Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NAS Pensacola CO Signs Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    Source: United States Navy

    The signing took place to bring attention to the resources available to military families impacted by domestic violence and to show solidarity with survivors of domestic abuse and continue a culture where they can feel safe seeking help.

    “Domestic violence impacts not only the victims directly involved, but also undermines unit cohesion, morale and overall operational readiness,” said Shashaty. “By addressing domestic violence proactively, we strengthen our teams and enhance the resilience of our service members.”

    The event, hosted in collaboration with the NAS Pensacola Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), aimed to raise awareness and provide support for survivors of domestic violence. FFSC representatives emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence within the military and offering the necessary services to prevent and respond to incidents.

    “It’s vital that we break the silence around domestic violence and offer resources to those affected,” said FFSC Family Advocate Program Victim Advocate Brittany Oehrle. “Knowing the signs of domestic violence is key and speaking up against it is what we need to do to create safe and healthy spaces for people to come forward.”

    Emergency resources are available for military personnel and their families who experience domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-799-7233. Active-duty service members, their families and reservists on active duty can also access assistance through the Fleet and Family Support Center and the DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.

    NAS Pensacola, referred to as the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation,’ is designed to support operational and training missions of tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center, Naval Aviation Schools Command, the Center for Information Warfare Training, Marine Aviation Training Support Groups 21 and 23 and serves as the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Osceola Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SOUTH BEND – Randolph Ramey, 33 years old, of Osceola, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

    Ramey was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in August 2023, Ramey broke into a business in Mishawaka and was detained while inside. When police arrived and arrested Ramey, they recovered a loaded 9mm firearm from his pocket along with several knives, a rope, bolt cutters, a lock pick kit, and a second loaded magazine for the firearm. Ramey had previously been convicted of a felony offense, and as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm or ammunition in this case.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Arrests Armed Robbery Crew After Attempting to Rob Temecula Pharmacy and Fleeing from Law Enforcement

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    TEMECULA, Ca. – ATF arrested several multi-times convicted felons and a Menifee woman earlier this week while attempting an armed robbery following a six-week southern California armed robbery spree.

    Aaron Carter, 39, of Fontana, Calif., Diamond Lucious, 25, of Victorville, Calif., Isaac Penaldoza, 35, of San Bernardino, Calif., and Kamaria Kendrick, 25, of Menifee, Calif., are charged federally with attempted interference with commerce by robbery. The defendants are expected to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in Santa Ana.

    Carter is a multi-convicted felon who was on post release community supervision and was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of arrest – having been recently released from a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facility. Lucious, a multi- convicted felon, was on federal probation after being released from federal prison for assault with a deadly weapon, while also on CDCR parole for assault with a deadly weapon. Penaldoza, a multi-convicted felon, was also on post release community supervision for firearm violations.

    Since August, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Orange County Violent Crime Task Force (OCVCTF) has been investigating a series of armed robberies of pharmacies across Southern California.

    The pharmacy robberies included Delight Pharmacy Robbery, 21230 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, Calif. on Aug. after 28, 2024; Apollo Pharmacy Robbery, 29645 Rancho California Road, Temecula, on Sept. 13, 2024; Mariners Pharmacy Robbery, 320 Superior Ave., #120, Newport Beach, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024; and Fullerton Express Pharmacy, 105 W. Bastanchury Road, Unit #D, Fullerton, Calif. on Sept. 30, 2024.

    The task force reviewed local police reports related to the pharmacy robberies, surveillance footage, conducted follow up surveillance, and collaborated with other involved law enforcement investigators to identify suspects believed to be responsible for the robberies. The similarities of the robberies included three male suspects entering the businesses wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks. Two of the suspects were always armed with handguns and would force employees to the ground. The third suspect would grab a trash can from inside the business and put the stolen medications inside. The two suspects, armed with handguns, would steal cash from the registers and violently drag employees around the store, according to the federal affidavit.

    On Monday at about 4 p.m., OCVCTF was conducting surveillance when they observed an attempted armed robbery occurring at Apollo Pharmacy, 29645 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

    Kendrick was observed wearing a medical mask and hat scouting the Apollo Pharmacy by walking around the pharmacy building while on her phone and then driving around the building several times.

    Carter, Lucious, and Penaldoza entered the pharmacy wearing hooded clothing, gloves, and masks while Kendrick waited in the vehicle. All three were observed by ATF running back to the vehicle to flee. The task force attempted to arrest the suspects when Kendrick tried to evade them and struck one of the unmarked law enforcement vehicles. While OCVCTF personnel immobilized the getaway vehicle, a 9 mm pistol was thrown from the car. All four were arrested at the scene without further incident.

    According to the federal affidavit, three of the four arrested had lengthy criminal histories. Carter was first arrested in 2003 for weapons violations. Since then, he has had multiple felony convictions for robbery, burglary and felon in possession of a firearm. Carter was also arrested in Los Angeles County in September, for felony evasion from police while armed with a pistol. At the end of the pursuit, Carter barricaded himself in the vehicle for more than an hour before surrendering to law enforcement. Carter was booked into the Los Angeles County jail where he was released on bail after nine days. The following day, the Newport Beach pharmacy robbery occurred.

    Lucious was released from federal prison a year ago. Lucious was first arrested in 2014, and since has been convicted of carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, and various firearms offenses.

    Penaldoza was first arrested in 1999. Since then, he has been convicted of sales of narcotics, felon in possession of a firearm, and participating in a criminal street gang.

    The ATF OCVCTF was formed to investigate violent crime, with a focus on serial robberies throughout Southern California. The ATF-led task force is comprised of personnel from the Brea Police Department, the Fullerton Police Department, the Santa Ana Police Department and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe, of the Central District of California, the Violent and Organized Crime Section, are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: 15 jailed for building collapse in central China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A total of 15 people were sentenced to prison in central China’s Hunan Province on Thursday for their roles in a deadly building collapse that claimed 54 lives in 2022.
    The defendants, including the owner of the illegally built and extended building and officials who were found of dereliction of duty, received jail terms ranging from two years and nine months to 12 years, according to their first-instance verdicts by local courts.
    The incident occurred in Wangcheng District in the provincial capital of Changsha on April 29, 2022, leaving 54 dead and nine wounded. The State Council set up an investigation team to look into the incident shortly after it occurred.
    Wu Zhiyong, the owner of the building, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for negligence leading to the incident. He had hired unqualified construction workers to illegally construct and extend the building, which he then leased as an accommodation and catering venue, according to the verdict.
    Despite clear signs of the building’s imminent collapse, Wu failed to organize emergency evacuations, resulting in heavy casualties. He was also convicted of conspiring with others to repeatedly destroy other people’s property, the verdict showed.
    Zhou Zhengmao, former deputy head of Wangcheng District, was handed a jail term of 12 years for dereliction of duty and accepting bribes.
    Others convicted include inspectors from urban management and market regulation departments, as well as shareholders and testing personnel from a company that issued fake documents for the building project.
    The company, Hunan Xiangda Engineering Testing Co., Ltd., was fined 1 million yuan (about $140,400).
    Lawmakers, political advisors and relatives of the victims and defendants attended the sentencing.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stratford — Stratford RCMP urges public to secure vehicles to prevent theft

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Stratford RCMP have received reports of thefts from vehicles in recent days, all happening within town limits.

    On October 12th, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m. a Stratford resident reported valuables stolen from their vehicle parked on Ducks Landing. Stratford RCMP attended and observed parts of the steering column had also been damaged. On October 15th, 2024, at approximately 8:17 a.m. Stratford RCMP were contacted again, by another resident, who discovered their vehicle was broken into on Harland View Drive. Stratford RCMP learned that tools were stolen from the vehicle. Stratford RCMP make routine patrols in an effort to deter property crime; however, PEI RCMP wish to remind residents to avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, and ask that vehicles are secured as best as possible.

    “Property crime impacts a victim’s sense of security and can create financial hardship when people have to replace items,” says Acting Media Relations Officer Cst. Kevin Mackay. “We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to your local police, and in some instances this may be a requirement of any insurance claims,” adds Cst. Mackay.

    If you have information about crimes in your community please contact your local police or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “We must show up for Black children in the youth justice system”

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Jacob Sakil, YJB Board Member and race champion reflects on Black History Month, identity, and how he’s showing up for Black children in youth justice.

    Jacob Sakil, YJB Board Member

    I moved from Brooklyn New York when I was 11 years old to Lewisham in South London. My mum was British and after she had my youngest brother decided she wanted us to move back to the UK. The first things I noticed were the differences in language, customs, and culture. My mother’s family heritage is from Jamaica and Cuba, and I was beginning to recognise the links between my identity and my Caribbean roots.  

    I wanted to understand the history of the UK and how it’s applied to my identity. What was interesting, is that Black British history was not covered in school in the same way I learnt about Black American history during my time at elementary school in the US. Some people don’t realise that Black British history is British history – it’s for everyone. It helps us to understand our past and recognise the impact of inequality and inequity, and to understand that children and young adults should be able to show up as their best selves without discrimination. 

    At home, my family would often watch the news together and we would discuss our opinions on things that were happening in the world and what needed to change to make things better and fairer. I loved this because when adults where exchanging ideas, my siblings and I were included. I suppose this is where my interest in social action and community stems from. Recognising that our ideas and dreams were just a valid as any adult’s. These interests led to me campaigning to become elected as the Young Mayor of Lewisham at just 16, and taking a greater role and a greater stake in my community. 

    As an adult, I enjoyed youth work; in fact, it became my passion. I was so motivated by how you could bring change for children and young adults. I wanted to inspire them to better understand their heritage and get a real sense of who they are. As a Black man, the importance of role models is important to me. For professionals in youth justice, those of us from Black communities, it’s vital to show up and show who we are and show our heritage, so children feel represented. It is also about occupying space and giving back to a society which at times may not have always been inclusive but has benefited from the duty and determination of people like the Windrush generation.  

    Becoming a YJB Board member

    This is what brought me to the Youth Justice Board. I wanted to be in spaces and places where decisions are being made and to use my identity and lived experiences to bring a greater impact and influence system change. I use my position on the Board as an opportunity to be reflective and demonstrate how we as professionals must show up for children. This coupled with still being an active Youth Worker is one way of staying grounded and remembering the best solutions come from collective and informed decision making. 

    Just last week I recorded a podcast for the YJB with Ricky Otto from Walsall. He works with children in custody and spoke at the Youth Justice Leaders’ Summit earlier this year. That conversation with him about his journey showed me the richness and importance of telling our stories, and reflected how through telling our stories we can create change within the youth justice system. Speaking to Ricky, I was inspired by his pride and his sense of purpose. The importance to him of fatherhood, and what this means to boys in custody was inspirational. He represents the impact and meaning of showing up in the lives of these children. If you get time, please do listen to the podcast.

    Jacob Sakil and Ricky Otto recording a podcast

    The statistics on overrepresentation of Black and Mixed heritage boys tell me that they are not being seen and not being supported. It is so important to allow the conversation of custody to widen and include a renewed focus on rehabilitation and prevention. We need to look towards their futures, their opportunities and at their potential. These boys are more than just numbers.  

    Black History Month, of all the months, is a great chance to reignite the conversation about what change looks like in the UK. It serves as an annual opportunity to deepen the impact of reflection and inform how we go forward. 

    I am proud to be a Black man. I am proud to work with children and young adults, and I am proud to be a YJB Board member. As part of my role on the Board, I am the lead for Equity Diversity and Inclusion. I am showing up for Black and Mixed heritage boys and girls who are overrepresented in the justice system and working to bring change. I am proud to do this because who we are, our identity and our heritage should and does reflect the richness and diversity of the communities we serve.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: David Lammy must use China visit to challenge Beijing’s brutal suppression of human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    © AFP via Getty Images

    ‘The Government should ensure that talks on trade and security relations with China aren’t pursued at the expense of human rights’- Sacha Deshmukh

    Commenting on Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s first visit to China expected to take place tomorrow and Saturday, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

    “This visit is a crucial opportunity for the Foreign Secretary to demonstrate the Government’s true commitment to challenging publicly and privately Beijing’s brutal suppression of human rights in China and Hong Kong.

    “Behind closed doors but also in public, David Lammy needs to tackle the Chinese government over its systematic, industrial-scale repression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet, its widespread imprisonment of peaceful activists and its completely unacceptable intimidation of students and campaigners here in the UK.  

    “The Prime Minister’s statement that the immediate release of the unjustly-imprisoned UK businessman Jimmy Lai is a UK priority is welcome, and Mr Lammy should also seek to secure the immediate release of fellow prisoners of conscience Hong Kong lawyer-activist Chow Hang-tung and Chinese human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, as well as the long-held Uighur economist Ilham Tohti and #MeToo activists Sophia Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing.

    “Throughout this trip, the Government should ensure that talks on trade and security relations with China aren’t pursued at the expense of human rights.”

    Long arm of Chinese state repression

    The Chinese authorities routinely target peaceful critics via pervasive online censorship, arbitrary arrest, detention and torture. Human rights defenders, pro-democracy activists and religious leaders and practitioners have been among those subjected to systematic persecution. The widespread repression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet has continued despite significant international criticism.

    In Hong Kong, journalists, broadcasters and book publishers have been among those prosecuted and imprisoned under the territory’s notorious National Security Law and other repressive legislation, while civil society organisations both in Hong Kong and abroad have faced criminal charges or harassment for their legitimate activities. The long arm of Chinese state repression has meant that Chinese and Hong Kong communities in the UK, other parts of Europe and North America have all suffered various kinds of threats and intimidation, part of a sinister pattern of “transnational repression”.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CNO Press Briefing: Atlantic Council

    Source: United States Navy

    GENERAL JAMES L. JONES: Good morning, everybody. And welcome to today’s event with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti—chief of naval operations of the world’s finest Navy, I might add—to discuss her 2024 Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting [Navy].

    My name is Jim Jones, and I serve as executive chairman emeritus here at the Atlantic Council and as chairman of the Scowcroft Center. So, on behalf of the Scowcroft Center and the Atlantic Council, as well as its Forward Defense Program, I would like to welcome you to this exciting fourth installment of our 2024 Commander Series.

    As we all know, since its origin the United States has relied on her Navy to maintain global maritime dominance, ensuring freedom of navigation, the ability to project US power across the globe and played a critical role in the nation’s strategic deterrent capabilities. As we continue into this era of strategic competition with peer or near-peer adversaries, potential adversaries, namely China and Russia, and the threat landscape evolves, the Navy faces many challenges, and its capabilities are stretched across the world.

    The Navy, and I might add the Marine Corps—you’re not going to get away with a commandant introducing you without mentioning the Marine Corps—but the Navy and her Marines must be ready for the possibility of war in the near future. But beyond that, it will need to continue to enhance its long-term advantage to deter future aggression and ensure a major contribution to global stability. A critical component in the effectiveness of this strategy will be leveraging technological innovation to maintain a ready and modern force. The Navy will need to invest in newer platforms, newer weapon systems, and embrace robotic and autonomous systems as well.

    The key advantage that the United States holds over its adversaries is the strong alliance network the US maintains. The Navy must continue to strengthen these relationships, to enhance collective security, deter adversarial aggression by improving interoperability with joint and allied forces. With so many threats looming on the not-so-distant horizon, it is also imperative that the Navy has a forward-thinking strategic vision that leverages all the advantages the United States holds, and enables the readiness to respond in competition, crisis, and conflict if necessary.

    And so today, we’re extremely fortunate to be joined by the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who will discuss her recently published Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy. This is her strategic guidance for the US fleet during her tenure. A native of Pittsford, New York, Admiral Franchetti is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and was commissioned through Northwestern University NROTC program in 1985. She earned her Surface Warfare qualification on the USS Shenandoah, went on to command at all levels, including Naval Reserve, Central Point, Oregon, USS Ross, Destroyer Squadron 21, US Naval Forces Korea, Carrier Strike Group 9 and 15, the US Sixth Fleet in Italy, and Striking and Support Forces NATO in Portugal.

    In addition to command, she has worked across the Navy and the joint force with emphasis on strategy, international engagement, and interagency collaboration, serving as the director Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, and most recently as the vice chief of naval operations. As chief of naval operations, Admiral Franchetti is responsible for the command, use of resources, and operational efficiency of the naval operating forces and the Navy’s shore activities assigned by the secretary of the navy.

    Admiral Franchetti, we look forward to hearing from you today, and we’re very grateful for your presence here. After the admiral’s keynote remarks, she will be joined by Dan Lamothe for a moderated discussion. Dan has held a long career as a journalist and has written extensively about the armed forces for more than fifteen years. Since 2014, he has been covering the United States military and the Pentagon for The Washington Post. Dan, thank you very much for joining us today.

    I would also like to thank everyone attending this conversation with the admiral, whether in person or virtually. [Convenings] such [as] these are integral to the Atlantic Council’s [Scowcroft] Center for Strategy and Security, which works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and her allies and partners. Consistent with that mission, Forward Defense generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, her allies, and partners. Its work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources of the United States needed to deter and, if necessary, prevail in any future conflict.

    I would like to extend a special thanks to Saab Corporation and Michael Anderson, who, unfortunately, couldn’t be here today but is usually in attendance. Saab and the Atlantic Council launched the Commander Series back in 2009. The vision was to establish a flagship speakers forum for senior military and defense leaders to discuss the most important security challenges, both now and in the future. Over the years, the program has become one of the Council’s main institutions. And we’re thankful to Saab for their continued support and collaborations. Before I turn it over to Admiral Franchetti for her keynote remarks, I’d like to remind everybody that this event is public and on the record. Thank you all for joining the Atlantic Council for what I know will be a captivating conversation.

    Admiral Franchetti, without any further ado, the floor is yours. Welcome.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, thank you, General Jones, for your kind introduction and warm welcome. And I also want to thank the Atlantic Council for letting me be part of the Commander Series. It’s an incredible opportunity. And I’m very excited to have the opportunity to speak with all of you today.

    So, as General Jones just mentioned, I recently released my Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, which is my overarching strategic guidance to the Navy to make our nation’s fleet more ready for potential conflict with the PRC by 2027, while also enhancing our Navy’s long-term warfighting advantage. But before I talk a little bit more about that, I want to talk about the why—the why behind the NAVPLAN, and what your navy is doing all around the world to protect our nation’s security and prosperity, to deter any would-be adversary, and to always be ready to fight and win decisively, if called to do so.

    As you all know, our Navy—our nation is and always has been a maritime nation. Seventy percent of our planet is made up of water. Eighty percent of the world’s population lives within two hundred kilometers of the coastline. Ninety percent of the global economy moves by sea. And 95 percent of international communications and about ten trillion dollars of financial transactions transit via undersea fiber optic cables every single day. In the United States alone, seaborn trade carries more tonnage in value than any other mode of transportation each year, generating about $5.4 trillion annually and supporting thirty-one million American jobs. And when our access to the sea is impacted, so too is our economy, our national security, and really our way of life.

    And I could think about a lot of different examples over the past years that demonstrate that intimate connection. Just think back to the impacts of COVID-19, the grounding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal, and now Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and even the port strikes on the east and west coast—gulf coast just a few weeks ago. It’s really clear that the seas are the lifeblood of our nation. And since the days of the Revolutionary War, as General Jones pointed out, our Navy and our Marine Corps team has protected and guaranteed our access to that sea. And on Sunday, we just celebrated our 249th birthday.

    I think the events of this year and the actions taken by your Navy-Marine Corps team in the Indo-Pacific, in the Mediterranean, in the Red Sea, and beyond really underscore the enduring importance of American naval power throughout our nation’s history. With an average of about 110 ships and seventy thousand sailors and Marines deployed on any given day, the Navy-Marine Corps team is operating forward, defending our homeland, and keeping open the sea lines of communication that fuel our economy. In the Indo-Pacific right now, the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group and the America Amphibious Readiness Group, with the 31st MEU embarked, are working alongside allies and partners to sustain a free and open regional order and enhance our collective interoperability.

    In the Baltic, the Atlantic, the high north, and the Mediterranean, our navies continue to work alongside NATO and other partner navies to defend NATO and to support Ukraine as they defend their country and their democracy, to further deter Russian aggression, and to ensure that Russia’s continued unjustified and horrific invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine is a strategic failure. And in the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the western Indian Ocean, our naval forces—including aircraft carrier strike groups, amphibious readiness groups, submarines and multiple destroyers—working alongside allies and partners, are containing the Israel-Hamas conflict, deterring others, especially Iran and its proxies, from escalating hostilities into regional war, and continuing to support Israel’s defense.

    Over the last few weeks, more American destroyers—the Bulkeley, the Frank E. PetersenMichael Murphy, and the Cole—have joined about a dozen other naval assets over the last year in knocking down Iranian and Houthi-launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones in defense of the rules-based international order, in defense of innocent civilian mariners, and in defense of Israel. The ability of our forces to seamlessly operate in any theater speaks to the value our Navy has provided to our nation for the last 249 years.

    We operate in a unique domain. It’s a domain that knows no boundaries. It’s a domain that transcends lines that are drawn on a map, and one in which the Navy provides agile, flexible options and decision space to our nation’s leaders every single day. I could not be more proud of that Navy team. It’s the active and reserve sailors. It’s our civilians. And it’s our families. There’s no other Navy in the world that can operate at this scale. No other Navy in the world can train, deploy, and sustain such a lethal, globally deployed, combat credible force at the pace, the scale, and the tempo that we do.

    And while all that we have achieved these past 249 years has filled me with confidence, I know that we cannot take our foot off the gas, because there’s no doubt that our nation is at an inflection point in history. We are facing a changing and challenging security environment, a changing character of war, and real challenges in ship, submarine, aircraft, construction and maintenance, munitions production, recruiting, and infrastructure maintenance. All while acknowledging the industrial and budgetary constraints complicating our efforts to address these challenges.

    I’ve already talked a little bit about the security environment, but I want to expand on how that’s changed a little bit more. As we are seeing, the rules-based international order that we have upheld, protected, and defended for over three-quarters of a century is under threat, in every ocean. The People’s Republic of China is our pacing challenge and presents a complex, multi-domain and multi-axis threat. I am eyes wide open that the challenge posed by the PRC to our Navy goes well beyond just the size of the PLAN fleet.

    It includes gray zone and economic campaigns, expansion of dual-use infrastructure like airfields and ports, and dual-use forces like the Chinese maritime militia, and a growing nuclear arsenal. It’s backed by a massive defense industrial base, which is on a wartime footing and includes the world’s largest shipbuilding capacity. The growing capabilities, capacity, and reach of the PRC military, along with its increasingly aggressive behavior in the East and South China Seas, underscore what Chairman Xi has told his forces, that they should be ready for war by 2027.

    The PRC is not our only competitor. Russia continues to be an acute threat. Iran, a stabling actor in the Middle East. And we are seeing increasing alignment of these competitors, the PRC, Russia, Iran, North Korea, violent extremist organizations, and globally sponsored terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, ISIS-K, and more. In addition to this dynamic security environment, we’re also facing a changing character of war, with advancements in battlefield innovation and cheaper, more accessible technology available to state and nonstate actors alike. We’re all learning a great deal from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the continued Houthi ballistic missile, cruise missile, and drone attacks in the Red Sea.

    To get after all these challenges, I would love to have the resources and the industrial base capacity to just expand the size of our force overnight. And I acknowledge the need for a larger, more lethal force. But it’s no secret to any of you that we are facing financial and industrial headwinds at getting, what I like to call, more players on the field. Our budget falls short of the 3 to 5 percent increase above inflation needed to support the Navy’s growth. And we’ve had continuing resolutions for fourteen of the past fifteen years, which stifle our momentum and slow any progress in delivering the warfighting capability and capacity needed to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

    And while we’re investing significant resources to address our industrial base challenges, change will not happen overnight. We cannot manifest a bigger Navy—a bigger traditional Navy in just a few short years. So as I came into this position, I took all of this in—the changing security environment, the changing character of war, and our own challenges—and that is what provided the context that framed my Navigation Plan. It’s a plan that lays out where we need to go to make our Navy more ready for potential conflict anytime and anywhere. As the CNO who will be at the helm into 2027, I am compelled to do more, and do more faster, to ensure that our Navy is more ready. I can’t stand still as we work to secure long-term investments for our force.

    And so my Navigation Plan essentially parks these known challenges in a box. I’m still going to work on them, but they’re not the only thing I’m going to think about. And it helps me set a course to make strategic gains in the fastest time possible with the resources I can influence. It builds on America’s Warfighting Navy, a document that I released in January that lays out my priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them. And the NAVPLAN continues where my predecessor’s 2022 NAVPLAN left off. It lays out my plan to raise our fleet’s baseline level of readiness and put more players on the field—platforms that are ready with the requisite capabilities, weapons, and sustainment, and people that are ready with the right mindset, skills, tools, and training.

    And it does that really in two ways. First, by implementing what I call Project 33, seven key areas in which we need to accelerate, areas where I will invest my personal time and resources and put my thumb on the scale to urgently move the needle, with 2027 as our North Star. And second, by expanding the Navy’s contribution to the joint warfighting ecosystem. This is all about building enduring warfighting advantage by investing in key capabilities and creating the layered effects that the Navy can contribute across all domains, to those of the joint force and those of our allies and partners. This is fundamental to my vision of how we will deter and, if necessary, fight and win our future wars.

    So, going back to the first I’d like to briefly just touch on these seven equally important Project 33 targets, as they align to my priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them.

    Under warfighting, my first target is readying our platforms.

    The second target is operationalizing robotic and autonomous systems.

    My third target is fighting from the Maritime Operations Center. That’s our command and control nerve center and it will help synchronize how we deliver effects as a Navy and as a broader joint and combined force.

    Under the warfighters’ bucket, my fourth target is recruiting and retaining talented people.

    My fifth target is delivering the quality of service that our sailors and their families deserve.

    My sixth target is investing in warfighter competency, making our live virtual constructive training as reliable, realistic, and as relevant as possible.

    And finally in the foundation bucket, my seventh target is restoring the critical infrastructure that generates, sustains, and postures our force to fight, prioritizing the Pacific theater.

    Together, these seven targets—really, stretch goals—they represent my plan to make strategic gains in the fastest time possible with the resources I can influence. I know that moving out with purpose and urgency on these targets will deter the PRC and any other potential adversary, and make us even more ready to fight and win decisively should that deterrence fail.

    I’d like to end with just a few comments about the joint warfighting ecosystem I mentioned before because my Navigation Plan is critical to expanding our Navy’s contribution to it. I know that our Navy will never fight alone, so we are laser-focused on developing and integrating key Navy capabilities with those of our joint teammates and of our allies and partners, because it’s the aggregate effects that we deliver collectively that will matter.

    The joint warfighting ecosystem is all about pooling and creating those aggregate effects. It’s a system in which a capability enables and then is enabled by each of its participants. It’s on display in the Middle East right now, and I know it’s one that Admiral Paparo will leverage in the Indo-Pacific.

    Achieving these objectives in my Navigation Plan is an all-hands-on-deck effort where everyone has a role to play—industry, Congress, academia, our joint teammates, our allies and partners, and of course our sailors and our civilians. So I would like to thank all of you here for your interest in our Navy, and I would like to thank you for all that you have done to support our Navy team and will continue to do in the future to support America’s warfighting Navy.

    I have a clock in my office that tells me that there are 807 days left until 1 January 2027. There is no time to waste, and your Navy is ready to get after it. Thank you very much, and I look forward to discussion today. Thank you.

    Dan.

    DAN LAMOTHE: All right. Good morning, everyone.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Good morning.

    DAN LAMOTHE: Thank you for your time today, ma’am.

    You just spent several minutes articulating your plan. I know you must have spent a lot of time planning that. This town often sees plans that run into headwinds, run into real-life events. Can you walk us through a bit what you think you can do to make this plan durable, make this happen, kind of clear-eyed, noting the headwinds, the budgetary constraints, and other things like that?

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Yeah. Well, thank you. And again, thanks for the chance to talk a little bit about the plan today.

    You know, I think this plan is a little bit different from some of the plans that we have had in the past, and I worked to make sure that it would be durable and it would stick. And I really spent about the last year working on this plan alongside all of our four-star commanders, our fleet commanders, our type commanders to really get after what are the things that we need to do and what we do we need to do to think, act, and operate differently to stay ahead of the challenges that we have with the resources that we can influence right now.

    And so when you look at the plan, it’s very focused—I would say it’s different in a few ways from previous plans.

    First, it’s focused on 2027. It’s focused on the PRC. So I’ve set my priorities, my sight. It’s narrowly focused on getting after those challenges.

    The other thing is that it really builds on Navigation Plan 2022, in which we had about eighteen different areas which we were really focused on and a lot of structure was put in place with single accountable individuals to drive progress in each one of those areas. I took a look, I took a fix, and I said, all right, here’s where we are based on NAVPLAN 2022, and here are seven areas where I think we can really put our foot on the gas and accelerate our progress in those to be real gamechangers in what we need to be able to do in the future.

    I think the last thing I would say what’s different about it is that it does have this single accountable individual responsible for each one of the targets that we’re trying to get after. And what we’ve found through our perform-to-plan and naval sustainment systems, processes have been put in place, if you have a stretch goal, a single accountable individual, and a cadence of accountability, that drives success.

    And the Navigation Plan will change my focus. It changes where I go, what I visit, what reports I get, what meetings I go to. And so my personal attention will be on these Project 33 goals as well as building the capabilities I talk about as the key capabilities for warfighting advantage that will get us where we need to be in the future.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK. One of your stated goals is boosting surge readiness to 80 percent. I know talking to a lot of analysts in this town, they raise concerns whether real-life events, physics, other things would really challenge this. And I know you’ve raised previously the aircraft as a kind of parallel. Do you see 80 percent as aspirational, achievable, both? And I guess, how do you put your foot on the gas with that?

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Thanks. This is one of the most important—all seven are equally important, but you know, I’ve long said that we need to get more players on the field. There’s a lot of ways to do that. You know, one is to buy new ones. One is to get them in and out of maintenance on time, which is—that’s why I put this goal in here. One is to use what you have differently.

    I am focused on this, because the aviation example is really illustrative of what we know we can achieve. So in 2018, Secretary Mattis challenged our aviation community to get F/A-18 readiness up from 50 percent readiness/availability to 80 percent. And over the process of these—the last couple of years, and now six years on, we’ve been able to sustain 80 percent readiness in the F/A-18s because of the processes that we put in place, data-driven, daily drumbeats of accountability to make sure that we understood what the readiness was, what the barriers were to achieving that readiness, and moving forward.

    They’ve been able to scale that now through other type model series, and we’ve expanded it to the submarine force and also the surface force. So it’s a stretch goal, but I am committed and the team is committed to going after that stretch goal. So we are putting all those—we have, actually, all those processes in place now, and I’m really looking forward to that.

    I will just give another example, a metric in surface that might be useful. So, you know, on-time completion of maintenance availabilities is really important. So if you think back in 2022 we had about 27 percent completion on time, 2023 we moved it up into the 30 percents, and this year we’ll be up to 67 percent. So we put in a lot of procedures to be able to plan maintenance availabilities early in a surface, a submarine, and aviation, making sure we understand what parts we need, having available pool of parts, investing in those parts so they can be there on time; planning our stuff—maintenance availabilities at least six months ahead of time and locking them in to let industry know what’s coming and also get those parts on order. Those are some of the things we’re doing.

    So these are stretch goals, but I am confident that we’re going to work hard to get after them. And if we don’t make exactly 80 percent, we’re going to be farther along the road than we would be if I hadn’t set such an ambitious goal.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: And I will say all the communities are locked hands on these goals, so we are all committed to working together to get after them.

    DAN LAMOTHE: A lot of discussions about the future of the Navy tend to focus on ship numbers. I heard in your comments there you kind of addressed that head on. To what do you—what degree do you consider that construct limiting, and to what degree do you consider that construct necessary? You know, I—there’s a pragmatic aspect to this, but numbers are numbers, and I’m sure that’s something that you get an earful on a lot as well.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Certainly. Well, I fully acknowledge that we need a larger, more lethal Navy. You know, we have multiple assessments that say that we need to have a larger Navy, and I really want to work closely, you know, with Congress, with industry to be able to deliver that Navy that we need. And that’s a really important thing.

    But the size of the Navy is not the only thing that matters. I think if you look at that future warfighting ecosystem, it’s really about the effects you can deliver with that Navy from a widely dispersed, disaggregated force integrated with all of the other forces of our joint force, whether it’s cyber, space, Air Force, Army, Marines. You can definitely envision a different type of warfighting environment where all of those effects are layered together, and that is really how we’re going to beat any adversary.

    So, to me, it’s both. We need to focus on getting the fleet that we need with the capabilities we need, but we also need to understand how we’re going to better integrate them with the joint force and alongside our allies and partners. And really, how do we build that interoperability from the ground up with allies and partners through both weapons systems but also exercises, and make sure that we can really plug and play, plug and fight any time that we need to be able to do that?

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK. Thank you.

    Let’s talk some current ops and maybe tie it back to the plan a bit. The Navy’s been extremely busy in the Red Sea and other parts of the Middle East over the last year. You know, I think a lot of us are tracking ship movements and things like that on a level that, you know, is not always common. What is the service learning as a result as seemingly almost daily sailors are knocking, you know, munitions out of the sky? And how long do you think the service can keep this up? It seems to me that there would be concern as this stretches on on magazine depth and also on just, you know, as you’re trying to pivot elsewhere this seemingly doesn’t go away.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, first, I couldn’t be more proud of our Navy and Marine Corps team that’s out there. As I said earlier, you know, from day one we’ve been there to deter further escalation. And you know, I’m very proud of all of our ships—working alongside allies and partners, I would add—there in the Red Sea and in the—in the Indian Ocean to really uphold that rules-based international order.

    I think we’re learning a lot by being in the Red Sea. First, the value of allies and partners. And again, all of these exercises and training that we do all around the world, that’s enabled us to work together to get after this challenge.

    I would say a few other things. First, that our sailors are confident in their weapons system. And that’s really a testament to the development of these weapons systems over the last many years, but also to the training, the certification, all of the work we do to get our sailors, our ships, our aircraft, everything ready to go before they head into harm’s way. And our systems have performed as designed. So, again, it’s a real testament to the designers, the engineers, and now our people who are able to employ them effectively.

    I think the other thing that we’re learning is that we’ve been able to observe all of the different engagements, everything that the Houthis have used, all of their Iranian-supplied weapons systems, and we’ve been able to look at their tactics that they’re using. We’ve been able to use data and extract that information from our weapons systems, bring that back here to the US in a matter of hours. And getting that to our engineers; to our warfighting development centers where they develop tactics, techniques, and procedures; this has been really a gamechangers because then all the experts can work together, understand what’s going on. As tactics evolve, then we can introduce different tactics, adjustments to radars, whatever it is we need to do to be able to get after that.

    I’ll just give a small example. When I was out visiting one of our ships, I got to promote a fire controlman second class to first class. And he was a technician who worked with a gun weapons system, and he had an idea about how he could make the gun more effective against Houthi threats. And he wrote up his idea, he sent it back to the technical authorities, they validated it, and they put it out the rest of the fleet because it was a better way to use the gun and more effective. And so we got to put technology into the hands of a warfighter; we got him to think about how to think, act, and operate differently; and he was really a pioneer in innovating there on the battlefield.

    I always like to say in Ukraine they innovate on the battlefield every single day. They take what they have and they use it differently. We need to be able to do the same. So I think that’s another lesson that we’ve learned there.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: And to your last point about, you know, are we concerned about our sustainability to be there, of course, our job is to be there, and that is what we train our people to do. So I’m very proud to be able to do that mission. And we’re continuing to work, again, to invest in the munitions as I talk about the foundation—munitions, bases, infrastructure—all those things we need to generate and sustain the force, committed to getting after that.

    DAN LAMOTHE: All right.

    And I think we have just time for one more question. We’ve seen the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group extended. We’ve seen the Marine Expeditionary Unit extended along with the ARG. As we see this extend, you know, it occurs to me we don’t necessarily have a follow-on ARG new behind it. To what degree are you concerned about being able to sustain the tempo out there?

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, as you know, we train, deploy, and certify all of our forces to be able to meet the requirements that are set forth, you know, by the secretary. We’re a globally deployed force, and I think that’s one of the greatest things about the flexibility of our Navy. We can generate the forces, we can send them where they need to go, and allow the secretary to be able to move them between the different theaters to get after the missions that we have. So I’m confident in our ability to do that.

    I am very focused on readiness for all of our ships. You know, when you think about in the big picture what are my priorities, first, Columbia, our number-one acquisition priority. But after that, readiness, capability, and then capacity. I’m really focused on readiness and getting after all of these maintenance challenges that have caused some of the delays in the past, whether it’s in our amphibious force or in any one of our platforms. So, again, that’s how we’re going to get after this. And that’s why that’s a key part of our Navigation Plan.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK. Thank you all for your time today. I’d ask you to remain seated so that the admiral can depart for another meeting.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Thank you very much.

    DAN LAMOTHE: All right.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Thank you.

    DAN LAMOTHE: Thank you.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Oh, thanks. That was fun.

    DAN LAMOTHE: Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Andrews — 37-year-old man dies following two-vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 37-year-old man from St. Andrews, N.B., has died following a two-vehicle collision in St-Andrews, N.B.

    On September 12, 2024, at approximately 1:52 p.m., members of the St. Andrews RCMP responded to a report of a collision between a motorcycle and a recreational vehicle (RV) at the corner of Mowat Drive and Cornelia Street, in St. Andrews.

    The collision is believed to have occurred when the motorcycle, traveling at high speed, failed to stop and ran into the back of the RV.

    The driver and sole occupant of the motorcycle was transported to hospital with what were believed to be life-threatening injuries. The driver and passenger of the RV were uninjured.

    On October 12, 2024, the driver of the motorcycle died as a result of his injuries.

    Members of Ambulance New Brunswick attended the scene. The New Brunswick Department of Public Safety is assisting with the investigation.

    Investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Independent Review Panel Report of the July 13, 2024 Assassination Attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Statement from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Independent Review Panel Report of the July 13, 2024 Assassination Attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania

    ASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement on the Independent Review Panel report released today regarding the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt against former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    “We are grateful to the members of the bipartisan Independent Review Panel and their staff for their in-depth examination of the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt on the former President and the loss of life and casualties suffered.  The members of the Independent Review Panel are highly accomplished individuals with extensive security and law enforcement backgrounds, and the U.S. Secret Service’s protection mission will benefit greatly from their recommendations.

    “I have reviewed the Independent Review Panel’s report and have met with the Panel members. We will fully consider the Panel’s recommendations and are taking the actions needed to advance the Secret Service’s protection mission.  These actions will be responsive not only to the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt, but, importantly, to what the Independent Review Panel describes as systemic and foundational issues that underlie those failures.  I commend Acting Director Rowe for his leadership and for proactively undertaking security enhancements, including those informed by the Secret Service’s internal Mission Assurance Review.

    “I have the utmost confidence in the men and women of the United States Secret Service.  We are operating in a heightened and dynamic threat environment, and it is their talent, unwavering dedication, and tireless service that ensures the safety and security of their protectees and our nation.”

    Following the events of July 13 President Joe Biden directed DHS to conduct an independent security review. On July 21, 2024 Secretary Mayorkas named a bipartisan panel with extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review. The independent review panel of experts from outside of government was comprised of former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano; the Hon. Mark Filip, a former federal judge and Deputy Attorney General to President George W. Bush; Ms. Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush; and Chief David Mitchell, the former superintendent of Maryland State Police and former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterville-Carleton  — 40-year-old man dies following single-vehicle crash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 40-year-old man from Jacksontown, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle crash in Waterville-Carleton, N.B.

    On October 12, 2024, at approximately 7:50 a.m., members of the Western Valley Region RCMP, Ambulance New Brunswick and the Hartland Fire Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Route 590 in Waterville-Carleton.

    The crash is believed to have occurred when the vehicle left the road, went down a large embankment and came to a stop in a brook. The 40-year-old man and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist and a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office is also assisting with the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the driver’s exact cause of death.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: DoDEA Americas High Schools Named to College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, Again

    Source: United States Navy

    The AP School Honor Roll celebrates schools that prioritize AP programs, offering students the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework, accelerate graduation timelines, and cultivate a culture of academic rigor. Research consistently shows that students who participate in AP courses are more likely to enroll in college and earn their degrees on time.

    “I am incredibly proud of all our high schools’ efforts to promote participation in and success with our students taking AP courses,” said Dr. Judith Minor, Director for Student Excellence, DoDEA Americas. “It’s an outstanding achievement to have our high schools recognized on the AP School Honor Roll. Offering AP coursework prepares our military-connected students for success in higher education and provides a significant financial benefit to families by offering college credit opportunities.”

    AP courses are designed to challenge students academically while providing clear expectations, encouraging critical analysis of evidence, and researching diverse perspectives—qualities particularly vital for military-connected students. As many military families experience frequent relocations, access to rigorous AP courses ensures students maintain consistent academic standards across schools, fostering continuity in their education. The ability to earn college credit through AP courses also provides a significant financial advantage to military families, who often face unique financial challenges due to frequent moves and other service-related demands.

    AP courses, as part of DoDEA curriculum offerings, emphasize open-mindedness and intellectual growth by grounding lessons in primary sources and encouraging students to form their own conclusions. Teachers are regarded as experts in their fields, and the content reflects the high academic standards recognized by colleges and universities.

    The following DoDEA Americas high schools were recognized for their dedication to promoting a college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and enhancing college readiness:

    Platinum Status:
    Ramey Unit School
    Gold Status:
    Fort Knox High School
    Silver Status:
    Lejeune High School
    Quantico Middle High School
    Bronze Status:
    Antilles High School
    Fort Campbell High School

    WT Sampson received Platinum in two of the three categories this year. However, due to the small size of the Senior Class, the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba based school did not meet the population percentage requirements for placement on the 2023-24 Honor Roll but did receive a gold medal on the 2022-23 Honor Roll.

    The achievements of DoDEA Americas high schools on the annual AP School Honor Rolls underscore their unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education to military-connected students. The College Board’s recognition highlights DoDEA schools’ dedication to academic excellence and preparing students for success in college and beyond.

    DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 160 accredited schools in 8 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts, located on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 75 Years Combined in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, beginning in approximately October of 2022, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), along with Investigators with the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force (JDTF) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Fayetteville Division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified Charles Grinder as a leader of this local group.  Grinder was further identified as an incarcerated, gang member who was a source of supply for methamphetamine into the Western District of Arkansas.

    Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:

    Charles Grinder:  age 44, McAlester, Oklahoma – Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine – 420 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.

    Chelsea Dray:  age 30, Bentonville, Arkansas – Distribution of Methamphetamine– 96 months months and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Paige Johnson: age 33, Claremore, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 87 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    James Johnson: age 40, Wagoner, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 188 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Destiny McGinnnis: age 29, Stillwater, Oklahoma – Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine – 46 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.

    Christopher Outlaw: age 39, Tulsa, Oklahoma – Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine – 72 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Fayetteville Resident Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Briana Robbins and Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ http://www.pacer.gov

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Meeting with Armenia’s Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Edvard Asryan

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff


    Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs

    October 17, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., met with Armenia’s Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Edvard Asryan yesterday at the Pentagon.

    Gen. Brown thanked Lt. Gen. Asryan for Armenia’s productive military-to-military cooperation with the U.S and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the defense relationship. Additionally, the military leaders discussed Armenia’s military modernization initiatives, and Gen. Brown offered to support these efforts through the State Partnership Program and additional training opportunities. Finally, the Chairman expressed concern about Russia’s malign influence in the region and the need to counter these activities.

    The U.S. remains committed to fostering regional stability and a lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

    For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
    Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
    Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
    LinkedIn and Flickr.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Providence, RI — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, reflecting our steadfast commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and promoting justice for all those affected by domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

    Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as an important opportunity to shed light on the profound impacts that domestic violence has on victims, families, and communities, and to emphasize the importance of collective action. Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by intimate partner violence, and far too many families endure the tragic consequences of domestic abuse. This Office is committed to ensuring that survivors are heard and perpetrators are held accountable and to strengthening partnerships with communities to prevent domestic violence.

    This year marks a particularly significant commemoration of efforts to combat domestic violence because it is also the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. In 1994, the passage of this landmark, bipartisan legislation transformed the way our nation addresses domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by increasing protections for survivors, providing critical federal resources to support a coordinated community response to these crimes, and awarding grants at the local, state, territory, Tribal, and national levels.

    “Domestic and intimate partner violence is insidious, and it takes a devastating toll on our communities, transforming homes that should be places of refuge into scenes of abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.  “I am determined to expand our efforts to use federal law enforcement tools to seek justice for the victims of these crimes, and hold the perpetrators accountable – the survivors of domestic violence deserve no less.”

    This year, on September 18th, 2024, the office announced the launch of a DOJ initiative with local law enforcement partners to reduce domestic incidents in Rhode Island cities of Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls. The initiative was a provision for each district to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecution of domestic violence offenders prohibited from owning firearms.

    Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can have long-lasting impacts and consequences, and survivors in underserved communities are disproportionately impacted due to the lack of resources or barriers to accessing services. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.

    We also encourage everyone to learn more about domestic violence and take steps to support friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who may be affected. By understanding the signs of abuse, providing a safe space for survivors, and connecting them to available resources, we can all play a role in creating safer communities.

    Victims of domestic violence deserve safety, dignity, and justice. We are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws, collaborating with local law enforcement and prosecutors to identify domestic violence offenders who violate federal firearms prohibitions, and ensuring survivors have access to the resources they need for safety and healing. Together, we can bring hope to those in need and build a future free from domestic violence. For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month or to access resources, please visit https://ricadv.org/

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Caribbean Minister meets Prime Minister Philip Davis KC in The Bahamas as the two countries strengthen trade ties

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Baroness Chapman signs new trade deals between the UK and The Bahamas

    • Baroness Chapman to visit The Bahamas as part of her first visit to the Western Caribbean
    • Minister meeting with Prime Minister Philip Davis KC to formally sign series of UK-Bahamas trade deals
    • UK-Bahamas trade relationship worth $5bn per year

    The UK Minister for the Caribbean, Baroness Chapman is in The Bahamas today.

    While in Nassau, the Minister met Prime Minister Philip Davis KC to discuss formally our bilateral partnership, and our shared priority of growing our economies, empowering our young people, and fighting the climate and nature crises.

    The Minister and Prime Minister announced a series of new trade deals between the UK and The Bahamas, that will see UK businesses including Manchester Airport Group and Amey PLC awarded contracts for work to operator Freeport Airport, and rebuild Glass Window Bridge.  

    In a demonstration of the growing UK-Bahamas trade relationship, Baroness Chapman was also able to announce that Amey PLC, the firm behind construction of the M1 and the rebuilding of Liverpool Lime Street, will be making Nassau the home of its first ever office in the Americas.

    The firm will hire and train Bahamian engineers and project managers, and connect Bahamian companies with British expertise to win contracts across the Caribbean and USA. 

    The current trade relationship between the UK and The Bahamas amounts to $5bn a year, making the UK one of The Bahamas’ most significant trade partners.

    UK Caribbean Minister, Baroness Chapman said:

    The UK-Bahamas relationship is going from strength to strength.  

    The deals I am announcing alongside the Right Honourable Philip Davis here this week will see British businesses deliver essential infrastructure projects for The Bahamas, and invest directly in The Bahamas.

    They are a further illustration of our growing partnership, as we continue work to deliver growth and prosperity for the people of both our nations.

    I look forward to continuing to deepen our ties from trade to climate during my time in The Bahamas.

    During her visit, Baroness Chapman also met Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, Glenys Hanna-Martin, where she formally handed over 10,000 pages of historic documents pertaining to Bahamian Independence, that have been stored in the National Archives in the UK.  

    The documents have also been digitised and will be made available by The Bahamas’ National Archive, which will increase access and public understanding of the process undertaken to achieve independence by students both in The Bahamas and the UK.  

    Following a visit to a coral reef to see the work local NGOs are doing to preserve an important ecological area, the Minister toured the University of The Bahamas, where she took part in a roundtable alongside environmental science students, academics and NGOs focused on the impact of climate change on The Bahamas.

    Finally, the Minister visited the Forensics department of The Royal Bahamas Police Force and met two senior female officers who were recipients of the UK Chevening scholarship, and who received formal UK forensics training.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houston man guilty in $160M Medicare fraud scheme

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Department of Justice
    U.S. Attorney’s Office
    Southern District of Texas

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Tuesday, October 15, 2024

    HOUSTON – A 59-year-old Houston man has been convicted of all 15 counts as charged for heading a massive Medicare fraud scheme involving the fraudulent billing of expensive topical creams, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.  

    The jury deliberated for less than five hours before convicting Mohamad Mokbel following a 10-day trial. 

    From 2014 through 2021, Mohamad Mokbel led a company called 4M Pharmaceuticals which operated 14 pharmacies with straw owners. The jury heard evidence that Mokbel illegally purchased thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, including their identification number, personal health and physician information. Mokbel targeted elderly diabetic patients who are dependent on diabetic testing supplies to manage their blood sugar levels. Mokbel paid $16 to $40 per Medicare beneficiary.  

    To maximize reimbursements and without regard for medical necessity, Mokbel then directed 4M employees to use the Medicare beneficiaries’ patient data to run insurance claims to determine if Medicare or other insurance plans would cover and reimburse at a high rate for the topical creams, Omega-3 pills and other medications that Mokbel intended to sell through 4M pharmacies.

    At Mokbel’s direction, 4M employees would then fax pre-filled prescription requests to the patients’ doctors appearing to be for diabetic testing supplies with topical creams added at the bottom. They also included false representations that the patient was requesting a 4M Pharmacy fill their medications. In reality, Mokbel had previously purchased the patient’s personal information, the patient had not selected a 4M Pharmacy and the patient was often unaware the request was being made on their behalf. 

    Many doctors apparently took the representations in the fax at face value and did sign and send back the prefilled prescription requests to 4M. Mokbel’s call center in Houston and later in Egypt then contacted the patients and made false and misleading statements about the topical cream and their doctor’s order. Mokbel’s pharmacies then shipped out numerous topical creams, often on auto-refill, and excessively billed Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans. 

    Mokbel made over $200 million as a result of the scheme. 

    From 2015 through 2020, Mokbel also corruptly gave a series of bribe payments, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and totaling over $188,000 an employee of a pharmacy benefits manager – OptumRx – in exchange for favorable treatment for 4M pharmacies. They were credentialed and recredentialed with OptumRx which allowed them to enter into retail network agreements with OptumRx, participate in the Medicare Part D program and submit claims for prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries. Mokbel also received information and advice about responding to audits and preventing and/or delaying OptumRX termination of many 4M pharmacies.

    U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal accepted the verdict and set sentencing for Jan. 7, 2025. At that time, Mokbel faces up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and health care fraud, 10 years for each of five counts of health care fraud, each of six counts of money laundering and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds as well as five years for

    conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiracy to commit bribery. He could also be ordered to pay up to a total of $4 million in fines and possible restitution in excess of $160 million.      

    Previously released on bond, Mokbel was taken into custody pending sentencing.

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration and the Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Leigh Olson and Adam Laurence Goldman are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Zero Trust in Cyber Defense

    Source: United States Navy

    Each unique IT system and network we use assists us in executing our mission, but also provides our adversaries with new potential attack vectors in cyber space. This reduced attack surface can be further hardened by implementing Zero Trust design principles. Zero Trust helps us both to harden our networks to external threats and implement protections that prevent lateral movement when an adversary gains access, and in doing so can minimize the impacts of those attacks.

    Each of your actions on the network or internet impacts the Navy’s cyber posture, from the systems you use, to the networks on which you operate, to the websites you visit. Each of these activities defines the attack surface that you create. Each window on the internet that you leave open represents a potential opening into the Navy’s and DoD’s information eco-system.

    Criminals and adversaries use these windows to steal your identity and your online persona that permits them to traverse your online universe. This new attack construct is referred to as “living off the land”. Criminals and adversary steal credentials to authenticate their presence on our networks as an authorized user, making it extremely difficult to recognize an intruder on the network or in the system.  Proper use of identity management is critical to our success as a Navy.

    Recognizing your role in reducing the Navy’s attack surface in cyberspace is critical to the identification of new risk reduction opportunities. To better understand how the Navy is building a modern Enterprise Information Ecosystem, and how you can contribute in that effort, the Navy Blueprint for a Modern Enterprise Information Ecosystem, published in 2023, outlines the Navy’s vision for the future of Navy Enterprise IT, to include network modernization, enterprise architectures, Zero Trust, and continuous monitoring.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Esgenoôpetitj  — RCMP seeking public’s help following theft of vehicle

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Neguac RCMP is seeking the public’s help to locate a stolen vehicle from Esgenoôpetitj, N-B.

    The theft is believed to have occurred at approximately 7: 45 a.m. on October 11, 2024, at a business on Peters Road in Esgenoôpetitj.

    The vehicle is described as a black 2022 Mazda CX30 with New Brunswick licence plate KFC 568 and vehicle identification number 3MVDMBB71NM417612.

    Police are releasing a surveillance footage photo in hopes that someone may recognize the individual or the vehicle. The individual is described as a man, with a small build, wearing a black and red hoodie, blue jeans and black boots.

    Anyone who has seen the car since October 11, or who has information that could help further the investigation, is asked to contact the Neguac RCMP at 506-776-3000. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Visit By the Indian Enquiry Committee to the United States of America

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    An Indian Enquiry Committee that was established to investigate activities of certain organized criminals is actively investigating the individual who was identified last year in the Department of Justice’s indictment as an Indian government employee who directed a foiled plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City. The Enquiry Committee will be traveling to Washington, D.C. on October 15th, as part of their ongoing investigations to discuss the case, including information they have obtained, and to receive an update from U.S. authorities regarding the U.S. case that is proceeding. Additionally, India has informed the United States they are continuing their efforts to investigate other linkages of the former government employee and will determine follow up steps, as necessary.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Constitution to Get Underway in Commemoration of 227th Birthday

    Source: United States Navy

    Following the underway, the ship will remain closed to the public.

    USS Constitution will sail through Boston Harbor, commemorating her launch on October 21, 1797.

    As part of the celebration, a 21-gun salute will be fired near Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m. The ship will also fire a 17-gun salute as she passes U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, the historic site of Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard, where Constitution was originally built.

    The event can be viewed from the Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

    USS Constitution is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State, played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, defending American sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: DoDEA Educators Embrace the Power of Thinking Classrooms

    Source: United States Navy

    The course drew teachers from multiple disciplines, each eager to explore innovative ways of encouraging students to think more deeply and independently. Through a combination of book study and live discussions, participants analyzed Liljedahl’s 14 strategies, which emphasize active student participation, collaboration, and problem-solving.

    Teachers were encouraged to try new classroom strategies and share their experiences throughout the course. This collective learning experience was a powerful tool, with educators sharing their successes and challenges. Key to this transformation was the emphasis on moving from teacher-driven instruction to fostering environments where students take ownership of their learning.

    Educators like Jennifer Castiglione, an 8th-grade teacher from Brewster Middle School, quickly saw the course’s value. “Thank you for a fantastic, collaborative, and educationally-altering class! I cannot wait to hear how others are using these strategies and how the students respond in years to come!” she remarked.

    Krista Husman and Christina Nevitt, Quantico Middle High School co-teachers, echoed this sentiment. “This class has taught us invaluable strategies to promote thinking in our classrooms. Week by week, dissecting each chapter allowed us to implement the strategies, provide feedback, and learn how to start our classroom off on the right foot for the new year.”

    One hallmark of the Building Thinking Classrooms approach is Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS)—tools such as whiteboards, windows, or any writable surface that students can use to work through problems visually. These strategies encourage standing and active participation and have proven highly effective in getting students to think more deeply and collaborate in real-time.

    Students have also been quick to embrace these changes. A 6th grader from Shughart Middle School at Fort Liberty, Brooklyn Decker, noted the benefit of using VNPS: “Working on the vertical boards is easier because you can see the work and can help each other.” Her classmate, Jeremiah Spillman, agreed, “It is a lot better than working by yourself because we discuss the work and find solutions to difficult problems.”

    For example, at Ft. Knox Middle High School, students in Julie Brubaker’s class engaged in problem-solving using VNPS, leading to more dynamic and spontaneous collaboration. Similarly, Paul McDonald’s students at Dahlgren Unit School used classroom windows as creative VNPS, fostering excitement and critical thinking.

    The success of this course underscores a broader trend within DoDEA toward student-centered learning. Susan Fitzpatrick, Special Education Assistant Principal at Lucas Elementary, marveled at how quickly the strategies took hold. “During the course when my heart said, ‘No way this will work, but I’m going to try it,’ and it did work, extraordinarily well.”

    Kimberly Sandy, a teacher at Heroes Elementary School, Camp Lejeune, shared that her students were so engaged with the VNPS strategies that they “want to continuously use them in random groups” for various thinking activities.

    With such enthusiastic feedback, the Americas Secondary Math ISS Team is committed to offering more opportunities for educators to continue learning about and implementing these strategies. “The 14 practices have invigorated learning in my classroom!” Sandy said.

    As educators across the DoDEA system continue to embrace this approach, the ripple effect on students is expected to grow. “We are challenging learning as we move through ‘The Learning Pit,’” said Dannette Jackson from Bitz Intermediate School. “Truly building great thinkers. This course brings back the power of students learning as they lead.”

    With more teachers eager to take Building Thinking Classrooms Part 2 and further embed these practices in their classrooms, the future looks bright for student-driven learning within DoDEA. The power of collaborative, reflective learning has opened new doors, allowing educators and students to think more, think longer, and think together.

    DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 160 accredited schools in 8 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts, located on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Firefighters Host Joint Water Rescue Training Event

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Torii Station firefighters stationed at Naha Military Port conducted a joint water rescue training exercise alongside the Naha City Fire Department and the Japanese Coast Guard on Oct. 10, at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan.

    This marked the first time the three agencies collaborated in such a capacity. The primary goal of the training was to strengthen coordination between the agencies, familiarize the teams with each other’s capabilities, and enhance preparedness for potential large-scale rescue operations.

    “Torii is a small fire department with limited capabilities,” said Matthew B. Spreitzer, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services for USAG Okinawa. “In the case of a medium or large fire/rescue emergency, we would need to rely heavily upon our host national partners for additional resources and equipment during emergencies that reach beyond our capabilities.”

    While Torii Station provides essential emergency services, Spreitzer emphasized that collaboration with Japanese counterparts is critical to ensuring comprehensive protection for the local community.

    Spreitzer noted the importance of working closely with the Naha City Fire Department and the Japanese Coast Guard not only builds trust but also enhances the overall effectiveness of rescue operations.

    “We greatly appreciate the local Japanese emergency responders’ willingness and dedication,” said Spreitzer. “Their support helps our department provide lifesaving emergency capabilities for our Soldiers, civilians, and MLC employees.”

    He also thanked the local partners for their contribution to the success of the USAG Okinawa’s mission.

    “Without our partners, our community would not have the level of protection they all deserve,” he said. “Torii’s mission capability would not be able to be met. We wholeheartedly thank all our local emergency responders for their unwavering support.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Pheasant First Nation — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP responding to robbery with a firearm

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 10, 2024
    Red Pheasant First Nation, Saskatchewan

    News release

    Investigation has determined the 2019 Dodge Ram truck is black in colour.

    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate. We will continue to provide updates when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.

    –30–

    Saskatchewan RCMP responding to robbery with a firearm

    Saskatchewan RCMP are currently responding to a report of a robbery with a firearm on Red Pheasant First Nation. An adult female has been taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening. No other injuries were reported to police.

    Police advise that there are two suspects, a male and a female. They may be armed and are dangerous. The suspects were last seen driving a 2019 Dodge Ram truck, Warlock edition. The truck has the word “O’Brien” or “O’Brian” on the back window and Saskatchewan license plate 716 LWG. We do not have any further description of the suspects at this time.

    Investigators have reason to believe the suspects may be travelling to Saskatoon, but their current whereabouts are unknown. Saskatchewan RCMP continues to investigate.

    We are asking the public to report any suspicious activity or people in the Red Pheasant First Nation and Saskatoon areas to police. If anyone sees the vehicle matching the above description they are asked to contact their local police or police of jurisdiction immediately. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    We will provide an update when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitewood — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP increased police presence in the area of Whitewood, SK

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 10, 2024
    Whitewood, Saskatchewan

    News release

    As a result of continued investigation, officers located and seized a firearm in a vehicle that the suspects abandoned on old Highway #1 east of Whitewood, SK.

    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.

    Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), and Forensic Identification Section are assisting in this investigation.

    Investigators continue to ask the public to report suspicious activity or people in the Whitewood area to police. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    We will continue to provide updates when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    –30–

    Saskatchewan RCMP: Increased police presence in the area of Whitewood, SK

    Saskatchewan RCMP are currently responding to a report of a robbery with a firearm in the area of Whitewood, SK. No injuries have been reported in relation to the robbery.

    Police officers advise that there are two suspects. They may be armed and are considered dangerous. The suspects were last seen driving on the old Highway #1 east of Whitewood, SK. The suspects are now believed to be on foot. One suspect is described as male and may have been wearing a green shirt. We do not have a description of the other suspect at this time. Both suspects are described as having a slim build.

    We are asking the public to report any suspicious activity or people in the Whitewood area to police. Please ensure your vehicle and house doors are locked. Report any suspicious activity to police immediately – call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    There will continue to be an increased police presence in relation to the ongoing investigation. We will provide an update when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Who Concealed Croatian War Crime Charge Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to immigrating to the United States.

    According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989, when, in fact, he fought with the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent resident status and received a green card.

    “Jugoslav Vidic lied about war crimes charged against him in an attempt to escape his past and live in the United States unlawfully,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time in the United States followed by his removal. His sentence demonstrates that human rights violators will not be allowed to hide from their crimes in the United States.”

    “Vidic committed serious human rights violations and was convicted of war crimes in Croatia as a result. Yet, he lied to U.S. immigration officials about his conviction and participation in a violent military force to claim refugee status and obtain a green card — becoming a permanent legal resident of our country — when he was not eligible to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Those who run away from violent crimes they commit elsewhere in the world and then enter our country by brazenly lying about their past will be held to account, as yesterday’s sentence demonstrates. Vidic’s deceitful actions are detestable, and unfairly hurt people in need who legitimately seek refuge to flee real harms in their home countries.”

    “Our communities here in Ohio and across the United States are not safe havens for war criminals to escape accountability in their home countries,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It is my hope that this sentencing provides some measure of solace to the victims’ families with the knowledge that despite the passage of time, the United States will seek justice.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic intentionally circumvented the laws of the United States by lying on his green card application about his war crimes conviction in Croatia,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Vidic who seek to violate U.S. law by fraud of any kind.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic knowingly avoided the truth of his past to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of the United States for over two and a half decades,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “Yesterday’s sentence underscores the work of the FBI and its local, state, federal, and international partners and sends a clear message that people in the United States who take part in war crimes, regardless of when or where they occurred, or by masking their involvement, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”

    Vidic admitted in his plea agreement that he was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic further admitted that he knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.

    Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

    HSI and the FBI are investigating the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

    Members of the public who have information about human rights violators or immigration fraud in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Readout of Navy Leadership’s Meeting with the Governor of Guam (Oct. 16, 2024)

    Source: United States Navy

    Mancinelli and the Governor talked about the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed their commitment to working together on shared goals.

    The Navy Under Secretary thanked the Governor for her strong and consistent support of the U.S. military presence on Guam.

    Governor Guerrero spoke about the need for increased federal investment on Guam, and her desire for additional support on infrastructure, healthcare, and Typhoon Mawar recovery efforts.

    Mancinelli emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with Guam’s local stakeholders and other government agencies. He also discussed the ways in which the Department of Defense will continue to work together with the Governor’s office to understand how the military build-up on Guam can be done in partnership with the on-island community.

    This was the first in-person meeting with the Governor since Mancinelli assumed the position of Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, August 20.

    As the Department of Defense’s Senior Defense Official for Guam, Acting Under Secretary Mancinelli looks forward to working with the Governor of Guam to secure the U.S. homeland, improve the resiliency of Guam, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six More Defendants Plead Guilty in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    ABINGDON, Va. – Six defendants indicted in May 2024 for conspiring to defraud the United States, to commit program fraud, and to commit mail fraud in connection to a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits, pled guilty yesterday in federal court.

    Josef Ludwig Brown, 43, of Tazewell, Virginia; Crystal Samantha Shaw, 39, of Raven, Virginia; Jonathan Scott Webb, 40, of Raven, Virginia; Christopher Kirk Webb, 39, of Raven, Virginia; and Stephanie Amber Barton, 30, of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, all pled guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States in connection with emergency benefits, while Haleigh McKenzie Wolfe, 30, of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, entered a guilty plea to defrauding the United States in connection with emergency benefits.

    According to court documents, between March 2020 and September 2021, these co-defendants conspired with others to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment benefits via the Virginia Employment Commission website while they were incarcerated in jails throughout the Western District of Virginia. Due to their incarceration status, these defendants were ineligible for pandemic unemployment benefits. Brown, one of the lead defendants in this investigation, admitted he solicited other co-conspirators while he was incarcerated to obtain their personal identifying information to provide to Shaw, another lead defendant, for her use in filing fraudulent claims and recertifications for unemployment benefits. In total, among the 17 defendants charged in this conspiracy, the Virginia Employment Commission paid out over $340,000 in fraudulent pandemic relief benefits.

    Earlier this year, Brian Edward Addair, Clinton Michael Altizer, Cara Camille Bailey, Jeramy Blake Farmer, Joseph Frederick Hass, Daniel Wayne Horton, Jessica Dawn Lester, and Terrance Brooks Vilacha pled guilty to related fraud charges.

    United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Brian D. Miller, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares made the announcement.

    As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. The PRAC’s 20-member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending.

    Agencies that assisted with this investigation include the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Niger

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 17 October 2024, 08:02 NZDT
    • Still current at: 17 October 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Do not travel to Niger due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, the presence of armed militants and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4).

    Niger

    Terrorism
    There is a high threat from terrorism in Niger. Terrorist groups are active across Niger, particularly, in the western, northwestern and southeastern parts of the country, Since 2013, there have been a number of retaliatory attacks against the Niger government for its participation in regional interventions in Mali and Nigeria to repel armed rebels.

    The Nigerian-based terrorist group Boko Haram has a strong presence in neighbouring areas of northern Nigeria and has conducted cross-border attacks in Niger, near the Nigerian border, particularly in the Diffa region. State of Emergencies and curfews may be in place in regions of concern. Comply with any instructions issued by local authorities.  

    Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and may be directed at locations known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, as well as security forces and premises associated with the Government of Niger. The security situation across the Sahel continues to deteriorate, and regions previously considered to be less at risk may now be subject to terrorism and related security threats.

    New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times, particularly in public areas. We recommend monitoring media reports and local information sources for possible threats to your safety and security.

    Kidnapping
    There is a high threat of kidnapping against foreigners in Niger, including in the capital Niamey. The risk increases substantially outside Niamey, in the north of the country and in border areas. Terrorist groups active in Niger have been known to specifically target foreigners. In October 2020, a US citizen was kidnapped in the village of Massalata in southern Niger, about 10km from the border with Nigeria. In the past, foreigners have been kidnapped from their vehicles, homes and places of work.

    Violent Crime
    Crime levels in Niger are high, and foreigners are frequently targeted. Muggings are common in Niamey around the Gawaye Hotel, the National Museum, Kennedy Bridge and the Petit Marché, particularly at night. New Zealanders are advised not to walk alone or after dark in these areas. Other common types of crime include home invasions, carjackings assault and theft.

    Armed bandits operate throughout eastern and southern Niger, the border area with Nigeria south of Zinder, and large parts of northern Niger are off-limits to tourists.

    Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in Niamey and  throughout Niger. You should take steps to secure your personal belongings and avoid wearing or displaying valuables such as mobile devices and jewellery or leaving them visible in vehicles.

    Local Travel
    New Zealanders who decide to travel outside Niamey should ensure they put in place appropriate personal security protection measures, and take official warnings seriously. We recommend travelling in convoy of at least two vehicles, with a local guide and only during daylight hours. Attacks have occurred on the Agadez-Arlit, Agedez-Tahoua, and Tillabéry-Niamey roads and within the city of Zinder. You should prepare well in advance and ensure all vehicles are fully equipped with essential supplies, including a satellite phone. 

    We advise against the use of public transport in Niger. There have been incidents of armed robbery resulting in deaths on buses in Niger. Taxis are often under-maintained and dangerous and should be avoided. It is recommended that you hire a private car with a driver. Lock car doors and keep windows shut at all times.

    Local authorities are sensitive about foreigners travelling out of Tahoua to the east or north of Niger. If you travel in the Agadez region without obtaining prior authorisation, you risk arrest or deportation.

    Civil Unrest
    Niger frequently experiences protests and demonstrations, usually near government buildings and university campuses, some of which have turned violent in the past. Mobile phone and internet access may be disrupted during civil unrest.

    Since the military takeover in July 2023, there has been political instability in Niger. New Zealanders in Niger should remain vigilant and monitor the media for further information.

    New Zealanders are advised to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, including curfews, and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

    Landmines
    There is a danger from unexploded landmines in some parts of Niger, including in Niamey and in the northern region of Agadez. We recommend you remain on well-used roads and paths.

    Scams
    Commercial and internet fraud is a common problem in many African countries. New Zealanders in Niger should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams.

    General Travel Advice
    As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Niger, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.

    We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Niger should consider.

    New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Niger to avoid offending local sensitivities.

    Photography of public buildings and military facilities is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

    Medical facilities are limited and of poor quality, including in the capital Niamey. New Zealanders travelling or living in Niger should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

    New Zealanders in Niger are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

     

    Travel tips

    See our regional advice for Africa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Rep. Grijalva Announces $7.4 Million to Assist Pedestrians in Vehicle Accidents)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul M Grijalva (D-AZ)

    Rep. Grijalva Announces $7.4 Million to Assist Pedestrians in Vehicle Accidents

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced the University of Arizona will receive $7,483,382 to analyze and implement the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ‘Physician 1’ Program.The EMS ‘Physician 1’ Program would deploy physician-staffed vehicles, with advanced care equipment, directly to crash sites, allowing for the immediate provision of advanced medical treatments typically unavailable at the scene and integrate it into the Pima County Action Plan.

    “Tucson is among the top cities on the list in terms of pedestrian fatalities from vehicle crashes,” said Rep. Grijalva. “As we work to make our roads safer for all, this funding is vital and will help save lives. I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which made this federal funding possible, and I will continue to support programs like these that offer the best care for anyone who may be involved in an accident.”

    The federal funding is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, specifically the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program which is set to provide $5 billion in grant funding over five years. Funding supports regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.

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