1 March 2012 — Stop NATO News

• 2020 And Beyond: NATO Chief Meets With U.S. Elites In Washington
• Air Force Chief: U.S. Prepared To Bomb Iran
• 500 U.S. Military, Diplomatic Officials Discuss New European Strategy
• U.S. Navy Tests Electromagnetic Railgun Launcher Prototype
• NATO’s Mediterranean Surveillance, Interdiction Operation In Year 12
• Mediterranean Dialogue: NATO Naval Group Ends Algeria Visit
• Syria, Iran Borders: U.S. Begins Joint Air Exercises In Turkey
• Cameroon: U.S. To Lead Military Drills With 35 African, NATO States

2020 And Beyond: NATO Chief Meets With U.S. Elites In Washington

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-BCEB07F8-8CAEA317/natolive/news_84761.htm

North Atlantic Treaty Organization February 29, 2012

NATO Allies gather in Washington to prepare Chicago Summit

-The summit will focus on the Alliance’s commitment to Aghanistan…and strengthening NATO’s unparallelled network of partners across the globe.

The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen met in Washington, DC with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon to discuss a range of issues related to the upcoming Alliance summit scheduled for 20-21 May in Chicago.

The summit will focus on the Alliance’s commitment to Aghanistan through transition and beyond, ensuring the Alliance has the capabilities it needs to defend its population and territory and to deal with the challenges of the 21st century, and strengthening NATO’s unparallelled network of partners across the globe.

In a phone call with the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, the Secretary General encouraged the President to take all necessary steps to ensure violence comes to an end and to protect ISAF personnel from attacks.

President Karzai provided reassurances in that regard. They also discussed preparations for the Chicago summit and the commitment of NATO and member states to an enduring partnership with Afghanistan.

The NATO Secretary General also chaired an informal meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the United States State Department and reviewed preparations for the summit. During the meeting, NATO Allies were briefed by senior officials of the United States. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss policy issues related to the Chicago Summit and beyond with representatives of the host nation. The Secretary General also met with Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with Senator Lindsey Graham from the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-BCEB07F8-8CAEA317/natolive/news_84679.htm

North Atlantic Treaty Organization February 28, 2012

NATO Allies discuss in Washington preparations for upcoming Chicago Summit Permanent representatives of the North Atlantic Council arrived in Washington for consultations on the summit planned for May of this year in Chicago. On Tuesday, 28 February, Allies discussed preparations for the Summit at the annual seminar organized by NATO’s Allied Command Transformation which this year focused on capabilities.

The seminar, which brought together policy-makers with representatives from think-tanks, academia and industry, was opened by the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Stéphane Abrial, the NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Dr Jim Miller, US Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen addressed the opening session of the seminar, noting that the Alliance will need to focus on how to sustain the operations of today and face the security challenges of tomorrow.

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The Secretary General stressed that at the Summit in Chicago Allies will need to commit to long-term goals for the capabilities that the Alliance needs.

“I expect them to back up that vision with concrete projects. So that, in a fast-changing world, we can do better with what we have. And stay lean, but strong. That is our Chicago challenge: to lay the foundations of the NATO of the future – towards 2020 and beyond”, he said.

During the meeting, the Secretary General highlighted that Afghanistan remains NATO’s top operational priority and noted that recent days have been challenging for commanders, for service men and women and for Allies and ISAF partners.

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Air Force Chief: U.S. Prepared To Bomb Iran

http://en.trend.az/regions/world/usa/1998431.html

Agence France-Presse March 1, 2012

US Air Force prepared if diplomacy with Iran fails: general

The United States has powerful bombs at the ready in the case of possible military action against Iran and work is under way to bolster their firepower, the air force chief said Wednesday, AFP reported.

General Norton Schwartz, air force chief of staff, declined to say whether US weapons – including a 30,000-pound massive ordnance penetrator (MOP) bomb – could reach nuclear sites in Iran that were concealed or buried deep underground.

“We have an operational capability and you wouldn’t want to be there when we used it,” said Schwartz, when asked about the MOP bomb.

“Not to say that we can’t continue to make improvements and we are,” he told defense reporters.

Amid speculation that a nuclear site dug into the side of a mountain near Qom is beyond the reach of American weapons, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has acknowledged shortcomings with the giant MOP bomb and said the Pentagon was working to improve the explosive.

“The bottom line is we have a capability but we’re not sitting on our hands, we’ll continue to improve it over time,” Schwartz said.

Asked about recent comments from retired senior officers that some targets in Iran are immune from US air power, Schwartz said: “It goes without saying that strike is about physics. The deeper you go the harder it gets.”

But he added that the US arsenal “is not an inconsequential capability.”

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The general’s carefully calibrated remarks coincided with a visit to Washington this week by Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak, amid renewed speculation of a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program.

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500 U.S. Military, Diplomatic Officials Discuss New European Strategy

http://www.stripes.com/news/us-military-and-diplomatic-officials-discuss-way-ahead-in-europe-1.170235

Stars and Stripes February 29, 2012

US military and diplomatic officials discuss way ahead in Europe By Jennifer H. Svan

-The smaller ground force in Europe is counter-balanced by the planned addition of increased maritime, special forces and missile defense capabilities as part of the new defense strategy… -EUCOM is keen to continue the level of cooperation established with partner countries it worked with in Afghanistan…

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — More than 500 U.S. military representatives and diplomatic officials posted at embassies and government agencies throughout Europe met for a series of conferences here this week to discuss force posture, strategy and the way ahead in light of the Pentagon’s new defense guidance.

U.S. European Command was host for the annual conferences, which, this year for the first time, were scheduled concurrently to save money, EUCOM officials said, since the attendees come from more than 40 of EUCOM’s partner nations and conference participation overlaps.

Achieving “greater efficiencies” and the implications of reduced resources were also important themes for the week, officials said.

The reduced footprint in Europe under the new defense strategy will have the greatest impact on ground forces, with the pending departure of two U.S. Army combat brigades – more than 6,000 soldiers – from Germany.

But that loss is not expected to significantly affect EUCOM’s mission, said Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, EUCOM’s deputy director of plans, policy and strategy.

The smaller ground force in Europe is counter-balanced by the planned addition of increased maritime, special forces and missile defense capabilities as part of the new defense strategy, Montgomery said.

“I think overall our posture will be enhanced by this,” Montgomery said during a conference break Tuesday. EUCOM’s infantry soldiers over the last eight years have been heavily engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.

“As we’re winding down our commitment in Afghanistan, we will have two brigades fully committed to the missions here in Europe,” he said.

Montgomery also said the end of the war in Afghanistan should free EUCOM allies with troops deployed there to do more military-to-military training and partnership building with other European countries, a cornerstone of EUCOM’s mission.

The United Kingdom, for example, has a “10,000-person commitment there,” he said. “As they wind down from Afghanistan … they will develop their own national priorities and plans that we think will contribute to an overall more robust or equally robust capability to train and operate in Europe.”

EUCOM is keen to continue the level of cooperation established with partner countries it worked with in Afghanistan, Montgomery said.

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U.S. Navy Tests Electromagnetic Railgun Launcher Prototype

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65577

U.S. Navy February 28, 2012

With a Bang, Navy Begins Tests on EM Railgun Prototype Launcher By Grace Jean, Office of Naval Research

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The EM Railgun launcher is a long-range weapon that fires projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants. Magnetic fields created by high electrical currents accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails to launch projectiles at 4,500 mph to 5,600 mph.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – Engineers have fired the Navy’s first industry-built electromagnetic railgun (EM Railgun) prototype launcher at a test facility, commencing an evaluation that is an important intermediate step toward a future tactical weapon for ships, officials announced Feb. 28.

The firing at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) kicks off a two-month-long test series by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to evaluate the first of two industry-built launchers. The tests will bring the Navy closer to a new naval gun system capable of extended ranges against surface, air and ground targets.

“We are starting our full-energy tests to evaluate the barrel life and structural integrity of the prototype system,” said Roger Ellis, program manager of the EM Railgun, part of ONR’s Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department. “It’s the next step toward a future tactical system.”

The EM Railgun launcher is a long-range weapon that fires projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants. Magnetic fields created by high electrical currents accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails to launch projectiles at 4,500 mph to 5,600 mph.

The 32-megajoule prototype demonstrator, built by BAE Systems, arrived at NSWCDD on Jan. 30. One megajoule of energy is equivalent to a 1-ton car being thrust at 100 mph. The prototype – which now looks more like a naval weapon compared to previous lab-style launchers – is the first of two industry-built launchers to be delivered to the Navy. General Atomics is building the second launcher, scheduled for delivery in April. ONR previously relied upon laboratory-built systems to advance the technology.

After installing the BAE Systems launcher and outfitting it with a comprehensive suite of sensors, high-speed cameras and measuring devices, engineers fired successful low-energy test shots to prepare it for the evaluation. The team will conduct tests at 20 megajoules and 32 megajoules, shooting test projectiles similar to what was previously fired through NSWCDD’s laboratory launcher.

“The test series will characterize the gun’s performance by shooting several rounds through the barrel at various energy levels to fully exercise the capabilities of the prototype,” said Ellis.

When fully developed, the EM Railgun will give Sailors a dramatically increased multimission capability. Its increased velocity and extended range over traditional shipboard weapons will allow them to conduct precise, long-range naval surface fire support for land strikes; ship self-defense against cruise and ballistic missiles; and surface warfare to deter enemy vessels. The Navy’s near-term goal is a 20- to 32-megajoule weapon that shoots a distance of 50 to 100 nautical miles.

To achieve this, the Navy is moving ahead with the EM Railgun program’s next phase: to develop thermal management systems for both the launcher and pulsed power to facilitate increased firing rates of up to 10 rounds per minute. Toward this end, BAE and General Atomics have been contracted to begin concept design of a next-generation thermally managed launcher.

“The next phase of the development effort is to demonstrate the ability to operate at a firing rate of significant military utility,” Ellis said.

Additionally, ONR awarded contracts through Naval Sea Systems Command to General Atomics, BAE Systems and Raytheon Co. to develop a pulsed power system capable of meeting the firing rate goal.

Various new and existing ship platforms are currently being analyzed for future integration.

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NATO’s Mediterranean Surveillance, Interdiction Operation In Year 12

http://www.aco.nato.int/nato-group-sails-on-antiterrorist-mission-active-endeavour.aspx

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allied Command Operations

NATO GROUP SAILS ON ANTI-TERRORIST MISSION: ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR

Nisida, Naples: The ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) left the Port of Naples today to begin a period of patrolling in the Mediterranean in support of NATO’s Article 5 Operation Active Endeavour.

Led by the flagship HNMLS De Ruyter, SNMG1 will carry out a surge in a defined area…

“We had a deserved break in Naples following Exercise Proud Manta 12 but spent a lot of time getting ready for what will be an intense couple of weeks for the frigates of this Group” said Commodore Ben Bekkering, Commander SNMG1. Supported by air and subsurface assets we will aim to build and maintain a good understanding of use of the sea…As NATO’s nations depend on the free flow of goods over the seas, this mission is at the heart of NATO’s commitments.”

Three frigates currently compose SNMG1 with HMCS Charlottetown and FGS Rheinland-Pfalz sailing alongside De Ruyter. They will be joined by support ship FGS Rhoen when they are in the patrol area.

Operation Active Endeavour is part of NATO’s multi-faceted response…Its mission is to conduct maritime operations in the assigned area of operations to demonstrate NATO’s resolve to help deter, defend, disrupt and protect…As the Alliance has refined its counter-terrorism role over the years, the operation’s mandate has been regularly reviewed and its remit extended.

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Mediterranean Dialogue: NATO Naval Group Ends Algeria Visit

http://www.aco.nato.int/nato-maritime-group-completes-port-visit-to-algiers.aspx

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allied Command Operations February 29, 2012

NATO MARITIME GROUP COMPLETES PORT VISIT TO ALGIERS

Nisida, Naples: Standing NATO Mine Counter Measure Group 2 (SNMCMG2) recently completed a four-day visit to the Algerian capital Algiers as part of the 2012 Mediterranean Dialogue Programme of Port Visits.

Welcomed into port on 21 February by Algerian Naval Authorities, the Mine Hunters of the Group had a busy programme of courtesy calls, receptions, and a visit organized for the crews to the Algerian Military Museum. Algerian Naval officers were welcomed aboard the Flagship TCG Sokullu Mehmetpasa for a tour and briefing by COM SNMCMG2, Captain Abdulhamit Sener.

“This was an extremely successful visit and once again demonstrated the importance of these port visits in enhancing and furthering NATO’s relations with Mediterranean Dialogue countries,” said [COM SNMCMG2, Captain Abdulhamit] Sener. “The opportunity to meet the ambassadors, military attaches and consuls from NATO, PfP and MED Dialogue countries in the area alongside representatives of the Algerian Navy is a very valuable side product of these visits.”

As the ships left port on 24 February they were joined by the Algerian fast patrol boat EL CHIHAB for a Passage Exercise (PASSEX). This allowed NATO and Algerian crews to practice maneuvering and other skills. For the occasion an Algerian Navy sea rider boarded TCG SOKULLU MEHMETPASA to follow the exercise in the company of Captain Sener.

The Commander of Maritime Command Naples, Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri, carried out a visit to Algiers in the same timeframe which gave him opportunity to participate in the Force Reception as well as carry out an official visit aboard the SNMCMG2 Flag Ship. He also met with the senior leadership of the Algerian Navy.

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Syria, Iran Borders: U.S. Begins Joint Air Exercises In Turkey

http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123291677

U.S. Air Forces in Europe February 28, 2012

Airmen depart for US, Turkish training exercise

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany: Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing board a C-130 Hercules here Feb. 27 to fly to Turkey in support of Anatolian Falcon 2012, a weapons training deployment that includes interdiction, attack, air superiority, defense suppression, airlift, air refueling and reconnaissance.

More than 250 Airmen from the wing will participate in the exercise hosted at Turkish air force’s Konya Air Base. The U.S. and Turkish air forces will work together and improve both nations’ combat readiness through tactical training during the exercise.

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Cameroon: U.S. To Lead Military Drills With 35 African, NATO States

http://www.africareview.com/News/Africom+to+hold+exercise+in+Cameroon/-/979180/1356340/-/73oxuv/-/

Africa Review February 29, 2012

US military to hold 2012 joint African exercise in Cameroon By Bisong Etahoben

Yaounde: The 2012 edition of the US Africa Command’s joint military exercises with African countries will take place in June in Douala, Cameroon.

The exercise dubbed; Africa Endeavour, will involve land, air and naval forces from 35 African and Western countries.

The goal is “to test the communication links and the procedure used in sustaining the African Standby Force…and to respond to other crises in the African continent”, according to Colonel Gabriel Mvogo of the Cameroon military.

The intention also is to reinforce the inter-operational ability as concerns human assistance and to install a climate of confidence and mutual cooperation among the forces involved, he added.

Africa Endeavour is an annual joint exercise overseen by the US military’s Africa Command (Africom).

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The planning stage of the exercise, which ends on Friday, would finalise the groundwork already laid during the conference that was held in Lesotho in November 2011.