Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Boeing Delivers AH-64E Apache Training System To Republic of Korea

From a press release yesterday
Published on ASDNews: Aug 22, 2016
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered to the Republic of Korea an Apache Longbow Crew Trainer that the country’s Army air crews will use to prepare for the AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters that Boeing begins delivering later this year.The system uses the Apache’s flight software and matured flight and avionics simulation models to create an accurate training environment that increases mission readiness.
[ Blogger's Note: Apart from knowing that Apache helos are produced at Boeing, located here in Mesa, readers might be interested to know more about what they can do.
Here's a link to the company's,website http://www.boeing.com/defense/support/training/apache-longbow-trainer/ and a 6:59-minute video
Published on May 11, 2014
Views:51
This edition features stories on Iraqis providing security during elections, the advisory role of U.S. Army during Iraqi elections, Army helicopters providing security and intelligence for Iraqi security forces, virtual combat exercises on the Longbow Crew Trainer flight simulator and Iraqis training to use unmanned aerial vehicles for security during elections. Hosted by Sgt. Nick Morales
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“The AH-64 Apache helicopter is a critical force multiplier to the U.S. Army and customers around the world,” said Randy Nielson, U.S. Army Apache Program Management Office lead for operator training devices. “The Longbow Crew Trainer is an invaluable asset that will enable Korean Army AH-64 aviators to train and sustain aircraft systems, flight and tactical tasks, increasing their combat effectiveness while reducing risk to the soldier.”
Boeing will provide two years of training and maintenance on the system.
The delivery completes one portion of South Korea’s $1.6 billion order for 36 Guardian helicopters and training and logistical support.
“As the original equipment manufacturer, Boeing is uniquely positioned to offer customers the most comprehensive and immersive training systems available for our platforms,” said Dwight Brandon, Apache Training Systems program manager. “Customers know that Boeing can help them train their people and support their aircraft to affordably maintain mission readiness for many years.”
Source : The Boeing Company - view original press release
 
Image credit for group
A chance to showcase. https://www.army.mil/article/88153
By Capt. Xeriqua Garfinkel (101st Airborne)September 28, 2012

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Media Disinformation: US/NATO WAR AGENDA

Here is another excellent piece of investigative journalism from the fine folks working in a research organization in Canada. It appeared just yesterday with all the "Russia-bashing" rampant in mainstream media.

The Fantasy of Vladimir Putin as “Vlad the Terrible” Ratchets Up…
By Felicity Arbuthnot Global Research, August 22, 2016

While the entire article can be found here some excerpts are of interest and notable to inform the public:
“What lies behind the new Russian threat to Ukraine? ” , . .
Trying to find the “Russian threat to the Ukraine” is, as ever, a hard task. It was of course the US which organized the February 2014 coup which replaced the legitimate government and reduced yet another country to chaos. Russia however also appears the victim in a recent incident which triggered the Independent article which Katehon (2) describes with admirably clarity:
“A Ukrainian group of saboteurs was arrested last week (10th August) by Russia’s secret service, the FSB. It was revealed that the Ukrainians had intended to organize terrorist attacks in Russian Crimea. During the arrest, two Russian citizens from the Federal Security Service and military of the Armed Forces were killed. This tragic incident has provoked tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian regime has begun to move its troops towards the border with Russia and the republics of Donbass, preparing for an invasion.”
Thus Ukrainian forces are thus encroaching on Russia, not the other way round.

Faithfully toeing the West’s misteaching mantra, the Independent article dropped in: “Crimea has not experienced serious military action since it was annexed from Ukraine by the Kremlin in the chaotic aftermath of the Maidan protests.”
Crimea of course, was not “annexed” by a marauding Russia as is implicated.
Only two years ago the paper wrote (3) of the referendum (16th March 2014( held in Crimea – arranged by Crimea, not Russia – in which over 95% of voters made their feelings clear over the US engineered coup:
“Fireworks exploded and Russian flags fluttered above jubilant crowds on Sunday after residents in Crimea voted overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine and join Russia … after the polls closed late on Sunday, crowds of ethnic Russians in the regional Crimean capital of Simferopol erupted with jubilant chants in the main square, overjoyed at the prospect of once again becoming part of Russia.” The referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries.*
Russia thus had not aggressively “annexed” Crimea, the people had voted to secede.

On the day of the referendum the White House released a statement ending, apparently without irony:
“In this century, we are long past the days when the international community will stand quietly by while one country forcibly seizes the territory of another.  We call on all members of the international community to continue to condemn such actions, to take concrete steps to impose costs, and to stand together …” Breathtaking.
This from a country that has, since the end of World War 11, “forcibly seized”, invaded, interfered in or decimated thirty three countries to 2011 (4) – not counting Syria and Ukraine subsequently.
 

Monday, August 22, 2016

Jerry Lewis for Mesa City Council

Dumb and dumber? ...or drunk?
Published on Aug 9, 2016
Views: 16
Bob from the Chamber of Commerce explains why Jerry Lewis gave up a successful career in show business, to run for Mesa City Council. You loved his movies, and you are going to love him on the city council.

Central Mesa Light Rail Extension Opening Celebration

...and one year later?

One-Year Anniversary for Start of Valley Metro Light Rail Service in Downtown Mesa

...and the mayor does this?
Published on Aug 22, 2016
Views: 4
Thank you Extra Innings for hosting a #PlayBall clinic for the Boys & Girls Club. Each year, mayors partner with The United States Conference of Mayors and #MLB to introduce kids to baseball and it's always a blast!

City of Mesa Newsroom Announcement

Mesa department director appointed to EPA committee
08-22-2016 at 12:53:00 PM
Source: http://www.mesanow.org
City of Mesa Environmental Management & Sustainability Director Scott Bouchie has been appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPAs) Local Government Advisory Committee.
[image to the left from Phoenix GoGreen]
The Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) is composed primarily of elected and appointed local officials, along with several state representatives and environmental interest groups from across the country. The LGAC provides advice and recommendations that assist the EPA in developing a stronger partnership with local governments through building state and local capacity to deliver environmental services and programs.
Blogger's note: Mr. Bouchie might have a very full plate to deal with chronic non-attainment here in Mesa and Maricopa County for violating EPA Clean Air Standards.
For more than ten days [including yesterday] High Pollution Ozone Alerts have been in effect.
The ultimate goal of the LGAC is to provide the citizens of the United States with more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community, state and federal level.
The LGAC crafts its advice through the help of four workgroups and a Small Communities Advisory subcommittee. The workgroups include:

  • Air, Climate and Energy Workgroup
  • Cleaning up Our Communities Workgroup
  • Expanding the Conversation (Environmental Justice) Workgroup
  • Protecting America's Waters Workgroup
Scott Bouchie was appointed to two workgroups, Air, Climate and Energy and Protecting America's Waters, and is the only representative from Arizona serving on the committee. City of Mesa Councilmember Dave Richins recently ended his term on the national committee where he served for four years.
Bouchie has worked in the municipal arena for twenty years focusing on air quality, water quality, renewables, energy efficiency, resource conservation and resource recovery. His position at the City of Mesa has required him to be on both sides of the equation [Blogger'sNote: usually not a good idea] - as someone who is regulating activities and as someone who is responsible for assuring compliance, or being regulated by EPA requirements.

"I am so excited to represent Mesa on this committee," Scott Bouchie said. "Arizona is an extraordinary environment with unique challenges related to dust, heat and water. My experience with each of these topics will make me a strong advocate for developing creative and innovative strategies and policies that take into account both the environmental and fiscal sides of the issues."

 [Blogger's Note: don't we hear this same old stuff in the words italicized all the time??]

The Air, Climate and Energy workgroup focuses on improving air quality, taking action on climate change, and promoting clean, renewable energy sources. The Protecting America's Waters workgroup focuses on ways that communities and EPA can ensure that we have adequate, safe water resources to support a healthy population and vibrant economy. The LGAC requires multiple online meetings and an annual trip to EPA headquarters in Washington D.C.


Environmental Management & Sustainability
Contact: Mariano Reyes
Tel. 480-644-5005
mariano.reyes@mesaaz.gov

Progressive Pie

My man Pie is at it again!
Assumption is the mother of fuck-UPS
Published on Aug 21, 2016
Views: 12,347
Theresa May is not a progressive politician just because she's a woman.

NO CAPTAIN ONBOARD