|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ANAers!!! WINGS OF GOLD We hope you are enjoying the latest (Summer) issue of WINGS OF GOLD. Hats off to Zip for another job very well done!! SOUTH-EAST ANA SYMPOSIUM VADM Dunn announced in his last HOWGOZIT the Pensacola ANA Symposium in October; arranged by Deano Fournier, ANA Wing Commander. Stand by for details when they become available. SQUADRON MEMBERSHIP ROSTERS Squadron rosters are a compilation of those ANA members the HQ database shows as being a member of a particular squadron or living in the squadron’s area. We have received a number of requests for rosters and are working to keep up with the demand. They are an excellent tool for squadrons to check/verify their membership rolls – and squadron feedback to HQ helps us do the same. Please let us know if want a copy of your squadron roster – and, please give us feedback as you work it. EMAIL ADDRESSES Thank you for the response to the latest calls for email addresses – our email distribution list grows, all to the betterment of ANA communications. Please pass the word to those who have not sent theirs in - TAILHOOK CONVENTION 6 – 9 SEPT in RENO, NV As previously mentioned here and by VADM Dunn in his recent HOWGOZIT, ANA will have a presence at HOOK, thanks to the generosity of our Shipmates in HOOK. We are still working details. Please let Zip Rausa (goldwings@verizon.net) or me at svwindmills@erols.com know if you will be attending HOOK, so we can plan accordingly. Plans will be promulgated via email, once firmed. Please let us know if you will be at the HOOK Reunion!! AMPLIFICATION(s) Our last HOWGOZIT mentioned our Portland squadron reporting a box lunch bus tour of Redmond Airport. That was our BEND, OR squadron making that report. Moreover, Commanding Officer Jerry Johnson reports, “It was GREAT. Outstanding host / presenter was Carrie Novick, GM of RDM”. Our apologies to our two great Oregon squadrons!! In amplification of previous reports, the SANDGROPERS CO, Gary Sheehan reports they did two detachments cross-country from Perth within the same month - one to Sydney, then 8 days later one to Brisbane. (I wish I was back in WESTPAC – Dutch) Every Member Get A Member!! A number of news article follow -
Best regards, ********** Executive Director and Editor, WINGS OF GOLD = Zip at goldwings@verizon.net **********
www.anahq.org
********** “…to educate and encourage an interest among the general public as to the importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of the United States and its allies….” ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
July 28 airpower summary ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HIGHLIGHTS: · In Afghanistan, A-10s dropped GBU-12s on cave entrance in Bari Kowt. The bombs dropped had good effects on their targets. · A B-1B destroyed a building with GBU-38s in Garmsir. Enemy personnel were firing rockets from the building before it was hit. · In Iraq, an F-16 released a GBU-12 on insurgents firing on Coalition forces from inside a house in Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed the bomb destroyed the target.
IN IRAQ: · Coalition aircraft flew 53 close air support (CAS) missions for OIF providing support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. · 17 USAF and USN Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
IN AFGHANISTAN: · ! ; Coalition aircraft flew 39 CAS missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. · Nine USAF ISR aircr! aft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
CENTCOM SUPPORT: · Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. Approximately 163 airlift sorties were flown.&! nbsp; This included approximately 25,360 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. · On July 27, USAF, RAF and French Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 200 receiving aircraft. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Airpower Summary for July 30: Strike Eagles strike
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Aug. 1 airpower summary: F-15Es provide close-air support
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Aug. 2 airpower summary: Refuelers keep fleet flying
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Aug. 3 airpower summary: Joint ops support coalition forces
A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler refuels from a KC-10 Extender July 18. The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Ferguson)
Release Date: 7/27/2007 7:12:00 PM From the Department of Defense WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm.
Mike Mullen announced the following flag officer assignments: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ from STLtoday.com.
LOCKHEED MARTIN: $2.4
billion parts deal
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Boeing receives $7M Navy order St. Louis Business Journal - 9:40 AM CDT Monday, July 30, 2007 The Boeing Co. was awarded a contract modification worth up to $7.14 million as the U.S. Navy exercised an option for the manufacture, test and delivery of 99 Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS). The Navy's CASS is a high-performance, standardized test environment that is used on aircraft carriers and at other locations to test and maintain Navy aircraft electronics. Under the order, Boeing will deliver 93 of the sets to the U.S. Navy, two to the government of Kuwait, two to the government of Switzerland and two to the government of Canada. Of the total order, under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the government of Kuwait is paying $190,723, the government of Switzerland is paying $190,723 and the government of Canada is paying $155,344. The modification also includes performing Fleet Introductions, supply technical data, and providing engineering, technical and logistics support services for the U.S. Navy OTPS hardware. Work will be completed mostly in St. Louis with the remainder in Fort Walton Beach and Orlando, Fla., and Madrid, Spain. Work is expected to be completed in February 2010. Chicago-based Boeing Co.'s (NYSE: BA) Integrated Defense Systems unit, its largest subsidiary, is based in St. Louis and is the area's second-largest employer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Reports: Iran may buy 250 jets from Russia The English-language Jerusalem Post of Israel reported Monday that top Israeli defense officials are investigating the potential Iran-Russia deal, in which Iran would pay $1 billion for about a dozen squadrons’ worth of Sukhoi Su-30 “Flanker” fighter-bombers. As a part of the deal, Iran would also buy aerial tanker planes that could extend the fighters’ range. Russia has already supplied Iran with modern surface-to-air missile defense systems, intended to protect nuclear facilities from potential Israeli or American airstrikes. Russian officials have defended those sales, saying they are within their rights to sell any nation weapons for its self-defense. The Jerusalem Post report appeared two days after the American press reported that President Bush wants to ramp up American arms sales to several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in a deal that could be worth as much as $20 billion, in the hopes of limiting the expansion of Iranian influence in the Middle East. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman decried the Americans weapons deal Monday on a state-sponsored Web site. “What the Persian Gulf region needs is stability and security,” said Mohammad-Ali Hosseini. “Americans have been trying to disturb it by selling weapons to the region.” The two-seat Su-30 is a popular Russian export fighter. Models are already in service with the Chinese, Indian and other militaries, and there are variants deigned for naval aviation. The fighter can carry a maximum weapons payload of more than 17,000 pounds, according to Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft, and has a range, on internal fuel, of about 1,620 nautical miles, but that can be extended to 2,805 nautical miles with one midair refuel. The Su-30’s listed performance capabilities are comparable to or better than the three primary American fighters deployed to Iraq: the Navy’s carrier-based F/A-18 Hornet and the Air Force’s F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. If it acquired the Flankers, Iran would enjoy a quantum leap forward in its air power capability. Iran has invested much of its resources in surface-to-air missile defenses, but its fighter fleet now consists of decades-old American exported F-14 Tomcats and F-4 Phantoms, and an unknown hodgepodge of 1970s-era Russian fighters, including Su-25 “Frogfoots,” and newer models, including the MiG-27 “Flogger.” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pentagon Awards F-35 Contract
BY: Bob Cox, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas) The funds, appropriated by Congress in the 2007 defense budget, allow Lockheed and other contractors to purchase "long lead time" materials and components required to produce six F-35A models for the Air Force and six F-35B short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing models for the Marines. Congress would have to appropriate a similar amount of money in the fiscal year 2008 defense budget to complete work on all 12 airplanes, the first of which won't be delivered until 2010. Committees in the House and Senate have indicated a willingness to fund the 12 aircraft, said Tom Burbage, Lockheed executive vice president and F-35 general manager, but that could change before a final budget is approved. The Pentagon asked for funds in the 2007 budget to complete five planes, but Congress approved two. Burbage said that it's important Congress not cut the 2008 budget or the program won't stay on schedule. "Twelve is the number we need." The F-35 contract is one of three big ones the Pentagon issued to local companies. Lockheed also received a $187 million contract to begin work on 30 F-16 jets for Turkey, a previously announced sale. The aircraft will be assembled in Turkey. Bell Helicopter was awarded a $162.3 million contract for 11 H-1 series helicopters for the Marines. The Pentagon recently approved a revised plan adding the fourth low-rate production lot to allow Bell time to resolve production difficulties and cut costs. The Marines plan to buy a 280 helicopters, only a handful of which have been produced and delivered. The helicopters are assembled in Amarillo with major components manufactured at Bell's Fort Worth-area plants. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Two Naval Aviator Flag Officer appointments – IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flag Officer Announcements
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations: Navy Vice Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald for appointment to the grade of admiral and assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and commander, Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy. Fitzgerald is currently serving as director, Navy staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Navy Rear Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as commander, 6th fleet/commander, striking and support forces NATO/deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/commander, joint headquarters, Lisbon, Portugal. Winnefeld is currently serving as director of joint innovation and experimentation, J9, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Suffolk, Va. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Remembering USS
Forrestal -- 40 Years Later By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Wyscaver, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Farrier Firefighting School
Learning Site (FFSLS), part of Naval Station Norfolk, commemorated the
40th anniversary of the devastating events on board aircraft carrier USS
Forrestal (CVA 59) in a ceremony July 27. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ From the Commanding Officer, USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63):
Subject: USS LEXINGTON COMMEMORATIVE PRAYER
The
Prayer TRANSITING THE AREA OF THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA LET US PRAY. ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD, THE MYSTIC BEAUTY OF THE SEA SEEMS TO RISE IN BENEDICTION TO YOU. AS WE PASS OVER THESE HALLOWED WATERS WHERE 65 YEARS AGO, THE USS LEXINGTON WAS LOST IN THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA, IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT WE STOP AND PAUSE FOR A MOMENT TO REMEMBER THE MOMENTOUS SACRIFICE OF OUR ELDER SHIPMATES. FROM THEM, WE LEARN THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF THE WARRIOR SPIRIT: SELF-SACRIFICE, MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT, TENACITY. IN THE DOGGED FIVE-DAY BATTLE THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF WORLD WAR II, SAILORS FROM ACROSS AMERICA AND FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE, BANDED TOGETHER WITH A COMMON FOCUS OF DEFEATING A FORMIDABLE ENEMY. LORD GOD, WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND PERISHED HERE. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THEIR LIVES EVEN AS WE ARE WE ARE INSPIRED BY THEIR MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE TO SERVE IN OUR NATION’S DEFENSE AND TO CARRY ON THESE HIGH IDEALS. WE ASK THAT YOU WILL WALK WITH US TO REMIND US THAT THE TRADITION WE INHERIT DOES NOT BELONG TO US INDIVIDUALLY, BUT IS A SACRED TRUST GIVEN TO US BY THOSE UPON WHOSE SHOULDERS WE STAND. AS TAPS IS PLAYED FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED WHO IN THIS PLACE FOUGHT AND DIED SO MANY YEARS AGO, WE OFFER YOU OUR MOST HUMBLE PRAYER. MAY THEIR SOULS, AND THE SOULS OF ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR FREEDOM’S CAUSE, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD, REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Enterprise Strike Group Arrives in 5th FleetUSS ENTERPRISE, At sea – The USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations today to conduct Maritime Security Operations in regional waters and provide air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Enterprise CSG is part of the ongoing rotation of U.S. warships to the region. Their arrival demonstrates the United States’ resolve to enhance security and support long-term stability in the region. Commanded by Rear Adm. Daniel Holloway, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 12, Enterprise CSG is comprised of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) with its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2; guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) based in Mayport, Fla.; guided-missile destroyers USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Stout (DDG 55) - all based in Norfolk, Va.; fast-attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) based in Groton, Conn.; and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) based in Earle, N.J. “The Sailors and Marines of the Enterprise Strike Group have worked hard and are prepared and ready to support our Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Holloway. “We are committed to demonstrate our nation’s resolve to maintain security and stability to the region,” he said. The squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211; Knighthawks” of VFA-136; “Sidewinders” of VFA-86; “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251; “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11; “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; “Screwtops” of VAW-123; “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. Maritime Security Operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials. U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, is responsible for an area encompassing approximately 2.5 million square miles of water including the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Women Military Aviators will celebrate 65 years of women in military aviation with their "Soaring Beyond Boundaries" conference at the Embassy Suites DFW South in Irving TX, 4 - 8 October 2007. Keynote Speaker is VADM Vivien S. Crea, Vice Commandant, US Coast Guard. Contact Lt Col Peggy Carnahan at 417-838-4002, PegCarnahan@cs.com. For more information, go to www.womenmilitaryaviators.org
Women Military Aviators, Inc.
“Soaring Beyond Boundaries” During World War II, a select group of young women pilots became pioneers, heroes and role models. They were the Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft. Each generation of women aviators takes of the mantel forged by the WASP and leaves behind their own legacy that should be honored, shared and passed to the next generation. The Women Military Aviators (WMA) Inc. joined by the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) will be celebrating 65 years of women in military aviation at their biennial conference, “Soaring Beyond Boundaries” at the Embassy Suites DFW Airport South in Irving TX on October 4-7, 2007. Registration deadline is September 1, 2007. VADM Vivien S. Crea, Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard and one of the service’s first women pilots, will be the banquet speaker. WMA is a non-profit organization, established to promote and preserve for historical, educational and literary purposes the role of women pilots, navigators, and aircrew members in the service of their country during times of war and peace. It offers networking, scholarships, biennial conferences, and links to additional information on women aviators. Membership is open to all female aviators and flight crew members from all services and nations as well as individuals who support women in military aviation. Contact Lt Col Peggy Carnahan, USAF (ret) at 417-859-6979 and PegCarnahan@cs.com for details. Additional information is available via the WMA website www.womenmilitaryaviators.org.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UPDATE 1-Northrop gets $636 mln unmanned aircraft contractWed Aug 1, 2007 9:06PM EDT WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) beat out Boeing Co (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) to win a $636 million U.S. Navy contract to develop an unmanned combat plane that can operate from aircraft carriers, the Pentagon said on Wednesday. The Unmanned Combat Air System CV Demonstration Program calls for the development of a stealthy, strike fighter-sized aircraft, according to the company's Web site. The Navy said the contract was expected to be completed in September 2013. Navy acquisition chief Delores Etter called the award "a significant milestone towards understanding and mastering autonomous and low-observable flight in the maritime environment." Under the contract, Northrop, which already builds the high-altitude Global Hawk unmanned surveillance plane, will develop a new unmanned plane that will operate from aircraft carriers, using catapult takeoffs and arrested landings. It will not carry weapons. Both Northrop and Boeing worked on an earlier unmanned combat plane, but the Pentagon decided not to continue that program. Navy officials said the contract was aimed at developing and demonstrating the technology needed to build a radar-evading, unmanned plane for use aboard aircraft carriers, but the planes would not be used as an operational system. Under the terms of the contract, Northrop will build two unmanned planes, two mission control segments and a support system. Flight testing is due to begin in late 2009. (Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky and Andrea Shalal-Esa) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Status of the Navy 2 AUG 07 Navy Personnel Active Duty: 340,400
Officers: 52,416 Enlisted: 283,518 Midshipmen: 4,466 Ready Reserve: 127,971 [As of 18 June] Selected Reserves: 69,018 Individual Ready Reserve: 58,953 Reserves currently mobilized: 5,256 [As of 01 Aug] Personnel on deployment: 63,809 Navy Department Civilian Employees: 176,938
Ships and Submarines Deployable Battle Force Ships: 278 Ships Underway (away from homeport): 145 ships (52% of total) On deployment: 113 ships (41% of total) Attack submarines underway (away from homeport): 27 submarines (50%) On deployment: 14 submarines (25%) Ships Underway Carriers:
Amphibious Warfare Ships:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ July 27, 2007"Rescue Dawn": Movie of the YearEvery American needs to see "Rescue Dawn," in theaters nationwide today. If it's the only film you see this year, you've done yourself a great service. It is the best movie of the year. The silver screen story of Dieter Dengler--a Navy pilot shot down over Laos and imprisoned in a Viet Cong-allied Pathet Lao POW camp--is not only a great movie. It is patriotic, heroic, inspiring, and a primal adventure. It is the story of incredible survival against all odds, and the story of a man who refused to denounce his adopted country, the United States of America, risking his life in the process. And it is the story of camaraderie of America's fighting men who stick together as far as they can to fight and escape the enemy, even at the height of their suffering at their hands.
Christian Bale is Dieter Dengler in "Rescue Dawn" On February 1 1966, Dengler--masterfully played by Christian Bale--was flying a classified mission over Laos, when his plane was shot down and he was soon taken to the Vietcong camp. There he endured five months of physical and mental torture, starvation, and attempts to get him to denounce America. But Dengler refused to attack his adopted country. And that's the back story, which the movie alludes to but could have given more of (and that's the one flaw of this film). At the age of 18, the German Dengler emigrated to America to recognize his dream of flying. He lived on the streets of New York as a homeless man for a week, until he could get to a recruitment office and sign up with the U.S. military and learn to fly. In the movie, shortly after his plane goes down and he is captured, tortured, beaten, and degraded. Removed from the shackles, a Viet Cong official asks Dengler to sign a document denouncing America, which will buy him freedom. He refuses. "I love America. America gave me wings. I will not sign it. Absolutely not." Here and throughout, we see what true love for America really is. Dengler soon finds himself in a camp with a few others, Americans--one of whom looks, sounds, and acts jarringly like Charles Manson (and the actor, Jeremy Davies, actually played him in the TV movie, "Helter Skelter")--and Asians who were allied with America. They are beaten, fed nothing but maggots and worms, and shackled by their ankles under heavy iron and wood bars at night. Unlike other war films, this movie shows us reality: We see the pure evil and sheer joy in the eyes of the violent Viet Cong/Pathet Lao captors, who enjoy torturing Americans for sport and get their jollies out of watching American soldiers suffer. That's a view we get little of in the media, today. And sadly, we got little of it then, during the Vietnam War, also. Perhaps if we did, America would have felt differently and not lost the war, protesting on the streets and on the nightly news with Walter Cronkite. That Dengler managed to survive almost half a year in a camp where many of his colleagues died, was a feat itself. But then, staged a daring and successful escape and then managed to survive the brutal Laotian jungle (extremely hot, lacking water, and full of poisonous snakes). Dengler is said to be the only American ever to escape a POW camp in the Laotian jungle. In the movie as in his real-life story, Dengler yearns to be free and chose to risk death rather than be enslaved and face certain death. He plans his escape with the other prisoners for--what other day is there for an American patriot?--Independence Day, July 4th. But soon, the inmates learn that they are to be executed. So, their escape must come a day early. Dengler, who trained as a locksmith in Germany, has fashioned a nail into a makeshift skeleton key. He uses it to pick the locks of their shackles, and he soon finds himself shooting his way out of the camp.
Dieter Dengler Upon His Escape from Laos; As a Pilot and Later
Dieter Dengler's Grave at Arlington National Cemetery And "Rescue Dawn" is the story of loyalty and brotherhood among American soldiers against the enemy. Although it is every man for himself in the brutal Laotian jungle, Dengler--ever the loyal American soldier--helps his far weaker fellow POW 1LT Duane Martin (well done by actor Steve Zahn) survive the jungle as long as possible. "I am your true friend," he tells him. "I will never let you down." And he keeps his word. Eventually, after 23 days in the brutal jungle and down to 90 pounds, Dieter Dengler is finally spotted by U.S. helicopters and rescued. But the movie is not about the rescue. It's about surviving--and doing so with dignity and loyalty to country intact. "Rescue Dawn" is less about rescue and more about self-preservation and the true grit, ingenuity, and will of an American patriot to survive. Dengler's story, his desire to risk everything to be free-- just as he risked everything to come to America to learn to fly--is a uniquely American characteristic. And Dengler's patriotism--including in the movie's great ending--is displayed in so many ways, subtle and less so in this movie. Ironically, the movie is brought to us by another emigre, Werner Herzog, who like Dengler has made America his home. Herzog originally made a documentary about his friend, Dengler, "Little Dieter Needs to Fly." Dengler, as a little kid during World War II, saw American and allied planes fly over his home. And he decided, "Little Dieter Needs to Fly." The movie is based on the documentary and on Dengler's book, "Escape from Laos." The movie is beautifully shot, with vivid cinematography and an excellent musical score. You really get the feel for brutal life both in the POW camp and in the deceptively gorgeous but deadly jungle. But shining through it all is Dengler's bravery, resourcefulness, will to survive, and patriotism. First he refused to surrender to man, then he does the same against nature. And yet another immigrant, Christian Bale's, performance in "Rescue Dawn" cannot be overstated. He is Dieter Dengler, losing a ton of weight, doing his own stunts, and even eating the worms to have us believe. And we do. His transformative acting ability is just one reason why he's my favorite actor. Sadly, Dengler is not alive to see "Rescue Dawn." He died in 2001 from ALS at the age of 62. But his legend lives on in the silver screen sensation and in American military history. Dengler was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. While "Rescue Dawn" is very clear in its message, some film critics don't get it. In an early review just before the Fourth of July, USA Today film critic Scott Bowles simply can't understand why American soldiers shot down in an enemy country would have the will to survive a brutal prison or why they'd continue to be loyal to America. While giving a positive review, he found it bizarre that Dengler would love America so much and remain so loyal, calling the movie "military jingoism" and "simple stereotypes." "Jingoism," FYI, is the standard left-wing insult for patriotism. But the lexicon of the left can't take away the real life heroism of Dieter Dengler or hundreds of thousands of patriots risking their lives for our freedom every day. If anything, this movie understates his suffering and heroism. Two decades ago, another "jingoistic" film, "Hanoi Hilton," about American POWs in Vietnam was blackballed from major theaters because the left didn't want you to see the Viet Cong's brutality against American men. But times have changed for the better with "Rescue Dawn" in wide release across America. I'm glad to see a "jingoistic" movie like "Rescue Dawn" reach the big screen--and to such wide critical acclaim. If only all Americans were so afflicted with Dieter Dengler's "jingoism." ********************************************************************************************************* Air Force and Navy Hold Warfighter Talks
BY: TSgt Cohen Young, AFNEWS WASHINGTON, DC. The Air Force’s and Navy’s top uniformed leaders gathered today in Washington for “Warfighter Talks” to discuss ways the two services can improve upon their legacy of cooperation and interdependence as the strategic striking arms for the Nation. General T. Michael Moseley said, “The Air Force and Navy are complementary strategic forces who do things on a global scale for our nation. It’s critical for us to leverage each other’s capabilities to create effects around the globe.” Admiral Michael Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations, said, “We’ll be talking about the thing I care most about – warfighting.” The services’ leaders discussed a variety of topics including command and control of air and maritime forces, future Joint Electronic Attack capabilities, and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance. For each discussion item, leaders from both services focused on common objectives and worked to understand and bridge differences where they existed. Lieutenant General David Deptula, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaisance, summed up the teamwork approach to the conference when he led discussions on the Joint use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). “There is great potential to achieve synergies in development, acquisition, operations, and employment of airborne ISR between Navy and Air Force by taking a joint approach,” he said. “The joint force has an ever increasing requirement to detect, characterize, and prosecute a wide range of targets around the globe and the Navy and Air Force can really leverage each other’s UAS efforts.” Leaders from each service left the conference with an upbeat view of opportunities to partner on joint solutions to meet common challenges. General Moseley summed up the conference by stating, “This forum is another benchmark for how the services can attack common challenges by sitting down together and talking through them. I am very encouraged by the frank conversations we had today, the joint solutions we’ve identified, and the dividends these discussions will pay for national security now and well into the future.” The services conduct these talks on a regular basis. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Maritime Patrol and
Reconnaissance Force Looks to the Future |
