Tuesday, March 04, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 4, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 4, 2014
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-040-14 March 4, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 4, 2014: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued March 4, 2014 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
 
ARMY
 
Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz. was awarded a $1,156,446,681 modification (P00007) to contract W58RGZ-12-C-0055 for full rate production of the AH-64E Apache helicopter, seventy-two remanufactured helicopter systems, ten new helicopter systems, and for refreshing five crew trainers , refurbishing one crew trainer, and integrated logistics support, peculiar ground support equipment, initial spares, over and above, and engineering studies.  Fiscal 2013other procurement funds in the amount of $380,043,678 and fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $494,322,830 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2016. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz.  Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.
 
Torch Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. was awarded a $70,997,405 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for missile element simulation which will enhance and maintain the current suite of missile modeling simulation, hardware-in-the-loop and prototype development facilities. Funding and work performance location will be determined with each order.  Estimated completion date is Feb. 11, 2019.  Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-14-D-0017).
 
DRS Tactical Systems Inc., Melbourne, Fla. was awarded a $12,596,227 firm-fixed-price contract for improved platform integration kits for the M777A2 and M119A3 howitzer.  Funding and work performance location will be determined with each order.  Estimated completion date is Feb. 27, 2019.  One bid was solicited with six received. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. is the contracting activity (W15QKN-14-D-0036).
 
NAVY
 
Huntington Ingalls Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $1,294,817,351 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2116) to continue construction preparation efforts and provide the ability to procure additional material and advance construction activities for CVN 79.  Huntington Ingalls Inc. will provide all services and material in preparation for construction of CVN 79 including necessary research studies; engineering; design; related development efforts; advance planning; advance procurement for detail design and procurement of material; advance construction; life cycle support; logistics data and other data to support the anticipated fiscal year 2015 contract award of the detail design and construction of CVN 79.  The modification allows continuation of ongoing planning, construction and material procurement that are aligned with the optimal build plan for the ship, and it affords an opportunity for the shipbuilder to incorporate further construction process improvements into the construction plan.  Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2017.  Fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion, Navy ($69,724,812) and Fiscal 2014 research, development, test & evaluation ($1,200,000) funding in the amount of $70,924,812 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity.
 
Lockheed Martin Corp., Liverpool, N.Y., is being awarded a $16,237,711 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of specialized test equipment and associated technical data packages and adapters required to perform testing of line replacement modules for the E-2D AN/APY-9 radar system.  Work will be performed in Liverpool, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in February 2017.  Fiscal 2012 aircraft procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $16,237,711 are being obligated on this award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-14-C-0145).
 
Lockheed Martin Corp. Owego, N.Y. is being awarded $10,630,597 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 7048 against a previously awarded firm-fixed-price long term contract (N00383-09-D-021F) for the repair of 13 items in support of the Multi-Mode Radar System, and the Electronic Measurement System for the H-60R Helicopter.  Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by March 2015.  Fiscal 2014 Navy working capital funds in the amount of 10,501,093 and Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $129,504 will be obligated at the time of award, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1).  The NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
 
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
 
Atlantic Diving Supply doing business as ADS Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Va., has been awarded a maximum $776,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for the procurement of commercial type construction equipment.  This contract is a competitive acquisition, and eighteen offers were received.  This contract is one of up to ten contracts being issued against solicitation number SPM8EC-11-R-0003 and with requirements that specifically call for construction equipment within the product line and will be competed amongst other contractors who receive a contract under this solicitation.  This is a five-year base contract.  Locations of performance are Virginia, Iowa, North Dakota, Kansas and Georgia with a Mar. 2, 2019 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2019 defense working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPE8EC-14-D-0013).
 
Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, Ark., has been awarded a maximum $444,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for commercial chicken items. This contract is a competitive acquisition, and nine offers were received. This is a three-year base contract. Locations of performance are Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Carolina and Mississippi with a March 3, 2017 performance completion date.  Subsistence overseas prime vendors will order from this contract in support of overseas military customers.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-14-D-4002).
 
West-Ward Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eatontown, N.J., has been awarded a maximum $70,947,789 modification (P00062) exercising the first option year on a one-year base contract (SPM2D0-07-D-0004) with nine one-year option periods for various pharmaceutical products.  This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is New Jersey with a Feb. 26, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 war-stopper funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
I Solutions Direct Inc., Fort Washington, Pa., has been awarded a maximum $68,724,679  modification (P00101) exercising the third option year on a two-year base contract (SPM8E5-10-D-0004) with three one-year option periods for carbon steel bar, sheet, and plate materials. This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Pennsylvania with a Mar. 3, 2015 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Whippany, N.J., has been awarded a maximum $49,375,502 modification (P00008) exercising the second option year on a one-year base contract (SPM2D0-12-D-0002) with seven one-year option periods for various pharmaceutical products.  This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is New Jersey with a Mar. 5, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 war-stopper funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
Admiral Metals Servicenter Inc.,* Woburn, Mass., has been awarded a maximum $47,801,294 modification (P00101) exercising the third option year on a two-year base contract (SPM8E5-10-D-0001) with three one-year option periods for steel alloy, stainless steel, bar, sheet, and plate materials.  This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is Massachusetts with a Mar. 3, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
I Solutions Direct Inc., Fort Washington, Pa., has been awarded a maximum $46,641,107 modification (P00101) exercising the third option year on a two-year base contract (SPM8E5-10-D-0002) with three one-year option periods for carbon steel bar, sheet, and plate materials.  This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is Pennsylvania with a Mar. 2, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
TW Metals, Carol Stream, Ill., has been awarded a maximum $43,478,335 modification (P00101) exercising the third option year on a two-year base contract (SPM8E5-10-D-0003) with three one-year option periods for various carbon steel bar and plate materials. This is a fixed-price with economic-price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Illinois with a Mar. 3, 2015 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 through fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
Charleston Aluminum LLC,* Gaston, S.C., has been awarded a maximum $35,363,758 modification (P00101) exercising the third option year on a two-year base contract (SPM8E5-10-D-0006) with three one-year option periods for carbon steel bar, sheet, and plate materials. This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. Location of performance is South Carolina with a Mar. 7, 2015 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
Short Bark Industries, Inc.,** Vonore, Tenn., has been awarded a maximum $23,339,900 modification (P00102) exercising the first option year on a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1030) with four one-year option periods for various types of Permethrin Army Combat Uniform coats. This is a firm-fixed-price contract.  Locations of performance are Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and Mississippi with a Mar. 4, 2015 performance completion date. Using military service is Army.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
 
Universal Sodexho, Tacoma, Wash., has been awarded a maximum $10,800,000 modification (P00027) exercising the fifth bridge contract on a two-year base contract (SPM500-05-D-BP07) with three one-year option periods for maintenance, repair and operations supplies for the Korea Region. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. Location of performance is Washington with a June 30, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 defense working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.  
 
AIR FORCE
 
DLT Solutions, LLC, Herndon, Va., has been awarded a $45,973,106 delivery order (6K15) on an existing firm-fixed-price, blanket purchase agreement (W91QUZ-06-A-0002) for software maintenance and support for perpetual enterprise Oracle software licenses used throughout the Air Force and the U.S. Transportation Command.  Work will be performed at Herndon, Va., and is expected to be completed March 31, 2014.  Fiscal 2014 research and development, operations and maintenance, TRANSCOM Working Capital funds in the amount of $10,454,875 are being obligated at time of award.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/HIK, Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Ala., is the contracting activity.
 
*Small Business
 
**HUBZone


*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-040-14 March 4, 2014 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: Ukraine Top Stories / Headlines News Dated March 4, 2014

DTN News: Ukraine Top Stories / Headlines News Dated March 4, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 4, 2014: Comprehensive daily news related to Ukraine Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY.
*Comprehensive daily news related to Ukraine Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY
*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources + Telegraph UK
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News ~ F-35 CANADIAN CONNECTION: F-35 Makes First Flight Sporting Canadian-Made Tail Wing Assembly

DTN News ~ F-35 CANADIAN CONNECTION: F-35 Makes First Flight Sporting Canadian-Made Tail Wing Assembly
*The US Department of Defense (USDOD) has planned to acquire 1,763 F-35As by 2034
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Canadian Manufacturing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 4, 2014: A new F-35 Lightning II fighter jet sporting a Canadian-made tail assembly took to the skies for the first time last month, according to Magellan Aerospace Corp.

The Winnipeg-built tail assembly flew on an F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variant from defence giant Lockheed Martin’s final assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas, on Feb. 26.

“Magellan delivered the horizontal tail for the aircraft that flew today in December 2012,” Scott McCrady, Magellan’s F-35 program director, said in a company release.

“Since then our annual production rates have been steadily increasing and are expected to continually increase over the next several years as the F-35 program matures.”

Mississauga, Ont.-based Magellan is under contract with BAE Systems to produce horizontal tail assemblies for the CTOL variant of the F-35 and is expected to produce more than 1,000 assemblies for the program over a 20-year period.

Magellan, under contract with engine maker Rolls-Royce, has also been producing the vane box assembly and transition duct for all of the F-35B Short Take Off and Landing (STOVL) variant of the fighter jet.

The company has also been producing “a number of composite assemblies and machined details” directly to Lockheed Martin.

The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) or F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The single-seat, single-engine fifth-generation F-35A has been designed and is being developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for the US Air Force (USAF) and allied air forces. The multi-role, supersonic, stealthy fighter aircraft is designed to undertake air defence, ground attack and reconnaissance missions.

The F-35A will replace the USAF's F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and will supersede A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft by 2028. It is also expected to replace F-15 fighters. It addition, the F-35A will complement the F-22 Raptor air superiority fighter.
Design features of the F-35 Lightening II aircraft CTOL edition

The F-35A CTOL variant of the F-35 aircraft is designed mainly as a low-visibility aircraft with air-to-ground attack and air-to-air combat capabilities. Turning agility of the aircraft is nine times the force of gravity.  

The F-35A is more affordable as its operation and support is expected to cost 40%-50% less than current-generation aircraft used by the USAF. Another affordability feature of the aircraft is that approximately 80% of its parts are common to other variants of the F-35 aircraft.

Low visibility capability allows the aircraft to defy, retort and avoid enemy threats. State-of-the-art electronic systems add to the positional awareness of the pilot. Low-radar profile helps in maintaining the aircraft's low visibility by allowing loading of weapons and fuel internally.

Due to its lower logistics footprint, the aircraft can be positioned in an easier way than the USAF's existing fighter aircraft.

Development of Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation fighter aircraft F-35A

The critical design reviews (CDR) for CTOL variant of the F-35 aircraft were conducted in February 2006. The first flight of F-35A was undertaken in December 2006. The initial production order for two F-35A aircraft was sanctioned in April 2007.

A slightly improved version of the original aircraft was flown in November 2009.
The first night flight of F-35A was carried out in January 2012. The aircraft was tested with external weapons for the first time in February that year at Edwards Air Force Base, California. First night re-fuelling mission was completed one month later in March, while the first in-flight re-fuelling mission was completed in April 2012.

Orders and delivery of the CTOL variant of the F-35

In December 2011, the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force selected the CTOL variant to replace its ageing F-4 fleet. Israel has also shown interest in buying at least 100 F-35A aircraft.

The first two production aircraft were handed over to the USAF in May 2011. Two more F-35As were delivered in September 2011. The fifth and sixth aircraft, designated as AF-12 and AF-13 respectively, were delivered to the 33d Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in October 2011.

The F-35A was initially planned to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) in March 2013. The IOC is now projected to take place in 2016.

The US Department of Defense (USDOD) has planned to acquire 1,763 F-35As by 2034.

Armaments

The F-35A is equipped with an internally-mounted GAU-22/A Equalizer gun manufactured by General Dynamics. This 25mm gun is designed for greater effectiveness against ground targets.

The aircraft's weapon station includes three external pylons on each of the two wings with a combined capacity of 6,800kg. Moreover, there are two internal bays with two pylons each with a combined payload capacity of 8,100kg.

Avionics

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is supplying its AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the aircraft. The company is also supplying the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) missile warning system, which is fitted with six electro-optical sensors.

An electronic warfare suite, designated as AN/ASQ-239, will be supplied by BAE Systems. Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) communication system will be provided by Harris Corporation.

Performance

The 15.7m F-35A aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 1.6 Mach. The combat radius and maximum range of the aircraft on internal fuel are 1,093km and 2,200km respectively. Maximum g-rating of F-35A is 9.0 and weapons payload capacity is 8,160kg.
Pratt & Whitney engine for the F-35A fighter aircraft

The F-35A CTOL is powered by a single F135 engine (F135-PW-100 variant) manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. The F135 is a two-spool afterburning turbofan type engine capable of producing maximum thrust of 191.3kN and intermediate thrust of 128.1kN.

The F135 engine is an enhanced version of the F119 engine which powers the F-22 Raptor. F135 measures 135m in length and has an inner diameter of 1.17m. Overall pressure ratio of the engine is 28. Internal fuel capacity is 8,382kg.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Canadian Manufacturing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Monday, March 03, 2014

DTN News - UKRAINE CRISIS: Russia Tightens Grip on Crimea

DTN News - UKRAINE CRISIS: Russia Tightens Grip on Crimea
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth & POTD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 3, 2014: Secretary of State John Kerry will be heading to Kyiv Monday for discussions there Tuesday, the U.S. top diplomat tweeted as Russia continued to assert increasing control over Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.

"Secretary Kerry will meet with senior representatives of Ukraine’s new government, leaders of the Rada (Ukraine's parliament), and members of civil society. The Secretary will reaffirm the United States' strong support for Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the right of the Ukrainian people to determine their own future, without outside interference or provocation," says a statement by the U.S. State Department.

Quoting a senior U.S. government official, the New York Times reports that the trip will be a gesture of support for the new Ukrainian government.

Also on Sunday, President Barack Obama spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, according to senior administration officials. The purpose of the talks, they said, was to re-state the "complete illegitimacy" of Russian action in Ukraine and discuss available responses.

According to the officials, the U.S. and its allies are looking into offering an "off-ramp" if Moscow chooses to pursue its concerns diplomatically. International tools, they said, are available to President Vladimir Putin to address concerns about the safety of ethnic Russians, such as through the United Nations and/or through monitors from the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe.

G-7 condemns Russia

The Group of Seven major industrialized nations (G-7) on Sunday condemned Russia's intrusion into Ukraine and canceled for now preparations for the G-8 summit that includes Russia and had been scheduled to take place in Sochi in June, the White House said.

”We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission, join together today to condemn the Russian Federation's clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” the G7 said in a statement.

We have decided for the time being to suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G-8 Summit in Sochi in June,” the group said.

Ukraine mobilizes forces

Meanwhile, Ukraine has ordered a full military mobilization after Russian lawmakers authorized the deployment of troops on Ukraine territory.

Ukraine's new prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, said the Russian decision is a declaration of war. The pro-Western government in Kyiv, which ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych last month, has appealed to the international community for help.

Prime Minister Yatsenyuk said in an address from parliament Sunday "we are on the brink of disaster" and called for Russia to pull back its military and abide by international obligations.  Up to one million army reservists are to report to duty on Monday. 

In Washington, Secretary Kerry on Sunday condemned Russia's “incredible act of aggression” in Ukraine and threatened economic sanctions by the United States and allies to isolate Moscow, but called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

“You just don't in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext,” Kerry told the CBS program “Face the Nation.”

News agencies in Moscow report Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. President Obama, in a Saturday telephone call, Moscow reserves the right to protect ethnic Russians in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Situation in Crimea

Russian and pro-Russian forces appear in control of much of Crimea.  The autonomous Ukrainian republic, home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, has an ethnic Russian majority and has historic ties to Moscow.  

Unidentified soldiers, widely believed to be Russian troops, took up positions around Simferopol.  Ukrainian soldiers and police seen on the streets appeared to be following an order from the region's pro-Russian prime minister to fall under his command or resign.

Reports that Russian troops had surrounded several Ukrainian military bases on the peninsula added to the tensions, though there appears to be no direct conflict.

In a news conference Sunday, local parliament speaker Vladimir Konstantinov claimed the situation had "stabilized."

He dismissed the legitimacy of the new government in Kyiv, characterizing it as composed of extremists.

In Kyiv, meanwhile, prosecutors have opened a treason case against the newly-appointed head of Ukraine's Black Sea fleet, after he renounced his post and swore allegiance to pro-Russian leaders in Crimea.  Authorities said Admiral Denys Berezovsky, appointed Saturday, offered no resistance later in the day when his headquarters in Sevastopol were surrounded by Russian troops.

While the events in Crimea have as yet proved bloodless, fears are rising that in eastern Ukraine, with sizable factions both pro- and anti-Russian, any movement of Russian troops would provoke a far more inflammatory reaction.

NATO warning 

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Ramussen warned Moscow on Sunday it was threatening peace in Europe with its seizure of Crimea. He said NATO supports the right of the Ukrainian people to determine their future.  He said Ukraine is a "valued" NATO partner and urged Russia to "de-escalate" the tension in the region.

Ukraine withdrew its coast guard vessels from two ports in Crimea and moved them to other Black Sea bases on Sunday. 

Ukraine's border guard said in a statement that vessels from the Crimean ports of Kerch and Sevastopol had been moved to Odessa and Mariupol. The situation on Ukraine's frontiers was stable apart from in Crimea, the statement said.

Putin has declared he has the right to invade Ukraine to protect Russian citizens. Russian forces have seized Crimea, where they have a naval base at Sevastopol, but have not entered other parts of Ukraine.

On Saturday President Obama said the United States is suspending participation in meetings to prepare for the G8 economic summit later this year in Sochi, Russia.

Obama said the appropriate way to address this matter is by direct engagement with the Ukrainian government and through international monitors.

The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu Saturday.  Officials say Hagel told Shoygu that without a change on the ground, Russia is risking more regional instability, global isolation, and an escalation that would threaten European and international security.

NATO ambassadors met Sunday in Brussels to discuss Ukraine.  A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission was also scheduled.

Ukraine's U.N. Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev pauses during a news conference following an U.N. Security Council meeting on his country's political crisis, Saturday, March 1, 2014, in the United Nations headquarters.

In New York, the United Nations said now is the time for "cool heads to prevail."  

Ukrainian Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev told the Security Council that 15,000 Russian troops are already in Crimea under the pretense of protecting Russian citizens.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin blamed the West for ratcheting up tensions in Ukraine and backing protests that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych last month.

Russia has said its troop movements in Crimea, where it leases a naval base in Sevastopol, conform to agreements with Ukraine.  

Crimea is a Black Sea peninsula placed under Ukrainian control in 1954 by then-Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.  It became part of Ukraine when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.  Crimea has a tiny border with Russia on its far eastern point.  Most of the people living in Crimea are ethnic Russians, but the region also is home to ethnic Muslim Tartars who generally show disdain toward Russia.

Rallies in Russia

​In Moscow and St. Petersburg, thousands of people turned out for officially sponsored demonstrations supporting Russia’s military thrust into Crimea.

Smaller anti-war demonstrations took place in both cities, resulting in about 300 arrests.

Public opinion polls in Russia indicate that majorities of people here believe that the Ukraine’s largely Russian speaking peninsula should belong to Russia. Hints emerged Sunday as to Russia’s goal in Crimea.

Russian state news agency reported that a referendum scheduled for March 30 in Crimea will give voters the choice of: independence, continued autonomy within Ukraine, or annexation by Russia.

On a parallel track, Russia’s Duma is to debate next week a new law that would make it easier for Russia to absorb new territories. Under this legislation, local referendums would trump international treaties.

VOA's Scott Stearns contributed to this report from Washington. VOA's Elizabeth Arrott contributed from Simferopol, Ukraine. VOA's Jim Brooke contributed from Moscow.


*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth & POTD
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS