Semper Fidelis … it’s as easy as that

“I am volunteering because it’s a brotherhood,” said Highway Patrol Trooper James Holbert, who is giving his time to watch over the fallen Marine.

Holbert has been a trooper for two years and a Marine in the Reserves since 1994. Holbert said he never knew Cassada personally but feels a connection with him. Both graduated from East Henderson and both went into boot camp immediately after high school.

“It’s very personal,” Holbert said. “It’s an honor for me to do this.”

The story

GAO comes down on Bollinger’s side

by Michael DeKort

The GAO came down on Bollinger’s side today.  I understand that it’s an uphill climb for the protester and less than 15% of those protesters win – but something doesn’t look right here.

• The GAO asked for two extensions that would have put the decision past the inauguration.  Then 3 days before the original deadline they make their decision?  What were the extensions for?  Did someone press for a decision before the new administration takes over?

• Previous performance is normally part of the process.  Congressional aids told me that the Coast Guard didn’t evaluate previous performance of Bollinger, relative to the 123 debacle, because the DHS IG and DoJ hadn’t finished their investigation.  How convenient is that? (The DoJ is also now responsible for the 123 refund acquisition.) Did the GAO ignore previous performance too or do their own investigation?  If so what did they find? It’s interesting that the Coast Guard can ignore previous performance of an ICGS subcontractor and award them what may be a $1.5b contract and they virtually ignore what is very recent poor performance.

• A little while back the DHS took back acquisition authority.  Did they approve this?

• Marinette Maine was the low bidder.

• I was told the Coast Guard didn’t evaluate any of the bidder’s C4ISR solutions.  That’s interesting because it is 1/3 or more of the cost of each boat.

• Bollinger sued Northrop right after the protest was filed.  In the suit they ask for $12m in compensation for hull/shaft and C4ISR work because the 123 contracts were canceled. In the suit Bollinger said Northrop was completely responsible for the hull, shaft and C4ISR problems.  If there was no wrong doing why try to pass the blame?  Sure looks like Bollinger was trying real hard to void the blame so the GAO, DHS IG or DoJ wouldn’t come down on them or find reason to deny the FRC award. Also – we learned from the lawsuit that ICGS appears to not only be inclined to pay the $96m 123 refund but they believe they may be due compensation for the government canceling the contract because all of the 123s were lost.

I realize there are a lot of issues that go in to issues like this. and a lot of politics.  Maybe Bollinger has the best product etc.  (I have no problem with the people of southern Louisiana getting a big contract.  They could use the break.) But something seems wrong here. Did the GAO investigate Bollinger’s performance and make some kind of evaluation of that?  If not shouldn’t they have waited until the DoJ and DHS IG finished their investigations – especially since they were investigating all of the potential wrong doing relative to the 123 project?  Why did the GAO ask for two extensions they didn’t use?  Why didn’t they wait until the new administration took over – especially since both of the extensions they asked for were after 1/20?  Did the DHS and Coast Guard pull a fast one while they could?  Will the Obama administration step in and review this?  Can the DHS and Coast Guard keeping giving the parties involved in the 123 debacle more work  and more money – especially since it appears that the contractors not only have no interest in paying the $96m refund but may want to be financially compensated because the government canceled the contract?

Coast Guard: Delays in vessel rescue efforts

GLOUCESTER – A lack of proper computer access codes may have delayed efforts to rescue the fishing vessel Patriot, which went down earlier this month with two crew members on board, a Coast Guard official said.

Capt. Gail Kulisch told The Gloucester Daily Times that Coast Guard personnel made “several” unsuccessful attempts to use a computerized vessel monitoring system to pinpoint the last radio-beamed location of the 54-foot boat, but failed at first because they did not have proper access codes.

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She would not speculate on how much time was lost while awaiting the codes.

Kulisch, the Sector Boston commander, also said delays in the Coast Guard’s response to the Jan. 3 emergency occurred because the distress signal came in an unorthodox manner, and the key source of information was a crew member’s wife.

Read more at the CapeCodTimes.com

President Bush steals the Coast Guard’s success….again

A very different view of Katrina from the Blog “First Draft“

Today Bush defended his response to Katrina by pointing to the success of the Coast Guard rescues. It’s not the first time he has done so and it is bullshit. To explain why that is so, here are excerpts  of a Dec. 2005 post which I wrote when Bush had previously claimed their success as his own and I suggested to keep it in mind as he would do so again…and he has, of course.

This isn’t the first time that Bush has invoked the imagery of the Coast Guard. He used them for a photo op on Friday September 2 (BTW the “chopper drivers” were diverted from rescue missions for this) He also cited them almost at the top of his Jackson Square speech. He pulls out the Coast Guard often and for good reason. There is a general belief that the only agency that responded with success in the Katrina tragedy was the Coast Guard. “Basically, the Coast Guard was one of the only success stories coming out of Katrina,” said Alane Kochems, a national security policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation.

So of course Bush wants to plant that success in the people’s minds rather than all the miserable failures we watched play out on tv. However Bush had NO role in that success. In fact the success of the Coast Guard is attributed to the fact that they are quite autonomous and as CBS News reported “That is why the Coast Guard succeeded. Unlike many other federal agencies, the Coast Guard was able to cut through bureaucratic red tape with a simple philosophy: Act first and get permission later.”

Time magazine explained it further…

In fact, the Coast Guard has no primary mission–and it may be its eclectic history that explains its success in dealing with Katrina.
SNIP
But perhaps the most important distinction of the Coast Guard is that it trusts itself.
SNIP
That kind of decentralization is essential if a large organization is to move quickly, as any good CEO knows. But the rest of the government has been moving in the opposite direction, centralizing dozens of agencies into the giant DHS bureaucracy.

On the Gulf Coast, this autonomy and flexibility mattered well before Katrina hit. On Aug. 27, the day before the mayor of New Orleans ordered a mandatory evacuation, the Coast Guard began moving its personnel out of the region. Officers left helicopters and boats in a ring around the area so that they could move in behind the storm, no matter which direction it took. “We have extraordinary autonomy to move assets,” explained Allen during a flyover of the Mississippi Gulf Coast region a few weeks after Katrina. “I don’t think any other agency has the ability to do that.”

The only ones who have a right to take credit for the success of the Coast Guard is the Coast Guard which acted on its own initiative. Yet I am sure Bush will continue to conflate the Federal (ie Bush) response with the Coast Guard’s in the way he does with 9/11 and Saddam. When you hear it in the future just remember it for what it is….Bullshit.

The future is now. Not only does he not take responsibility for his failure but he steals the success of others. That is pathetic and despicable or… typical behavior for the worst prez ever.

Today he asked–”But when I hear people say the federal response was slow, then what are they gonna say to those chopper drivers?” Well if we are honest we would say…Thanks for doing a great job in spite of a total lack of leadership from your Commander in Chief.

U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Charles D. Wurster at the Helm Again

San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners has appointed retired U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Charles D. Wurster president and chief executive of the San Diego Unified Port District.

Like all port directors, Wurster will have to deal with a slowing economy and lower traffic levels. However, one thing he won’t have to worry about is having a football stadium overhead. In November, San Diego area voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot initiative that would have required the commissioners to allow developers to build a 96-acre, 40-foot-tall deck over the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal, a facility used for military operations, breakbulk and refrigerated cargoes.

The three-star admiral served 37 years in the Coast Guard, before retiring in May 2008 as commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, based in Alameda. After living throughout the country during his career, he chose San Diego for his family home last year.

“I was impressed by the variety of businesses the port is involved in, the work ethic there and the port’s corporate culture, which stresses teamwork, accountability and achievement,” Wurster said. “I think my expertise is a good match with the port, and I look forward to continuing my career as a public servant.”

Wurster was hired to replace Bruce Hollingsworth, who announced his planned retirement several months ago. Hollingsworth served as the district’s leader for nearly six years, capping a 24-year career at the port.

“Charlie is someone we can trust to take over the reins from an accomplished CEO who built an effective organization dedicated to quality public service,” Board Chairman Michael Bixler said. “Choosing someone who has the same values as the organization was paramount in our decision.”

As vice admiral, Wurster was responsible for 11,000 personnel and a $450 million budget for Coast Guard operations throughout the western United States, Alaska, Hawaii and the Pacific. Agency roles included the security and safety of marine transportation, law enforcement, emergency services and environmental protection throughout the Pacific Basin to the Far East. He is credited with expanding the agency’s international partnerships with Russia and China.

Wurster was one of more than 80 people who applied for the job. He will work with Hollingsworth during a 30-day transition period. Wurster will be the district’s fifth leader since the formation of the port by an act of the state Legislature in 1962.

Wurster, 59, received a master’s degree in civil engineering in 1976 from the University of Illinois. He graduated with honors in 1971 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. He is a 1993 graduate of the National Resource Strategy program of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Wurster is a registered Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers. His recognitions include Chi Epsilon honor fraternity, the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, and the Society of American Military Engineers’ Sverdrup Medal.

His annual salary is $200,000.

Government and Social Media

by Scott Meis at Social Media Snippets

I’ve always been intrigued by how Government would adopt social media.

Having worked as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy, I’m privy to the heavy bureaucratic constraints that often make it seem darn near impossible to push projects along and meet deadlines. Our communications process and structure in the Navy was very defined.

Working for a mid-size communications firm, it’s incredible to compare the two scenarios in terms of how fast and fluid I can now make things happen. I have high hopes for how Obama will help shape and influence Government’s adoption of the social Web. He did an amazing job during his campaign and continues to find ways to churn up old school presidential communication models. I’m also realistic…after all, there’s just a few things going on in our nation and the world at the moment.

Potential

That being said, there are already impressive steps being taken by parts of Government to adopt social media and I’ll be very curious to look back at the end of Obama’s administration to see how things have evolved. Mark Drapeau did a brilliant post last week on Government 2.0 identifying social media’s potential role in transforming government communication processes. Mark introduces the interesting idea of I3 (indirect, intimate influence) as a model for Government to embrace individual supporters as brand ambassadors throughout the Web.

Progress

As for now, all signs point up. As David Meerman Scott notes in his post, the U.S. Air Force is actively embracing Twitter and has been earning a good deal of cred across the Web for creating this blog assessment flowchart. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Army seem a bit more reserved but are at least researching and figuring out the best way to take next steps to embrace the dynamic Web.

It also looks like there are a host of politicians hopping on Twitter, recognizing the value of connecting with their constituents in a more accessible format. I’m sure the degree to which these politicians or their staff tweeters are effectively utilizing the site varies across the board, but it’s progress.

What’s your take? Do you have suggestions to help government adopt and embrace the social Web?

Lockheed Martin Aquires Unitech

Lockheed Martin has completed its purchase of Universal Systems & Technology, Inc. also known as Unitech.  Founded in 1998 with over 400 employees Unitech provides interactive simulation and training to the U.S. Coast Guard and every other branch of the U.S. Military.

Former Marine Commandant Heads Admiral Nimitz Foundation

General Michael Hagee

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret) as its new Executive Director effective January 5, 2009. General Hagee served as the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2004 to 2007. He has served on the Foundation’s all-volunteer Board since 2007. In his new role, he will work closely with the other members of the Board, the Foundation Staff, the National Museum of the Pacific War Staff, and the Texas Historical Commission not only to maintain, but also to enhance the Museum’s position as a world-class history and research center in historic Fredericksburg

John Kerr, Chairman of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation commented: “We are delighted to have such a distinguished and experienced individual to follow Admiral Chuck Grojean as our new Executive Director. His knowledge of the Foundation and his passion for its mission will ensure a seamless leadership transition. Raised in Fredericksburg, he understands the role the Foundation and its Museum play as a part of this community and the Texas Hill Country.”

General Hagee said, “I am honored to follow Admiral Grojean and assume this important position at the Foundation. Admiral Grojean was an inspirational leader and visionary. I look forward to helping realize this vision by working with the Foundation’s Board, Museum employees and our many supporters. My wife, Silke, and I are excited about becoming a part of the Fredericksburg Community.”

A graduate of Fredericksburg High School, General Hagee retired from the US Marine Corps in January 2007. While a general officer, his command assignments included Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force. His staff assignments included serving as Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense; Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence; Deputy Director of Operations, U.S. European Command; and Director Strategic Plans and Policy, U.S. Pacific Command.

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, has supported the mission of the National Museum of the Pacific War since 1970. The National Museum of the Pacific War is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. Located on a six-acre site in Fredericksburg, Texas, the Museum includes the George H.W. Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Plaza of Presidents, Memorial Courtyard, Japanese Garden of Peace, Pacific Combat Zone, and the Center for Pacific War Studies.

U.S. Coast Guard Busy in Iraq

Reflecting vital strategic role, CNATT – Umm Qasr hosts four high-profile visits

UMM QASR, Iraq – The Coalition Naval Advisory Training Team – Umm Qasr is comprised of nearly 90 personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. Based within the Iraqi Naval Base at Umm Qasr in the Al Basrah Province of Southern Iraq, the Royal Navy-led operation exists to train, mentor and advise the re-established Iraqi maritime forces.

Naval Leaders in the Spotlight

Hon. Barney Barnum

H.C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy
(Reserve Affairs)

Mr. Barnum was born in Cheshire, Connecticut.  He attended Cheshire High School, received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps upon graduation in 1962.  Upon retirement Colonel Barnum served as the Principal Director, Drug Enforcement Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense.  He has served as an Independent Consultant from 1993 to the present.

Mr. Barnum, the fourth Marine to be awarded the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, for valor in Vietnam, retired as a colonel from the Marine Corps on August 1, 1989, with more than 27 and one-half years active service.  He is a former President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

His assignments include four tours as an artilleryman with the 3^rd Marine Division to include two tours in Vietnam; 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing; Guard Officer at Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbor and Operations Officer, Hawaiian Armed Forces Police; Weapons Instructor at the Basic School; 2^nd Marine Division as an artillery battalion operations and executive officer and subsequently Division Staff Secretary; four years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island as Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company and 2^nd Recruit Training Battalion of the Training Regiment; Chief of Current Operations, US Central Command where he planned and executed the first U.S./Jordanian joint exercise staff as the Commander of U.S. Forces and twice planned and executed operation BRIGHT STAR spread over four southwest Asian countries involving 26,000 personnel; attended The Basic School, U.S. Army Field Artillery School, Amphibious Warfare School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Naval War College; Headquarters Marine Corps tours included aide to the Assistant Commandant as a Captain and Deputy Director Public Affairs, Director Special Projects Directorate and Military Secretary to the Commandant as a Colonel.

Mr. Barnum’s personal medals and decorations include:  the Medal of Honor; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and gold star in lieu of a second award; The Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Army Presidential Unit Citation; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Navy Unit Citation; Two awards of the Meritorious Unit Citation; and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (silver).

Mr. Barnum assumed his current duties on 23 July, 2001.