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Warrior Response tests capabilities, builds partnership
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Simulated chaos at U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, forced U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and German first responders to react to scenarios of car bombs, hostage-taking gunmen and a suspected chemical attack.
Dubbed Warrior Response 15, the daylong training event took place Sept. 24 on Pulaski Barracks, Ramstein Air base and Smith Barracks in Baumholder. Extra security measures were put into place at all Army and Air Force installations in the area, as responders set to work.
The exercise tested U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’s command and control capabilities during simulated terrorist attacks. That response included German Polizei and U.S. Air Force security forces, plus employing the U.S. Army Reserve’s 773rd Civil Support Team, a unique 7th Civil Support Command unit that responds to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear events.
“Protecting military members and their families is our top priority,” said Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr., the garrison commander. “Training together with the Air Force, our German neighbors and the local Army Reserve unit is essential, because this is how we would respond to an actual emergency.”
During the scenario, a simulated explosion occurred at Pulaski’s entrance. As first responders from the U.S. Air Force 86th Airlift Wing and local German authorities joined garrison security and emergency personnel at the scene, the situation developed as a shooter nearby took hostages. Meanwhile, in Baumholder, a simulated contaminant was found at the post office.
“A key element of this training is building the alliance in partnership with our German emergency response professionals,” Wells said. “This exercise was also a great leadership development opportunity.”
U.S. and German forces established security as emergency service workers responded. Then word of a hostage scenario nearby forced leaders to broaden their focus toward a second hostile threat. In Baumholder, the 773rd survey team set up their gear in the post exchange parking lot, awaiting word from garrison firefighters to move forward.
Covered in protective gear, the 773rd survey team determines what the hazard is and collects a sample for further analysis, said Capt. Jon Underberg, 35, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who leads the survey team. As part of a premiere 7th Civil Support Command unit, 773rd Soldiers are also key players in U.S. Army Europe’s outreach to partner nations. But team is committed to supporting U.S. garrisons overseas, Underberg said.
“The garrison is our primary focus. We have to be able to, at any moment, load out and respond,” Underberg said
While the Reserve Soldiers often work with local garrison staff, there are always new people to meet as Soldiers and civilians rotate into local units. Training strengthens the bonds that would be needed in a real emergency
“This training helps us build those connections and maintain the relationships that we already have,” Underberg said.
Training in Germany is sort of a homecoming for Staff Sgt. Adrian Sherfield, a full-time Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 773rd. Born in Germany, Sherfield, 33, of Cedartown, Georgia, returned this summer.
At his last unit, Sherfield did mostly administrative tasks. Taking part in Warrior Response 15, Sherfield was exposed to greater responsibilities, empowering a junior leader as suggested in U.S. Army Europe’s five pillars of Strong Europe.
“For me it’s good experience,” Sherfield said. “I’m glad to have this exercise under my belt.”
Photos by Staff Sgt. Warren Wright, 21st TSC PAO, Ignacio Rubalcava, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz and Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz
BEYONCÉ, GREEN DAY & LADY GAGA LEAD THE WAY WITH THREE MOONMEN AT THE “2009 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS”, JANET JACKSON & MADONNA CELEBRATE MICHAEL JACKSON
Taylor Swift Wins “Best Female Video”
While Eminem Grabs “Best Hip Hop Video”
New York, NY (September 13, 2009) –– MTV turned New York City inside out for the “ 2009 Video Music Awards ” as the network celebrated a legend and brought together the biggest names in music, TV, film and sports. Live from Radio City Music Hall, VMA icon Madonna opened the show and introduced the emotional and heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. Janet Jackson was joined onstage by the most renowned choreographers in the world and Michael’s tour dancers, all of whom were influenced by the “King of Pop,” for a memorable and high energy performance. To honor her brother and his illustrious career, the dancers recreated some of his most memorable music videos including “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Scream.” The celebration received a standing ovation and set the tone for the most important evening in music and pop culture.
Always controversial, British comedian Russell Brand pushed the envelope as he had fun with a slew of new stars and charmed the ladies. Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and popstar Katy Perry helped Russell kick-off his hosting duties in a big way with a light infused performance of the classic rock anthem by Queen, “We Will Rock You.”
Young country-pop superstar Taylor Swift earned “Best Female Video” for “You Belong With Me” in one of the most competitive categories of the evening, causing Kanye West to storm the stage in protest of Beyoncé not winning. In a gracious act, Beyoncé later called Taylor back on stage to rightfully accept her award. Beyoncé did win an outstanding three moonmen including the coveted “Video of the Year” award for her viral video sensation “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).” Also landing three statues was Lady Gaga including “Best New Artist ” for her hit single “Poker Face.” Green Day made a triumphant return to the VMAs by claiming three awards including “Best Rock Video ” for “21 Guns.” Eminem walked away victorious in an extremely heated race for “Best Hip Hop Video” with “We Made You.”
Adding to her collection of moonmen and accepting her award via satellite while on tour, Britney Spears won “Best Pop Video” for “Womanizer.” After officially premiering at last year’s show, T.I. and Rihanna won “Best Male Video” for their multi-platinum song “Live Your Life.”
Eminem once again showcased his comedic chops teaming up with Tracy Morgan and featuring a cameo by Cyndi Lauper to present the “Best New Artist” nominees throughout the show.
Drawing on the musical energy and passion of New York City, MTV used the city as a backdrop to showcase the unprecedented and groundbreaking performances from today’s most popular artists. Making her first VMA performance a standout, Taylor Swift sang a never-before-heard version of her single “You Belong With Me.” Taylor fully incorporated all NYC has to offer by transitioning from a subway car to 6th Avenue surrounded by fans and ending her performance on top of a taxi cab.
Known for her over the top live performances and fashion forward style, Lady Gaga turned a childhood dream into a reality as she made her grand entrance into VMA history. During her unforgettable performance of “Paparazzi,” the international superstar gives her own interpretation on the price of fame which culminates with her levitating into the air.
Surrounded by pyro and using every corner of the VMA stage, fan favorite Green Day made an explosive return to the VMA stage by giving a high energy rock performance of their single “East Jesus Nowhere.”
Beyoncé had all of Radio City dancing to “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” with her call and response to the audience as she translated her music video phenomenon to the live stage. The pop diva was backed by an army of dancers as they displayed their incomparable dance moves during her performance.
Already a household name across the pond, British rockers Muse gave a breakthrough performance expanding their fan base worldwide. The band performed their latest single “Uprising” from a live remote at the Walter Kerr Theater in the Broadway district of Manhattan in front of hundreds of screaming fans.
Determined to top herself and once again raise the bar for live performances, P!nk mastered a jaw-dropping aerial act 30 feet above the stage while performing her single “Sober.” And yes, she sang every single word of it.
Bringing the show to a climactic end, JAY-Z and Alicia Keys honored their hometown of New York as they gave a powerful performance of “Empire State of Mind.”
As the official VMA house band, hip-hop’s newest challenger Wale and the legendary go go band UCB hyped up the audience as they put their own unique spin on some of the biggest songs of the year, his own material and a few classic covers. They collaborated with a number of artists including Kid Cudi with “Day And Night,” The All-American Rejects with “Gives You Hell, ” Pitbull with “You Know You Want Me” and 3OH!3 with “Don’t Trust Me”. Kid Cudi honored DJ AM during his performance of “Make Her Say.”
The star studded show also included appearances by Megan Fox, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Kristin Cavallari, Pete Wentz, Gerard Butler, Diddy, Tracy Morgan, Adam Brody, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Alexa Chung, Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship and Justin Bieber, Ne-Yo , Nelly Furtado , Robert Pattinson , Kristen Stewart , Taylor Lautner , Chace Crawford , Leighton Meester , Miranda Cosgrove and Serena Williams.
The MTV audience was treated to exclusive first looks at fall’s most anticipated films and soundtracks including Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT and The Twilight Saga: New Moon trailers during the show. Viewers were also given a sneak peek at the latest trailer from the upcoming movie Fame during MTV News’ “2009 VMA Preshow.”
2009 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
GENERAL CATEGORIES:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM…SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
BEST NEW ARTIST
Lady Gaga
Title: Poker Face
Album: The Fame
Director: Ray Kay
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Rockhard Films
Producer: Jil Hardin/ Nicole Ehrich
BEST MALE VIDEO
T.I. featuring Rihanna
Title: Live Your Life
Album: Paper Trail
Director: Anthony Mandler
Label: Atlantic Reords
Production Company: Les Enfants Terribles
Producer: Gina Leonard
BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Taylor Swift
Title: You Belong With Me
Album: Fearless
Director: Roman White
Label: Big Machine Records
Production Company: Revolution Pictures
Producer: Randy Brewer
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Eminem
Title: We Made You
Album: Relapse
Director: Joseph Kahn
Label: Aftermath/Interscope
Production Company: HSI Productions
Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo
BEST POP VIDEO
Britney Spears
Title: Womanizer
Album: Circus
Director: Joseph Kahn
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Production Company: HSI Productions
Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo
BEST ROCK VIDEO
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos
PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES:
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM…SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
Choreographer: Jaquel Knight & Frank Gatson Jr.
BEST DIRECTION
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos
BEST EDITING
Beyoncé
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album I AM…SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
Editor: Jarrett Fijal
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Lady Gaga
Title: Paparazzi
Album: The Fame
Director: Jonas Akerlund
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Factory Films Ltd.
Producer: Steven Johnson/Nicole Ehrich
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos
Cinematographer: Jonathan Sela
BEST ART DIRECTION
Lady Gaga
Title: Paparazzi
Album: The Fame
Director: Jonas Akerlund
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Factory Features
Producer: Steven Johnson/Nicole Ehrich
Art Director: Jason Hamilton
ONLINE CATEGORIES:
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO
Matt & Kim
Title: Lessons Learned
Album: Grand
Director: Taylor Cohen & Otto Arsenault
Label: Fader
Production Company: FVNMO
Producer: Taylor Cohen, Otto Arsenault
BEST VIDEO (THAT SHOULD HAVE WON A MOONMAN)
Beastie Boys
Title: Sabotage
Album: III Communication
Director: Spike Jonze
Label: Grand Royal/Capitol Records
Shugoll Research and Telescope are the Official Business Advisors of the “2009 MTV Video Music Awards” Nominee and Winner Voting periods.
Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the “2009 MTV Video Music Awards.” Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Garrett English is co-Executive Producer/Executive in Charge of Production. Amy Doyle is co-Executive Producer. Joanna Bomberg is Executive in Charge of Music and Talent. Jen Jones is Producer. Hamish Hamilton is Director. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive.
Official sponsors of the “2009 MTV Video Music Awards” are 5 ® Gum, Febreze, Pepsi, Rhapsody ®, Sears, Taco Bell ®, U.S. Army and Verizon Wireless.
The “2009 MTV Video Music Awards” will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.2 billion people via MTV’s global network of 68 channels reaching 577 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming & content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV’s more than 200 digital media properties around the world.
A Spanish paratrooper packs his gear after jumping in to the Grafenwoehr Training Area (Germany) during exercise Swift Response 15, Aug. 24, 2015.Swift Response 15 is the U.S. Army’s largest combined airborne training event in Europe since the end of the Cold War. More than 4,800 service members from 11 NATO nations – including Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States – will take part in the exercise on training areas in Bulgaria, Germany, Italy and Romania, Aug. 17-Sept. 13, 2015. Swift Response 15 is designed to integrate multiple Allied nations’ crisis response forces into a cohesive team and demonstrate the combined ability to rapidly deploy and operate in support of maintaining a strong and secure Europe. To learn more about Swift Response, visit the U.S. Army Europe homepage at www.eur.army.mil. (U.S. Army Photo)
Preparing for medical response to disasters
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – Should disaster strike in East Africa, a growing partnership between U.S. Army Africa and Kenya’s military designed to improve medical preparedness could help avert crisis.
Lt. Col. John Casey, U.S. Army Africa’s deputy surgeon, recently held a familiarization event with Kenyan military medical officers to discuss techniques to plan for medical response to disasters.
“Developing a cooperative relationship with our African counterparts is an important step for us working together in the future. We are learning from each other,” Casey said. “This event brought together 17 Kenyan medical officers and enlisted soldiers from their army, navy and air force to Nairobi’s Armed Forces Memorial Hospital where we talked about plans to support stability should a disaster occur.”
During the four-day seminar, Casey, 41, of Florence, S.D., discussed the U.S. Army’s planning process for unforeseen disasters and how U.S. military medical staff undergo training to respond.
They discussed medical response to public health issues and looked at psychological aspects during disasters. They also examined the various stages of disasters, how to triage sick and injured people, plus the psychosocial needs of patients.
Kenya’s military has an established medical corps that maintains a significant capacity to support routine medical operations, said U.S. Navy Lt. Brett Hicks.
“Much of our talks focused on what is appropriate for medical personnel to do when working in a stressful environment, where the military is working civilian agencies to mitigate human suffering during both natural and man-made disasters,” said Hicks, 35, of Atlanta, Ga., a patient administration officer at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., who last worked with Casey in 2007 on a medical mission in the Philippines.
Hicks’s lecture focused on public health issues during disasters, everything from environmental hazards to diseases people face when displaced from their homes.
“I was very impressed with Kenya’s military medical officers,” Hicks said. “They want a response framework and to better understand how the military can fit into a national or regional response.”
U.S. Army Africa, the Army service component for U.S. Africa Command, regularly deploys teams of mentors to countries in Africa to develop cooperative relationships with land forces in Africa. These teams focus on niche capabilities, such as military medicine, logistics, maintenance and security operations. U.S. Army Africa’s goal is to work with the land forces of partner nations in Africa to strengthen their capacity and increase overall security, stability and peace on the continent.
In the future, the U.S. military may work with African medical officers to focus closer on developing medical plans, to include organizing logistics required to support medical efforts during disasters, Hicks said.
While in Nairobi, Casey and Hicks also met with senior leaders at the U.S. Army Medical Research Unit – Kenya, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research unit with four decades of experience battling disease in East Africa.
“USAMRU-K offers several training and partnership opportunities that may be of interest to Kenyan military medical officers, especially in malaria diagnostics,” Casey said.
On the final day, Casey and Hicks joined their Kenyan counterparts during a visit the Regional Disaster Management Center of Excellence, where director Shem Amadi, a retired Kenyan air force colonel, shared information about ongoing preparedness training and discussed the response to Kenya’s 2007 post- election violence.
“During times of peace we prepare for uncertainties and build our capacity to meet challenges,” Amadi said. “We now look at each other as friends. Should we need to, we can put our assets together.”
The idea of a regional center came from the U.S. military and U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Amadi said. On Aug. 15, 2005, U.S. Army Gen. John Abizaid, then-commander of U.S. Army Central Command, was on hand at the center’s opening. The tree he planted as part of the dedication is now more than 15 feet tall.
“This center is a symbol of friendship between us and the American people,” Amadi said. “We have an enduring partnership.
In September 2009, military and civilian emergency response planners from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya trained at the center on pandemic influenza intervention. Afterward, they took part in Natural Fire 10, a humanitarian and civil assistance exercise co-led by U.S. Army Africa and the Ugandan People’s Defense Force.
“This was the first example of disaster response planning at a regional level, which was then tested during Natural Fire in Kampala, Uganda. It was a great event to evaluate planning.
“Our current interactions are a step forward,” Amadi explains, as he shows Casey a photo of former U.S. President Bill Clinton shaking his hand during the disaster response effort for the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami. “Plus, we have built a network of people and had the opportunity to share information and experiences.”
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica
A military tactical vehicle prepares to engage it's target during Exercise Swift Response. The exercise is one of the premier military crisis response training events for multi-national airborne forces in the world. The exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of the combat core of the U.S. Global Response Force-currently the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team-to conduct rapid-response, joint-forcible entry and follow-on operations alongside Allied high-readiness forces in Europe. Swift Response 16 includes more than 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen from Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United States and takes place in Poland and Germany, May 27-June 26, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Jason Johnston/Released)
in response to my request to "make me a pretty drink!"
though in my haste to taste it (can you blame me?) my grabby fingers messed up the perfect frosty coating on the outside of the metal cup and the freshly piled crushed ice on top. whoops. guess i'll have to get another one sometime!
taken at the opening of Dram, a fabulous new bar in South Williamsburg.
note to self: acquire a set of metal cocktail cups for summer....
In response to a comment I made about the Nikon Nikkor S Auto 50mm f/1.4, I thought I'd take a walk through one of my favorite cemeteries. Maybe to choose my preferred resting plot.
I shot each scene at three apertures - f/1.4, f/2, and f/2.8. I've posted a few of these sequences here to illustrate how image rendering can change over these three aperture settings. While I think the differences are obvious, if you're not sure which is which, let me know.
My comment had been about the way this lens, the Nikkor S Auto, renders wide open. To me it has a number of qualities that I like in special purpose soft focus lenses. That is, images can be sharp with an overlay of spherical aberration that softens a scene behind the point of focus. I also observe that in-focus highlights can take on an interesting "glow."
So I thought I'd better get this project done and out of the way as I'm abot to enter a rather busy period of travel and the image making opportunities travel can bring. I'll be occupied for three full months before I can come back to my usual and customary boring existence where I'm looking for photo opportunities.
Live: MEPs visit Turkey to assess response to Syria refugee crisis
Turkey is currently hosting over 2.5 million registered Syrian refugees and most of the over one million migrants and refugees who reached the EU in 2015 came via Turkey. At January's plenary session members urged EU member states to deliver on the €3 billion refugee facility for Turkey. As the EU searches for the best approach to tackle the crisis, two delegations of MEPs from the civil liberties and budgets committees travel to Turkey this week to assess the situation of refugees there.
Check Storify for LIVE updates → bit.ly/1NZChoP
These photos are free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© European Union 2016 - European Parliament" (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives CreativeCommons licenses creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). If you need higher resolution files do not hesitate to contact us. Please do not forget to send the link or a copy of the publication to us: webcom-flickr(AT)europarl.europa.eu
Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard muster on the Boston Common to receive orders for a coordinated response in support of civilian authorities in the wake of the marathon bombings here, April 15 2013. Some of the more than 400 Guardsmen on hand to keep portions of the route clear for runners were among the first to respond to the explosions in Boston. (U.S. Army photo by Cadet Matthew Feehan, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs)
Military tactical vehicles prepare to engage their target during Exercise Swift Response. The exercise is one of the premier military crisis response training events for multi-national airborne forces in the world. The exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of the combat core of the U.S. Global Response Force-currently the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team-to conduct rapid-response, joint-forcible entry and follow-on operations alongside Allied high-readiness forces in Europe. Swift Response 16 includes more than 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen from Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United States and takes place in Poland and Germany, May 27-June 26, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Jason Johnston/Released)
The street artists' response to the Belgrade government's decision on imposing a prohibition in the night hours...
Anti-prohibition protest FB Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Beogradjani-protiv-prohibicije/124...
Preparing for medical response to disasters
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – Should disaster strike in East Africa, a growing partnership between U.S. Army Africa and Kenya’s military designed to improve medical preparedness could help avert crisis.
Lt. Col. John Casey, U.S. Army Africa’s deputy surgeon, recently held a familiarization event with Kenyan military medical officers to discuss techniques to plan for medical response to disasters.
“Developing a cooperative relationship with our African counterparts is an important step for us working together in the future. We are learning from each other,” Casey said. “This event brought together 17 Kenyan medical officers and enlisted soldiers from their army, navy and air force to Nairobi’s Armed Forces Memorial Hospital where we talked about plans to support stability should a disaster occur.”
During the four-day seminar, Casey, 41, of Florence, S.D., discussed the U.S. Army’s planning process for unforeseen disasters and how U.S. military medical staff undergo training to respond.
They discussed medical response to public health issues and looked at psychological aspects during disasters. They also examined the various stages of disasters, how to triage sick and injured people, plus the psychosocial needs of patients.
Kenya’s military has an established medical corps that maintains a significant capacity to support routine medical operations, said U.S. Navy Lt. Brett Hicks.
“Much of our talks focused on what is appropriate for medical personnel to do when working in a stressful environment, where the military is working civilian agencies to mitigate human suffering during both natural and man-made disasters,” said Hicks, 35, of Atlanta, Ga., a patient administration officer at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., who last worked with Casey in 2007 on a medical mission in the Philippines.
Hicks’s lecture focused on public health issues during disasters, everything from environmental hazards to diseases people face when displaced from their homes.
“I was very impressed with Kenya’s military medical officers,” Hicks said. “They want a response framework and to better understand how the military can fit into a national or regional response.”
U.S. Army Africa, the Army service component for U.S. Africa Command, regularly deploys teams of mentors to countries in Africa to develop cooperative relationships with land forces in Africa. These teams focus on niche capabilities, such as military medicine, logistics, maintenance and security operations. U.S. Army Africa’s goal is to work with the land forces of partner nations in Africa to strengthen their capacity and increase overall security, stability and peace on the continent.
In the future, the U.S. military may work with African medical officers to focus closer on developing medical plans, to include organizing logistics required to support medical efforts during disasters, Hicks said.
While in Nairobi, Casey and Hicks also met with senior leaders at the U.S. Army Medical Research Unit – Kenya, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research unit with four decades of experience battling disease in East Africa.
“USAMRU-K offers several training and partnership opportunities that may be of interest to Kenyan military medical officers, especially in malaria diagnostics,” Casey said.
On the final day, Casey and Hicks joined their Kenyan counterparts during a visit the Regional Disaster Management Center of Excellence, where director Shem Amadi, a retired Kenyan air force colonel, shared information about ongoing preparedness training and discussed the response to Kenya’s 2007 post- election violence.
“During times of peace we prepare for uncertainties and build our capacity to meet challenges,” Amadi said. “We now look at each other as friends. Should we need to, we can put our assets together.”
The idea of a regional center came from the U.S. military and U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Amadi said. On Aug. 15, 2005, U.S. Army Gen. John Abizaid, then-commander of U.S. Army Central Command, was on hand at the center’s opening. The tree he planted as part of the dedication is now more than 15 feet tall.
“This center is a symbol of friendship between us and the American people,” Amadi said. “We have an enduring partnership.
In September 2009, military and civilian emergency response planners from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya trained at the center on pandemic influenza intervention. Afterward, they took part in Natural Fire 10, a humanitarian and civil assistance exercise co-led by U.S. Army Africa and the Ugandan People’s Defense Force.
“This was the first example of disaster response planning at a regional level, which was then tested during Natural Fire in Kampala, Uganda. It was a great event to evaluate planning.
“Our current interactions are a step forward,” Amadi explains, as he shows Casey a photo of former U.S. President Bill Clinton shaking his hand during the disaster response effort for the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami. “Plus, we have built a network of people and had the opportunity to share information and experiences.”
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica
Sergeant Ryan Baskerville and Private Joshua Klingenberg from 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR) build a snow defence during Exercise COLD RESPONSE 2016 in Namsos, Norway on March 2, 2016.
Photo: MCpl Maggie Gosse, Garrison Imaging Petawawa
PA04-2016-0046-131
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Le sergent Ryan Baskerville et le soldat Joshua Klingenberg, membres du 3e Bataillon du Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR), assurent la défense derrière une butte de neige au cours de l’exercice COLD RESPONSE 2016, à Namsos, en Norvège, le 2 mars 2016.
Photo : Cplc Maggie Gosse, Service d’imagerie de la garnison Petawawa
PA04-2016-0046-131
Exercise PRECISE RESPONSE, is an annual chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) exercise hosted by Defence Research and Development Canada at Canadian Forces Base Suffield where the Canadian Armed Forces along with NATO allies and partner Nations can practice essential CBRN defence skills in a multinational training environment.
Military tactical vehicles prepare to engage their target during Exercise Swift Response. The exercise is one of the premier military crisis response training events for multi-national airborne forces in the world. The exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of the combat core of the U.S. Global Response Force-currently the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team-to conduct rapid-response, joint-forcible entry and follow-on operations alongside Allied high-readiness forces in Europe. Swift Response 16 includes more than 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen from Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United States and takes place in Poland and Germany, May 27-June 26, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Jason Johnston/Released)
On July 15th, 2011 LAFD Firefighters test out Motorcycles to use during I-405 Closure to offer our response, safe and quick maneuverability, flexibility and the opportunity to render continuous care until a patient is transferred to another LAFD resource for transport.
© Photo by Mike Meadows
Addl info: lafd.blogspot.com/2011/07/lafd-to-debut-motorcycle-respon...
On July 15th, 2011 LAFD Firefighters test out Motorcycles to use during I-405 Closure to make our response, safe, increase maneuverability, flexibility and the opportunity to render medical care.
© Photo by Mike Meadows
Addl info: lafd.blogspot.com/2011/07/lafd-to-debut-motorcycle-respon...
Exercise PRECISE RESPONSE, is an annual chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) exercise hosted by Defence Research and Development Canada at Canadian Forces Base Suffield where the Canadian Armed Forces along with NATO allies and partner Nations can practice essential CBRN defence skills in a multinational training environment.
A US Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division waits to board a Chinook helicopter during Swift Response exercise in Estonia.
Swift Response 2021 is a US Army-led multinational exercise involving more than 7,000 paratroopers from 10 NATO Allies.
All paratroopers were vaccinated against COVID-19 before arrival.
Reno Truck 9 is seen returning to the station after responding to a minor accident on the Northeast side of town.
©FranksRails Photography, LLC.
This large-scale installation features a seven-meter (23 foot) diameter spherical model of the moon that showcases high-resolution NASA imagery of the lunar surface. The artwork is internally lit and provides a detailed representation of the moon. The model is accompanied by a surround-sound composition by award-winning composer Dan Jones. The artwork aims to highlight the latest moon science, gather personal responses and stories, and explore cultural similarities and differences related to the moon. It’s a truly immersive experience that allows visitors to observe and contemplate the moon’s beauty and significance from a new perspective.
The Museum of the Moon is touring various locations around the world. Currently, it is in the Exploratorium in San Francisco, where it will continue to be displayed until January 26, 2025.
A Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division derigs her parachute after participating in an airborne operation as part of exercise Swift Response at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany. The exercise is one of the premier military crisis response training events for multinational Airborne forces in the world. The training is designed to enhance the readiness of the combat core of the U.S. Global Response Force – currently the 82nd Airborne's 1st Brigade Combat Team – to conduct rapid-response, joint forcible entry and follow-on operations alongside Allied high-readiness forces in Europe. Swift Response 16 includes more than 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen from Belgium, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the United States and takes place in Poland and Germany, May 27-June26, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Praxedis Pineda)
AUSTIN, Texas - President Donald J. Trump, First Lady of the United States Melania Trump Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke, and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long meet with personnel working at the Emergency Operations Center in Austin, Texas, Aug. 29, 2017. President Trump and Administrator Long thanked personnel at the center for their hard work in response to Hurricane Harvey. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler.
By Greg Fuderer
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – The Los Angeles District will be well prepared for its next disaster response with the recent acquisition of one of the Corps’ newest Emergency Command and Control Vehicles.
The ECCV, built on an International truck chassis, is a 47-foot vehicle designed to serve as a temporary mobile command post. It provides 11 work stations that each have a computer jack, 110- and 12-volt power sockets, and a phone that has cell, Voice over Internet Protocol and satellite capabilities. There is also onboard Wi-Fi capability to provide access for additional computers, and a rear compartment that houses a conference table, video camera and large screen TV for video conferencing.
“The old RRVs were extremely functional in their time,” said Alex Watt, referring to the 12-year old Response and Recovery Vehicle that served as the District’s previous emergency command vehicle. “But these are state-of-the-art. I’m so glad the Corps went this route with the truck chassis, because where we’re going is not just into town. We have to be able to get into and out of rough situations.”
Watt, a rehired annuitant and one of three District employees licensed to drive the ECCV, is a classic car enthusiast. He speaks that language when he describes the new vehicle’s capabilities.
“The old RRV was thirty-seven feet long and powered by a seven-and-a-half liter diesel engine,” Watt said. “It was similar to a roach-coach or UPS van. It was woefully underpowered for our needs and would have trouble getting over a two-by-four without a running start. This one is powered by an International six-cylinder, twelve-and-a-half liter twin turbo engine and an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. It’s the second-most powerful engine International makes.”
Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Koontz worked in the previous RRV when he deployed to hurricanes Rita and Katrina. He is another of the drivers qualified to operate the ECCV, and he echoed Watt’s comments.
“In comparison, the old vehicle couldn’t get out of its own way,” Koontz said. “The ease of setup with the new ECCV is a drastic improvement. The satellite uplink is fully operational in minutes, not to mention the operational staff reduction for the new equipment. You know, ‘Faster, smarter, better.’”
When compact and travelling, the ECCV sports a narrow interior hallway from front to back. When deployed and operational, the vehicle becomes an emergency response “Transformer,” extending leveling pads, four side-compartments, a satellite dish and radio antennas, emergency floodlights and, of course, the Corps flag. The process is a two-man (one outside for safety purposes), 15-minute evolution that allows responders near-immediate access to the equipment and capabilities necessary to conduct response and recovery operations in a disaster environment.
The vehicle has rearview and sideview cameras to eliminate blind spots, and a CB-radio to keep up with current traffic and weather conditions. In addition, a “trucker’s GPS” unit provides the driver with information about the height of upcoming underpasses, tunnels and bridges, weight capacities and curves, and other physical restrictions that could impact the vehicle’s ability to traverse roads and highways.
“I have been a driver for Emergency Operations since 2001, when the request went out for people who would like to drive the Emergency Response Vehicle,” Watt said. “As I love driving I immediately volunteered, and four of us went through a two-week training course learning to drive tractor trailers. EM is always looking for additional drivers and currently two other members of the ECCV team are working to obtain their commercial driving licenses.”
According to the Corps’ website, ECCVs provide an expedient tactical operations and communications platform for first responders where there are no available facilities or communications to support response operations. Each ECCV has onboard radio, interagency voice interoperability, satellite and cellular capabilities that deliver both voice and data communications. It is totally self-contained for up to 72 continuous hours with onboard fuel before additional fuel or alternative shore power is required.
The ECCV is about 13.5 feet high and 8.5 feet wide (about 15 feet with the side compartments extended) and weighs 44,000 pounds. A class 'B' Commercial Driver License with air brakes endorsement is required to drive the ECCV.
The Corps has 15 of the new ECCVs located across the continental United States. Mobile District maintains six, Sacramento District three, and Baltimore, Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Nashville, Portland, Ore. and St. Louis districts one each.
A Member of the British Royal Marines Commando provides security while a Viking tracked vehicle rides off of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) boat on the beach of Aursfjordbotn, Norway during Exercise Cold Response.
Un membre des commandos de la Marine royale britannique assure la sécurité tandis qu’un véhicule chenillé Viking descend d’une barge de débarquement à usage général (LCO) sur la plage d’Aursfjordbotn, en Norvège, lors de l’exercice Cold Response.
Photo : Sgt Norm McLean
© 2012 DND-MDN Canada
Exercise Swift Response 16 went in to high gear June 7, 2016, as more than 1,500 paratroopers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, the British 16 Air Assault Brigade and the Polish 6th Airborne Brigade conducted a combined jump on to a drop zone near the city of Torun, Poland.
USAID’s Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction project provides training in first aid and first response for communities vulnerable to natural disasters. Here, women community emergency response team members practice first aid techniques during a disaster response drill.
Photo Credit: Luke Bostian, Aga Khan Foundation
WMAS West Midlands Ambulance Service Iveco Daily Incident Response Unit WX58 KYG (7081).
At incident on New Street, Birmingham, June 2012.
KN62NZW Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Cell Van
Roof ID; YFA
Station; Washington
KS64LOA Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer
Roof ID; ULY
Station; Washington
© Romeo--86 Copyright - No Unauthorised
Rights in Concord, The Response to the Counter-Inaugural Protest Activities in Washington, D.C., January 18-20, 1969 is a special staff study submitted by the Task Force on Law and Law Enforcement to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.
This government report details the demonstrations during Richard Nixon’s first inauguration where anti-Vietnam War protesters staged several high profile demonstrations, including a women’s liberation protest against a “distinguished ladies” event, attempting to stage the inauguration of a pig as president, hurling objects toward guests and police at Vice-President-elect Spiro Agnew’s pre-inaugural event, staging a counter-inaugural parade and hurling debris and insults at Richard Nixon’s motorcade as he traversed the inaugural route.
The protests included a number of clashes with police and the major events are documented in. along with several dozen photographs, many of which are not shown elsewhere on the Washington Area Spark site.
The account contains several minor discrepancies and omissions from other eyewitness accounts, including a blog post on this site, but is generally accurate.
The demonstration marked a turning point for a renewed antiwar protests. Nixon’s election after he vowed to continue the war until achieving “peace with honor” was a low point in the long anti-Vietnam War movement. But the counter-inaugural boosted spirits and helped lay the groundwork for the later 1969 Moratorium protests—perhaps the largest antiwar demonstrations in the nation’s history.
For a PDF or this 119-plus page report, see washingtonareaspark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1969-R...
For more information and related images, see flickr.com/photos/washington_area_spark/albums/7215763244...
For a blog post re-counting and analyzing the 1969 counter-inaugural from a left-wing perspective, see washingtonareaspark.com/2013/01/09/the-1969-nixon-inaugur...
This report was printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office in 1969. It may be duplicated except for photographs that may be subject to copyright restrictions.
shot these just a few moments ago on walk home from work, two intersecting roads not far from my place closed, multiple emergency service vehicles attending, several police and ambulance vehicles and three fire engines and the ladder truck, glad I was not driving along this way. No idea yet what's happened, hasn't been on the news yet.
Update, few hours on, still no full news, but brief bit on local news site, sadly looks like at least one dead in a fire in one of the tenements in this street, dreadful. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/one-dead-in-yeaman-pl...