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webmasterb@nationalvoicesite.com Forces Capture Taliban Kidnapping Suspect Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2010 – Coalition and Afghan forces apprehended several insurgent leaders in Afghanistan overnight, including a Taliban district leader suspected in the kidnapping of a British news reporter last year, military officials said. Afghan and International Assistance Security Force members captured the Taliban leader for the Chahar Darah district of Kunduz province during an overnight operation in neighboring Takhar province. The district leader is suspected of being directly involved in the kidnapping of New York Times reporter Stephen Farrell in September 2009. He also is believed to have maintained close ties with senior Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leadership in northern Afghanistan and Pakistan, and terrorized the local populace by forcibly collecting taxes, intimidating relatives of police and attacking government buildings. He was detained along with two associates. In other combined operations in Afghanistan: -- Forces detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province yesterday while in pursuit of a Taliban leader who commands up to 20 fighters in the Marja district. Using intelligence tips, the force searched a remote compound and found a man shackled and locked in one of the rooms. The man claimed to be a national police member and said the Taliban had kidnapped him. The security force is still gathering information to confirm his identity. The force detained the suspects and seized multiple grenades, assault-rifle magazines and ammunition and 20 pounds of wet opium. -- Forces targeted a Haqqani terrorist network leader who supplies weapons used for attacks throughout Khost province’s Musa Khel district during an overnight operation there. Intelligence tips led the force to a remote compound in the Sabari district. As they approached, several armed insurgents threatened them. The force engaged the insurgents, killing two. After questioning residents, the force detained a suspect and recovered a machine gun. -- Forces captured a Taliban leader overnight who operated in Kandahar province’s Dand district, coordinating attacks and arming Taliban fighters. Intelligence tips led the force to a compound in the Arghandab district where they peacefully identified and detained the targeted man and two of his associates. -- Forces captured a Taliban senior leader overnight who operated in Wardak province’s Sayed Abad district and is believed to have been active in coordinating attacks directly with Taliban leaders in Pakistan. Based on intelligence tips, the force targeted a compound in the Sayed Abad district and peacefully identified and detained the man, along with one of his associates. -- In Paktika province’s Yosuf Khel district, a combined force captured a Taliban leader who led bombing attacks. Intelligence reports led the force to a compound in Yosuf Khel where they peacefully identified and detained the targeted man, along with several of his associates. -- Forces targeted a Taliban senior leader in Zabul province overnight who commands a cell that conducts regular roadside-bomb attacks along Highway 1. The suspect maintains ties with several foreign fighters and Taliban leadership operating in the region. The force peacefully detained the man and several others at a remote compound in the Tarnek wa Jaldak district. -- Forces captured a Taliban leader of a bombing network operating in Qalat district during an overnight operation yesterday in Zabul province. Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound southeast of Tana Chah, and peacefully detained the suspect and several of his associates. -- A combined patrol found and destroyed two separate narcotics supplies yesterday. First, a joint strike force raided a drug lab in Nangarhar province’s Achin district, where they found and destroyed 44 pounds of packaged heroin, 66 pounds of hashish and 47 gallons of a chemical used to process heroin and associated equipment. In a separate operation, a patrol used intelligence information and residents’ tips to secure 3,300 pounds of processed opium, more than a ton of raw opium and about 60 pieces of drug-processing equipment. One suspected insurgent was detained. In all the operations, combined forces protected women and children throughout their searches, officials said. Bahrain Helicopter Det Provides Critical Support for Pakistan Relief
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 Det. 2 forward-deployed to the U.S. Navy's aviation unit in Bahrain have provided essential support to flooding relief efforts in Pakistan since these efforts began in early August. The HM 15 team logged more than 240 flight hours, evacuated 3,360 people to safety and delivered more than 800,000 pounds of humanitarian aid/disaster (HA/DR) relief supplies in support of the Pakistani government and military relief operations. U.S. military aircraft supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts achieved a significant milestone Sept. 11, delivering more than 5 million pounds of relief supplies since U.S. military relief flight operations began in Pakistan Aug. 5. HM-15, nicknamed the "Blackhawks," operates the MH-53E Sea Dragon, and is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The squadron is staffed by both active duty and Reserve personnel, and is the first squadron in the Navy to combine and consolidate training requirements between those two components. Using the Sea Dragon in normal day-to-day operations, the squadron patrols foreign and domestic waters to locate and destroy sea-based mines that could harm watercraft, and to map safe sea lanes of travel. Due to the heavy-lift capabilities of the MH-53, the squadron also can perform assault support and transport cargo when deployed. HM-15 Det. 2's maintenance crews in Bahrain keep the helicopters flying. "The aircraft fly every day and are put through some tough constraints," Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Andrew Titus said, describing his role in the maintenance cycle. "I am one of the first to have any contact with it when they return. It's my job as plane captain to evaluate it and turn it around to be ready for flight the next day." When a helicopter returns from flying relief supplies to Pakistan, HM 15 mechanics on the ground quickly evaluate and prioritize the needs of the aircraft to have it ready for flight, which is often the next morning. "Because we fly so much, the aircraft requires immediate attention," Titus explained. "We have to do our job efficiently and thoroughly. If we missed a crucial component, it would affect the mission. It could affect the safety of flight." Pilot Lt. Andrew Kouness said the Pakistan mission is one of the most challenging he has been involved with, and the most rewarding. "We operate in an environment with high altitudes and challenging terrain," he said. "The helo operates different in the mountains than it does at sea level - with increased performance." Kouness also expressed that the increased performance also increases pilots' attention to detail as well as the plane captains' attention to every aspect of the aircraft. He continued to explain that because Pakistani mountain regions were so tight, flying required precise entry and exit points. This capability to provide support is a result of the hard work in the hangar and attention to detail HM 15 Sailors practice to keep their aircraft flying, while delivering HA/DR supplies. "On this mission, we fly to the power margins that the helo provides. We put an extra constraint on the aircraft and it puts an extra workload on the plane captains. But, my aircraft is always ready for flight because of the professionals working around us," Kouness said. Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said the dedication of HM-15's Sailors is what makes their team successful. "The entire HM-15 team has performed spectacularly in front of the whole world. Their professionalism contributed to the success of the HA/DR mission," said Fox. "They provided a much-needed lift capability using excellent teamwork." Kouness said this mission of providing humanitarian support to Pakistan would be memorable in his Navy career. "It's every helicopter pilot's dream to be able to go out and use the aircraft the way it was designed to be used," he said. "None of this would be possible without our plane captains and dedicated mechanics on the ground." Titus also recognizes the importance of his efforts and how they impact the mission, far from the Bahrain hangar where he maintains the detachment's helicopters. "I take pride in what I do and realize the importance of my job and the direct support I gave to this mission," he said.
Navy SEAL Remembered at Hometown Memorial in Missouri. From Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Public Affairs MACON, Mo. (NNS) -- A Navy SEAL was laid to rest Oct. 2, after being honored by thousands of people during a ceremony and funeral procession in his hometown of Macon, Mo. Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Smith died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan along with one Navy support technician, two other Navy SEALs, and five Army aircrew members Sept. 21. Hundreds of people packed the First Baptist Church during a funeral service for the fallen SEAL, where Smith was remembered as a hometown hero. "Adam was a courageous warrior with an unflappable attitude who earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fellow citizens alike, and he took great pride and passion in being a Navy SEAL," said Capt. Tim Szymanski, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. Szymanski also thanked the Macon community for rallying around the Smith family during a time of need, and for their hospitality toward visiting service members who were present for the memorial events. After the service, the citizens of Macon came out by the thousands to pay their last respects to Smith as his funeral procession made its way through the town. During the burial ceremony, the national ensign was folded by a team of fellow SEALs and given to Smith's parents, followed by a gun salute by a Navy honor guard. "Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 2nd Class Adam Smith now joins a long list of military members who have given their lives so all of us can enjoy the rights and privileges in this country; this is a harsh reminder that the price of freedom comes at a terrible cost," said Pastor Scott Dalrymple of the First Baptist Church, who presided over the ceremony. "Adam was born to be a SEAL and he found his place in life with the SEALs." Smith was assigned to an East Coast based SEAL team out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, Va.
"New Dawn" Arriving in Iraqi Waterways By Lt. John Rogers, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- With Operation Iraqi Freedom drawing to a close in August and Operation New Dawn beginning Sept. 1, the Iraqi navy shifted toward a leading role in providing security for Iraqi territorial waters. Coalition forces had been leading security operations in the Iraqi maritime environment until the day that Iraqis would take over responsibilities. The security of this compact and challenging operating environment is crucial due to the enormous volume of trade conducted at the oil terminals and the ports of Umm Qasr and Basrah. Iraqi Patrol Ship Nasser (702) conducted joint training with USS Chinook (PC 9), and the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Navy (ITAM-N), Aug. 4. The training was the final step in ensuring Nasser was prepared to take on the full range of operations and lead a successful patrol by the Iraqi navy. A three-day training event focused on oil terminal defense. Nasser patrolled the water around Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT), while a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) from Chinook's small boat simulated a wide range of scenarios, including posing as a fishing dhow that had come too close to the terminal, and simulating a high speed skiff intent on attacking the terminal. "Nasser did an outstanding job of protecting the water around ABOT and making it difficult to attack the terminal," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Ian Lacomb, small boat coxswain. The next day the Chinook crew hosted Nasser's crew for a series of training scenarios focusing on weapons, safety and stern ramp familiarization. The Italian-built Nasser, similar to U.S. patrol craft, is outfitted with the same M2 .50-caliber machine guns as Chinook, making it a perfect platform to host the weapons training. During the session, coalition forces trained the Iraqis on safe and accurate shooting. Upon completion of the initial training, Iraqi sailors completed a live-fire exercise, ensuring each sailor was familiar and comfortable with operating the weapon. During safety training, Iraqi sailors learned rescue and fire control techniques. Rescue and assistance techniques were taught to ensure the Iraqi sailors were able to proficiently provide assistance to mariners operating in the vicinity of the oil terminals. Chinook's damage control training team conducted scenarios that exercised Nasser crew members' ability to engage fires and flooding casualties. Chinook Sailors also provided small boat-handling familiarization training to Nasser sailors, focusing on how to safely launch and recover small boats from a stern ramp and safely transfer personnel. "I was impressed by the motivation of the Iraqis throughout the entire three-day training event," said Engineman 1st Class Blaine Lenzner. The training has since proven useful in the real world when Nasser recently assisted a dhow that suffered a mishap to its engineering plant. Nasser crew members helped the vessel repair the bilge pump, and reverse the flooding, allowing the dhow to safely continue its transit.
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