehoods now seem a little quaint, as the images from the day told the truth better than any script. Far more disturbingly, Russia’s Project Lakhta involved a “hacking and disinformation campaign” described in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 2019 Report as vast and complex in scale. The scheme involved human and technological input and targeted politicians on the political left and right, with a view to causing maximum disruption. Just a year later, Russia interfered in the 2020 race, this time spreading falsehoods about Biden and working in Trump’s favour.

    Fast forward to 2024 and we are awash with AI-created images and writing. Now any sort of lie is possible. Deep fakes, voice, image and video manipulation now mean that we literally can no longer believe our ears and eyes.

    Kellyanne Conway on alternative facts.

    Meanwhile, back on the campaign trail in 2024, Team Trump demonstrates few qualms when dishing out alternative facts. A long-time proponent of “truthful hyperbole” the former real-estate dealer takes exaggeration to a point no longer on the scale. From sharing an AI-generated image of Taylor Swift endorsing him (she soon backed his opponent) to claims that helicopters were not getting through with hurricane relief, the news cycle is awash with baseless content.

    An inevitable outcome of this crisis and conflict over truth is voters’ confusion and disengagement, and increasing public tension, with a new poll reporting that the majority of Americans are expecting violence after the election.

    Voters deserve to know whether what they know is real, but in this campaign it is increasingly clear that they don’t and the consequences of this could be stark.

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

    – ref. How a crisis of truth is putting US electoral system under stress – https://theconversation.com/how-a-crisis-of-truth-is-putting-us-electoral-system-under-stress-242046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Announces Latest Shore Energy Achievements During Energy Action Month

    Source: United States Navy

    National Clean Energy Action Month provides a valuable opportunity for the DON to spotlight the importance of energy as a strategic asset and catalyst for mission success. Amongst this year’s successes are advancements in enhanced energy security and shore and operational energy issues, Enhanced Use Leases (EULs) and Marine Energy Development (MED), the Energy & Water Analysis Tool (EWAT), the development of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Serial titled “Shore Energy Goals,” and youth education and outreach.

    Underlying all of these efforts is a DON strategy focused on three Cs – Climate, Communities, and Critical Infrastructure that emphasize execution of core strategies via the 3 Pillars of Energy Security – Reliability, Resiliency, and Efficiency.

    “Energy security is mission success,” said Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment Meredith Berger. “As we celebrate Energy Action Month, we reflect on the ambitious energy goals we’ve set and the great progress we’ve made throughout the year that ensure we continue to build a climate-ready force. Our Sailors and Marines rely on and respond to energy issues in their daily operations, and the DON’s persistent focus on energy security coupled with our strategic partnerships with the community enable mission success for our Naval force.”

    Increased energy security was at the forefront in October with the release of an industry request for information (RFI) to explore concepts for the development of nuclear power facilities to support increased energy security at seven Navy and Marine Corps installations in the United States. The responses are expected to enable the Department to further consider alternative carbon-free shore energy opportunities and build upon the DON’s commitment to enhance energy security as a responsible community partner.

    New focus has also been given to the intersection of shore and operational energy issues, to bridge the gap between installations and the warfighters they serve. Amongst the installation efforts being explored are pier-power assessments at naval bases to ensure ships and submarines receive resilient and quality power. Other efforts focused on the warfighter include a renewed opportunity for a Masters of Operational Energy degree at the Naval Postgraduate School that will equip graduates with the essential skills required to enhance their effectives in the modern battlespace whether on a ship, submarine, aircraft, or on land.

    Energy partnerships with States and industry benefit both the Navy and the communities we live in. Enhanced Use Leases (EULs) are one way that the DON works with our neighbors to ensure energy resilience. The Navy recently entered into two EULs that, upon completion, will provide more than 250-megawatts of renewable energy to the local utility, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), and full-base resilience for the DON in the event of a grid outage. As part of the EULs, the Kūpono Solar site provides clean, renewable energy and battery storage to approximately 10,000 homes on O‘ahu while offsetting 50,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. The Pu`uloa Energy site, currently in development, will provide additional renewable energy generation and battery storage, improving island-wide power reliability and contributing to the State of Hawai’i’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045.

    In pursuit of innovative renewable energy technologies, the DON’s Marine Energy Development (MED) program explores ways to ensure marine energy – a consistent, clean, and renewable power source – remains a reliable and sustainable energy source for naval facilities and remote applications. As part of the program, the DON’s Wave Energy Test Site (WETS), situated at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on O’ahu, Hawai’i, is the United States’ first and only grid-connected wave energy test site playing a vital role in advancing cutting edge wave energy technology by providing a dynamic real-world environment and supporting wave energy converter

    (WEC) developers. Another Department of Energy project, Ocean Energy, is also scheduled to be grid-connected at WETS within the year.

    In April 2024, the DON launched the Energy & Water Analysis Tool (EWAT) online dashboard that provides timely, accurate installation energy operational data, for agile and responsive energy resilience investments and operational decisions. The next phase of EWAT will include an increased cadence of data reporting, the inclusion of project pipeline impacts on future usage, and the addition of enhancements to track progress against energy and water conservation, carbon-pollution free electricity, and renewable energy goals. Together, they will improve resilience and readiness by ensuring that the Navy and Marine Corps are maximizing the resources they rely on for quality of life, training, logistics, and combat support: energy and water.

    Aligned with the Department of Navy’s Climate Action 2030 strategy and the objectives of Executive Order 14057, the Navy continues its commitment to drive energy innovation and prioritize environmental responsibility. As part of this, the DON released the fifth CSO Serial titled “Shore Energy Goals”, which builds on the DON’s commitment to enhance energy security and targets that commitment with sustainability practices and concrete actions that fortify the reliable, resilient, renewable energy Navy installations and communities need.

    A renewed focus on youth education was brought to the forefront when Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment Meredith Berger spoke with Sea Cadets and Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets at a climate and energy technology demonstration in September where she discussed the importance of climate and energy. Berger also joined DON researchers and engineers at the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station in Times Square during Climate Week NYC where they showcased technologies, such as hydrogen-powered fuel cells, small unit power systems, water-conserving firefighting nozzles, atmospheric water generation, and green concrete, to educate students on the DON’s commitment to climate action and inspire them to explore careers in climate and energy focused roles.

    “Having these young Sea Cadets and NJROTC cadets – the future of our nation – learn about our climate and energy technologies was a fantastic way to kick off Climate Week in NYC,” said Berger. “They clearly understand how climate change is impacting our world and how climate readiness is mission readiness for the Navy.”

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment serves the Department of the Navy and the nation by enhancing combat capabilities for the warfighter through a focus on communities, critical infrastructure, and climate action. Specifically, the portfolio focuses on renewable, reliable, resilient energy sources, sustainability and construction, maintenance and sustainment of infrastructure, protecting the safety and occupational health of military and civilian personnel; environmental protection in support of mission readiness, planning and restoration ashore and afloat; and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Hosts Fourth Annual Military Academy Nomination Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    ABILENE, KS – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) hosted his fourth annual Congressional Military Academy Nomination Day. As the Representative for the Big First District in Congress, Rep. Mann has the privilege of offering military academy nominations to the five U.S. service academies for students in the district. The interviews took place at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. 

    “One of my greatest honors in Congress is nominating students from the Big First to attend our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Mann. “The students we met represent the best of Kansas, and I am grateful for their desire to serve our country and grow into the next generation of military leaders. It is always a pleasure to host the military academy selection committee in the childhood hometown of five-star U.S. Army General and son of Kansas, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the panel for lending their expertise and unique perspectives to the selection process. We look forward to these students’ success.”

    Rep. Mann appointed a panel of Kansans from the Big First District with extensive experience in U.S. military service or working closely with the military. The five-person panel included: 

    •  Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Eisenhower and Chairman Emeritus of People to People International 

    • AJ Kuhle, U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus, U.S. Air Force Veteran, and President of ACE Scholarships

    • Mark Claussen, Director of Business Development of Icon Structures and former Executive Director of USO Kansas 

    • Michael Utz, retired Garden City Police Chief and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Bureau of Justice Assistance 

    • MSG (Ret.) Joshua Sandlin, Army Veteran and Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division

    Eight high school students in the district applied for a military academy nomination through Rep. Mann’s office. In the coming weeks, the panel will notify the students whom they have chosen to receive these competitive nominations. 

    Rep. Mann is a former member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and a strong supporter of America’s U.S. military service members. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden allocates EUR 63 million from previous support packages in financial support to Ukraine

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden allocates EUR 63 million from previous support packages in financial support to Ukraine – Government.se

    Please enable javascript in your browser

    Press release from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    Within the framework for previously military aid packages to Ukraine the Swedish Government will allocate financial support of EUR 63 million or approximately SEK 720 million to Ukraine. The financial contribution will cover EUR 20 million in support to Ukraine’s industrial base. This is based on a Danish model that aims to support procurements from Ukrainian industry in line with Ukraine’s proposals. The Government also intends to allocate approximately EUR 43 million in financial support to a number of multilateral initiatives to support Ukraine.

    Last Thursday, the government decided to authorize the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Denmark regarding a donation of 20 million euros for the procurement of defence equipment through the Ukrainian defense industry for donation to Ukraine, as well as to assign the Swedish Armed Forces to transfer the funds to Denmark.

    The Danish model, which Sweden intends to support, is designed to assist in procurements that the Ukrainian industry wishes to carry out. The Danish model includes mechanisms to ensure that the donated funds are used efficiently, and that Ukraine provides feedback on the usage of the delivered equipment. Previous Danish support under this model has enabled Ukraine to produce 18 units of a Ukrainian artillery system. 

    By increasing production in Ukraine, the overall European defense industrial base is strengthened. A reinforced defense industrial base is necessary to meet the substantial needs resulting from the war in Ukraine and the European countries’ efforts to build up their defence capabilities.

    Together with the assignment that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration already has regarding support to Ukraine in the area of procurement, this assistance to Ukraine’s industrial base will open up further opportunities for cooperation between the Ukrainian and European defence industries. This includes being able to jointly develop innovative solutions that have been directly tested on the battlefield, and also increasing Ukraine’s capacity to produce and maintain defence equipment.

    The Government also intends to allocate approximately EUR 43 million in financial resources to a number of established multilateral initiatives in order to provide rapid and effective support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

    Examples of initiatives that may be supported include some of the capability coalitions established within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG):

    • The Air Force Capability Coalition, acquiring air-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s F-16 programme.
    • The Maritime Coalition, training Ukrainian marine infantry.
    • The Demining Capability Coalition, procuring equipment for demining landmines.
    • The IT Coalition, of which Sweden recently became a member, procuring hardware for communication. 

    Within the framework of this support, Sweden will also contribute to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine, which procures military equipment. 

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Registration – Canadian and Korean defence and foreign ministers to meet in Ottawa

    Source: Government of Canada News

    October 28, 2024 – The Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will meet with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun to deepen our close cooperation and work together as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific.

    October 28, 2024 – The Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will meet with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun to deepen our close cooperation and work together as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific.

    Ahead of the bilateral meeting, the following will be open to media:

    WELCOMING CEREMONY

    Minister Blair and Minister Kim will participate in a welcoming ceremony, including an honour guard, at National Defence Headquarters.

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time:     10:30 am EDT
    Place: National Defence Headquarters, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

    Notes for media:

    1. Open coverage
    2. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive before 10:15 am EDT.
    3. Media interested in participating should register with National Defence’s media relations office at mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca to confirm their attendance.

    MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    To conclude the day, meetings will be followed by a media availability with the Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun.

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time:     2:45 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
    Place: Ottawa, Ontario

    Notes for media:

    1. Media representatives who wish to participate must register ahead of the event. Registration is open to journalists (print, radio, television, news agencies and online media) who are on assignment with a bona fide media organization. 
    2. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive before 2:30 pm EDT.
    3. Media are asked to confirm their attendance by contacting media@international.gc.ca. The exact address will be shared following confirmation.

    Simon Lafortune
    Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of National Defence
    Email: Simon.Lafortune2@forces.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat to Supply FlightWave Edge 130 Blue Systems to Royal Australian Navy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a new contract and order for 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue system from the Royal Australian Navy. The contract was secured through Criterion Solutions Pty Ltd., an Australian-based distributor of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology solutions.

    FlightWave, an industry-leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

    “Our mission is to equip warfighters around the globe with cutting-edge sUAS technology. The Edge 130 Blue, with its advanced long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, offers a significant advantage in maritime and other challenging environments,” stated Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “We are excited to expand our partnership with the Australian defense forces through this initial tranche of Edge 130 units. Their investment in small ISR and precision strike drones is vital for enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

    The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the Edge 130 Blue can be assembled and hand-launched in just one minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy. Weighing in at only 1200g, the Edge has a 60+ minute flight time in forward mode, an industry-leading endurance among all other Blue UAS-approved drones available.

    Earlier this month, Red Cat introduced its ARACHNID™ family of unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike systems at AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington D.C. As part of its ongoing innovation, Red Cat’s product roadmap includes TRICHON™, which will build upon the FlightWave Edge 130 Blue.

    About Red Cat, Inc.
    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    About FlightWave
    FlightWave Aerospace Systems Corporation is an industry leading manufacturer of dual-use VTOL drones, sensors and software solutions located in Santa Monica, CA. FlightWave designs and manufactures the Edge 130 VTOL drone and payload cameras for the commercial, defense, security, and intelligence markets. The fully-autonomous Edge 130 sUAS has the best flight endurance in the industry and with AI edge compute capabilities, provides superior aerial data capture to both the commercial and defense markets.

    Forward-Looking Statements 
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. 

    Contacts:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA: 
    Indicate Media
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Jack H. Lucas Wins Surface Line Week Pacific 2024

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

    by Joseph Millar

    25 October 2024

    SAN DIEGO (October 25, 2024) – The 41st Surface Line Week (SLW) Pacific 2024 came to an end with an award ceremony where USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) was announced as the overall winner, Oct. 25.

    The week-long competition highlighted the professional and athletic skills of members of the Surface Warfare community in San Diego while enhancing camaraderie and team building.

    “It’s a huge win for the team,” said Capt. Andrew Bucher, DDG 125’s commanding officer. “We’ve done a lot this year, and this was a great opportunity to come together as shipmates and friends.”

    As part of the honor, DDG 125 can proudly display the 2024 SLW banner on the ships brow until the 2025 winner is selected.

    “Our Navy needs an esprit-de-corps to win and that starts on the deckplates and the athletic fields,” said Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “We never fight alone. Incredible acts of courage require incredible teams, whether on the soccer field or beyond the horizon. Steel and brass are great, but without combat ready crews to man the ships rails and bring her to life, everything is superfluous. In war and peace, strong teams are what our nation, and what our Navy needs.”

    HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) from the Royal Australian Navy won the 2024 SLW spirit award for small unit commands.

    “We were really excited to get the invitation to participate this year,” said Cmdr. Bernard Dobson, DDG 41’s commanding officer. “We threw everything we had at it and it really solidified the interchangeability mission that we have between the Australian Navy and the U.S. Navy, [Surface line week] was like the cream on the cake.”

    The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

    For more information from CNSP, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is Donald Trump a fascist? No – he’s a new brand of authoritarian

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff M Boucher, Associate Professor in Literary Studies, Deakin University

    Is Donald Trump a fascist? General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, thinks so. Trump is “fascist to the core,” he warns.

    John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, agrees. So does Vice President Kamala Harris, his opponent in this year’s presidential election.

    But political commentators who have a grounding in history are not so sure. Writing in The Guardian, Sidney Blumenthal calls Trump “Hitlerian” and his rallies “Naziesque”, but stops short of calling him a fascist.

    Michael Tomasky of The New Republic understands the reservations, but he is tired spending time debating the difference between “fascistic” and just plain “fascist”. “He’s damn close enough,” Tomasky writes, “and we’d better fight”.

    I understand this logic. It’s the reason Harris uses the term “fascist” to describe Trump – to send “a 911 call to the American people”. But there’s a problem.

    I have spent the past six years researching right-wing, authoritarian political communication in America. I can say with confidence how these kinds of labels can misfire. They can very easily be made to look like liberal hysteria, playing straight into the hands of the far right.

    Here are the two reasons why it is crucial to call Trump exactly what he is.

    1. Calling Trump a fascist, and then instantly adding, “or close enough,” plays directly into the hands of the far right. “See?” they might say. “Anytime anyone steps outside the liberal consensus, they get labelled a fascist. This is how political correctness silences dissent.”

    2. Trump’s kind of authoritarianism thrives on ambiguity about what sort of right-wing populist figure he is. Its success depends on the fact that “fascist” is the only name we have right now for authoritarian politics.

    In my view, Trump is not a fascist. Rather, he is part of a “new authoritarianism” that subverts democracy from within and solidifies power through administrative, rather than paramilitary, means.

    Why the ‘fascism’ label is unhelpful

    This brand of new authoritarianism hides in plain sight because there is no name for it yet. It looks like something else – for example, right-wing populism that is anti-liberal, but not yet anti-democratic. And then suddenly, it shows itself as anti-democratic extremism, as Trump did in refusing to accept the 2020 election result and encouraging the storming of the Capitol.

    This moment starkly revealed Trump as a new authoritarian. Supplementary debate about whether Trump is like Adolf Hitler risks being pointless. But the problem is that fascism is the only name we have now for anti-democratic extremism.

    All fascists are authoritarians. But not all authoritarians are fascists. It’s crucial to understand there are other types of authoritarianism – and how they differ.

    This is not just important for preventing Trump from seeking to subvert American democracy. It is also vital for stopping Trump imitators, who will now spring forth in other democracies. If there is still no name for what they are other than “fascist,” then they, too, will thrive on ambiguity.

    What is ‘new authoritarianism’?

    I suggest we focus on what Trump actually is – an anti-democratic, “new authoritarian” – and understand what this means and how he is gaining wider support using right-wing populism.

    The new authoritarians don’t necessarily take a sledgehammer to a nation’s institutions, for example, by doing away with elections. Rather, they hollow out democracy from within, so it becomes a façade draped over a one-party state.

    We have many examples of this kind of ruler today: Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko, Tunisia’s Kais Saied and, of course, the poster-figure for the new authoritarians, Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

    Trump’s admiration for Putin is a matter of public record. For alt-right thinkers who are influential with Trump, such as Steve Bannon, Putin provides a blueprint for how new authoritarianism works.

    Authoritarians like Putin must govern through the state, not the people, because, as social psychologist Bob Altemeyer explains, they ultimately represent a tiny minority of the population.

    Military dictatorships rule through the armed forces. The fascist regimes of 20th century Europe were ultimately police states. They relied on converting paramilitary death squads into secret police (like the Gestapo) and state security (the SS in Nazi Germany).

    The new authoritarians, however, govern through the transformation of the civil service into their own personal political machines.

    That is why Trump is obsessed with the “deep state”, by which he means the way in which democratic institutions have built-in legal safeguards defended by civil servants, who can potentially frustrate executive orders. The new authoritarian strategy is to appoint a stratum of political loyalists to key positions in their administrations, who can circumvent institutional checks. But that is no easy matter.

    If Trump is elected, he has vowed to “crush the deep state”, for example, by purging thousands of nonpolitical civil service employees. As part of this, he has pledged to establish a “truth and reconciliation commission” oriented to punishing those he thinks opposed him the past.

    Trump has been following this new authoritarian playbook for nearly his entire political career. These are the three steps he is taking to lay the groundwork for authoritarian rule:

    1) Undermine electoral integrity

    The first key to new authoritarianism: subvert democracy by undermining electoral integrity. The acid test here? Authoritarians do not accept election results when the opposition has won. As Trump has very bluntly put it, “I am a very proud election denier”.

    Trump’s opening move in this regard was to take over the Republican Party. He used election denialism to do this, while also marginalising any moderates who opposed him.

    The Trump Republican Party is now a minority party, oriented to white grievance, resentment of immigrants and the anti-democratic idea that a country should be run like a company.

    Its only hope for winning government as a minority party is by trying to suppress the vote of its opponents. To do this, pro-Trump Republican states have passed a number of laws since 2020 to make voting more difficult.

    These states have also aggressively removed people from the voting rolls. Texas alone has stricken one million voters off its rolls since 2021, only 6,500 of whom were deemed non-citizens.

    If Trump wins, he will likely make it even harder for people to vote. Civil rights groups fear he may introduce a citizenship question to the census, use the Department of Justice to conduct a massive purge of voter rolls, and launch criminal investigations of electoral officials.

    As a backup, Trump will likely resurrect the “election integrity commission” he established in 2017 to justify his claims of alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election and support his election denialism narrative.

    2) Weaken the legislative and judicial branches

    The second key to new authoritarianism: circumventing the checks-and-balances function of the legislative branch of government. The goal here is to rule by executive fiat or govern through a stacked legislative majority.

    The new authoritarians often govern through executive orders, including the use of emergency powers. For instance, Trump has envisaged a scenario in which a Republican Congress could enact emergency powers to empower the president to overturn the authority of state governors to fire their prosecutors and use the National Guard for law enforcement.

    Such a development would depend on a number of factors, including the complicity of the judiciary. This is why new authoritarians also attempt to stack the judiciary with loyalists.

    In his first term, Trump not only appointed three Supreme Court justices, he also placed judges to the federal appeals courts, district courts and circuit courts.

    3) Attack their enemies

    This leads to the third pillar of new authoritarianism: decapitating the political opposition and suppressing dissent.

    Trump’s threats to investigate and prosecute his enemies, including leading figures in the Democratic Party, should be taken very seriously. His calls to target the “enemy from within” were pointedly directed at what he deemed “radical left lunatics”.

    Journalists and the news media would also likely be targeted. Trump’s statement that the broadcast licenses of national networks should be revoked, for example, needs to be understood in the context of his pledges to dismantle federal regulatory agencies if elected.

    That matters, because the next step for new authoritarians to solidify their power is through suppressing dissent. Trump has proposed using the military in civil contexts to target criminals and prevent illegal immigration. He has reportedly even questioned why the military couldn’t “just shoot” protesters.

    It is important to understand how this differs from fascism, because it is central to Trump’s ability to retain electoral support.

    Classical fascism under dictators like Hitler and Italy’s Benito Mussolini was based on street-fighting, paramilitary movements, which used violence to intimidate and crush the opposition. The equivalents of this today are right-wing militias such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

    Trump keeps one foot on the edge of this camp. But alt-right figures like Bannon understand that swastika flags and paramilitary uniforms are a political liability. Their preference is for new authoritarianism, which is able to push
    a right-wing extremist agenda by reducing democracy to sham elections, rather than openly setting up a totalitarian regime.

    As such, Trump can dodge accusations of being a “fascist” by telling the Proud Boys to “stand by”, while throwing up a smokescreen of equivocations about the January 6 Capitol insurrection. He can distance himself from kind of paramilitary violence that is reminiscent of classical fascism.

    It is about time to call things by their true names. Trump has the anti-democratic tendencies of a new authoritarian – and, as his opponents point out, he seems likely to put his words into actions if elected a second time.

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

    – ref. Is Donald Trump a fascist? No – he’s a new brand of authoritarian – https://theconversation.com/is-donald-trump-a-fascist-no-hes-a-new-brand-of-authoritarian-241586

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis, Staten Island Elected Officials Commemorate 12th Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    Provided update to the community on progress of Staten Island’s East Shore Seawall Project

    (STATEN ISLAND, NY) – Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was joined bipartisan group of Staten Island elected officials, representatives of the U.S. Army Corps, New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), and New York City Parks to commemorate the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy and deliver progress updates regarding the first phase of Staten Island’s East Shore Seawall project. 

    The $132 million contract for the first phase, which focuses on the SSSI Drainage Area E, is one of several key components of the overall project. This contract includes the construction of large interior drainage ponds (detention basins) connected by an open-channel culvert, along with various stormwater drainage structures, such as box culverts, junction chambers, sluice gates, weir chambers, flap gates, inlets for future stormwater systems and the relocation of existing sanitary sewers.

    The overall Seawall project alignment includes 3,400 feet of earthen levee, 2,100 feet of floodwall, and 22,700 feet of buried seawall between Fort Wadsworth and Oakwood Beach.

    After working closely with the Army Corps, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYCDEP, New York City Parks and community groups, the officials put an end to endless redesign requests. Malliotakis also had legislative language included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 to establish a 90/10 federal cost share, and collaborated with the National Parks Service and Army Corps to solidify a plan to clean up hazardous waste in Great Kills. The contract for the first phase of the overall project has been finalized, and final preparations are underway for onsite construction.

    “As we commemorate Sandy’s 12th anniversary and remember the 24 Staten Islanders we tragically lost, I stand here with colleagues who represent all levels of government to reassure the community that we continue to make progress in building a more resilient Staten Island and have completed all the necessary steps so the first phase can begin imminently,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “We’ve passed legislation so the federal government to cover 90% of the cost share relieving local taxpayers and enabled the Army Corps to expedite the project. Land acquisition is complete, the first contract has been issued and the contractors are on the ground beginning their work. Our main priority continues to be protecting our community and ensuring that lessons learned from Sandy guide our approach to future emergency preparedness.”

    “As we commemorate the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, I am pleased to announce the start of construction for the South Shore of Staten Island Coastal Storm Risk Management Project’s Area E. This critical project marks a significant step in protecting Staten Island’s communities from future storms and flooding. After years of hard work, collaboration, and persistence, we are finally moving forward again on the long-awaited seawall. Together, we are delivering the protection that Staten Island deserves, ensuring that families and businesses will be more resilient against the devastating effects of climate change,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. 

    “We always must learn from our history and today we stand here and we will rebuild and we are rebuilding and we are rebuilding stronger. As a representative of the New York City Parks Department, we are very grateful that in our borough of parks we recognize the importance of our waterfront, our South Beach boardwalk, and our beachfront properties that will all be and are being included in this project moving forward,” said Staten Island NYC Parks Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone.

    “I’d like to thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for inviting us here today to speak. I also want to acknowledge our U.S. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their support, and to recognize our non federal partners in New York State and New York City. It is not a cliche to say that this truly is a joint effort that cannot succeed without the support of all levels of government between the Corps of Engineers and the Park Service and then the state and the city. I’m happy the Congresswoman acknowledged that Sandy is in essence, a tragedy and we are here to continue on with the recovery work for not only Staten Island but for the entire region. That’s what motivates us, that’s what maintains our sense of urgency to fully complete these projects so that they can provide the benefits and reduce the risks to these still vulnerable communities in these areas. I just want to thank again all of our partners, we will continue to push forward as quickly as we can to start construction with these projects and to them into the ground,” said Program Manager Anthony Ciorra, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District.

    “The East Shore Seawall project is a vital investment in our community’s future. It is specifically designed to safeguard us against the increasing threats posed by climate change and severe weather events that we know will persist. It represents our ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure that not only protects us today but also prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow. We thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for bringing us together and getting us to this point in this project. As we move forward, it’s essential that we continue to work together and support the subsequent phases of the East Shore Seawall project,” said New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

    “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t drive by Father Capodanno Blvd and think about how we need to revitalize this area. We need to bring more life to this area and a necessary step is the Seawall Project. I am looking forward to the construction of this project and I think that it will be a game changer. I want to thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for leading the charge and ensuring this project gets done,” said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis.

    “There are some kids that weren’t even born when Hurricane Sandy hit. They’re 12 years old now. They’re in middle school. So, what does this signify to them? This signifies that we’re one Staten Island. We come together as a community, and we will remember forever because we don’t want to have a repeat of what happened on that tragic day,” said Assemblyman Michael Reilly. 

    “Today, as Staten Islanders pause to remember the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy twelve years ago, they can breathe a sigh of relief that construction of the long-awaited East Shore Seawall is soon to be underway. I would like to thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for her incredible leadership in getting this CRITICAL project back on track, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NYC Parks for their work to make Staten Island’s infrastructure more resilient, especially in the face of natural disasters,” said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo.

    “To stand here with our Congresswoman and colleagues in government on this very important announcement it’s a big deal Congresswoman, and I am very thankful and appreciate of your leadership for making this happen,” said Assemblyman Charles Fall.

    “After years of careful planning by every level of government, we are soon going to see the start of a critical piece of our borough’s future infrastructure. The work on these drainage sites is a necessary and important phase of the greater sea wall project, and I commend Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for her leadership over the years to see this finally start to become a reality. As elected officials representing the East Shore, we will continue to push to get this done,” said Councilmember David Carr.

    “This East Shore Seawall project is a crucial investment in our community’s safety, addressing the growing risks of severe storms and climate change. With the support of Congresswoman Malliotakis, Senator Schumer, and our government partners, we’re taking important steps to help protect families and build a more resilient Staten Island,” said Councilmember Kamillah Hanks.

    “We are very fortunate to be represented by such good people, including Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, whom we have worked closely with and who has put so much into seeing this project come to fruition. This project has been a long time in the planning, and we are pleased that is finally beginning. It will stretch from South Beach to Great Kills Harbor. We have to recognize the fact that we are coastal town. We are subject to the changes in ocean heights and the change in weather. Already in our area, some towns in New Jersey, including Seabright have built protective sea walls. There is a sea wall being built in Manhattan below the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the world that we have to adapt to. We’re very happy to see the project start and it has to start with increased drainage. The Army Corps of Engineers have done a beautiful job designing the project in close coordination with NYC DEP and the NYC Parks Department. We are very happy that this project is starting and it will be a great project for the people of Staten Island,” said Vince MacDermot, Architect and Director of Land Use for Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

    You can view the Press Conference HERE.

    The first major effort focuses on building detention basins and stormwater infrastructure, with construction anticipated to start in 2025 and be completed in 3.5 years. Additional contracts include constructing levees, floodwalls, and a 22,700-foot seawall, with timelines between late 2024 and 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates various development projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore in Amreli, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates various development projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore in Amreli, Gujarat

    These projects will significantly improve the ease of living for the people and accelerate the region’s growth : PM

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 7:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth over Rs 4,900 crores in Amreli, Gujarat today. Today’s development projects comprise rail, road, water development and tourism sectors. They will benefit the citizens of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh and Botad districts of the state.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the festive spirit of Dhanteras and Diwali noting that while these festivals celebrate culture, the ongoing progress in development is equally significant. He shared updates on several major projects across Gujarat mentioning his visit to Vadodara where he inaugurated India’s first factory dedicated to manufacturing Made in India aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The Prime Minister mentioned inaugurating Bharat Mata Sarovar in Amreli earlier today and said that several large projects related to water, roads and railways have been inaugurated and the foundation laid here. He said that these projects would ease the lives of people in Saurashtra and Kutch, accelerate regional development, enrich local farmers and create new employment opportunities for the youth. He congratulated everyone on the development projects of today.

    Remarking that the land of Amreli in Saurashtra had given many gems to India, the Prime Minister said that Amreli has a glorious past in every way, historically, culturally, literary- related and politically. He added that Amreli is the karmabhoomi of Shri Yogiji Maharaj and Bhoja Bhagat as well as folk singer and poet Dulabhayya Kag, poets like Kalapi, world-famous magician, K Lal and the leader of modern poetry, Ramesh Parekh. He further added that Amreli has also given Gujarat its first Chief Minister, Shri Jivraj Mehta ji. Shri Modi noted that the children of Amreli have also earned a big name in the business world with huge contributions to the society. He added that this tradition has been strengthened by the Dholkaiya Family, which was associated with the 80/20 schemes related to water conservation of the Gujarat government. The Prime Minister also noted that the changes were evident due to the continuous efforts in the last two and a half decades.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of water, particularly for the people of Gujarat and Saurashtra who have long faced water-related challenges. He reflected on the past when Saurashtra was known for migration due to water scarcity and said, “Today, the situation has transformed. Now, Narmada water reaches villages” as he lauded government initiatives like Jalsanchay and the Sauni scheme that have significantly raised groundwater levels. He said that the issue of floods can be mitigated and rainwater can also be stored effectively with river deepening and the construction of check dams. He further added that issues related to drinking water in surrounding areas would also be addressed benefitting millions of people.

    The Prime Minister highlighted Gujarat’s remarkable progress over the past two decades in ensuring water reaches every household and farm, setting an example for the entire nation. He said that the state’s continuous efforts to provide water to every corner are ongoing and today’s projects will further benefit millions of people in the region. Shri Modi informed that the Navda-Chavand Bulk Pipeline project would benefit nearly 1,300 villages and over 35 cities impacting districts like Amreli, Botad, Junagadh, Rajkot, and Porbandar.  He said that the initiative would supply an additional 30 crore liters of water every day to these regions. Referring to the foundation stone laying for the second phase of the Pasvi Group Saurashtra Regional Water Supply Scheme, the Prime Minister said that it would address the needs of Talaja, Mahuva, and Palitana talukas. “Once completed, around 100 villages will directly benefit from this project”, he informed.

    The Prime Minister said that the water projects of today exemplify the collaborative power of government and society with public participation at the core. He highlighted the success of linking India’s 75th year of independence with water conservation initiatives through the creation of at least 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district. Shri Modi expressed happiness over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars constructed across villages leaving behind a legacy for future generations. He praised the Catch the Rain campaign, which is gaining momentum under the leadership of Shri C R Patil. The Prime Minister informed that the campaign is making significant strides in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar with thousands of recharge wells being constructed through community participation. Shri Modi also acknowledged the enthusiasm of people coming forward to build recharge wells in their ancestral villages, stressing how the initiative ensures local water retention in villages and fields. He noted the commencement of hundreds of projects today, aimed at promoting agriculture and livestock through water conservation.

    The Prime Minister underscored that now due to the availability of more water, farming had become easier and with the water of Narmada, three-season farming was now possible in Amreli. “Today, Amreli district has emerged as a leader in the field of farming”, exclaimed the PM. He noted that cultivation of crops like cotton, groundnut, sesame and millet was getting a boost and Amreli’s pride, Kesar mango, had received a GI tag. He added that GI tag status meant Amreli’s identity was associated with Kesar mango, wherever it was sold in the world. The Prime Minister also emphasized that Amreli was rapidly emerging as a major center of natural farming and the country’s first Natural Farming University was being built in Halol. He added that under this university, Amreli had got Gujarat’s first Natural Farming College. Shri Modi said that the effort was to ensure more and more farmers can engage in animal husbandry and also be benefitted from natural farming. Highlighting that Amreli’s dairy industry has grown tremendously in recent years, Shri Modi said it was possible only due to the joint efforts of the government and cooperatives. Reminiscing the inception of Amar Dairy in 2007 when government committees of 25 villages were associated with it, Shri Modi said “Today more than 700 cooperative societies were associated with Amar Dairy and about 1.25 lakh liters of milk was being collected every day”.

    Touching upon Amreli’s rise to fame in the sweet revolution, Shri Modi said honey production had given the farmers an additional source of income. He noted that hundreds of farmers of Amreli had started businesses related to honey after being trained in beekeeping.

    Speaking about the PM Surya Garh Yojana to eliminate electricity bills and generate income from electricity ensuring an annual savings of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 for each family, the Prime Minister informed that approximately 200,000 solar panels have been installed on rooftops across Gujarat in just a few months since its implementation. He highlighted that Amreli district is rapidly advancing in solar energy exemplified by Dudhala village, where hundreds of households have solar panels installed. As a result, the Prime Minister said, the village is saving around Rs 75,000 per month in electricity bills with each home benefiting from an annual saving of ₹4,000. “Dudhala is quickly becoming Amreli’s first solar village”, he added.

    Noting that Saurashtra is a significant hub for tourism hosting numerous sacred sites and places of faith, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Sardar Sarovar Dam as a major tourist attraction. He informed that over 50 lakh visitors came to see the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel last year. He spoke about visiting the site in two days for Sardar Saheb’s Jayanti and witnessing the Rashtriya Ekta Parade.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that Kerly Recharge Reservoir would become a major centre of eco-tourism in the times to come and Adventure tourism will get a big boost. He further added that it would also give a new identity to Kerly Bird Sanctuary in the world.

    Highlighting the long coastline of Gujarat, Shri Modi remarked that the development along with preservation of  heritage was the priority of the Government. Therefore, he added, that the centuries-old heritage related to fisheries and ports was being revived. The Prime Minister noted the approval of the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal by the Government and said that the move would introduce and inspire the country and the world to India’s glorious maritime heritage.

    “Our endeavor is that the blue water of the ocean should give impetus to the blue revolution”, stated Shri Modi. He added that Port-led development should strengthen the resolve of a developed India. The Prime Minister informed that better infrastructure was being expanded for fishermen in Jafrabad, Shiyalbet; while the modernisation of the Pipavav port in Amreli had created new employment opportunities for thousands of people today along with the capacity to handle more than 10 lakh containers and thousands of vehicles. Shri Modi emphasized the Government’s endeavor to modernize the connectivity of Pipavav port and every such port in Gujarat with other parts of the country.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that infrastructure such as pucca homes for the poor, electricity, roads, railways, airports and gas pipelines is essential for building a Viksit Bharat. He affirmed that the government in its third term is working swiftly on infrastructure development. He highlighted that the benefits of improved infrastructure connectivity in Saurashtra have significantly boosted industrial growth. “Launch of the ro-ro ferry service has simplified connectivity between Saurashtra and Surat with over 7 lakh people benefiting from it in recent years. More than 1 lakh cars and over 75,000 trucks and buses have been transported, saving both time and money”, he added.

    The Prime Minister also mentioned the rapid progress in constructing the economic corridor from Jamnagar to Amritsar-Bhatinda, stating, “This project will benefit all states from Gujarat to Punjab. Today’s inaugurations and foundation-laying of road projects will improve connectivity for major industrial centers like Jamnagar and Morbi, enhancing access to cement factories as well as facilitating easier pilgrimages to Somnath and Dwarka.” He further added that the expansion of railway connectivity in Kutch will further strengthen tourism and industrialization in Saurashtra and Kutch.

    “As India is developing rapidly, India’s pride in the world is also increasing continuously”, said the Prime Minister. He added that today the world was looking at India with a new perspective and recognizing India’s potential and listening to India seriously. Noting that everyone was discussing India’s possibilities these days, Shri Modi emphasized that Gujarat had a huge role in it. He remarked that Gujarat had shown the world about the potential India has in every city and village. Mentioning his recent visit to the BRICS conference in Russia, Shri Modi emphasized that everyone wanted to connect and invest in India. The Prime Minister also mentioned the recent visit of the Chancellor of Germany and the signing of many agreements with him. He added that Germany had now increased the annual visa quota to 90 thousand as against the current 20 thousand which would benefit the Indian youth. Shri Modi also highlighted today’s visit of the President of Spain to Gujarat and the huge investment of Spain in the form of a transport aircraft manufacturing factory in Vadodara. He added that it would give a boost to thousands of small and micro industries in Gujarat along with the development of a complete ecosystem for aircraft manufacturing leading to creation of lakhs of new employment opportunities.

    Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said, “When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I used to say that the country develops through the development of Gujarat. A Viksit Gujarat will strengthen the path to a Viksit India”, as he congratulated everyone for the development projects of today.

    Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil and Member of Parliament, Shri Parshottam Rupala were present on the occasion among others.

     

    Background

    The Prime Minister inaugurated the Bharat Mata Sarovar in Dudhala, Amreli. This project was developed through a collaboration between the Government of Gujarat and the Dholkaiya Foundation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Dholkaiya Foundation improved a check dam, which originally, the dam could hold 4.5 crore litres of water but after deepening, widening, and reinforcing it, the capacity has increased to 24.5 crore litres. This improvement has raised water levels in nearby wells and bores which will help local villages and farmers by providing better irrigation.

    Further, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 4,900 Crore at Amreli, Gujarat. These projects will benefit the citizens of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh, and Botad districts of the state.

    The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various road projects worth more than Rs 2,800 crores. The projects include four-laning of various sections of NH 151, NH 151A and NH 51 and the Junagadh bypass. The foundation stone for the four-laning project of the remaining section from the Dhrol bypass in Jamnagar district to Amran in Morbi district, will also be laid.

    The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation Bhuj-Naliya Rail Gauge Conversion Project, completed at a cost of around Rs 1,100 crores. This extensive project features 24 major bridges, 254 minor bridges, 3 road overbridges and 30 road underbridges, and will play a crucial role in enhancing the socio-economic development of Kachchh district.

    The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth over Rs 700 crore of the water supply department from Amreli district. Projects inaugurated include Navda to Chavand bulk pipeline which will provide an additional 28 crore litres of water to approximately 67 lakh beneficiaries across 36 cities and 1,298 villages of Botad, Amreli, Junagadh, Rajkot, and Porbandar districts. The foundation stone of Pasavi Group Augmentation Water Supply Scheme Phase 2 in Bhavnagar district will also be laid which will benefit 95 villages in the Mahuva, Talaja, and Palitana talukas, in Bhavnagar district.

    The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for tourism-related development initiatives which includes transforming the Karli Recharge Reservoir at Mokarsagar in Porbandar district into a world-class sustainable eco-tourism destination, among others.

    *****

    MJPS/SR/TS

     

    (Release ID: 2068995) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India-Spain Joint Statement during the visit of President of Government of Spain to India (October 28-29, 2024)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez paid an official visit to India on 28 -29 October, 2024. This was President Sanchez’s first visit to India and the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years. He was accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Minister of Industry and Tourism, and a high-level official and business delegation.

    The two leaders noted that this visit has renewed the bilateral relationship, infusing it with fresh momentum and setting the stage for a new era of enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. They also expressed satisfaction at the progress of bilateral relations since Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. Both leaders instructed their teams to continue upgrading the bilateral agenda further and forging cooperation in all dimensions of political, economic, security, defence, people-to-people and cultural cooperation.

    President Sanchez was granted a cultural welcome, and held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Vadodara.He also visited Mumbai where he interacted with prominent business leaders, cultural figures and representatives of the Indian film industry.

    President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the Final Assembly Line Plant of C-295 aircraft co-produced by Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. at Vadodara. This plant will roll out the first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircrafts to be manufactured in India. Airbus Spain is also delivering 16 aircrafts in ‘fly-away’ condition to India, out of which 6have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force.

    Political, Defence, and Security Cooperation

    1. The two leaders reviewed the warm and cordial bilateral ties between the two countries and highlighted that the foundation of the growing partnership lies in the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, rule of law, a fair and equitable global economy, a more sustainable and resilient planet, a rules-based international order and enhanced and reformed multilateralism. They also highlighted the enduring historical ties and long-standing friendship between the two nations as central to this cooperation.

    2. Both leaders emphasised that regular high-level interaction is giving momentum to the partnership. They noted that the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the foreign, economy and commerce and defence ministries is working well, and stressed the importance of holding regular dialogues between the concerned ministries/agencies of the two sides with a view to strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in key areas of defence, security including cyber security, trade and economic issues, culture, tourism, education and people-to-people ties.

    3. Both leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the C-295 aircraft project as a symbol of the growing defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. In line with this growing partnership, and in recognition of the advanced capabilities and competitiveness of the Spanish defence industry and its contribution to the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they encouraged their respective defence industries in other sectors to set up similar joint projects in India.

    Economic and Commercial Cooperation

    4. President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent positive developments in bilateral trade and investment partnership, buoyed by the positive economic outlook in both countries and called for stronger ties between the businesses of the two countries.

    5. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Sanchez on the growth and the resilience of the Spanish economy. President Sanchez complimented Prime Minister Modi on India’s fast economic growth and lauded the various government initiatives to promote a business-friendly environment. President Sanchez highlighted Spain’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative through the activities of about 230 Spanish companies present in India. Both leaders reiterated their strong support for an open rules-based multilateral trading system, and a business-friendly investment scenario in both countries.

    6. Recognizing the expertise of Spanish companies in areas such as energy, including renewables, nuclear, and smart grids, food processing, healthcare and health services, automotive and transport infrastructure, including trains, roads, ports and transport network management, the two leaders welcomed further collaboration in these areas. President Sanchez welcomed the positive contributions being made by Indian companies to the Spanish economy in fields such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and automobile and auto components. Both leaders welcomed the establishment of a ‘Fast Track Mechanism’ to facilitate mutual investments in India and Spain.

    7. The two leaders took note of the progress made by the 12th session of the India-Spain ‘Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation’ (JCEC) held in 2023 and agreed to convene the next session of the JCEC in Spain in early 2025. In this context, they also agreed on the importance of deepening economic ties and exploring strategic cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and sustainable infrastructure. The two leaders looked forward to an early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding on Urban Sustainable Development.

    8. Both leaders welcomed the Second meeting of the India-Spain CEOs Forum as well as India-Spain Business Summit in Mumbai on October 29, 2024,to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

    9. Both leaders recognized the vital importance of innovation and the startup ecosystems in driving forward the bilateral partnership and called for all such opportunities to be explored in mutual interest. They encouraged relevant agencies of both countries to work to deepen any such exchanges in the future, including through frameworks such as Rising Up in Spain and the Startup India initiative.

    10. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of rail transport and the agreement of cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matter.

    11. The leaders acknowledged the role of tourism in driving economic and business opportunities and enhancing understanding between the people of both countries and agreed that it should be further promoted. Both leaders welcomed the interest shown by airlines to establish direct flights between Spain and India.

    The Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI

    12. Taking into account the deep relationship between India and Spain and the long lasting friendship between the two peoples, Prime Minister Modi, and President Pedro Sanchez, have agreed to make 2026 as the Year of India and Spain in Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    13. During the year, both sides will make the maximum effort to boost the cultural presence of the other in their museums, art, fairs, film, festivals, literature, meetings of architects and circles of debate and thought.

    14. Likewise, special attention will be paid to ways of increasing tourist flows, promote reciprocal investments and share experiences in the many areas of hospitality, architecture, cuisine, marketing, both in urban and rural tourism, which benefits harmonious development and improvement for both countries.

    15. In accordance with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, India and Spain can play a very important role for the use of AI for good and its positive implementation in many fields. Both countries commit to hold during the year, events to foster positive use of AI and will work for the practical implementation of new advances in the field of AI in the productive economy.

    16. To mark the importance of this initiative, both leaders directed the concerned stakeholders to celebrate the year in the respective countries in the most befitting manner.

    Cultural and People-to-People Ties

    17. The two leaders acknowledged the role of cultural ties in bringing nations closer and lauded the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Spain. They appreciated the long-standing cultural exchanges and enrichment between India and Spain, particularly the role of Spanish Indologists and Indian Hispanists. They welcomed the signing of a Cultural Exchange Program to promote bilateral exchanges in music, dance, theatre, literature, museums and festivals.

    18.The two leaders applauded the growing interest in the study of the cultures and languages of both countries. Spanish is among popular foreign languages in India. They stressed the mutual interest in further strengthening India – Spain cultural cooperation and the reinforcement of cooperation among cultural institutions of both countries such as Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi and Casa de la India in Valladolid.

    19. The two leaders welcomed the establishment of the ICCR Chairs on Hindi and on Indian Studies at the University of Valladolid. India is bringing transformational changes in education sector in India under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In this context, Prime Minister Modi encouraged leading Spanish universities to strengthen academic and research partnership with Indian institutions; build institutional linkages through joint/dual degree and twinning arrangements and explore the possibility of setting up branch campuses in India.

    20. President Sanchez is also giving the keynote address at the 4th Spain-India Forum, co-organized by Spain-India Council Foundation and Observer Research Foundation, in Mumbai. The leaders recognized the valuable contributions of this institution, which has a complementary role to that of governments in strengthening the links between Indian and Spanish civil societies, companies, think tanks, administrations and universities, helping to enhance bilateral ties by fostering a strong partnership between their members and its activities and bringing the two countries together in order to increase their mutual knowledge.

    21. The two leaders welcomed the installation at Valladolid of the bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore gifted to the people of Spain by ICCR and the placing of the translated works of Tagore in the vaults of Instituto Cervantes in Madrid which is a testament to increasing cultural connect between peoples of the two countries.

    22. The two sides noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation in the field of film and audio-visuals, with India being the Guest Country at the SEMINCI International Film Festival in 2023, and the award of the IFFI Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement to the legendary Spanish director Carlos Saura. Acknowledging the large film and audio-visual industries in India and Spain, both leaders agreed that the scope of collaboration between the two countries under the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement can be enhanced and welcomed the creation of a Joint Commission to improve cooperation between the two countries in the audiovisual field and promote and facilitate the co-production of films.

    23. To enhance people-to-people ties and consular services in two countries, the two leaders welcome the operationalisation of India’s first Consulate General in Spain at Barcelona and the decision to open Spain’s Consulate General in Bengaluru.

    EU and India relations

    24. Prime Minister Modi and President Sanchez reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and to advancing the EU-India triple negotiations of comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and Geographical Indications Agreement.

    25. They agreed to enhance their collaboration to fully realize the objectives of the EU-India Connectivity Partnership, and recognized the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Project (IMEEC) to boost connectivity between India and Europe. They explored avenues for cooperation among regional countries in areas such as trade, investment, technology, energy, logistics, ports, and infrastructure development.

    Global Issues

    26. The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as earnest engagement between all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both sides agreed to remain in touch to support efforts aimed at negotiated settlement of the conflict.

    27.They shared their firm commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed their deep concern at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and called for restraint by all concerned. They urged that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and agreed that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and must end as soon as possible. They called for the immediaterelease of all hostages, immediate ceasefire and safe, sustained entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and urged all parties to comply with international law. They reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the two State solution,leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel as well as their support for Palestine membership at the United Nations.

    28. Both sides reiterated their concern on escalation and violence in Lebanon, and the security situation along the Blue Line and reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. As major troop contributing countries, they condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and highlighted that the safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured by all. Inviolability of UN premises and the sanctity of their mandate must be respected by all.

    29. Both sides emphasized the promotion of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, anchored in a rules-based international order, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, supported by effective regional institutions. They highlighted the importance of unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation, in compliance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Both sides acknowledged India’s invitation to Spain to participate in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for collaborative efforts aimed at the management, conservation, sustainability, security, and development of the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific. They also recognized the complementarity between India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

    30. Noting the growing political and commercial relations between India and Latin American region and the historical, economic and cultural links it shares with Spain, both leaders recognized the immense potential of triangular cooperation for investments and development in the region. Spain welcomed India’s application to join the Ibero-American Conference as an Associate Observer, which will offer a platform to strengthen the ties with Latin American countries. Both sides committed to finalise the process by the Ibero-American Summit, to be held in Spain in 2026, so that India may actively participate in the activities of Spain´s Pro Tempore Secretariat.

    International and Multilateral Cooperation

    31. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within the United Nations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), and other multilateral forums. They emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order for ensuring global peace and development. Both sides committed to advancing multilateralism that reflects present-day realities, making international organizations, including the UNSC, more representative, effective, democratic, accountable and transparent. India expressed its support for Spain’s UNSC candidature for the term 2031-32, while Spain expressed its support for India’s candidature for the period 2028-29.

    32. Both leaders look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to take place in 2025 in Sevilla (Spain) as a critical opportunity to identify priority actions to help close the resource gap needed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

    33. President Sanchez congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the exemplary chairmanship of G20, which successfully and inclusively addressed important and complex Global South issues. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the valuable contributions made by Spain to the discussions as a Permanent Invitee to the G20.

    34. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable energy and adapting to climate change. They recognize the urgency of accelerating global actions to combat climate change and commit to collaborating in the context of the upcoming Climate Summit in Baku (COP29) to achieve an ambitious outcome including on a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance that helps achieve the temperature goal of Paris Agreement. They also highlighted the need topromote actions to strengthen countries’ resilience and adaptation capacities in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change worldwide. The two leaders looked forward to the early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Renewable Energy. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s commitment towards a green transition and welcomed Spain to the International Solar Alliance. President Sanchez appreciated advances made by India in achieving the renewable energy goals much ahead of the target year. Both leaders also agreed that a concerted global effort would be needed in order to address climate change concerns. Both sides will respond positively to the outcomes of COP28, including the first Global Stocktake in light of national circumstances.

    35. Spain has invited India to join IDRA, the International Drought Resilience Alliance, which was launched in 2022, a platform to promote concrete actions to reduce the vulnerability of countries, cities and communities to drought through preparedness and adaptation measures.

    36.Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability, and called for bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice without delay. They urged all countries to take immediate, sustained and irreversible action to prevent territory under their control from being used for terrorist purposes, and stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups proscribed by the UNSC including Al Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s multilateral initiatives in support of the Victims of Terrorism and their empowerment.

    37. President Sanchez thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and invited him to undertake a visit to Spain in the near future.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2068963) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INAUGURATION OF SWAVLAMBAN EXHIBITION

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The exhibition open to innovators, startups and MSMEs organised as part of the third edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation’s annual event, Swavlamban, was inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, at Exhibition Hall 14, Bharat Mandapam, on 28 Oct 24.  The theme of Swavlamban 2024 is “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation”.

    Open for public viewing on 28 and 29 Oct 24, the exhibition showcases niche innovative technologies, concepts and products designed and developed by Indian defence startups and MSMEs.

    Events of 28 Oct 24 included an interactive outreach session aimed at discussing problem statements and challenges posed as part of the Defence Innovation Organisation’s ADITI 2.0 launch under the iDEX scheme, as also the bringing together of ‘Fund Seekers’ (i.e. startups/ MSMEs) and ‘Fund Providers’ (i.e. venture capitalists/ incubators).

    Wide participation of eminent dignitaries, the Defence Attaché Corps, members of the three Armed Forces and CAPFs, the academia and the general public in the exhibition is expected to provide fillip to the spirit of innovation and strengthen the culture of creativity in addressing emerging challenges to national security.

    The exhibition will remain open to visitors on 29 Oct 24 from 1000 hrs to 2000 hrs.

    _________________________________________________________________

    VM/SPS                                                                                                        

    (Release ID: 2068950) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of Prime Minister’s Speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of the C-295 Aircraft Factory

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Excellency Pedro Sanchez, Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat ji, Bharat’s Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh ji, Foreign Minister Shri S. Jaishankar ji, the popular Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Ministers from Spain and the State Government, all members of the Airbus and Tata teams, ladies and gentlemen!

    Namaskar!

    Buenos Días!

    My friend, Mr. Pedro Sanchez, is visiting Bharat for the first time. From today, we are giving a new direction to the partnership between Bharat and Spain. We are inaugurating the factory for the production of the C-295 Transport Aircraft. This factory will not only strengthen Bharat-Spain relations but also empower our mission, ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. My best wishes to the entire Airbus and Tata teams. Recently, we lost the great son of the nation, Ratan Tata ji. Had Ratan Tata ji been with us today, he would have been the happiest among us. Wherever his soul may be, I am sure he would be feeling immense joy today.

    Friends,

    The C-295 aircraft factory reflects the new work culture of New Bharat. From idea to execution, the speed with which Bharat operates today is evident here. The construction of this factory began two years ago in October. And this factory is ready for aircraft production in October itself. I have always focused on avoiding unnecessary delays in planning and execution. When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, a decision was taken to set up a factory to manufacture Bombardier train coaches in Vadodara. That factory was also set up for production within a record time. Today, we are exporting metro coaches made in that factory to other countries. I am confident that aircraft produced in this factory will also be exported worldwide in the future.

    Friends,

    The famous Spanish poet Antonio Machado once wrote: 

    “Traveler, there is no path… The path is made by walking.” 

    It implies that the moment we take the first step towards our goal, paths begin to form. Today, Bharat’s defence manufacturing ecosystem is reaching new heights. Had we not taken solid steps a decade ago, it would have been impossible to reach this milestone today. At that time, no one could imagine large-scale defence manufacturing in Bharat. Priorities and identity then were centred on imports. But we chose to tread a new path, setting new goals, and today we can see the results.

    Friends,

    To transform any possibility into prosperity, the right plan and the right partnership are essential. The transformation of Bharat’s defence sector is an example of the right plan and the right partnership. In the past decade, the country has made decisions that fostered a vibrant defence industry in Bharat. We expanded private sector participation in defence manufacturing, made public sector units efficient, converted ordnance factories into seven large companies, empowered DRDO and HAL, and developed two major defence corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu. These initiatives have infused the defence sector with new energy. Schemes like iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) have fuelled start-ups, and in the last 5-6 years, nearly 1,000 new defence start-ups have emerged in Bharat. In the past 10 years, Bharat’s defence exports have increased by 30 times. Today, we are exporting defence equipment to over 100 countries in the world.

    Friends,

    Today, we are highly focused on skills and job creation in Bharat. This factory by Airbus and Tata will also generate thousands of jobs in Bharat. The indigenous manufacturing of 18,000 aircraft parts is set to begin due to this project. One part may be manufactured in one part of the country, while another part may be produced elsewhere, and who will manufacture these parts? Our micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) are going to lead this work. We are already one of the largest suppliers of parts to major aircraft companies worldwide. This new aircraft factory will give a boost to new skills and new industries in Bharat.

    Friends,

    I see this event as going beyond just manufacturing transport aircraft. Over the past decade, you have seen unprecedented growth and transformation in Bharat’s aviation sector. We are expanding air connectivity to hundreds of smaller cities across the country. We are working to make Bharat a hub for aviation and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul). This ecosystem will pave the way for ‘Made in India’ civil aircraft in the future. You must be aware that various Indian airlines have placed orders for 1,200 new aircraft. This means that in the future, this factory will play a crucial role in the design and manufacturing of civil aircraft to meet the needs of both Bharat and the world.

    Friends,

    Vadodara city will act as a catalyst in these efforts of Bharat. This city is already a strong centre for MSMEs, and we also have the Gati Shakti University here. This university is preparing professionals for various sectors. Vadodara has numerous companies related to the pharma sector, engineering and heavy machinery, chemicals and petrochemicals, and power and energy equipment. Now, this entire region is set to become a major hub for aviation manufacturing in Bharat. I congratulate the Gujarat government, Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai, and his entire team for their modern industrial policies and decisions.

    Friends,

    Vadodara has another special characteristic. It is an important cultural city in Bharat, a city of heritage. Hence, I am especially pleased to welcome all of you from Spain here. Cultural connections hold a special significance between Bharat and Spain. I recall Father Carlos Valles, who came from Spain and settled in Gujarat, dedicating fifty years of his life here and enriching our culture through his thoughts and writings. I was fortunate to meet him several times. We honoured him with the Padma Shri for his remarkable contributions. In Gujarat, we lovingly called him Father Valles, and he used to write in Gujarati. His books have enriched Gujarati literature and our cultural heritage.

    Friends,

    I have heard that yoga is very popular in Spain. Indian fans also admire Spain’s football. Yesterday’s match between Real Madrid and Barcelona was widely discussed in Bharat, and Barcelona’s stunning victory became a topic of discussion here too. I guarantee that fans of both clubs in Bharat engage in banter just as passionately as those in Spain.

    Friends,

    Food, films, and football—all these elements are part of a strong people-to-people connection between our nations. I am delighted that Bharat and Spain have decided to celebrate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.

    Friends,

    The partnership between Bharat and Spain is like a prism, which is multidimensional, vibrant, and ever-evolving. I am confident that today’s event will inspire many new joint collaboration projects between Bharat and Spain. I also invite the Spanish industry and innovators to come to Bharat and become part of our development journey. Once again, my best wishes to the Airbus and Tata teams for this project.

    Thank you. 

     

    ***

    MJPS/VJ/VK

    (Release ID: 2068891) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICG launches two Fast Patrol Vessels with over 60% indigenous content built by Goa Shipyard Ltd

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 4:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG) simultaneously launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’, with over 60% indigenous content, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) on October 28, 2024. The vessels are part of the contract signed with GSL for eight such FPVs to be built at a cost of Rs 473 crore. With the primary role of protection, monitoring, control and surveillance, these advanced FPVs will help ICG protect offshore assets and island territories.

    Each FPV has a length of 52m, breadth of 8m, max speed of 27 knots, Controllable Pitch Propeller-based propulsion system and displacement of 320 tons. The ships have been designed and constructed to meet the specific requirements of the ICG under stringent dual class certification of American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping.

    In a first, two vessels were launched simultaneously utilising the state-of-art Ship Lift System. The FPVs were inaugurated and named in a ceremonious way by Smt Priya Paramesh in the presence of Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani, and veterans to the chants of ‘Atharva Veda’.

    Addressing the gathering, DG, ICG appreciated the efforts of GSL and various industries in ensuring that all ship-building requirements of ICG are fulfilled indigenously. Congratulating employees of GSL on achieving this critical milestone, he exhorted them to ensure that the march towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence is pursued in the right earnest.

    The ceremony was attended by Chairman & Managing Director, GSL Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay and senior officials from Indian Navy, ICG, GSL and the classification societies.

     

    ******

    SR/KB

    (Release ID: 2068876) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INS TALWAR ARRIVES AT LA RÉUNION, FRANCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, arrived at La Réunion on 27 October 24 as a part of her ongoing deployment in Indian Ocean Region. The visit to La Reunion aims to strengthen India – France partnership to tackle regional maritime security challenges,

    The ship will undertake cross-deck visits and interactions with the French Navy during the port visit. Earlier, the ship was kept open for visit by Pravasi Bharatiya on 27 October 2024.

    India and France have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations and share a deep, enduring strategic partnership.

    INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command. The ship is currently commanded by Captain Jithu George. The ship had recently participated in the IBSAMAR VIII multilateral exercise held in South Africa.

    *****

    VM/SPS

    (Release ID: 2068869) Visitor Counter : 90

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Title 10 Forces Activated for Hurricane Helene Mission

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    U.S. Army Col. Sean Shield talks about the importance of Title 10 Forces and FEMA during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9agb606Xq_8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Hungary Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Zsófia Havasi, the new Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to her appointment to Geneva, Ms. Havasi had been serving as an Advisor in the Office of the seventy-eighth President of the United Nations General Assembly for General Assembly affairs, the budget and the United Nations reform team.  She also served as an Advisor in the Office of the seventy-seventh President of the General Assembly for political affairs, peace and the security team at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    Ms. Havasi was posted at the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Brussels from 2018 to 2022. Before that, she served as head of the secretariat of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary from 2017 to 2018.  She was Cabinet Secretary of the Hungarian National Assembly from 2014 to 2016.  At the beginning of her career, she also held posts in the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Defence of Hungary. 

    Ms. Havasi studied from 2004 to 2009, security and defence policy expert at Zrínyi Miklós National Defense University, Budapest, and from 2009 to 2012, international affairs and studies expert at Kodolányi János University of Applied Sciences, Budapest.  She was born on 31 October 1984. 

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CR24.040E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Hegseth Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of the Department of Defense.
    “I am very pleased that Pete Hegseth was confirmed by the Senate to be President Trump’s Secretary of Defense.
    “Pete has served in the Army National Guard as a front line officer, and he has a keen intellect and a passion for the warfighter. He did an excellent job during a very contentious hearing and withstood all the attacks that came his way. He is bullish on creating a larger, more lethal military and is clear-eyed about America’s enemies, including Iran. Israel will have no better friend than Pete Hegseth.
    “I look forward to working with Pete to make America strong and secure once again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advocate: Republicans’ unprecedented anti-LGBTQ+ attacks highlighted in new HRC Congressional Scorecard

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for California – Laphonza Butler
    By Trudy Ring 
    The Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard for the 118th Congress is out, and it reflects both “an unprecedented onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation” and resistance from pro-equality lawmakers, HRC President Kelley Robinson says.
    The scorecard, released Monday, covers the 2023-2024 session of Congress and rates every U.S. senator and representative on their support for LGBTQ+ rights or lack thereof. “Amidst the Human Rights Campaign’s first ever National State of Emergency, anti-equality Members of Congress decided to echo the anti-LGBTQ+ extremist policies pioneered in the states,” Robinson writes in the scorecard’s introduction. “The 118th Congress had an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ+ votes, the majority of which specifically targeted the transgender community.
    The Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard for the 118th Congress is out, and it reflects both “an unprecedented onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation” and resistance from pro-equality lawmakers, HRC President Kelley Robinson says.
    The scorecard, released Monday, covers the 2023-2024 session of Congress and rates every U.S. senator and representative on their support for LGBTQ+ rights or lack thereof. “Amidst the Human Rights Campaign’s first ever National State of Emergency, anti-equality Members of Congress decided to echo the anti-LGBTQ+ extremist policies pioneered in the states,” Robinson writes in the scorecard’s introduction. “The 118th Congress had an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ+ votes, the majority of which specifically targeted the transgender community.
    “Republican leadership in the House of Representatives decided to use the annual appropriations bills and the National Defense Authorization Act to advance dozens of anti-LGBTQ+ provisions. These anti-equality measures threatened to restrict transgender health care, prohibit enforcement of civil rights protections, ban Pride flags and drag performances, eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and allow licenses to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. House Republican leaders largely refused to allow floor votes on amendments to strike these provisions. Fortunately, despite House Republicans’ best attempts, we have prevented more than 100 anti-LGBTQ+ riders from being signed into law, a true testament to our organizing power.” The Senate, with a slim Democratic majority, saw far fewer attacks on LGBTQ+ people.
    The forces behind homophobic and transphobic legislation during the session included many of the usual suspects, all Republicans. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia tried to reduce Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine’s annual salary to $1, and it was clear Levine was being targeted because she is transgender. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado tried to do the same with another trans official, Assistant Secretary of Defense Shawn Skelly. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas sought to keep the Defense Department from celebrating Pride Month. The full House rejected all these proposals.
    The House did approve a version of the National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass funding bill, that would have banned gender-affirming care, books about transgender people, drag performances, and Pride flags. However, after negotiations between the House and Senate, the anti-LGBTQ+ provisions were stripped from the bill.
    “To an unprecedented extent, House Republican lawmakers tried to use the traditionally bipartisan, must-pass annual defense bill as a vehicle to attack LGBTQ+ service members and their families — but because of the work of champions in Congress, HRC’s supporters, and our partners in the movement, they failed,” HRC Vice President of Government Affairs David Stacy said in a statement at the time. “The public supports the ability of LGBTQ+ and trans people to live lives free from discrimination, and they have the strong support of the Biden administration and pro-equality lawmakers. Continued efforts by the anti-equality fringe to use every legislative vehicle they can to attack our communities will not succeed. We hope they learn their lesson.”
    In the Senate, Republican Tommy Tuberville of Alabama proposed an amendment that would have denied federal funds to schools that allow transgender girls to participate in sports under their gender identity. It was rejected thanks to Senate Democrats and independents. Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas tried to use the defense bill to ban the display of Pride flags in public buildings, but this too was defeated.
    Besides the rejection of much anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, bright spots in the federal government over the past two years included an increase in out lawmakers, judges, and ambassadors. California’s Laphonza Butler, a Democrat appointed to fill out the Senate term of the late Dianne Feinstein, was the first Black lesbian U.S. senator. Butler, who is not running in this year’s election, joined Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, a lesbian and a Democrat, and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, a bisexual woman and former Democrat, now an independent, to make a record number of out U.S. senators. Sinema, who has taken some conservative positions, also is not running this year, but Baldwin is seeking reelection.
    Read the full article HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Employee Faces up to Five Years in Prison for Mishandling Classified Materials

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    AUGUSTA, GA:  A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency faces up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to mishandling sensitive documents.

    Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, of Henderson, Nevada, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to an Information charging her with Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty plea subjects Ashby to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison, along with substantial financial penalties, and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive government documents is essential to protecting our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Those who are granted the privilege of working with such material are well aware of the rules regarding the safekeeping of these documents, and also are aware of the consequences for failing to comply with those rules.”

    As described in the plea agreement, starting in March 2020, Ashby was a civilian employee of a Department of Defense component agency located in the Southern District of Georgia, and during this time held a Top Secret security clearance as required for her employment.

    From February 2022 to May 2022, Ashby, without authority, knowingly removed documents and materials containing classified information “concerning the national defense or foreign relations of the United States . . . with the intent to retain them at unauthorized locations, including her residence in the Southern District of Georgia and in digital files saved via a personal computing device located in the Southern District of Georgia.”

    U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule a sentencing hearing for Ashby upon completion of a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.

    “When people violate the trust given to them to safeguard our nation’s intelligence, they put our country at risk,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will seek to hold accountable those who knowingly and willfully mishandle classified information.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner and Darron J. Hubbard, and Trial Attorney David J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Lawler, Moskowitz Lead Bipartisan Letter Signed by More Than 100 Colleagues to UN Secretary-General Slamming Efforts to Downgrade Israel’s Status

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Yesterday, Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) led a bipartisan letter signed by over 100 of their House of Representatives colleagues slamming the push by the Palestinian Authority to downgrade Israel’s status at the United Nations (UN) and offering serious consequences if this were to happen. The letter is endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action, Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), and Heritage Action.

    “Any downgrade in Israel’s status or standing at the UNGA will result in a corresponding downgrade of U.S. financial, material and political support to the UN,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “Congress has taken note of the numerous UN actions aimed to delegitimize Israel’s right to self-defense, raising serious questions over the future of U.S. funding to the UN,” continued the lawmakers. “We have concluded that the UN is not a neutral party, but one that has definitively taken sides against Israel. We remind you that the U.S. is the largest donor to the UN. Our contributions account for one-third of the body’s collective budget. We will not accept the UN’s ongoing hostility to our ally Israel.”

    “We must stand against nations and international institutions that are trying every day to undermine Israel,” said Congressman Lawler. “This letter lets UN Secretary-General Guterres and the Palestinian Authority know that any action to undermine Israel will have dire consequences. The fact that over a hundred members of Congress from both parties signed onto this letter is a strong testament to our country’s broad, bipartisan support for Israel. I hope that the UN will heed this warning and focus its ire on the true aggressors in the region – Hamas and their Iranian backers.”

    Congressman Lawler has led the charge in the 118th Congress to stand up for Israel and combat the scourge of antisemitism, both domestically and globally. Earlier this year, he and Congressman Moskowitz introduced the Stand With Israel Act. This bipartisan bill will require the withholding of U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. Last year, Congressmen Lawler and Gottheimer introduced the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, which will expand existing anti-boycott laws to protects U.S. entities from being coerced into the anti-Israel BDS movement by intergovernmental institutions. That legislation passed the House of Representatives by voice vote in February.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congressand represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Analysing Azerbaijan: How Can a Secular State Manage a Revival of Religion?

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    With COP29, hosted by Baku, right around the corner, let’s have a look at Azerbaijan and its secular history with Altay Goyushow, professor of history at Baku State University and visiting scholar at Sciences Po Center for International Studies (CERI).

    A fine observer of the Azerbaijani regime, he answers the questions of Miriam Périer (CERI) about the ruling elite’s attitude toward religion, and Islam in particular, and the need to look back at the Soviet period to understand the current situation.

    > Read the full interview on CERI’s website.

    What is the aim of the current Azerbaijani ruling elite’s policies in the field of religion?

    Azerbaijan is a secular state. A genuine secularist movement was started in Azerbaijan in the mid-nineteenth century by the local Russian and European-educated intelligentsia. The greatest success of this movement was the creation of the first secular republic during the First World War and the Russian Revolution.

    In 1920, the Red Army put an end to this republic. However, during Soviet rule the secularist traditions of Azerbaijani society strengthened further, even though, as I said earlier, the collapse of the Soviet Union was accompanied by the impressive revival of religion. Soviet rule eradicated local sources of religious knowledge and because of this, in the 1990s, the revival was led primarily by foreign actors.

    Then, in the late 1990s, local clerics educated abroad took the leading role in religious proselytism. This situation was unacceptable to Azerbaijani authorities, as they wanted religious learning to be concentrated in the hands of locally educated Muslim clerics. The authorities have been pursuing a policy of domesticating Islam. Unlike the Soviets, the current Azerbaijani government does not intend to get rid of religion; they instead want to make Islamic elites into loyal supporters of the secular system and ruling elite.

    This policy has given birth to a complex religious situation in the country. On the one hand, there is an official Islam loyal to the government. On the other hand, there are Islamic communities that aim to exist without the secular state’s interference. The constitution says that the state and religion are separate; however, the real situation is much more complicated.

    Both the government and independent Islamic communities complain about interference from their counterparts. Islamic communities complain that the state infringes on their freedom of conscience, while the government complains that independent communities are a threat to the secular nature of the state.

    You mention that the current ruling elite of Azerbaijan is particularly concerned by Muharram traditions, partly because these do not correspond to so-called “civilised religion” according to the government. Can you tell us why?

    The Azerbaijani government aims to create distinct characteristics of local Islam which it describes as a “civilised” Islam. The methods used to achieve this goal include the implementation of a unique education programme for training Muslim clerics in the newly established Theological Institute, the adaptation of distinct uniforms for Azerbaijani Muslim clerics, the promotion of joint Sunni-Shi’i prayers, among other things.

    “Correcting” rituals of Muharram commemorations are among the planned reforms. It should be noted that Muharram is the most popular religious commemoration in Azerbaijan. It has been for centuries. However, beginning in the early twentieth century, some practices of Muharram commemorations, such as self-flagellation or striking oneself with swords and knives, have been heavily criticised by the local secular intelligentsia as “uncivilised” rituals.

    The Soviets launched multiple campaigns against Muharram observations like these and others. In the post-Soviet era, this approach has been continued, and some practices have been replaced with novelties, such as making blood donations instead of striking themselves with knives or self-flagellation with metal chains.

    During the last decade, another government concern has been the increased pilgrimage of Azerbaijani believers to Shi’i shrines in Iraq and Iran at the end of annual Muharram commemorations. The government considers the rising number of pilgrims to those places as a security risk. So, by implementing various measures and restrictions, the authorities are trying to curb the number of pilgrims.

    Does the Azerbaijani population support the ruling elite’s policies toward religion? What is the position of secular youth movements in the face of the government’s attitude toward independent Muslim communities?

    It is an interesting question. Azerbaijan, despite the impressive religious revival in the post-Soviet period, remains a largely secular country. So, most Azerbaijanis cherish their society’s secular characteristics and do not appreciate the interference of religion or religious communities in state affairs.

    However, state institutions’ deep interference with the life of religious communities in many instances infringes on people’s freedom of conscience. And in this particular matter, there is a generational disruption within society. While the older Soviet-trained and educated part of the society, especially the urbanised part, is not particularly critical of the excesses of the government’s religious policies, the younger population, especially its quite vocal liberal and progressive representatives, despite appreciating and praising the secular fundamentals of the society, is frequently critical of the tough measures implemented by the government in the promotion of religious conformity.

    It should also be added that ethnic nationalism is a strong feature of Azerbaijani society. And traditionally, secular nationalists have been critical of Islamic movements, and on this issue, they tend to align more with the government than Islamic communities.

    Cover image caption: Baku, Taza-Pir mosque, the seat of the Sheikh-ul-Islam, the head of the Caucasus Muslim Board. (credits: Altay Goyushow)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major defence reforms launched, with new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The biggest reform of the Ministry of Defence in over 50 years to fix what the Public Accounts Committee calls the ‘broken’ defence procurement system and to strengthen UK Defence, has been launched by the Defence Secretary.

    • Major reforms kicked off today to match increasing threats, tackle waste and strengthen UK Defence.
    • Recruitment underway for new fully fledged National Armaments Director role.
    • New powers for Chief of the Defence Staff, and Military Strategic Headquarters to be launched within weeks.

    The biggest reform of the Ministry of Defence in over 50 years to fix what the Public Accounts Committee calls the ‘broken’ defence procurement system and to strengthen UK Defence, has been launched by the Defence Secretary.

    It comes amid increasing global threats, with growing Russian aggression and conflict in the Middle East. This requires increased resilience and warfighting readiness. 

    The Defence Secretary is leading the reforms to create a stronger defence centre which is able to secure better value for money, better outcomes for our Armed Forces, and better implement the Strategic Defence Review which will be published in the first half of next year. 

    Central to this is the creation of a new role: the fully fledged National Armaments Director. Its aim is to ensure the armed forces are properly equipped to defend Britain, to build up the British defence industry and to crack down on waste. The recruitment process for the role has now begun, with a search for candidates now underway and which will continue over the coming weeks.

    The new National Armaments Director will be responsible for:

    • Delivering the capabilities required from industry to execute the Defence plans and operations demanded by the new era.
    • Shaping and delivering the Defence industrial strategy which will be launched in the coming weeks.
    • Ensuring a resilient supply chain and the required readiness of the national ‘arsenal’.
    • Leading on UK defence exports and acquisition reform.
    • Harmonising procurement and working closely with wider government, industry, academia, and international partners to deploy best practice and investment.

    The changes come as the Defence Secretary commits to ensuring “value for money across every penny of defence spend.”

    The reforms will also see the Chief of the Defence Staff overseeing a new Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) where he will formally command the individual Service Chiefs for the first time. They will now be central to investment decisions between the Services, along with the Defence Secretary and Permanent Secretary. 

    This Government’s MOD reforms will ensure faster delivery and clearer accountability across Defence, to support the Government’s ‘One Defence’ drive. They will also ensure defence is ready to take forward recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, with the new MSHQ fully functioning by the end of 2024 – ready to implement recommendations from the SDR in the first half of next year. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Our government is delivering the change we promised: cracking down on waste and boosting Britain’s defence industry. We will forge “One Defence”, which is clear in its goals and consistent in its methods, to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    The world is more dangerous, with growing Russian aggression, conflict in the Middle East and increasing global threats. 

    These vital reforms will make UK military decision making faster, keep the country safer and achieve best value for taxpayers. This Government will strengthen UK Defence to respond to increasing threats.

    Defence Equipment & Support CEO and the UK’s current NAD, Andy Start, said: 

    This fully fledged NAD role is a vitally important step towards transforming defence acquisition and the industrial base in the UK. 

    This new role will have the levers needed to ensure our Armed Forces have the right kit and to deliver the defence industrial strategy we need for growth.

    We will work with industrial partners to embrace the One Defence approach so they can play their part in improvements that underpin national security and prosperity.

    The programme of reform will be informed by lessons from the department’s highly praised support to Ukraine. The National Audit Office recently highlighted the speed and scale of the MOD’s Operation Interflex training programme for Ukrainian recruits, as well as fast-tracked procurement and distribution of essential gifted equipment to the Ukrainian front line. 

    These reforms will radically simplify the MOD. Governance and processes will be streamlined, with innovation in technology and an improved approach to data underpinning everything the department does.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Business Owner Convicted of $35M Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A federal jury convicted a Tennessee business owner yesterday for fraudulently billing federal health care programs approximately $35 million for medically unnecessary injections, which were administered over the course of approximately eight years to a population of opioid-dependent patients.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Kestner, 72, of Nashville, at various times owned, operated, and managed pain clinics in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, which were ultimately branded under the name Pain MD. The trial evidence proved that Kestner, who is not a physician, pressured nurse practitioners and physician assistants employed by clinics in the Pain MD network to provide multiple back injections to many, if not most, patients who came to Pain MD seeking opioid treatment. Witnesses testified that patients who refused to accept regular injections risked being turned away from Pain MD and suffering withdrawals from their opioid medication.

    The evidence further demonstrated that the injections were uniformly billed as Tendon Origin Insertion injections (TOIs), even though almost none of these patients were diagnosed with pain in their tendons, and in many cases, it would have been medically impossible to administer TOIs with the equipment available to the practitioners. Nevertheless, Kestner relentlessly pressured the providers at his clinics to administer and bill for injections.

    The evidence also demonstrated that, to keep billings up, Kestner sent regular emails ranking the practitioners’ “production” against one another, criticizing providers for “below average” performance, and otherwise making providers feel they would lose their jobs or let down their clinic staff if they did not perform an increasing number of injections. He ignored repeated notices — including a lawsuit — from insurance companies alerting him that his clinics were billing these injections improperly. Through these practices, Pain MD became Medicare’s single highest biller of TOI procedures in the country, outranking the next highest biller by approximately eightfold.

    The jury convicted Kestner of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 12 counts of health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Kim R. Lampkins of the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG, DCIS, VA-OIG, and TBI are investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief James V. Hayes and Trial Attorney Victor Yanz, with the assistance of Assistant Chief Kate Payerle, all of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Polk County, Joins First Lady of the United States Jill Biden in Asheville as Unprecedented Response to Helene Continues

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Polk County, Joins First Lady of the United States Jill Biden in Asheville as Unprecedented Response to Helene Continues

    Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Polk County, Joins First Lady of the United States Jill Biden in Asheville as Unprecedented Response to Helene Continues
    mseets

    Today, Governor Cooper visited Green River Cove in Polk County to assess storm damage to the Green River and surrounding areas, meet with local officials and speak with those impacted by the storm. In the afternoon, the Governor joined First Lady of the United States Jill Biden at a World Central Kitchen site in Asheville where they packed and served food and thanked volunteers. This morning, the Governor signed Senate Bill 743 into law, which allocates more than $600 million in Helene disaster relief and recovery funds.

    “Today I traveled to Green River Cove in Polk County to survey storm damage and meet with local officials and then helped with relief efforts in Asheville alongside First Lady Jill Biden,” said Governor Cooper. “Folks on the ground in western NC are working hard to help communities build back from this storm and get help to those in need. I’m thankful for our federal, state, local and volunteer partners who are pitching in as we continue our recovery efforts.”

    The Green River and other waterways in Western North Carolina sustained significant damage from Helene, affecting surrounding homes, communities and businesses. The World Central Kitchen works to provide fresh meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and other crises.

    This week, Governor Cooper recommend an initial $3.9 billion package to the General Assembly to begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, homes, businesses, schools, and farms damaged during the storm. Initial damage estimates are $53 billion, roughly three times Hurricane Florence estimates in 2018 and the largest in state history. The funding put forward by legislative Republicans this week represents just 1/6 of this recommendation and included no funds for small business grants and other key needs. The Governor urged legislators to return in November and pass a more comprehensive package.

    “Western North Carolina needs significant investments to recover fully from the worst storm our state has ever seen. Legislators have taken a small step here and should follow it with a more comprehensive package to help families, businesses and communities build back stronger,” said Governor Cooper.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    Over 1,700 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

    FEMA Assistance

    Approximately $168.4 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and more than 226,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Over 7,100 people have been helped through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Nearly 5,900 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have been filed.

    Nearly 1,700 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,750 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 153 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 4,200 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    NCDOT currently has approximately 1,400 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on thousands of damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Ninety-eight storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

    Volunteers and Donations

    If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

    For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc.

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 25, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –