DTN News - WHITE HOUSE NEWS: Obama Thanks Troops At White House July Fourth Celebration

DTN News - WHITE HOUSE NEWS: Obama Thanks Troops At White House July Fourth Celebration

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources American Forces Press Service
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 5, 2013: (WASHINGTON) President Barack Obama praised and thanked U.S. military members and their families for their service to the nation during an Independence Day celebration held yesterday on the South Lawn of the White House.

The event was attended by military members representing all branches of the armed forces.

“We are incredibly grateful for your service, and we're thankful that you get a chance to spend the Fourth here with us,” Obama told the service members.

This year’s Fourth of July celebration marked 237 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the president said. Today, the United States “stands as the greatest nation on Earth,” he said.

“And what makes us great is not our size or our wealth, but our values and our ideals and the fact that we're willing to fight for them,” the president added.

America continues to be “a land of liberty and opportunity; a global defender of peace and freedom; a beacon of hope for people everywhere who cherish those ideals,” Obama said. 

And the nation’s service members -- past and present -- “have defended our nation at home and abroad,” Obama said.

“You fought for our nation's beliefs, to make the world a better and safer place,” he told service members at the White House. “People in scattered corners of the world live in peace today are free to write their own futures, because of you.”

Obama praised the “incredibly capable and brave men and women” serving in the nation’s armed forces, and he highlighted some of the military members in attendance, including Army Spc. Heidi Olson, who, after being wounded by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, gave lifesaving treatment to other injured soldiers.

Olson “had to be ordered to stop and get treatment for herself when the MEDEVAC aircraft arrived,” the president said. “And for her courage, she was awarded a Bronze Star. ”

The president also saluted Navy Petty Officer Joe Marcinkowski who, he said, “serves wounded warriors at Walter Reed, coordinating their care and supporting their families throughout their recoveries. ”

Obama also recognized Air Force Staff Sergeant Adam Ybarra. The airman, he said, “helped save nine lives in 11 combat search-and-rescue missions in Afghanistan in 2012. ”

The president also praised Marine Corps Cpl. Amber Fifer. Fifer “was shot five times in an attack in Helmand province [in Afghanistan], and has stayed on to serve as a Marine Corps drill instructor,” the president said.

Obama also saluted Coast Guard Petty Officer Randy Haba. The Coast Guard member, the president said, “was one of the first responders to rescue the crew of a ship off the coast of North Carolina when Hurricane Sandy struck and saved the lives of five mariners.”

Each day, U.S. service members are “carrying forward the ideals that inspired that American Dream [that began] 237 years ago,” Obama said.

“Defending our nation and our freedoms with strength and with sacrifice is your daily charge,” the president told the service members. “And it's the charge of all of us -- the charge of all who serve worldwide, including our troops that are still in harm's way, and their families back home. They serve, too. And so we think of them, we pray for them.

“And on behalf of all Americans, I want to say thank you and wish you all a very, very happy Fourth of July,” Obama continued. “You've earned it. So, God bless you. God bless your families. God bless the United States of America.”

Related Sites:
President's Remarks 
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Related Articles:
President Salutes Independence Day in Weekly Address

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources American Forces Press Service
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - OSHKOSH DEFENSE NEWS: New Oshkosh Defense Virtual Trainer Improves Safety, Reduces Military Vehicle Training Costs

DTN News - OSHKOSH DEFENSE NEWS: New Oshkosh Defense Virtual Trainer Improves Safety, Reduces Military Vehicle Training Costs

Virtual vehicle training decreases cost by 20 percent or more

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / OSHKOSH, Wis - November 28, 2011:

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has expanded its military training capabilities with the new Oshkosh Virtual Trainer. This virtual training element makes the overall vehicle training program safer and more cost-effective. Oshkosh will unveil its first virtual training module for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M978 Tanker at the annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) Nov. 28–Dec. 1 in Orlando, Fla.

“In today’s traditional HEMTT Tanker training curriculum, soldiers receive a limited amount of hands-on experience for critical procedures such as fueling and refueling,” said Dan Albrecht, senior training manager for Oshkosh Defense. “The Oshkosh Virtual Trainer provides life-like training in a safe, virtual environment, which provides soldiers with the skills they need to perform the actual tasks. In addition to enhancing soldiers’ training experience, we estimate that adding a virtual element to our comprehensive program will reduce training costs by 20 percent or more per participant.”

In a recent pilot of the inaugural Oshkosh Virtual Trainer, the HEMTT Tanker module was shown to reduce training time by two days compared to the traditional classroom approach – an efficiency that equates to a 20 percent or more cost savings per participant. During the training, 12 students were able to train simultaneously and demonstrate skill proficiency in the virtual environment before performing tasks on the actual vehicle. For example, students are able to practice fueling and refueling procedures, and recovering from a fuel spill in the virtual world, without being exposed to the real-life hazards. The interactive skill-building using virtual training is not achieved in the traditional training courses where students learn primarily from static course materials and instructor demonstrations.

In addition to reducing direct training expenses, the Oshkosh Virtual Trainer helps prevent wear and tear on the U.S. government’s demonstration vehicles and reduce costly damage to these vehicles.

The Oshkosh Virtual Trainer HEMTT Tanker module will be incorporated into training courses for U.S. Army personnel in May.

“We are excited to introduce our new virtual training capabilities to soldiers in May, and look forward to expanding the program to include more vehicle modules in the future,” Albrecht said.

In addition to its new virtual-training capability, Oshkosh Defense also provides hands-on, classroom and simulation training for operators and mechanics as part of its full life-cycle services and support on all Oshkosh Heavy and Medium Tactical Wheeled Vehicles. The company received a Best Programs (red) ribbon award from Military Training Technology for the 2011 Top Simulation and Training Companies competition.

The HEMTT Tanker Virtual Task Trainer will be on display and Oshkosh representatives will be available at I/ITSEC at DiSTI booth #2481.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh^®, JLG^®, Pierce^®, McNeilus^®, Medtec^®, Jerr-Dan^®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline^™, SMIT^™, CON-E-CO^®, London^® and IMT^®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com.

^{®, TM} All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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Predator UAV Passes 500,000 Flight Hours

Predator UAV Passes 500,000 Flight Hours

(NSI News Source Info) Creech AFB, Nev. - February 26, 2009: Airmen of the 432d Air Expeditionary Wing here flew an MQ-1B Predator unmanned aircraft in a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Feb. 18, and the flight surpassed the 500,000 flight-hour mark for the aircraft.

Members of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron flew the milestone mission in support of operations in Iraq.

"A half-a-million flying hours is an amazing accomplishment, and the Airmen of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron are proud to be a part of this milestone," said Lt. Col. Ken Callahan, the 15th RS director of operations. "The 15th RS currently flies 28 percent of all MQ-1 Predator combat air patrols over Iraq and Afghanistan, and we're able to meet the needs of the joint force commanders for this no-fail 24/7 combat operations mission because of the hard work and dedication of our total force team of active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen here."

Declared operational in 1995, the Predator's primary mission is to provide armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition to commanders in the field. The Predator can be armed with two laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and carries the Multispectral Targeting System, which integrates electro-optical, infrared, laser designator and laser illuminator into a single sensor package.

A US Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aircraft flying a combat mission in south-west Asia logged the 500,000th flight-hour for the aircraft. (USAF photo)

The capabilities of the Predator have made the aircraft a lethal and vital asset to expeditionary operations, said Col. Chris Chambliss, the 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander.

"The Predator is a perfect example of how (unmanned aircraft systems) support is making a difference in the fight," Colonel Chambliss said. "With the increase in demands for this system, the Predator continues to provide our ground forces direct support with its unblinking eye and persistent stare, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This 500,000 hour milestone proves how awesome this weapons system is."

The Predator fleet passed 250,000 hours in June 2007, after 12 years of flying. It only took a year and eight months to fly the additional 250,000 hours due to continuous demand for the aircraft by combatant commanders.

The Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAS are managed by members of the 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, part of the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Members of the Air Force Materiel Command and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have worked aggressively to deliver the Predator weapon system and the recent milestone is a result of a good partnership, said Col. Christopher Coombs, the 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group commander.

"The (Predator) program's success has been a testament to outstanding teamwork and American ingenuity and innovation, fueled by a desire to not settle for anything less than delivering the most reliable weapons systems to the members of our Armed Forces when called upon to achieve national security objectives," Colonel Coombs said. "The warfighter needed additional support in their arsenal, we surged our efforts to meet the requirements for (UAS) capability, allowing for increased combat air patrols leading to this milestone event."

Along with providing a lethal weapons system, Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, the 12th Air Force commander, said the Predator's success is directly attributed to the Airmen who fly, operate and maintain it.

"This milestone is a testament to the continued dedication and perseverance of the men and women of the 432nd Wing," General Seip said. "The exponential growth of UAS weapons systems, Creech AFB and the 432nd Wing has translated into a new era of combat operations - sustained support for ground operations, real-time intelligence collection and the ability to reach out to and affect the enemy at will."

The success of the Predator is nothing short of a success story, said Lt. Gen. Gary North, the Combined Forces Air Component commander and U.S. Air Force's Central commander.

"The Predator weapon system and its Airmen ... from the launch crews in the (area of responsibility) to those that fly the extended mission from distributed sites throughout the U.S. and the (distributed common ground system) crews that process the video are in one word ... remarkable," General North said.

"The persistent stare of the Predator and the deadly persistence, when attack criteria is met, have consistently been a key part of the commander's weapons systems matrix to enable combat successes on the battlefield."With the success rate of the Predator, Gen. John D.W. Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command, said it's clear Airmen have stepped up to the challenges of meeting the insatiable demand for the Predator.

"Airmen are 'all in' the global, joint and combined operations protecting our nation and assuring our allies. Today, UAS Airmen are operating the Predator more than 19,000 hours per month and more than 95 percent of those hours are flown in support of combat operations in Southwest Asia," General Corley said. The Predator's half-million-hour milestone is but one example of our Airmen's contributions in the full spectrum of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations."

Currently more than 30 Predator combat air patrols support warfighters 24/7, 365 days a year over Iraq and Afghanistan.

Oshkosh, Navistar Deliver M-ATV Vehicles For Evaluation / Oshkosh Delivers Two M-ATV Production Vehicles For Military Evaluation

Oshkosh, Navistar Deliver M-ATV Vehicles For Evaluation / Oshkosh Delivers Two M-ATV Production Vehicles For Military Evaluation

(NSI News Source Info) February 25, 2009: Oshkosh Corporation and Navistar Defense LLC have delivered production-representative MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) to the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for military evaluation. The Oshkosh M-ATV meets the survivability and mobility requirements of the warfighter for Afghanistan. The U.S. Armed Services have an urgent need requirement for M-ATVs to be used in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan. The M-ATV contract has a potential award value of $2 billion. The Oshkosh M-ATV boasts commonality with the Department of Defense’s fleet of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), Palletized Load System (PLS), Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) and current Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Oshkosh is partnered with Plasan North America to provide the Oshkosh M-ATV’s armor system, which is in place on 5,000 current MRAP vehicles and the Armored Cab MTVRs and has saved lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The vehicle also will feature Oshkosh’s signature TAK-4 independent suspension system for off-road ride quality and durability to meet the essential mobility capability not available in the current MRAP fleet. Navistar’s MXT-based design provides the same production and delivery advantages offered by its original MRAP product, the International MaxxPro, but in a lighter and more mobile configuration. Designed to navigate Afghanistan’s rough terrain and perform in off-road conditions, Navistar’s M-ATV unit utilizes a specially-designed, light-weight armor, which is incorporated into the survivability system. While the platform of the company’s M-ATV vehicle varies from its MaxxPro MRAP, which is based on the International WorkStar platform, the smaller base allows Navistar’s unit to weigh significantly less than its MaxxPro Dash - the lightest of the company’s MRAP units and in service now in Afghanistan. Navistar’s M-ATV unit is powered by a MaxxForce D 6.0 L V8 engine designed to maximize speed and payload capability. The company would also be able to support its M-ATV units in theater through its existing dealer and parts and support network, which includes locations in Afghanistan.