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DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE

CPA 197/08 Friday, 27 June 2008

NEW AIR COMMANDER AUSTRALIA

Air Force has welcomed the new Air Commander Australia during a formal
ceremony at RAAF Base Glenbrook near Sydney today.

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin handed over to Air Vice-Marshal Mark
Skidmore.

Air Commander Australia (ACAUST) is responsible for all Air Force
flying and support activities. Approximately 11,000 of Air Force’s 13,500
personnel are part of Air Command. The Air Commander is responsible
for more than 200 aircraft.

Air Vice-Marshal Binskin will be promoted to Air Marshal next week and
will be Chief of Air Force from Friday 4 July.

“It has been a real privilege to serve as ACAUST during the past 12
months. Air Force continues to face challenges through very high
operational tempo. Our people are working hard across Australia and
around the world. I am very proud of what they are achieving,” Air-Vice
Marshal Binskin said.

“I wish Mark Skidmore all the best for the new position, it’s a
demanding job.”

Air Vice-Marshal Skidmore joined Air Force in 1977. His background is
flying fast jets, in particular the F-111. He has served in a range of
strategic and operational positions, including a deployment as
Director Coalition Air Operations Centre in the Middle East in 2005.

He moves to Glenbrook from Canberra where he was Director General Air –
Joint Operations Command.

“I am honoured to be selected as Air Commander, and I’m looking
forward to the challenges of this role,” Air Vice-Marshal Skidmore
said.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd thanked Air Vice-Marshal
Binskin for his excellent leadership of Air Command and welcomed Air
Vice-Marshal Skidmore to the position.

“Air Vice-Marshal Binskin has been an exceptional Air Commander. I
wish him all the best as he prepares to become Chief next week,” Air
Marshal Shepherd said.

“Air Vice-Marshal Skidmore is an outstanding Officer who has served
Air Force well across three decades. He will be another excellent
ACAUST.”

Front Page Australia

CPA 201/08 Friday, 27 June 2008

VISION AND IMAGES COVERING THE HISTORY OF ADF OPERATIONS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ

WHAT: Vision and still imagery of Australia’s commitment in Southern
Iraq, leading up to the Welcome Home parade in Brisbane tomorrow for
returned soldiers who served in Iraq over the past three years.

WHERE: Vision will be fed to networks at Parliament House after 12pm.

Images will are available for download at:
www.defence.gov.au/media/download

Background Information:

The Australian mission in southern Iraq formally concluded on Sunday
1st June.

Australia’s commitment to southern Iraq included the deployment of an
infantry and cavalry battle group for more than three years and a
dedicated training team for about four years.

Over 3500 Australian Defence Force personnel proudly served in both the
battle group and training team during this commitment.

Australia can be proud of the positive legacy our soldiers have left
with the Iraqi people and the wider Coalition.

* Australia directly contributed to the training of 33,000 Iraqi
Security Force personnel.

* Australia oversaw the transition of the first two provinces in Iraq,
Al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar, to transition to Provincial Iraqi Control.

* The Australian Defence Force committed more than $9 million in civil
infrastructure projects that directly contributed to an increased
standard of living for the Iraqi population.

* Thankfully, only six Australian personnel were wounded during this
commitment although several vehicles were damaged as a result of combat
action.

* About 550 Australian Defence Force personnel have withdrawn from Iraq
leaving an Operation CATALYST commitment of less than 1000 personnel.

Front Page Australia

THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement

Thursday, 26 June 2008
031/2008

805 SQUADRON DECOMMISSIONS

The Royal Australian Navy’s 805 Squadron has been decommissioned at
HMAS Albatross, Nowra after seven years of providing valuable training
to Navy personnel.

The squadron’s Australian White Ensign was lowered and handed to
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Royals, RAN.

Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement,
joined current and past members of the 805 Squadron at the Decommissioning
Ceremony.

“The current 805 Squadron was re-commissioned in 2001 to be equipped
with a fleet of eleven Seasprite attack helicopters.”

“Past and present members of the squadron had achieved a number of
good results despite difficult circumstances,” said Mr Combet.

“The limited release achieved by the Seasprite helicopters enabled
Navy to train personnel at HMAS Albatross in aeroskills and mechanical
expertise, with 29 attaining qualifications as aeronautical maintenance
tradespeople.

“The squadron has also helped raise more than $15,000 for the
children’s charity Camp Quality through a marathon bike ride in regional New
South Wales.

“Due to ongoing technical problems the Federal Government has decided
not to continue with the introduction of the aircraft, and the
helicopters will be sold under an agreement with the manufacturer Kaman.

“The Squadron originally formed in 1940 and served in World War II
before switching focus to Maritime Search and Strike.

“Members from 805 Squadron will be transferring into other squadrons
and support roles,” said Mr Combet.

“The Public Servants who were attached to the squadron are being
re-deployed within the Defence Materiel Organisation.

“We have also engaged a local professional human resource firm to
assist the re-deployment of all affected personnel including the staff who
were working for the contractor.

“The Government remains committed to the sustainment of helicopter
facilities in the Nowra region and we expect that the local economy will
continue to prosper as a result.”

The 805 Squadron Crest depicts blue and white waves representing navy,
sea and heraldic principles. The orange represents the desert of Libya,
with the Palm Trees representing the native trees of the Libyan area.
The motto ‘Over Sea and Sand’ alludes to the areas flown over by
the squadron in World War II.

Front Page Australia

THE HON. JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence

Wednesday, 25 June 2008
064/2008

$1.1 BILLION INVESTMENT IN DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE GIVEN THE ‘GO-AHEAD’

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP announced today
that over $1.1 billion worth of Defence facilities proposals have
received Parliamentary approval.

The proposals include:

* $623.28m for the Hardened and Networked Army facilities at Edinburgh,
South Australia. The project includes working accommodation, training
facilities, a driver training area, a vehicle wash point and common
user facilities for both Army and RAAF including health, messing, fitness
and community facilities as well as extensive site infrastructure
works. Construction is planned to commence in late 2008 and be completed by
2011.

* $72.1m for the Robertson Barracks Redevelopment. The Project will
deliver the facilities to support the new Abrams tank fleet, and new and
refurbished facilities to support the Army. Construction is planned to
commence in mid 2009 and be completed by mid 2011.

* $80.2m for the Enoggera Redevelopment Stage One. The project includes
the construction of a combined messing facility and office
accommodation for the Headquarters of Army’s 7th Brigade, and upgrades the
existing engineering service facilities. Construction is planned to commence
in late 2008 and be completed by 2011.

* $64.2m for the Airborne Early Warning and Control Facilities RAAF
Base Tindal. The proposed project will include new taxiways, aprons,
shelters, hydrant refuelling and associated infrastructure to enable the
aircraft to operate effectively from the base. Construction is planned to
commence in early 2009 and be completed in late 2010.

* $58.7m for the RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment Stage Five. The
redevelopment will be a mixture of new facilities, refurbishment and
extensions to existing facilities and will include upgrades to the Base
engineering services, aircraft maintenance facilities, warehousing, new fuel
tanker maintenance and liquid dry breathing oxygen facilities as well as
catering and messing improvements. Construction is planned to commence
in mid 2009 and be completed in mid 2011.

* $49.8m for RAAF Base Darwin Redevelopment. The proposed redevelopment
will include a new Logistics Headquarters, office accommodation, fuel
farm, mechanical equipment workshop, vehicle washbay and demolition of
redundant facilities. Construction is planned to commence in mid 2009
and be completed by mid-2011.

* $168.7m for the Multi-Role Helicopter Facilities. The project will
provide operational, maintenance and training infrastructure to support
the introduction and operation of the aircraft, including new
headquarters for 16th Aviation Brigade and elements of the Defence Material
Organisation at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane. Construction is planned to
commence in late 2008 and be completed by late 2010.

“The Government is committed to providing the Australian Defence
Force with facilities of high standard to support current and future
capability,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“This investment will ensure that our men and women in uniform have
the necessary facilities and infrastructure to do undertake their
valuable work, ” he said.

Front Page Australia

MEDIA INVITED TO BOARD AIR FORCE B707 FOR FINAL FLIGHT

CPA 191/08 Tuesday, 25 June 2008

What:

Media are invited to register for a seat on board the final
flight of the Royal Australian Air Force’s B707 aircraft, the morning it
retires from service.

When:

Monday, 30 June 2008. Media are requested to meet in the car park
on Percival Street opposite the main gate at RAAF Base Richmond at
8.45am. No media will be accepted after 9am. Media will be released by
approximately midday.

Where:

Weather-permitting, the farewell flight path will include Sydney
Harbour.

Media are invited to join past and present members of RAAF’s No. 33
Squadron as the final Boeing 707 in RAAF service embarks on its farewell
flight over Sydney.

The aircraft, known as ‘Richmond Town’, is operated by No. 33
Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond and is retiring from duty after 29 years of
service. It was one of two ex-Qantas B707s purchased for the RAAF in
1979 and has seen service with operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan,
Pakistan and Sumatra.

For the flight over Sydney Harbour, the B707 will be accompanied by a
Hawk lead-in fighter, which will be used to collect imagery of the B707
over the Harbour. The B707 will be distinguished by its dark blue tail
scheme, appearing above the Harbour between 10am and 10.30am.

The aircraft will fly at a minimum altitude of 500 metres. The two
aircraft will enter the Harbour from Sydney heads and orbit Sydney Harbour
Bridge before returning out the harbour.

Media note:

Seats for media on board ‘Richmond Town’ are strictly limited.
Expressions of interest must be lodged to Flying Officer Eamon Hamilton.
Names must be submitted before 10am on Friday, June 27.

Media can remain at RAAF Base Richmond for the afternoon as No. 33
Squadron conducts a formal farewell parade and the B707 makes its final
flight for RAAF.

Front Page Australia

THE HON GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement

Tuesday, 24 June 2008 063/2008

COMBET OUTLINES CHALLENGES FACING DEFENCE SMEs

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Greg Combet, today
outlined to a luncheon of Defence Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
(SMEs) a number of challenges facing SMEs.

Mr Combet said that “SMEs are extremely important within the defence
industry and are often the source of innovation. Currently SMEs receive
approximately 15 per cent of the direct procurement and sustainment
budget and have the greatest export intensity within the industry”.

“They also face a number of significant challenges in their work.
This includes a lack of access to available finances and financial
management training. An ACIL Tasman Survey has indicated that 81 per cent of
defence industry participants found financing an issue. Despite this
only 22 per cent of defence companies surveyed have a focus on improving
their financial processes” said Mr Combet.

“SMEs also often suffer from an inability to access the latest
production processes and technology. They also find it harder to manage the
sometimes complex contracts that are involved within the procurement
process”.

“It is widely recognised that the skills shortage is affecting SMEs.
Despite this the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that 98 per
cent of companies employing more than 100 workers conduct structured
training, whereas for small business it is only 39 per cent”.

Mr Combet said that the “Government was aware of these challenges and
that he was currently working with the Defence Materiel Organisation
(DMO) and Industry on the development of a number of initiatives that
will help address these specific problems”.

“The Government is also working with the DMO and Industry to reform
the contracting process so that it is made easier for SMEs”.

Mr Combet also noted that the Rudd Labor Government in the first six
months has already launched a number of initiatives designed to assist
SMEs including the:

• Australian Industry Capability Program to help SMEs access global
supply chains

• The Defence and Industry ePortal to help SMEs advertise their
capabilities to the large global defence companies;

• Defence Export Unit to help SMEs facilitate export of their
products; and

• Enterprise Connect and Manufacturing Centres to help SMEs find and
adopt the latest technology, get help in solving problems and adopt new
business processes ”

“These initiatives have already provided much needed assistance to
the Defence SME community and I encourage all SMEs to learn more about
each of them.”

Further information on each of these programs is available from the
Defence Materiel Organisation.

Front Page Australia

SUCCESSFUL UPGRADES TO F/A-18 HORNET CAPABILITY

Tuesday, 24 June 2008 063/2008

Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP announced today that
Australia’s air capability has been further enhanced by the successful
trialling of a new radar warning receiver and acceptance by Air Force
of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) ‘Smart Bomb’.

The first production configured F/A-18 Hornet fitted with a new Radar
Warning Receiver has successfully flown at RAAF Williamtown, only 18
months after the decision to acquire the equipment.

As part of the Hornet upgrade program, Australia’s fleet of F/A-18
aircraft are being fitted with upgraded Radar Warning Receivers,
countermeasures systems and radar jamming systems.

Earlier this year the Royal Australian Air Force accepted the
Operational and Technical Airworthiness of the JDAM ‘smart-bomb’ on
F/A-18A/B fighter aircraft.

The JDAM ‘smart-bomb’ provides RAAF F/A-18A/B fighters with a
state-of-the-art weapon capability, allowing them to accurately employ
air-to-ground weapons during day or night and in all weather conditions
through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

“These upgrades to the F/A-18 Hornet will provide the Royal
Australian Air Force with leading-edge technology, ensuring the Hornet’s
continued ability to operate as Australia’s frontline fighter aircraft,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The JDAM ‘smart-bomb’ will provide the Air Force with greatly
improved accuracy and weapon effectiveness, reducing the likelihood of
collateral damage during offensive operations.

“The upgrade to the Hornet’s Radar Warning Receiver is a
significant achievement for the Defence Materiel Organisation as it has only been
18 months since the Raytheon ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receiver was
approved as part of the Hornet’s Electronic Warfare Self Protection
upgrade.”

During the 18 months since approval, the project acquired the Radar
Warning Systems, completed the design, integration and testing required to
install and operate the new system on the Hornet. The project is
within budget and on-track to deliver the complete electronic warfare self
protection upgrade to the entire Hornet fleet by late 2012.

“Given the complexity of the project, the ability to deliver within
schedule and budget has been a big success for the Defence Materiel
Organisation,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Front Page Australia

DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE

CPA 190/08 Wednesday, 25 June 2008

BOEING 707 SIMULATOR TAKES ITS FINAL ‘FLIGHT’ FOR AIR FORCE

The Royal Australian Air Force’s Boeing 707 simulator today ‘took
off’ for the last time at RAAF Base Richmond, in preparation for the
real aircraft’s retirement from RAAF service.

A small ceremony, involving members of Nos. 33 and 285 Squadrons, along
with contracted support company CAE, and contract managers DMO,
celebrated the historic final ‘flight’ of the simulator.

Air Commodore Jack Plenty, Commander Air Lift Group, said the simulator
had been in RAAF service since September 1999. “It became the first
military flight simulator in the world to achieve a level-five
simulator accreditation - the highest level of civilian flight simulator
fidelity,” Air Commodore Plenty said.

When the first B707s entered RAAF service in 1979, aircrew travelled to
the Cathay Pacific Airways training facility in Hong Kong to conduct
flight simulator training. In 1985 the Air Force was able to purchase an
ex-QANTAS CASA level-two accredited simulator and operate it from the
Qantas training facility at Mascot.

In 1990 the Air Force determined a need for high fidelity flight
simulation and in 1996 the contract with CAE Montreal to supply both B707 and
C-130J full flight simulators was signed. A new flight simulator
facility was completed and the new B707 simulator arrived at RAAF Base
Richmond to begin integration and testing in 1998.

“This simulator has made a valuable contribution to the training and
development of RAAF B707 aircrews, and allowed us to fly the B707 more
effectively. In their 29 years of service, the B707 has been an
extremely important transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft, and the full
flight simulator has allowed us to free up the aircraft for more of
these tasks,” Air Commodore Plenty said.

“RAAF B707s have conducted air-to-air refuelling missions over the
Middle East and Afghanistan, flown Prime Ministers and visiting heads of
state, and supported both the international and Australian communities
during disaster relief operations and in aid to the civil community.”

The last of the RAAF’s B707 aircraft, known as ‘Richmond Town’,
is operated by No. 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond and will be retired
from service on June 30.

Front Page Australia

Wednesday, 25 June 2008 081/2008

Education, housing and spouse employment are key themes at this
year’s Defence Families Australia (DFA) Conference.

Bringing to Canberra Defence spouses from across the country, the 2008
conference entitled ‘Moving the Modern ADF Family’, will
particularly focus on the pressures on ADF families as a result of the current
high operational deployment.

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP
said he hoped the DFA conference would not only highlight the
challenges that ADF partners and children face, but also discuss solutions that
best serve the family, as well as the nation.

“The work our military does would not be possible without the love
and understanding of their families. Retaining our servicemen and women
also means supporting their families and children.

“This support can be seen in the Defence Home Ownership Assistance
Scheme which provides progressively higher home loan subsidies to
permanent ADF members who serve beyond the critical departure points of 4, 8
and 12 years.

“Starting next week, the scheme represents a significant incentive
for ADF members to remain serving and will assist them and their families
in the current competitive housing market.

“Similarly the Rudd Labor Government has begun to respond to concerns
regarding health care, by trialling a free health care model for ADF
families in Singelton in NSW, Pilbara in WA, East Sale in Vic, Cairns in
Qld and Katherine in the NT.

“In other areas too I remain committed to easing stress on our ADF
families, and await with interest the conference’s resolutions on such
issues as spouse employment, housing relocations, and education.

“I also welcome the five newest national delegates into DFA, and look
forward over their two year term to hearing ideas from their
particular states.

The new national DFA delegates are: Kym Mackay - Southern Qld; Penny
Davison - Western Australia; Annaliese McCammon - Northern Territory;
Trish Richards - Victoria and Tasmania; Brie McNab- Central NSW.

More information on DFA can be found at: http://www.dfa.org.au/

Front Page Australia

Gallery Coming Tomorrow...

THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement

Wednesday, 25 June 2008
030/2008

MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER DELIVERED BY RAAF C-17

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Mr Greg Combet,
today announced that Australia’s third Multi-Role Helicopter, MRH04,
has been transported to Australia by a RAAF C-17.

“The delivery of the latest Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) by C-17 is a
major capability milestone demonstrating the ability to deploy the
helicopter globally once it is ready for operational service.”

“The C-17 was on the return leg of an operational task and this
activity has capitalised on a great opportunity to bring the MRH to
Australia early. This is the first time, worldwide, that a helicopter of this
type has been transported in a C-17. It is a significant achievement by
Defence and Industry,” Mr Combet said.

“The third MRH90 will provide an increase in capacity for the test
and training program for Defence’s new troop lift and maritime support
helicopter,” Mr Combet said.

“The helicopter will now be prepared for acceptance by the prime
contractor, Australian Aerospace, and staff from the Defence Materiel
Organisation.”

“Following successful completion of acceptance testing, Defence
anticipates that MRH04 will be accepted in July 2008, after which the
helicopter will be delivered to the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville to
join the test and training program,” Mr Combet said.

The MRH90 is being procured under Project Air 9000. The objective of
the project is to acquire additional troop lift capability for the ADF
and provide a replacement for the Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters.

Among other tasks these helicopters will also enhance the ADF's
capability to operate off the troop ships, Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA)
HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla, which will provide a boost to our
regional defence capabilities.

Front Page United Kingdom

BAE SYSTEMS STATEMENT REGARDING THE LOSS OF EMPLOYEE IN IRAQ

25 Jun 2008 | Ref. 193/2008

ROCKVILLE, Maryland - Nicole Suveges, a BAE Systems political scientist, was killed Tuesday in a bombing in Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq. She was supporting the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 4th Infantry Division, as part of the Human Terrain System (HTS) program.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Nicole Suveges," said Doug Belair, president of the company's Technology Solutions & Services (TSS) line of business. "She came to us to give freely of herself in an effort to make a better world. Nicole was a leading academic who studied for years on how to improve conditions for others. She also believed in translating what she learned into action. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues."

Suveges began her current tour in Iraq in April of this year. Before joining BAE Systems, she had worked in Iraq for one year as a civilian contractor. Previously, Suveges served as a U.S. Army reservist in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, supporting the multinational SFOR/NATO Combined Joint Psychological Operations Task Force.

She held a Master of Arts in political science from The George Washington University. Suveges was soon to complete her Ph.D. in political science with an emphasis on international relations from Johns Hopkins University, where she also served as managing editor for the "Review of International Political Economy." Her dissertation was on "Markets & Mullahs: Global Networks, Transnational Ideas and the Deep Play of Political Culture." She presented numerous papers to international relations organizations and served as a graduate teaching assistant.

During her time with the 3rd BCT, she brought a wealth of skill and knowledge to support the mission in Iraq. Her experience in Bosnia-Herzegovina, coupled with her academic credentials contributed materially to the success of the brigade in reducing the level of violence in the local community and in improving critical infrastructure. She worked closely with her HTS team members to help Iraqis achieve peace, stability and prosperity.

BAE Systems is the prime contractor to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command to provide training, programmatic and staffing support to the HTS program. This program is designed to improve brigade and division commanders' level of understanding of the highly complex local socio-cultural environment in areas where U.S. Army troops are deployed.

TSS provides services and solutions that support Department of Defense and Federal Agency customers with innovative solutions, anywhere in their product life-cycle, anywhere in the world.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

Front Page

Berlin Airlift vets return to Germany for anniversary

by Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

6/26/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- For 50 years, Dub Southers recalled the grueling hours he worked at an air base in northern Germany at the start of the Berlin Airlift, not the historical significance of what he helped achieve as a flight engineer and crew chief.

He remembered well the stacks of coal being shipped in from local coal fields, the 196 missions he flew over Berlin and being a 20-year-old Air Force staff sergeant keeping the C-54 Skymaster aircraft flying.

"Coal was our basic cargo," said Mr. Southers, 81, of Texas. "Occasionally, we flew flour, but I can't recall anything other than coal."

It wasn't until 1998 that Mr. Southers started really thinking about the importance of the airlift mission, which lasted from June 24, 1948 to May 12, 1949 and provided vital resources to the German city cut in half by Soviet rule, he said.

As the anniversary approached, he asked his daughter to search online for activities happening in Berlin. Her search found the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association and he became its secretary.

He ended up visiting Germany that year for the 50th anniversary, and from June 22 to 29, he and seven other association members return again to take part in 60th anniversary observances.

They will re-enact the first flight of the airlift, he said, and visit the memorial at Rhein-Main Air Base, get on a C-47 and fly the corridor from Frankfurt to Templehof Air Base in Berlin, where there will be another memorial service.

"I was amazed (in 1998) how much progress had been made in the Western sector of Berlin, and how little had been made in the Eastern Zone at that time," he said. "By the time I went again in 2004, it was better, though, and quite a bit more had been done."

In November 1948, Germany was much different. He arrived at Celle Air Base from his duty station at McChord Field, Wash., as part of the initial group of Airmen sent in for the airlift mission. The Memphis, Tenn., native said he couldn't believe the amount of fog that blanketed the area.

"That was really surprising to me," he said. "It was actually a very nice area. After a few months, when we had enough people, we were allowed to go off base into the town, where there were actually some good places to eat and catch a show. It wasn't bombed out because I heard that the British monarchy actually owned a castle in the area, and they didn't want that destroyed."

Those short trips to the city were a brief respite from the busy work hours that dominated Sergeant Southers' time at Celle AB. The base was located near coal fields, which were connected to the base. A platform was built right onto the bays along the flightline, so the coal could be stacked and supplied to the aircraft right away.
He said the team of Airmen was very short of personnel, especially mechanics.

"When I first got over there, we were working around the clock, 12 (hours) on, 12 off, seven days a week. They eventually hired local German aircraft mechanics who worked alongside us. I remember them being very good, as they were older and more experienced."

Mr. Southers returned to the states in July 1949. He left the military after three years, earned a degree in chemical engineering and settled down with his family. He now works as part-owner of a small software company.

"I didn't even think about (the Berlin Airlift) much," he said. "I'm not even sure that my family knew I was involved in it until a few years before the 50th anniversary. Of course, the history books didn't have much about it either."

He said by observing the anniversary and remembering the 31 Americans who died during the mission in aircraft mishaps, Americans learn about the importance of the Berlin Airlift.

"At this point, I'm very proud of being a part of it," he said. "I know that we affected history big time. We call it the first victory of the Cold War. Because of the Berlin Airlift, Europe is free. All of Europe would have ended up Communist if we were run out."

He said during his first return to Germany, Germans actually approached him with appreciation.

"We were wearing caps that identified us as Berlin Airlift veterans and I don't know how many times we were stopped and thanked for what we did," he said.

He also pointed out that the Air Force today and the way it does business is shaped by the Berlin Airlift mission.

"The cargo aircraft today was designed based upon lessons we learned," he said. "At least, that's what they tell us. The technology has changed, but a lot about the airlift mission today is based upon what we learned back then."

Today's Air Force senior leaders agree the Berlin Airlift was a huge moment for the service.

"The Berlin Airlift was a seminal moment for airpower and a pivotal event in world history," said Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force vice chief of staff, during a recent ceremony honoring another Berlin Airlift Airman, retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the Candy Bomber for his drops of candy and chocolate. "It showed the deep compassion of the American people and sent a message of hope and liberty to Berliners and to freedom-loving people around the world."

Mr. Southers said that he does not feel like a hero despite the pride he and fellow Airmen share about their role in the mission.

"The real heroes were the German people in Berlin who suffered the things they put up with in the Eastern Zone," he said. "People just disappeared under the Communist rule because they were speaking out for freedom. We provided what they needed to get by. They are the ones who held out and persevered."

Front Page

TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2008 (202) 514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV TDD (202) 514-1888

ARMY OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY, BRIBERY AND MONEY LAUNDERING SCHEME INVOLVING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTS AT U.S. ARMY BASE IN KUWAIT

Army Officer’s Wife Also Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge Related to Scheme

WASHINGTON—A U.S. Army officer and his wife pleaded guilty for their conduct related to a conspiracy, bribery and money laundering scheme involving contracts awarded in support of the Iraq war, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich of the Criminal Division and Assistant Attorney General Thomas O. Barnett of the Antitrust Division announced today.

John Cockerham, 43, of San Antonio pleaded guilty to one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and one count of money laundering. Cockerham’s wife, Melissa Cockerham, 41, also of San Antonio , pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. The pleas were taken during a sealed proceeding on Jan. 31, 2008 , before the Honorable W. Royal Ferguson, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas, and unsealed today. John Cockerham faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count and up to 15 years in prison for the bribery count, as well as fines of $250,000 for each count. John and Melissa Cockerham each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 for the money laundering count.

“Major Cockerham’s job was to provide supplies to our troops serving in Iraq . Instead of acting in the best interests of his fellow soldiers, he steered contracts to those willing to pay him bribes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich. “Our men and women in uniform deserve better, and those who violate the public’s trust in exchange for personal enrichment can expect to be prosecuted.”

“As a result of the greed of these individuals, the U.S. military and American taxpayers were deprived of the benefits of a competitive marketplace,” said Thomas O. Barnett, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out this type of illegal behavior.”

John Cockerham admitted to participating in a complex bribery and money laundering scheme while working as an Army major deployed to Kuwait . He was responsible for awarding contracts for services to be delivered to troops in Iraq , including bottled water contracts worth millions of dollars. In return for awarding illegal contracts, John Cockerham admitted to receiving, or being promised, more than $9 million in bribes. Once he agreed to take money in exchange for awarding contracts, John Cockerham directed the contractors to pay his wife, sister and others to hide the fact that contractors were paying him bribes. Melissa Cockerham admitted that she accepted more than $1 million in illegal bribe payments on her husband’s behalf, and that she stored the cash in safe deposit boxes at banks in Kuwait and Dubai .

John Cockerham and his wife are cooperating with this investigation and with the government’s efforts to repatriate the money from the overseas banks. The government is seeking the assistance of the Kuwaiti and Emirati governments in this effort as well.

The trial of John Cockerham’s sister, Carolyn Blake, is scheduled to begin on Oct. 27, 2008 . The government continues to investigate others involved in the conspiracy.

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to ensuring officials who betray the public trust are held firmly accountable,” said Sharon E. Woods, Director, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “The conduct in this case is particularly disgraceful because the greed and lack of integrity of an officer in the Armed Forces has diminished in the eyes of some the great and courageous deeds our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines accomplish every day.”

“SIGIR remains committed to enforcing accountability within the Iraq contracting and acquisition process by working diligently with our law enforcement agency partners and the Department of Justice to bring to justice all who violate the laws governing Iraq contracting. The Cockerhams unwisely placed unlawful personal financial gain above the public's trust, and now they must pay the price for that wrongdoing to society," said Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen.

These cases are being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Ann C. Brickley and Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Trial Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher and Emily W. Allen of the Antitrust Division’s National Criminal Enforcement Section. These cases are being investigated by the Army Criminal Investigations Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security in support of the Department of Justice’s National Procurement Fraud Task Force and the International Contract Corruption Initiative.

The National Procurement Fraud Initiative announced in October 2006 is designed to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The National Procurement Fraud Task force is currently chaired by Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich for the Criminal Division.

Front Page

United States Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney, District of New Jersey
970 Broad Street, Seventh Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Christopher J. Christie, U.S. Attorney

Assistant U.S. Attorney: JUSTIN W. ARNOLD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
973-645-2785 June 23, 2008

Former Samsung America Director Admits Embezzling
More Than $1 Million

NEWARK – A former director of Samsung America, Inc.’s Korea Export Department
pleaded guilty today in connection with his scheme to embezzle more than $1 million
from Samsung America from 2002 through 2007, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie
announced.

John Y. Lee, a/k/a “Yong Kook Lee”, 44, of West New York, pleaded guilty before U.S.
District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to Count One and Court Four of a four-count
Information which charge him with wire fraud and subscribing to false individual income
tax returns. The charges are in connection with an elaborate scheme to embezzle funds
from Samsung America, a Ridgefield Park-based global trading and investment company
and American subsidiary of the Korean conglomerate Samsung Corporation.

Judge Wigenton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6. Lee is free on a $500,000 secured bond
in the meantime.

At his plea hearing, Lee admitted that in September 2000, he created a fictitious entity
that he called the Engelhard Supple (sic) Co. to make it appear as though that entity was
actually Engelhard Corporation, a provider of metal refining services based in Iselin. To
fraudulently obtain money from Samsung America, Lee admitted creating numerous false
financial documents, including invoices, purchase orders and payment applications, that
made it appear that Samsung Corning Precision Glass, Ltd., a joint venture involving the
Samsung Corporation and Corning, Inc., had ordered services from Engelhard.
In fact, no real services had been ordered or provided. Lee simply submitted these
fraudulent documents to Samsung America to induce Samsung America to wire money
directly into a bank account Lee controlled. In an effort to conceal his fraudulent
conduct, Lee sent false documents to Samsung America’s accounting department,
according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin W. Arnold, who is handling the prosecution.
In his plea agreement, Lee stipulated that the loss to the company was between $1 million
and $2.5 million.

During his plea hearing, Lee also acknowledged that he signed and filed a 2006
Individual Income Tax Return with the Internal Revenue Service that failed to include
approximately $339,138 Lee embezzled from Samsung America in 2006.
Although Lee pleaded guilty specifically to only one of three tax fraud counts, the
remaining tax counts and their loss amounts to the government are “relevant conduct” that
will be considered at sentencing.

The wire fraud charge to which Lee pleaded guilty carries a statutory maximum penalty
of 20 years in federal prison and fine of $250,000. The charge involving the making and
subscribing of a false tax return to which Lee pleaded guilty carries a statutory maximum
penalty of three years in federal prison and fine of $250,000.

In determining the actual sentence, Judge Wigenton will consult the advisory U.S.
Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges that take into
account the severity and characteristics of the offense, any “relevant conduct,” the
defendant's criminal history, if any, and other factors. The judge, however, is not bound
by those guidelines in determining a sentence. Parole has been abolished in the federal
system. Defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.
Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent
in Charge Weysan Dun, and Special Agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division,
under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William P. Offord, and investigators from
theNew Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, with the investigation of Lee.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin W. Arnold of the U.S.
Attorney’s Office Securities and Health Care Fraud Unit.

Defense Counsel: Paul Brickfield, Esq., River Edge

Front Page

South Korean army UAVs enhance training at Kunsan

by Senior Airman Dana Hill
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/26/2008 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) -- Airmen from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron here and South Korean army soldiers teamed up for combined nuclear, biological and chemical training June 23 and 24 at Kunsan Air Base.

The two-day training course presented the two forces with scenarios requiring them to protect and sustain mission capability at Kunsan AB.

During the training many missions were executed such as NBC reconnaissance using an unmanned aerial vehicle recon system, main supply road decontamination, detailed equipment decontamination and detailed troop decontamination.

"Our Korean allies are showing us their capabilities and how they will help us defend the base by decontaminating personal and equipment." said Capt. Delvin Ricks, the 8th CES readiness and emergency management flight officer.

The South Korean army showcased two helicopter-like UAVs, fitted with advanced biological detection and collection equipment during the combined training.

"Today we are going to verify the biological agent collecting system, in case of wartime the (South Korean army's) 35th homeland reserve division is going to support U.S. Air Force," said South Korean army Capt. Park, Ki Chul from the South Korean Army Chemical School Warfighting Experiment Center.

Captain Ricks said he now knows what to expect from the South Korean army and what kind of support they can offer. The combined training session allowed the 8th CES Airmen to we can see the South Korean army's procedures, give recommendations for improvement and also learn what they have to offer.

"(We know) we can count on them, we know there capabilities and we know they are confident," he said.

For many of the Airmen and soldiers involved it was their first time training with their allied counterparts. South Korean army Corporal Park, Chunyong South Korean army NBC decon team said he hopes to take part in future combined training opportunities.

"This training is pretty new to me. This is the first time that I have trained with the U.S. Air Force," he said. "It's been a great opportunity to have exercise with (South Korean army) and U.S. Air Force we would like to have more chances like this one."

Front Page

'Falcon' lands in Afghanistan

by Master Sgt. James Law
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

6/26/2008 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- The U.S. Air Forces Central band "Falcon" showcased its musical talents for audiences June 20 to 22 at Bagram Air Base.

The band entertained attendees of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group change-of-command ceremony with a variety of pop music before and after the ceremony.

During the formal procedure, the band played "Ruffles and Flourishes," the "General's March," the national anthem and the Air Force song. Later in the afternoon, the band gathered their acoustical gear and set out to reach the Airmen assigned to the aircraft maintenance squadrons remotely located on the opposite side of the base.

"Sometimes there are folks who are unable to get to the entertainment that's offered on the bases ... because of their schedules," said Senior Master Sgt. James Weber, the band's superintendent. "What we try to do is to go out with our acoustic instruments and play for those small work centers."

In addition to the small performance, the band hosted a two-hour concert open to the base's population. The music varied from country and rock to rhythm and blues. In the mix of variety, Brig. Gen. James M. "Mike" Holmes, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, was invited to make a guest performance picking the tunes to Lynyrd Skynard's 'Sweet Home Alabama.'

"The general is a great musician," Sergeant Weber said. "If he ever decides to give up commanding, we have a spot for him."

As the show progressed, random members of the audience were called on stage to join the band by shaking maracas, a tambourine and dancing and singing chorus lines.

"When we do our larger shows, we try to turn it around and make the audience the show," Sergeant Weber said. "When we leave our shows, what we want people to remember is their part of the show."

When the band finished what they thought was the last song, the crowd vocalized their appreciation chanting "one more song."

"They are the reason why we are here," Sergeant Weber said. "We are trying to uplift people and let them know they are not forgotten, that they are loved and we try to bring a little bit of home to them."

Front Page

Whiteman Airmen make first all-air Guard B-2 flight

by Senior Airman Dilia Ayala
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

6/25/2008 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- Airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing here completed the first B-2 Spirit sortie flown and launched by Missouri Air National Guard members June 18 at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Col. Gregory Champagne, the 131st Fighter Wing vice commander, and Maj. David Thompson, a 131st FW pilot, were launched by Master Sgt. Bob Francis and Tech Sgt. John Venable, both of the 131st Bomb Wing.

The 131st FW is losing its F-15 Eagle mission due to the recommendation of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The initiative integrates Air National Guard aircrew, maintainers and support staff with their 509th Bomb Wing active-duty counterparts in support of the B-2 mission with the ultimate goal of enhancing warfighting efficiencies.

"We are currently in the process (of transitioning)," Colonel Champagne said. "It is a 2.5 year process, and we are in the first year right now. We are right on time, everything is going well."

Although guardsmen have been flying B-2 missions with 509th BW Airmen over the last year, this is first time during the wing's transition to Whiteman AFB that 131st FW aircrew and maintenance personnel completed a sortie from launch through mission execution.

"We train the same. We are the same, and our goal is the same, which is the success of the mission," Colonel Champagne said.

Presently, the Missouri Air National Guard has seven B-2 qualified pilots and four in training. There are 46 members of the 131st FW currently operating out of Whiteman AFB. The Missouri Air National Guard will have 25 B-2 qualified pilots and approximately 500 maintainers, operations members and support staff at Whiteman AFB.

Front Page

Air Force officials announce library of the year winner

by Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

6/26/2008 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- Air Force Library Program officials announced the winner of the Air Force Library of the Year award June 12 here.

The Eglin Base Library, with an eight-man staff, was recignized for their outstanding customer focus and satisfaction.

"Even in times of scarce budgets, we still aim to fulfill our obligation to the community as a center for knowledge and growth," said Donna Holovack, the library director.

The library staff accomplishes this through innovative programs and events such as hosting authors for questions and answers sessions. The library also created 25 educational summer reading programs for all ages which efforts logged approximately 1,000 participants in just three months, officials said.

"We really want people to come and utilize the resources we have here," Mrs. Holovack said. "If we don't have something they need, we'll request for an inter-library loan and get it from somewhere else."

With approximately 55,000 items logged in its inventory and 22 computers, the library serves as a focal point for expansion of understanding and development.

The library also provides a secured College Level Examination Program and DVD study resources to motivate Airmen to pursue education.

While the staff has services available to everyone, they recently shifted their focus to include servicemembers who are deployed or deploying, and their families.

"We understand how difficult times can be when families are separated by deployment," said Dorothee Bennett, a library technician. "This is why we've opened up a new section which caters to all aspects of deployment issues."

"We want to make the library a place where one can go to learn, relax or research," Mrs. Bennett said.

With sections provided to accommodate the needs or wants for Airmen and families, the library will continue serving the community as a haven for those seeking knowledge and development, officials said.

Front Page

Officials sign children's educational needs memo

by Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

6/26/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and Deputy Education Secretary Raymond Simon signed a memorandum of understanding between their agencies at the Pentagon June 26 that addresses the quality of education and the unique challenges faced by children of military families.

Hundreds of thousands of students in military families will be affected by moves precipitated by recent Base Realignment and Closure Act decisions and the relocation of military units from overseas bases to stateside installations as part of global defense posture realignment moves, Secretary England said.

Children of U.S. military members who have sacrificed so much for the nation "deserve to have to a good education," he said during his remarks before the signing ceremony.

"And so, we have an obligation, both as a department and as a nation, to make sure not just the children in our military, but all of the children in the United States of America get absolutely the finest education that they can," the deputy defense secretary said.

The failure to provide a good education for America's children could result in the forfeiture of the United States' premier position in the world, Secretary England said, as well as the loss of freedom for its citizens.

"So, I'm an extraordinary strong proponent of anything we do to improve the education of our children, especially the children of our military," he said.

The memo of understanding generally defines how the Defense and Education departments will work together with local educational organizations to strengthen and expand school-based efforts to ease student transitions and help military students develop academic skills and coping strategies during parents' military deployments.

Secretary Simon hailed the agreement, noting that its implementation will "honor the sacrifice that these families make every day."

The agreement supports defense and education department efforts to:

-- Promote and enhance policies that will improve military children's education and overall well-being;

-- Advance the quality of educational opportunities for all military children;

-- Provide research-based academic, social-emotional and behavioral supports to facilitate seamless transitions for military children;

-- Provide leadership and advocacy programs to help military students cope with issues surrounding deployments;

-- Support foreign language education, including programs for strategic languages;

-- Explore legislative options to address transition issues for military students;

-- Extend opportunities for student learning through support of online, virtual and other research-based teaching models;

-- Provide research-based teacher and administrator professional development programs;

-- Forge effective partnerships with local schools and districts;

-- Coordinate Defense Department and Education Department impact aid programs;

-- Communicate with military families and organizations to show appreciation for their contributions; and

-- Increase awareness of resources and tools available from the Education and Defense departments.

Congressional officials have provided financial assistance to local school districts through the impact aid program since 1950. Current legislation provides financial assistance to school districts with concentrations of children residing on military bases who have parents in the military. Military families that reside in government-provided quarters do not pay local property taxes, a portion of which are used to manage and operate public schools.

More than 1.1 million students who belong to active duty and reserve-component military families are expected to benefit from activities outlined in the agreement.

Tech. Sgt. Michael J. Naquin, a security forces noncommissioned officer posted at Bolling Air Force Base here, and his 6-year-old son, Aaron, were among several military families personally greeted by England and Simon at signing ceremony.

"Progress is being made, and it is nice that our two communities can come together as one," Sergeant Naquin said of the bi-departmental education agreement.

"It is one less worry, not having to worry about the education my children are getting," Sergeant Naquin said, noting education is a "very, very important" component of quality of life. A special panel will now begin work to implement the initiatives, David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said.

"We all have just one goal in mind, and that is to provide a quality education for the children of all military families," Undersecretary Chu said.

Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION ANNOUNCES THE PLANNED REDEMPTION OF ITS OUTSTANDING FLOATING RATE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES

(CORRECTED RELEASE)

Bethesda, MD, June 26th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:
LMT) today announced the planned redemption of all of the outstanding
$1,000,000,000 in original aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2033 on August 15, 2008. Lockheed Martin
will redeem the debentures at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per
$1,000 in original principal amount of debentures.

In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the debentures,
the debentures may be converted at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern
time on August 14, 2008. Holders who want to convert debentures must
satisfy the requirements for conversion in the indenture and the
debentures. The conversion rate, as adjusted to June 26, 2008, is 13.7998
shares of common stock for each $1,000 in original principal amount of
debentures. Under the terms of the indenture, Lockheed Martin is
required to pay cash in lieu of common stock for the accreted principal amount
of the debentures, which at all times up to the redemption date will
be equal to the original principal amount of the debentures. The
indenture provides that Lockheed Martin is entitled at its option to settle
the remaining conversion obligations in cash, shares of Lockheed Martin
common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. Lockheed
Martin intends to satisfy its conversion obligations in excess of the
accreted principal amount of the debentures entirely in shares of
common stock, with any fractional share being paid in cash.

ANY DEBENTURES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN DELIVERED TO THE CONVERSION AGENT AS OF 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK TIME, ON AUGUST 14, 2008, NO LONGER WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONVERSION AND WILL BE REDEEMED AT THE REDEMPTION PRICE OF $1,000 FOR EACH $1,000 IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT ON AUGUST 15, 2008.

The Corporation does not expect that the redemption of the debentures,
or the anticipated conversions by holders in advance of redemption,
will have a material effect on the Corporation's financial condition or
results of operations.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services.

Front Page

Sonus Networks Adopts Limited Duration Stockholder Rights Plan

Date: 6/26/2008 5:33:00 PM

WESTFORD, Mass., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonus Networks, Inc.
(Nasdaq: SONS), a market leader in IP communications infrastructure, today
announced that the Company's Board of Directors has adopted a limited duration
stockholder rights plan.

The three-year stockholder rights plan is designed to protect
stockholders, to the extent possible, from a creeping acquisition and other
tactics to gain control of the Company without offering all stockholders an
adequate price and control premium. The rights plan is intended to protect the
interests of all Sonus stockholders and it provides the Board of Directors
with the environment to maximize long-term stockholder value.

The Board of Directors has adopted this plan in response to recent heavy
trading volumes in the Company's common stock and the absence of an agreement
with the Company's largest stockholder, Legatum Capital Limited, with respect
to Legatum's involvement with the Company. The Company stated that, despite
its best efforts to engage Legatum Capital Limited in meaningful discussions
concerning the business and future prospects of the Company and Legatum's
investment in the Company, it has been unsuccessful in bringing those
discussions to a satisfactory conclusion.

"We continue to remain open to discussions with Legatum about the Company,
its business and prospects, as well as Legatum's investment in Sonus,"
commented Richard Nottenburg, CEO of Sonus Networks. "Regrettably, we have not
received the necessary assurances from Legatum under the securities laws, to
allow us to have the confidential and full discussion we believe is needed to
resolve Legatum's issues."

Under the stockholder rights plan, preferred stock purchase rights will be
distributed as a dividend at the rate of one right for each share of common
stock of the Company held by stockholders of record as of the close of
business on July 7, 2008. The rights will expire on June 26, 2011.

The rights generally will be exercisable only if a person or group
acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock
(which includes for this purpose shares of common stock referenced in
derivative transactions or securities), or commences or publicly announces a
tender or exchange offer upon consummation of which they would beneficially
own 15% or more of the Company's common stock. A person or group who
beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's
common stock prior to the adoption of the rights plan will not cause the
rights to become exercisable upon adoption of the rights plan. As a result,
the rights will not be triggered even though Legatum Capital and its
affiliates have reported that they beneficially owned approximately 24.8% of
the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock prior to the adoption of
the rights plan based on Legatum's public filings. However, Legatum Capital
and its affiliates will cause the rights to become exercisable if they
(subject to certain limited exceptions) become the beneficial owner of
additional shares of the Company's common stock or their beneficial ownership
decreases below 15% and subsequently increases to 15% or more.

The rights will be issued as a non-taxable dividend and will expire 3
years from the date of the adoption of the rights plan, unless earlier
redeemed or exchanged. Stockholders may recognize taxable income if and when
the rights become exercisable or if the rights should ever be redeemed.

A copy of the rights plan will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K.

About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks, Inc. is a market leader in IP communications
infrastructure for wireline and wireless service providers. With its
comprehensive IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the full
range of carrier applications, including residential and business voice
services, wireless voice and multimedia, trunking and tandem switching,
carrier interconnection and enhanced services. Sonus' voice infrastructure
solutions are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. Founded in
1997, Sonus is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional
information on Sonus is available at http://www.sonusnet.com.

This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future
events that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these
forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from
actual future events or results. Readers are referred to Item 1A "Risk
Factors" of Sonus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March
31, 2008, filed with the SEC, which identifies important risk factors that
could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the
forward-looking statements.

Risk factors include among others: the impact of
material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal
control over financial reporting on our ability to report our financial
results timely and accurately; the unpredictability of our quarterly financial
results; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's restatement of
its historical stock option granting practices and accounting including
regulatory actions or litigation; risks associated with our international
expansion and growth; consolidation in the telecommunications industry; and
potential costs resulting from pending securities and patent litigation
against the Company.

Any forward-looking statements represent Sonus' views
only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing Sonus' views as
of any subsequent date. While Sonus may elect to update forward-looking
statements at some point, Sonus specifically disclaims any obligation to do
so, except as required by law.

Sonus is a registered trademark of Sonus Networks, Inc. All other company
and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which
they are associated.

Front Page

Boeing 737 Component Services Program to Help Caribbean Airlines Cut Costs

SEATTLE, June 26, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has welcomed Caribbean Airlines, Ltd., into the Boeing 737 Component Services Program (CSP), a materials management and supply-chain solution designed to help airlines reduce costs, enhance efficiency and improve spare parts availability.

Under the new agreement, Boeing will manage spare parts and components inventory for the Trinidad and Tobago-based airline until the parts are needed. Boeing guarantees that Caribbean will have working replacements for failed parts within 24 hours without having to stock up on spares or pay long-term holding costs.

The Component Services Program can help airlines save as much as 30 percent on inventory, repair and administrative costs.

"Caribbean Airlines values its collaboration with Boeing that includes the Maintenance Performance Toolbox, the Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag from Boeing's Jeppesen subsidiary, assistance with Business Process Re-engineering for our Maintenance & Engineering Department, and now the 737 CSP," said Capt. Ian Brunton, executive vice president Operations, Caribbean Airlines. "We also are proud to be included in the membership of the Steering Committee of the industry-wide Boeing Fleet Team for the Next-Generation 737."

Since it began in January 2007, Caribbean Airlines has grown to a fleet of seven Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s and is taking full advantage of the services that Boeing has to offer.

"Caribbean Airlines is taking a big step towards greater fleet efficiency and will be able to offer a better product by focusing on the passenger instead of spares provisioning," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "The 737 Component Services Program is a great example of Boeing's commitment to provide Lifecycle Solutions that support our customers' business goals."

The Component Services Program, which Boeing offers in partnership with KLM Engineering and Maintenance, helps reduce both up-front parts provisioning and long-term inventory holding costs and guarantees service as good as or better than when the airline managed the spare parts itself.

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Front Page

Boeing Selects Elbit to Supply Virtual Radar for U.S. Navy's T-45 Training System

ST. LOUIS, June 26, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has selected Elbit Systems [NASDAQ: ESLT] as chief supplier of the Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS), which will integrate realistic radar training into the U.S. Navy's T-45 Training System.

"VMTS will enrich the undergraduate military flight officer's weapons-and-tactics curriculum, producing flight officers who are better prepared to transition to carrier strike-fighter and electronic-attack duty," said Barbara Wilson, T-45 Training Systems director and program manager for Boeing. "Elbit has shown unwavering commitment to this technology, which will take naval air training to the next level of fidelity while reducing cost."

VMTS simulates via data link an unclassified, mechanically scanned tactical radar that provides air-to-air and air-to-ground modes as well as simulated weapons and simulated electronic warfare. These functions can be networked between the participating aircraft and instructor ground stations that control the mission presentation. The current phase of VMTS work will provide flight officers with in-flight training in the use of radar and weapons against virtual enemy aircraft, including cooperative training with friendly real and virtual aircraft.

Boeing is currently under contract to develop the VMTS capability. Subsequent phases of work will provide for two test aircraft and then for retrofit of 18 existing aircraft with VMTS by 2012.

"We are very proud to have been selected for such a prestigious plan," said Ran Hellerstein, co-general manager for aerospace at Elbit Systems. "This selection demonstrates our commitment to providing cutting-edge training systems to Boeing in support of the Navy's mission-readiness requirements."

The T-45 Training System is in use at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas; NAS Meridian, Miss.; and NAS Pensacola, Fla. The system comprises the two-seat T-45 Goshawk jet trainer, fully integrated high-fidelity instrument and visual flight simulators, computer-assisted classrooms and courseware, and a computerized training management asset. Boeing recently rolled out the 210th Goshawk from its St. Louis assembly facility and remains under contract for 11 additional aircraft.

Described by instructor-pilots as "eminently forgiving," the T-45 is the only jet trainer designed to land routinely at sink rates of greater than 700 feet per minute, which are required for aircraft carrier-approach landings. It has logged more than 800,000 flight-hours and over 50,000 aircraft carrier catapult launches and arrested landings since entering service in 1992. Approximately 3,500 Navy, Marine Corps and international student aviators have earned their wings in the T-45.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide variety of defense-related programs throughout the world. The company operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, C4ISR, UAV systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page

Boeing, Shanghai Airlines and the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association Unite to Help China Heal After Earthquake Disaster

SEATTLE, June 25, 2008 -- The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] third Flight of Hope filled Shanghai Airlines' newly delivered 737-800's cargo hold with 300 cases of new cone masks donated by the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association on June 13 at Boeing Field in Seattle.

The masks will be used by relief workers in China as they begin to rebuild some of the hardest hit areas damaged by the earthquake.

Flights of Hope is a collaborative relief flight program between Boeing, its airline customers and nonprofit organizations to provide humanitarian aid in China by filling the empty cargo spaces of newly delivered airplanes with relief materials.

Once delivered, the Sichuan Charity Federation will distribute the masks in needed areas.

Shanghai Airlines Vice President Xiaowen Liu said the earthquake that hit the Sichuan Province in China has received worldwide attention because it was so massive and caused such widespread destruction in the region. "The People's Republic of China sends love and care to the earthquake people," Liu said. "The Chinese people are working together very hard to relieve their load. The rebuilding of our home is going very smooth and these masks will help the Sichuan Province to prevent and protect against disease."

During the loading of the cargo hold, Liu pointed to the white crane (a Chinese symbol of luck and prosperity) painted on the tail of Shanghai Airlines' red airplane and said he believes his company's brand will act as a bridge that enhances the friendship between China and the United States.

"We use this crane to bring the American people's care and love to China," he said. "We hope our cooperation can be more fruitful and become stronger day after day. Both of us can work to make a more peaceful world."

###

Front Page

Marine Corps, Northrop Grumman Team Completes Successful G/ATOR Preliminary Design Review

BALTIMORE, June 26, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Marine Corps' new Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) moved an important step closer to production with the successful conclusion of the formal Preliminary Design Review (PDR) at Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Electronic Systems sector headquarters.

G/ATOR is a highly mobile system intended to fully support the Marine Corps' expeditionary warfare requirements. The new multi-mission radar system will provide the Marines with enhanced capabilities to detect, track and provide target quality data to engage hostile aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned air vehicles, and provide location of hostile rockets, mortars and artillery. Intended as a replacement for five existing Marine Corps radars, G/ATOR will also provide robust air traffic control capabilities to enhance the safety of Marine Corps air operations.

"You have approval to proceed to critical design," declared John Burrow, Marine Corps Systems Command Deputy Commander for Systems Engineering, Integration, Architectures, and Technology at the conclusion of a comprehensive three-and-a-half day technical review.

The PDR involved an extensive U.S. government review and subsequent approval of the G/ATOR system and subsystem design for both hardware and software including a program management review of cost and schedule. The PDR was attended by more than 70 Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and other Department of Defense officials and civilian subject matter experts.

"The G/ATOR program continues to be characterized by outstanding communication and teamwork at all levels and is making tremendous progress," said Emmitt E. Gibson, vice president of Ground Based Tactical Radars at Northrop Grumman's Land Forces Division. "G/ATOR will provide unprecedented capabilities to the Marine Corps and Department of Defense. We are pleased to now proceed to Critical Design, the last major milestone before production begins."

Northrop Grumman is the G/ATOR prime contractor under a $256 million contract competitively awarded by Marine Corps Systems Command. Key team members include Sensis Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y.; CEA Technologies, Inc., Canberra, Australia; Stanley/Techrizon, Lawton, Okla.; and Caterpillar Logistics, Morton, Ill.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Delta Air Lines and American Red Cross Change Lives Together Through Expanded National Partnership

Airline’s employees, retirees and family members can now apply for wide range of additional Red Cross Training as disaster volunteers

ATLANTA, June 26, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) President and Chief Financial Officer Edward H. Bastian, Delta Technical Operations President Tony Charaf and American Red Cross Chief Operating Officer Kevin Brown will sign a national memorandum of understanding (MOU) Monday, June 30, strengthening the bond between the two organizations and outlining new opportunities for Delta employees, retirees and family members to engage in expanded Red Cross preparedness training, volunteering and financial support.

The signing ceremony will take place at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta at approximately 11 a.m., June 30 followed by festivities for Delta employees, including Red Cross vehicle displays, volunteer-staffed information tables and food offerings from The Varsity.

“In addition to raising much-needed funds to support ongoing disaster relief efforts, Delta and the American Red Cross’ expanded partnership will provide additional opportunities for Delta’s employees and retirees to become more prepared than ever to respond in the event of an emergency,” said Charaf. “Building on Delta’s long-standing and successful tradition of partnership with the Red Cross allows us to continue to improve the lives of others together.”

Delta Air Lines has been a frequent supporter of the Red Cross through financial donations and blood drives. The Red Cross often moves volunteers to the scene of disasters using donated SkyMiles, and Delta employees have volunteered for the Red Cross in the wake of many large disasters. This agreement formalizes that partnership and builds a dedicated system for Delta employees, retirees and families to help with disaster preparedness and relief.

“This year’s record tornado season reminds us that it is vital for the Red Cross to have strong corporate partners like Delta,” said Brown. “We hope this agreement will boost Red Cross disaster response capabilities and provide members of the Delta family with the opportunity to prepare their loved ones for emergencies.”

Highlights of the new Delta – Red Cross partnership, themed Changing Lives Together, include:

Opportunities for Delta’s corporate family nationwide to better prepare for emergencies with Red Cross disaster courses and online first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training;

Opportunities for Delta employees, retirees and family members nationwide to train and deploy as Red Cross disaster volunteers;

Web opportunities for Delta employees and customers to contribute to Red Cross disaster relief efforts, as well as other programs and services that support the life-saving mission of the Red Cross worldwide.

The American National Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter, 36 U.S.C. § 300101, et seq., and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Cross provides services to those in need, regardless of citizenship, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or political affiliation.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com .

Front Page United Kingdom

BAE SYSTEMS PANTHER CONTRACT PROVIDES MODEL FOR FUTURE LAND SUPPORT

25 Jun 2008 | Ref. 192/2008

NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom – A £28 million support contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to BAE Systems for the new Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle (CLV) holds the promise of better vehicle availability at lower through-life cost.

The Panther System Support Arrangement (SSA) was announced today at DVD™ 2008, an annual event held by UK MOD. The contract, incentivises BAE Systems and its supply network to guarantee availability and reduce cost of ownership for the British Army from the day the vehicle enters service. The Panther is the first UK military vehicle to be entering service under this type of arrangement

BAE Systems Land Systems support director Ian McNeeney commented: “This contract sets the standard for all future support arrangements for military vehicles. It represents a new way of contracting with the MOD in the land sector and includes a mechanism to continually improve vehicle reliability and service delivery to provide a more responsive, lower-cost service to the front line.”

The SSA takes a phased approach. An initial 21-month baselining will collect key data on cost and reliability as the vehicle is deployed worldwide on training and operations to determine operating cost and support requirements for Phase 2. Phase 2 will provide a steady-state five-year support service that could be extended to cover the vehicle through life.

The contract requires that BAE Systems provides 90 per cent availability of materiel plus technical support services to the front line, including BAE Systems’ own field support technicians deployed with Army units in UK, Germany & BATUS, the British Army training area in Canada. Panther is also the first British Army armoured vehicle to be fitted with a health & usage monitoring system (HUMS) which will monitor the vehicle’s performance and provide front line operating data.

Col John Ogden, Light Armoured Systems team leader at Defence Equipment and Support added: “Following successful reliability trials, BAE Systems has delivered 217 of 401 Panthers to date. In conjunction with the signing of a support contract with BAE Systems, this enabled the MOD to formally announce ISD. This achievement is a tribute to both the quality of the vehicle and the effectiveness of the working relationship between the MoD and BAE Systems project teams. We are confident that soldiers on the ground will like this new capability and appreciate the benefits of its support arrangement.”

The contract will be managed by a joint MOD/BAE Systems team co-located at the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support Abbeywood offices, Bristol, with “back office” support at Newcastle, where Panther undergoes final assembly and integration and at Telford, the BAE Systems support centre for Light and Medium Vehicles.

A total of 401 Panthers is scheduled to be delivered by summer 2009. They will replace or supplement a range of vehicles including the Land Rover, Saxon and some tracked reconnaissance vehicles.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

Front Page

June 26, 2008

David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730
david.steitz@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-127

NASA HOSTS INDUSTRY DAY TO DISCUSS IT INFRASTRUCTURE ACQUISITIONS

WASHINGTON -- On Wednesday, July 23, NASA will host an Industry Day to
discuss upcoming agency-wide acquisitions for the Information
Technology (IT) Infrastructure Improvement Program, or I3P. The
program strategically will procure information technology
infrastructure services for NASA.

The meeting will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT, at the Ronald
Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW, in Washington. To attend, interested parties must register
online at the I3P Web site:

http://i3p-acq.ksc.nasa.gov

Attendance is limited to two people per registered organization.
Registration closes July 21. Journalists interested in attending the
meeting should contact David Steitz at 202-358-1730 or by e-mail at
david.steitz@nasa.gov by July 21.

NASA plans on procuring services for the I3P through several component
acquisitions. These may include infrastructure applications services,
including Web hosting and Web content management; communications
services, or networks, including telecommunications, video and data
services; data center services, such as data housing, hosting and
storage services; end-user services, including desktops, laptops,
cellular phones and PDA's; and business applications services for
NASA.

At the meeting, NASA will discuss I3P acquisition plans, describe IT
infrastructure requirements at NASA's centers, and solicit input on
the agency's strategic IT approach from industry. NASA will establish
a list of interested parties, introduce key government personnel and
identify their roles and responsibilities.

Throughout the acquisition process NASA will be posting updates to the
I3P acquisition, including questions and answers, on the I3P Web
site. For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

Front Page

FedEx Trade Networks Opens New West Coast Gateways to Support Ocean-Ground Distribution Service

New Gateways Expand Options for FedEx Trade Networks Ocean-Ground Distribution

FedEx Trade Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), has opened two new gateways to support the FedEx Trade Networks Ocean-Ground Distribution service. The new West Coast gateways are located in Seattle, Wash., and Oakland, Calif., and will offer customers flexible options when shipping goods from Asia to multiple destinations in the U.S. The gateways will service the Seattle/Tacoma and Oakland/San Francisco ports.

FedEx Trade Networks Ocean-Ground Distribution is an alternative shipping method enabling customers to move cargo from Asia to multiple U.S. destinations in one seamless process. The innovative service combines FedEx Trade Networks ocean freight forwarding and customs brokerage services with the U.S. transportation and delivery services of FedEx Freight, FedEx National LTL, FedEx Ground, or FedEx Express. By managing the logistics, FedEx Trade Networks helps customers eliminate hand-offs and unnecessary steps to reduce cycle times and warehouse handling costs. FedEx Trade Networks Ocean-Ground Distribution customers benefit from the simplicity of working with one FedEx point of contact.

Seattle/Tacoma and Oakland/San Francisco will complement the existing Los Angeles and Chicago gateways and offer customers more options when importing from Asia, with three West Coast gateways.

"The Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach combined are the busiest port complex in North America and the fifth-busiest in the world. While both ports continue to make strides in managing increased consumer demand, importers increasingly have expressed their desire to explore alternatives," said Bill Goodgion, managing director, North American Transportation & Distribution Services for FedEx Trade Networks.

"By adding the ports of Seattle/Tacoma and Oakland/San Francisco as Ocean-Ground Distribution gateways, FedEx Trade Networks is providing importers with flexibility to choose from numerous sailing schedules from Asia to the West Coast. Customers want options and creative solutions, and this is just another way in which we are responding."

FedEx Trade Networks operates offices and distribution centers in both the Seattle/Tacoma and Oakland /San Francisco locations with the capabilities to facilitate additional Ocean-Ground Distribution business.

About FedEx Trade Networks

FedEx Trade Networks has more than 100 years of experience in international trade and is one of the largest-volume customs entry filers in North America. The company's advanced technology and network of worldwide service providers enables it to provide comprehensive customs brokerage, global ocean and air cargo distribution, transportation, trade and customs advisory services, and advanced e-commerce and trade facilitation solutions. FedEx Trade Networks has the resources and support to help customers of all sizes navigate the intricacies of shipping goods globally. For more information visit www.ftn.fedex.com.

About FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $38 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information visit news.van.fedex.com .

Keywords: FedEx Trade Networks | ocean cargo | ocean gateways | ocean shipping | trade | FedEx Trade Networks

Front Page

June 25, 2008

RELEASE: 08-160

NASA'S PHOENIX MARS LANDER PUTS SOIL IN CHEMISTRY LAB, TEAM DISCUSSES NEXT STEPS

TUCSON, Ariz. -- NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander placed a sample of Martian
soil in the spacecraft's wet chemistry laboratory today for the first
time. Results from that instrument, part of Phoenix's Microscopy,
Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer, are expected to provide
the first measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the planet's
soil.

The analysis of this and other soil samples will help researchers
determine whether ice beneath the soil ever has melted, and whether
the soil has other qualities favorable for life.

The Phoenix team is discussing what sample to deliver next to the
lander's other analytical instrument, which bakes and sniffs soil to
identify volatile ingredients. Engineers have identified possible
problems in the mechanical and electrical operation of that
instrument, the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer, or TEGA.

Scientists are studying information provided by TEGA's analysis of the
first Martian soil sample put in that instrument. The instrument has
eight single-use oven cells; each cell can analyze one sample. When
doors for a second TEGA oven were commanded open last week, the doors
opened only partway. Later, the team determined that mechanical
interference may prevent doors on that oven and three others from
opening fully. The remaining three ovens are expected to have one
door that opens fully and one that opens partially, as was the case
with the first oven used.

"The tests we have done in our test facility during the past few days
show the robotic arm can deliver the simulated Martian soil through
the opening with the doors in this configuration," said William
Boynton of the University of Arizona, Tucson, lead scientist for
TEGA. "We plan to save the cells where doors can open wider for
accepting ice samples."

Scientists believe the first soil sample delivered to TEGA was so
clumpy that soil particles clogged a screen over the opening. Four
days of vibration eventually succeeded at getting the soil through
the screen. However, engineers believe the use of a motor to create
the vibration may also have caused a short circuit in wiring near
that oven. Concern about triggering other short circuits has prompted
the Phoenix team to be cautious about the use of other TEGA cells.

Subsequent soil samples for TEGA will be delivered with a different
method than the first. The newer method will sprinkle soil into the
instrument to make it easier for particles to get through the
screens.

The Phoenix mission is led by Peter Smith at the University of Arizona
with project management at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in
Pasadena, Calif., and the development partnership at Lockheed Martin
in Denver. International contributions are from the Canadian Space
Agency; the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland; the universities of
Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark; Max Planck Institute, Germany; and
the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

NASA and the University of Arizona, Tucson, will hold a news media
teleconference at 10:30 a.m. PDT, Thursday, June 26, to discuss
science results and provide an update on future science gathering
plans. To participate in the teleconference, news media should phone
the JPL Media Relations Office at 818-354-5011 by 10 a.m. PDT, June
26, to obtain the dial-in number and passcode. For more information
about the mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/phoenix

Front Page

June 25, 2008

RELEASE: 08-159

NASA SPACECRAFT REVEAL LARGEST CRATER IN SOLAR SYSTEM

PASADENA, Calif. -- New analysis of Mars' terrain using NASA
spacecraft observations reveals what appears to be by far the largest
impact crater ever found in the solar system.

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Global Surveyor have
provided detailed information about the elevations and gravity of the
Red Planet's northern and southern hemispheres. A new study using
this information may solve one of the biggest remaining mysteries in
the solar system: why does Mars have two strikingly different kinds
of terrain in its northern and southern hemispheres? The huge crater
is creating intense scientific interest.

The mystery of the two-faced nature of Mars has perplexed scientists
since the first comprehensive images of the surface were beamed home
by NASA spacecraft in the 1970s. The main hypotheses have been an
ancient impact or some internal process related to the planet's
molten subsurface layers. The impact idea, proposed in 1984, fell
into disfavor because the basin's shape didn't seem to fit the
expected round shape for a crater.

The newer data is convincing some experts who doubted the impact
scenario.

"We haven't proved the giant-impact hypothesis, but I think we've
shifted the tide," said Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna, a postdoctoral
researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

Andrews-Hanna and co-authors Maria Zuber of MIT and Bruce Banerdt of
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., report the new
findings in the journal Nature this week.

A giant northern basin that covers about 40 percent of Mars' surface,
sometimes called the Borealis basin, is the remains of a colossal
impact early in the solar system's formation, the new analysis
suggests. At 5,300 miles across, it is about four times wider than
the next-biggest impact basin known, the Hellas basin on southern
Mars. An accompanying report calculates that the impacting object
that produced the Borealis basin must have been about 1,200 miles
across. That's larger than Pluto.

"This is an impressive result that has implications not only for the
evolution of early Mars, but also for early Earth's formation," said
Michael Meyer, the Mars chief scientist at NASA Headquarters in
Washington.

This northern-hemisphere basin on Mars is one of the smoothest
surfaces found in the solar system. The southern hemisphere is high,
rough, heavily cratered terrain, which ranges from 2.5 to 5 miles
higher in elevation than the basin floor.

Other giant impact basins have been discovered that are elliptical
rather than circular. But it took a complex analysis of the Martian
surface from NASA's two Mars orbiters to reveal the clear elliptical
shape of Borealis basin, which is consistent with being an impact
crater.

One complicating factor in revealing the elliptical shape of the basin
was that after the time of the impact, which must have been at least
3.9 billion years ago, giant volcanoes formed along one part of the
basin rim and created a huge region of high, rough terrain that
obscures the basin's outlines. It took a combination of gravity data,
which tend to reveal underlying structure, with data on current
surface elevations to reconstruct a map of Mars elevations as they
existed before the volcanoes erupted.

"In addition to the elliptical boundary of the basin, there are signs
of a possible second, outer ring - a typical characteristic of large
impact basins," Banerdt said.

JPL manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA's Science Mission
Directorate, Washington. For more information about the mission,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/mro

Front Page

Boeing, Biman Bangladesh Announce 737-800 OrderBangladesh national carrier adds two Next-Generation Boeing's 737-800s to recent order for four 777-300ERs and four 787-8 Dreamliners

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines today announced an order for two Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s, with purchase rights for two additional 737s. Today's signing ceremony, held at the U.S. Department of Commerce, was attended by dignitaries from Bangladesh and the United States and also celebrated Biman's selection of an all-Boeing jet fleet for its future operations.

"Today marks a progressive step forward for Biman," said Dr. M. A. Momen, managing director and CEO of Biman. "Our fleet consolidation with Boeing airplanes is based upon a partnership that combines aircraft efficiency, reliability and in-service support to maximize our competitiveness - something we need to drive forward to be an instrumental part of the country's economic growth and development."

Biman recently announced an order for four 777-300ERs and four 787-8s with purchase rights for four more of each model type. The airline currently connects Bangladesh with 18 countries around the world, and has agreements in place that will allow it to serve a total of 42 countries as it implements its growth plan.

"Boeing is committed to working closely to help airlines in developing nations grow in the most efficient way possible, and our product line reflects that commitment," said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East & Africa. "We look forward to working closely with Biman Bangladesh over the long term as it capitalizes on traffic growth driven by the country's expanding economy."

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which began as a government-owned national carrier in 1972, became Bangladesh's largest public limited company in 2007. The purchase of Boeing airplanes represents the largest capital expenditure in the country's history.

One hundred fifteen customers have ordered more than 4,800 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $160 billion at current list prices.

###

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Stands Ready to Support Air Force Tanker Decision

GAO Analysis Does Not Alter the Air Force Finding that the KC-45 is the Superior Tanker
WASHINGTON -- June 25, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) said, today, that it continues to support the United States Air Force and looks forward to its next steps regarding the direction of the KC-45 tanker program. This follows today's public release of the full Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis of the original tanker contract award to Northrop Grumman.

"The document makes clear that the GAO's issues with the contract do not reflect on the tankers' capabilities. In fact, in several areas key to the selection decision the GAO found no basis to object to the Air Force evaluation," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president of Air Mobility Systems and KC-45 program manager. "We look forward to a prompt assessment from the Air Force concerning what happens next."

On Feb. 29, the Air Force selected Northrop Grumman to provide the next generation of aerial refueling tanker, the KC-45. The Air Force has an urgent need to replace its aging tanker fleet.

"The KC-45 is needed now, and Northrop Grumman is ready now to provide it," said Meyer. "Should the Air Force choose to proceed with our existing contract, we are ready to get to work. Northrop Grumman offered the superior tanker and nothing in the GAO analysis contradicts this essential truth.

"Northrop Grumman remains the only company in this competition that has built, tested and flown its plane. In addition, our refueling boom has just completed its 100th flight test. At this point, our competitor has offered only a paper plane," Meyer said. "For our men and women in uniform, the most important thing is to field the new tanker as soon as possible. Only Northrop Grumman is ready to do that."

About the KC-45

The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala. - establishing Mobile as the new cornerstone of the Southern Aerospace Corridor. The program will employ 48,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies in 49 states; and will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEIVES $107 MILLION FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE FOR JOINT AIR-TO-SURFACE STANDOFF MISSILE PRODUCTION

ORLANDO, FL, June 25, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received
a U.S. Air Force contract valued at $107 million for a seventh
production lot of the JASSM(TM) cruise missile. The contract award will bring
total contracted quantities of the cruise missile to 1,053.

The contract is for procurement of 111 JASSM production missiles, along
with systems engineering and flight test support. In recent flight
tests on the B-52 and B-1 aircraft, the stealthy standoff cruise missile
proved its reliability and capabilities across a wide variety of targets
- including hardened, underground bunkers and air defense systems.

"This contract enables us to provide JASSM's critical capabilities to
the Warfighter," said Alan Jackson, JASSM program director at Lockheed
Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "JASSM's combination of standoff
range, low observable flight and high lethality give planners a valuable set
of options when planning strikes in the early stages of a conflict.
JASSM can take out the most critical, well-defended targets."

Lockheed Martin produces JASSM inTroy, AL, at its award-winning Pike
County operations facility. The site has been producing JASSM production
missiles since late 1999. JASSM Lot 5 missile deliveries are expected
to be completed in 2008. The U.S. Air Force plans to procure 4,900
JASSMs over the life of the program.

A 2,000-pound class weapon with a dual-mode penetrator and blast
fragmentation warhead, JASSM cruises autonomously in adverse weather, day or
night, using a state-of-the-art infrared seeker in addition to the
anti-jam GPS to find a specific aimpoint on the target.Its stealthy
airframe makes it extremely difficult to defend against. The missile is
integrated on B-1, B-2, B-52 and F-16 aircraft. It is also planned for
integration on the F-15.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales
of $41.9 billion.

Front Page Sweden

New partner in Saab Grintek Defence

A consortium led by Imbani Amandaba (Pty) Ltd acquires 25 per cent plus 1 share of South African Saab Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd.

Saab has concluded a Black Economic Empowerment transaction with Imbani Amandaba, a 100% black owned company whose members consist of investors from historically disadvantaged groups. The consortium has subscribed for 25 per cent plus 1 share in Saab Grintek Defence. The transaction involves the issue of new shares to the consortium at a value of R95m.

South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policy is aimed at promoting the economic and social development of historically disadvantaged individuals across the country. In accordance with this policy a Black Economic Empowerment partner is required in order to successfully compete and operate in the South African market. Saab embraces this policy and is committed to meeting the requirements of its accompanying Codes of Good Practice. The empowerment credentials of Imbani Amandaba will be complemented through the inclusion of suitable constituted Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) group. The process to identify such a group is underway.

“This transaction reflects Saab’s confidence in the opportunities in South Africa and our commitment to South Africa’s industrial growth and future prosperity,” says Åke Svensson, CEO of Saab. “Imbani Amandaba will add value in business growth and strategic positioning of Saab in the South African and African markets.”

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers´ changing needs.

Swedish:

Ny delägare i Saab Grintek Defence

Ett konsortium lett av Imbani Amandaba (Pty) Ltd förvärvar 25 procent plus 1 aktie i sydafrikanska Saab Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd.

Imbani Amandaba är ett så kallat Black Economic Empowerment-konsortium som till 100 procent ägs av sydafrikaner med ursprung i tidigare diskriminerade grupper. De förvärvar nyemitterade aktier motsvarande 25 procent plus 1 aktie i Saab Grintek Defence till ett värde av 95 miljoner Rand, motsvarande cirka 70 miljoner kronor.

Sydafrikas Black Economic Empowerment-policy syftar till att stödja ekonomisk och social utveckling bland tidigare diskriminerade grupper. En Black Economic Empowerment-partner är en viktig förutsättning för att utveckla verksamheten och kunna konkurrera på den sydafrikanska marknaden. Saab visar med denna transaktion att man är angelägen om att uppfylla de krav som den sydafrikanska policyn innebär. För att ytterligare stärka möjligheterna med samarbetet kommer Imbani Amandaba-konsortiet att ta in ytterligare en delägare och därmed klassas som ett så kallat Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment-konsortium. En process för att identifiera en sådan lämplig delägare pågår.

– Det här speglar Saabs tilltro till möjligheterna i Sydafrika och vårt engagemang i Sydafrikas industriella utveckling och framtid. Imbani Amandabas delägarskap kommer att öka tillväxtpotentialen och förbättra Saabs position på de sydafrikanska och afrikanska marknaderna, säger Åke Svensson, VD för Saab.

Saab förser den globala marknaden med världsledande produkter, tjänster och lösningar som sträcker sig från militärt försvar till civil säkerhet. Saab har verksamhet och medarbetare på alla kontinenter och utvecklar, anpassar och förbättrar ständigt ny teknologi för att möta kundernas förändrade behov.

Front Page

Mission update: The fourth Ariane 5 of 2008 is delivered to Arianespace for a July 4 liftoff

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:36:25 -0400

Arianespace has taken delivery of the fourth Ariane 5 in 2008, maintaining its accelerated flight pace during the busiest year of commercial mission activity for this workhorse launch vehicle.

The handover occurred with Ariane 5's transfer from the Launcher Integration Building at Europe's Spaceport - where its build-up was performed under responsibility of prime contractor EADS Astrium, to the Final Assembly Building - where Arianespace will oversee integration of the mission's ProtoStar I and BADR-6 payloads.

In its trademark dual-passenger configuration, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA will carry ProtoStar I in the upper payload position, with BADR-6 riding below it inside the SLYDA 5 dispenser system. Liftoff is scheduled for an evening launch window on July 4.

ProtoStar I is the lead satellite in a fleet of relay platforms that Asia's ProtoStar plans to launch for advanced satellite television services and powerful two-way broadband communications access. Built by Space Systems Loral, the spacecraft was designed to meet the needs of both emerging and existing direct-to-home (DTH) operators in Asia, as well as other broadband communication requirements in the region.

The BADR-6 spacecraft was built jointly by EADS Astrium and Alcatel Alenia Space, and will be used for video broadcasting services over the Middle East and North Africa regions. To be operated by Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat, BADR-6 carries a mixed payload of 24 C-band and 20 Ku-band transponders, and is designed for a lifetime of about 15 years. The spacecraft will be located at Arabsat's 26 deg. E geostationary orbital position.

Arianespace remains on track for its planned seven Ariane 5 launches in 2008, with three of the missions already performed. The upcoming mission with ProtoStar I and BADR-6 is timed just three weeks after Arianespace's most recent flight, when an Ariane 5 ECA orbited Skynet 5C and Turksat 3A June 12 on the workhorse launcher's 25th consecutive success. It was preceded by an Ariane 5 ECA mission on April 18 with Star One C2 and VINASAT-1, as well as the historic March 9 flight of an Ariane 5 ES that orbited the first Automated Transfer Vehicle for servicing of the International Space Station.

Follow Arianespace's launch activity with our Mission Updates on the Arianespace website: www.arianespace.com

Front Page

FedEx Celebrates Domestic Service One-Year Anniversary

New Service Enhancements Offered to Meet Customer Needs

SHANGHAI, June 24, 2008 — As part of the one-year anniversary of its domestic service launch in China, FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one the world’s largest express transportation companies, today announced its latest domestic service enhancements in China.

FedEx domestic service now offers an earlier next-morning delivery to nine major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Kunshan, Wuxi, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Ningbo. Packages will now reach their destination by 10:30 a.m., Monday – Saturday, all with the FedEx money-back guarantee.
Customers within the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Suzhou, Kunshan, Wuxi, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo) and the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Foshan, Zhuhai, Huizhou and Jiangmen) will be offered later cut-off times for intra-region shipments. The cut-off time in those cities will be extended to 9 p.m.

“The FedEx customer-centric service philosophy is to continuously enhance our service offerings in order to provide better and more comprehensive business solutions to our customers,” said Jimmy Chen, regional vice president, Domestic Service, FedEx China. “Over the past year of operation, we have been evaluating our service and making improvements to meet customer needs in this dynamic marketplace. Our goal is to help our customers grow their business.”

Since FedEx began domestic time-definite service in China last year, it has continued to invest in local infrastructure and expand its services and coverage. Through its domestic hub at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and the partnership with Okay Airways, FedEx successfully introduced its unique hub-and-spoke system to China. After one year of operation, the next-morning delivery service has expanded from 19 cities to more than 40 cities, while the second-day delivery service reaches customers in more than 200 cities throughout the country.

“We have seen rapid development of our domestic time-definite service in China over the past year,” added Chen. “The quality and reliable time-definite domestic service has received positive feedback from our customers.”

To keep pace with China’s rapidly changing market, FedEx has constantly upgraded its domestic services in China. Last September, a string of service enhancements were introduced, and last December, FedEx equipped the domestic service couriers in 20 cities with the latest GPRS Trackers, which provide real-time information about the location and status of customer’s packages.

“FedEx is raising the bar for domestic time-definite service in China,” said Chen. “FedEx will continue to expand its domestic service to more second- and third-tier cities in China to serve every customer that needs it. In fact, as of July 1, Wenzhou and Taizhou customers will be able to take advantage of next-morning and next-day delivery service.”

FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee*.

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $38 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.

Keywords: China | Communciations | Corproate | Domestic Service | FedEx Express | Hub-and-Spoke | time-definite

Front Page

June 23, 2008

Jason S. Sharp
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-5213
jason.s.sharp@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-123

NASA ANNOUNCES SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

WASHINGTON -- In honor of NASA's 50th anniversary, the Smithsonian
Institution's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and NASA are
partnering on this year's Folklife Festival. The festival will be
held Wednesday, June 25 through Sunday, June 29, and Wednesday, July
2 through Sunday, July 6, outdoors on the National Mall between
Seventh and 14th Streets. Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. EDT each day, with special evening events including concerts and
movie screenings beginning at 6 p.m.

The program "NASA: 50 Years and Beyond," will include presentations,
hands-on educational activities, demonstrations and exhibits that
will highlight the agency's activities over the past fifty years,
while looking forward to the exploration missions ahead.

NASA presenters at the festival include Deputy Administrator Shana
Dale, Johnson Space Center Director and astronaut Michael Coats,
Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier,
"Rocket Boys" author Homer Hickam, NASA Chief Historian Steven Dick,
Goddard Space Flight Center Chief Scientist James Garvin, current
astronauts Frederick (Rick) Sturckow, Carl Walz, Pat Forester, Sunita
Williams and former astronauts Ken Reightler, Pierre Thuot, Jan
Davis, Tom Jones, Joe Edwards, Charlie Walker, William Readdy, Brian
O'Connor and Loren Shriver.

On June 25 at 6 p.m., the Space Philharmonic under the direction of
Emil de Cou, will perform "The Planets" by Gustav Holst at the
National Museum of the American Indian. Former astronaut Mae Jemison
will narrate the concert. The event will include NASA imagery
projected onto the museum's walls. The concert is free and open to
the public.

On June 26 at 2:15 p.m. on the Galaxy stage, scientists from NASA's
Phoenix Mars Lander mission will participate in a Science Update on
the activities of the Phoenix Mars Lander, including the lander's
recent discovery of water ice.

Other events include the NASA Film Festival June 27-29 at the Baird
Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History. Jeannie Kranz,
daughter of former NASA flight director Gene Kranz, will host a film
festival devoted to space exploration. Films include, "In the Shadow
of the Moon," with participation of producer Duncan Copp, "Apollo 13"
with remarks from Jeannie Kranz and "2001: A Space Odyssey," with a
greeting from astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

The National Air and Space Museum Art Gallery preview show will
display works from the art collections of NASA and the National Air
and Space Museum by several artists, including Norman Rockwell, Annie
Leibovitz and Robert Rauschenberg. This exhibit during the Folklife
Festival is a preview of a larger show, "NASA Art," which is being
organized by the Smithsonian Institution's Traveling Exhibition
Service. The "NASA Art" show will travel nationwide beginning this
October, through 2011.

Media planning to attend the Folklife Festival should check in at the
press tent, located in the Festival Services area, near the
Smithsonian Metro stop.

For a complete schedule of all NASA activities at the Folklife
Festival, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/50th/Folklife

Front Page

June 23, 2008

RELEASE: 08-155

NASA STUDY PROVIDES NEXT STEP TO ESTABLISHING LUNAR OUTPOST

HOUSTON -- NASA engineers and scientists completed a milestone review
June 20 that will help determine the systems needed to return humans
to the moon and establish a lunar outpost.

The three-day Lunar Capability Concept Review capped a nine-month
study led by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA
Headquarters in Washington that incorporated science and exploration
objectives earlier developed by representatives of 14 countries as
part of the Global Exploration Strategy.

The study looked at possible lunar mission scenarios and compared them
to the capabilities of the emerging Ares V heavy lift launch vehicle
and the Altair lunar lander design concepts. This review of those
findings, led by the Constellation Program Office at NASA's Johnson
Space Center in Houston, established all the technical parameters
that will be needed to begin Phase A, the first phase in preparing
vehicle requirements.

"We confirmed that Constellation's conceptual designs for both Ares V
and Altair will enable us to land astronauts and cargo anywhere on
the moon and to build an outpost supporting widespread exploration of
the lunar surface," said Jeff Hanley, Constellation Program manager
at Johnson. "This extensive review proves we are ready for the next
phase: taking these concepts and moving forward to establish mature
requirements."

According to Hanley, the study bears out the strength of the initial
concepts showing the vehicles can be built and delivered in time to
return humans to the moon by 2020.

The review also reinforced the key role of international partnerships
and industry collaboration to developing the lunar surface systems
for human missions to the moon.

Phase A begins the process of defining the vehicle and element
requirements. During this phase, the Ares V and Altair Project teams
will take what was learned from the Lunar Capability Concept Review
and baseline the needs for lunar missions, establish the design needs
and determine plans for advancing the technologies needed to be
successful. Phase A will culminate in a Systems Requirements Review
for NASA's lunar transportation architecture, tentatively planned for
2010.

The review refined early configurations of the Ares V rocket to ensure
its capability to deliver the Altair lunar lander, four astronauts
and cargo anywhere on the moon and return the crew to Earth at any
time. To accomplish those objectives, the current configuration of
the Ares V will use six RS-68B liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen
engines on a core stage along with two five-and-one-half segment
solid propellant rocket boosters, which are a direct evolution from
the first stage of the Ares I rocket. The Ares V upper stage will
propel the Orion crew capsule and Altair to the moon using the same
J-2X engine as the Ares I crew launch vehicle. The Ares V will stand
about 381 feet tall and be able to send more than 156,600 pounds of
cargo and components into orbit to the moon, and later to Mars or
other destinations.

Altair will be capable of landing four astronauts anywhere on the
moon, providing life support and a base for the first week-long
surface exploration missions, and returning the crew to the Orion
spacecraft for the ride home to Earth. A variant of the lunar lander
will serve as an autonomous cargo carrier, taking modular outpost
components, lunar rovers, and scientific equipment to the moon's
surface.

The formal decision to start Phase A will be taken to NASA's leaders
before the end of this year.

The Constellation Program Office at Johnson has the responsibility for
developing the next human space transportation system that will be
used to extend a human presence throughout the solar system. The
program includes multiple project offices and technical teams at all
ten NASA centers and at contract organizations around the nation. The
Orion Project and Altair Project also are led from Johnson. The Ares
Project Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville,
Ala., leads the design and development of the Ares I rocket and Ares
V cargo launch vehicle. The Ground Operations Project at NASA's
Kennedy Space Center in Florida will handle ground and launch
operations for the vehicles.

For information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

Front Page

Delta Reaches Unprecedented Joint, Pre-Merger Agreement with Delta, Northwest Units of Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l.

ATLANTA, June 24, 2008 - Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today confirms that a tentative agreement has been reached between the Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines units of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) on a joint contract to take effect upon closing of the Delta-Northwest merger, expected later this year. The pilot groups also have established a separate process designed to establish a single pilot seniority list by the close of the merger. Delta CEO Richard Anderson issued the following statement in response:

"We are pleased that the Delta and Northwest pilot groups have reached a tentative agreement and have outlined a process for seniority integration that will allow us to move forward with a unified pilot group. Achieving a joint contract and combined seniority list in advance of the closing of the merger is something that has never been done in this industry and is a testament to the leadership of ALPA and a working together culture."

The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by both airlines’ pilot groups.

Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction to create America’s premier global airline. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. Combined, the company and its regional partners will provide customers access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Together, Delta and Northwest will have more than $35 billion in aggregate annual revenues, operate a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft, employ approximately 75,000 people worldwide, and have one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry. The merger is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest shareholders and regulatory approvals, which are expected to be completed later this year.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect,’ "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Delta's and Northwest’s expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and charges and capitalization, anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; approval of the merger transaction and related transactions by shareholders; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside our control and difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in jet fuel prices; (5) actions taken or conditions imposed by the United States and foreign governments; (6) the willingness of customers to travel; (7) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (8) the impact of labor relations; and (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Other factors include the possibility that the merger does not close, including due to the failure to receive required stockholder or regulatory approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions. Delta cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s most recently filed Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Delta, Northwest, the merger, the related transactions or other matters and attributable to Delta or Northwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.

Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger, Delta will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest that also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. Delta and Northwest will mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available because it will contain important information.

You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website ( www.sec.gov ). You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta’s website ( www.delta.com ) under the tab "About Delta" and then under the heading "Investor Relations" and then under the item "SEC Filings." You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest’s website (www.nwa.com) under the tab "About Northwest" and then under the heading "Investor Relations" and then under the item "SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings." Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of the merger.

Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Delta and Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Delta’s executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 25, 2008 related to Delta’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can find information about Northwest’s executive officers and directors in its Amendment to its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2008. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest using the contact information above.

###

Front Page

For Immediate Release
June 23, 2008

MAN INVOLVED IN DOMESTIC TERRORISM PLOT TARGETING MILITARY AND JEWISH FACILITIES SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS

SANTA ANA, Calif.—A former inmate in a California state prison who became part of a domestic terrorist cell that planned to attack United States military operations, “infidels,” and Israeli and Jewish facilities in the Los Angeles area was sentenced this morning to 22 years in federal prison.

Levar Washington, 30, who was recruited into the terrorist cell while in state prison and subsequently recruited others into the plot, was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney. Washington pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to wage war against the United States and a weapons charge.

Two other defendants in the case—Kevin James, who formed the terrorist group which he dubbed Jam’iyyat Ul-Islam Is-Saheeh, or JIS, while in a California state prison, and Gregory Patterson—also pleaded guilty last year to the terrorism conspiracy charge. Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, and James is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2009.

In plea agreements filed in federal court, James, Washington and Patterson admitted that they conspired “to levy war against the government of the United States through terrorism, and to oppose by force the authority of the United States government.”

The fourth member of JIS named in an indictment—Hammad Samana—has been found unfit to stand trial and is currently receiving psychiatric care at a federal prison facility.

“The JIS terrorist group posed a significant threat of violent action against a variety of targets,” said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien. “Through the fine work of members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, potentially deadly attacks were averted. Now, one of the members of this terrorism cell will not pose a danger to the United States for nearly a quarter century.”

Salvador Hernandez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, stated: "This case reminds us that Los Angeles is an attractive target for homegrown or radicalized terrorists, as well as state-sponsored terrorists. Los Angeles was spared a potentially devastating attack because of excellent police work and a cohesive team effort by JTTF members. This case serves as an example of how local officers are serving in the front lines in the war on terrorism."

After forming JIS in 1997 while in state prison, James recruited Washington into the organization in late 2004 while both were prisoners at New Folsom Prison, where James had Washington swear an oath of loyalty and obedience to James and to JIS. After his release from prison several weeks after taking the JIS oath, Washington recruited Patterson and Samana into JIS and had them swear oaths of allegiance and obedience to JIS. After forming this cell, Washington and Patterson conducted about a dozen armed robberies of gas stations to obtain money for the group’s planned attacks in the Los Angeles area.

Samana researched targets and prepared a document called “Modes of Attack.” The document listed “LAX and Consulate of Zion,” “Military Targets,” “Army Recruiting centers throughout the county,” “Military base in Manhattan Beach” and “Campsite of Zion.”

After Torrance Police investigators linked Washinton and Patterson to a gas station robbery, various Jihadist documents were found at a South Los Angeles apartment where they lived. In addition to the “Modes of Attack” document, investigators discovered a document titled “Notoriety Moves,” which contained a James-authored statement to be given to the media after a deadly attack. The proposed press statement reads, in part, “This incident is the first in a series of incidents to come in a plight to defend and propagate traditional Islam in its purity.” The document also warns “sincere Muslims” to avoid a series of targets, including “Those Jewish and non-Jewish supporters of an Israeli state.”

The investigation into the terrorist conspiracy was led by the FBI's Long Beach Joint Terrorism Task Force, whose participating agencies include the Los Angeles Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Torrance Police Department; the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; the Long Beach Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Los Angeles Port Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the Redondo Beach Police Department.

Substantial assistance during the investigation was provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Bureau of Investigations; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the California Department of Justice; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations; and the Department of Defense.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office worked collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office during the investigation.

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Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEIVES COGSWELL OUTSTANDING INDUSTRIAL SECURITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

ORLANDO, FL, June 19, 2008 -- The Department of Defense Security
Service (DSS) has awarded to Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Simulation, Training
& Support the highest honor it can present to a government contractor,
the James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement
Award.

This year, 23 of the 12,000 eligible contractors will receive the
Cogswell Award. To be considered for this prestigious honor, nominees must
go through a rigorous selection process that requires extraordinary
security practices on behalf of management and the facility workforce.

"This award represents the team's commitment to excellence, our
outstanding partnership with industry and government and our dedication to
protect the U. S. warfighter and critical defense information," said Keith
Schmidt, Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support Security
Manager.

Cogswell Award facility nominees must have a minimum of two consecutive
superior industrial security review ratings, be vetted by more than 20
government agencies, show a sustained degree of excellence and
innovation in security program management, and have a longstanding record of
outstanding security practices based on standards set by the National
Industrial Security Program.

The Cogswell award, established in 1966, is named in honor of the late
Air Force Col. James S. Cogswell, who was the first chief of the
unified office of Industrial Security. Colonel Cogswell was responsible for
developing the basic principles of the DOD Industrial Security Program,
which includes an emphasis on the partnership between industry and the
government to protect classified information.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales
of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

SPECIAL AMENITIES, SERVICES AVAILABLE TO EAA AIRVENTURE VISITORS AND CAMPERS

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (June 24, 2008) - Wheel &
Sprocket, OfficeMax, GES, FedEx, and Gander Mountain are among the companies
offering services and amenities to attendees at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2008. EAA AirVenture, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," is
July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Wheel & Sprocket's "Mobile Bike Shop" has extended its hours during
AirVenture from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day from July 26 to August 4. More
than 100 individual services for attendees using bicycles in and around
Camp Scholler are being provided. The services include tire changes,
wheel replacements, bike rentals, next-day service on most repairs, and
a wide selection of quality bikes for purchasing at the event. (NOTE:
Bicycles are not allowed inside the AirVenture flight line gates, but
are allowed in the Camp Scholler and North 40 camping areas.)

This year, OfficeMax is offering a discount to EAA members, as well as
office supplies, faxing, and copying to all exhibitors and attendees
from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 25 through August 3. A five percent
discount is available for EAA members on all OfficeMax products at the
event and throughout the entire year at all OfficeMax locations.

Shipping services are available for the first time through GES,
accepting all properly addressed inbound letters and packages (including
camping gear) from UPS, DHL, FedEx, and more. Proper address guidelines
and GES hours of operation are available online at www.airventure.org
under "Planning and Services." The GES Service Trailer is located just
south of Exhibit Hangar D.

FedEx is making its debut this year at AirVenture. It will provide
campers and attendees with only an outbound shipping service. The FedEx
tent is located just north of Exhibit Hangar C and will offer its
services July 28 through August 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Gander Mountain is also making it easier for campers to have access to
cots, tents, cooking equipment, lanterns, toilet paper, ponchos, and
lawn chairs. These services are provided in Camp Scholler from 8 a.m. to
6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, August 3.

The Internet Café returns with 20 online stations in the EAA Welcome
Center, where EAA members can check email while at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh. Member Village Camper is another Internet café offered to EAA
members in the campgrounds. EAA members and attendees can also use 10 WiFi
access points available throughout the grounds free of charge.

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration
and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture
information, including advance ticket purchase, is available through the
World Wide Web at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on
admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call
1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.

Front Page

June 24, 2008

RELEASE: 08-156

MOON-BOUND NASA SPACECRAFT PASSES MAJOR PREFLIGHT TESTS

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- Engineering teams are conducting final
checkouts of the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite,
known as LCROSS, that will take a significant step forward in the
search for water on the moon.

The mission's main objective is to confirm the presence or absence of
water ice in a permanently shadowed crater near a lunar polar region.
A major milestone, thermal vacuum testing of the LCROSS spacecraft,
was completed June 5 at the Northrop Grumman facility in Redondo
Beach, Calif.

To simulate the harsh conditions of space, technicians subjected the
spacecraft to 13.5 days of heating and cooling cycles during which
temperatures reached as high as 230 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as
minus 40 degrees. Previous testing for the LCROSS spacecraft included
acoustic vibration tests. Those tests simulated launch conditions and
checked mating of connection points to the Atlas V rocket's Centaur
upper stage and the adapter ring for the Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter, known as LRO.

The satellite currently is undergoing final checkout tests. After all
tests are complete, the LCROSS spacecraft will be prepared for
delivery to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for launch
processing and integration onto the Atlas V as a secondary payload to
LRO. Both spacecraft are scheduled to launch from Kennedy in late
2008.

"The spacecraft steadily has taken shape since Ames delivered the
science payload in January," said Daniel Andrews, LCROSS project
manager at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif. "It
is a testament to the hard work, perseverance and expertise of the
NASA and Northrop Grumman teams that the spacecraft has completed
these critical tests ahead of schedule."

After launch, the LCROSS spacecraft and the Atlas V's Centaur upper
stage rocket will execute a fly-by of the moon and enter into an
elongated Earth orbit to position the satellite for impact on a lunar
pole. On final approach, the spacecraft and the Centaur will
separate. The Centaur will strike the surface of the moon, creating a
debris plume that will rise above the surface. Four minutes later,
LCROSS will fly through the debris plume, collecting and relaying
data back to Earth before impacting the lunar surface and creating a
second debris plume. Scientists will observe both impacts from Earth
to gather additional information.

LCROSS is a fast-paced, low-cost mission that is leveraging existing
NASA systems, commercial-off-the-shelf components and the spacecraft
design and development expertise of integration partner Northrop
Grumman Space Technologies. The LCROSS and LRO missions are
components of the Lunar Precursor Robotic Program at NASA's Marshall
Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. The program manages pathfinding
robotic missions to the moon for the Exploration Systems Mission
Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

For more information about the Lunar Crater Observing and Sensing
Satellite, visit:

http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov

For more information about the Lunar Precursor Robotic Program, visit:

http://moon.msfc.nasa.gov

For information about NASA's exploration program to go to the moon and
beyond, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

Front Page

Boeing Updates Retirement Benefit Program for New Employees

CHICAGO, June 24, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] is introducing a new retirement benefit program for nonunion employees hired or rehired on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The new program will be a defined contribution savings plan that includes an automatic company contribution as well as a company matching contribution.

This change will not affect Boeing's more than 525,000 current employees, former employees, or retirees who participate in the company's existing savings and pension plans.

"We are changing our retirement program for nonunion new hires for several reasons," said Rick Stephens, senior vice president, Boeing Human Resources and Administration. "This new approach addresses new employee preferences for retirement programs that offer flexibility and portability and responds to market trends and practices of peer companies. At the same time, it allows us to better manage our retirement plan expenses and reduce financial risk."

Under the new plan, Boeing will contribute an amount equal to 3, 4 or 5 percent of a new employee's pay (depending on age), regardless of whether the employee contributes to the plan. Also, the company will match employee contributions dollar for dollar for the first 4 percent of pay the new employee contributes and 50 cents on the dollar for the next 4 percent of pay the new employee contributes. The automatic company contribution and company matching contribution will both be fully vested immediately.

"Both the current and new hire retirement programs provide employees with an exceptional benefit and an opportunity for significant income replacement at retirement," Stephens said. "We know that we must offer a competitive retirement package in order to attract and retain world-class talent. The plan we're introducing in January reinforces our commitment to providing benefit programs and resources to help employees build their financial futures."

To date, Boeing has negotiated a similar new hire retirement program with several of its unions and will continue to discuss this topic during future negotiations.

###

Front Page

Boeing's Newest Satellite for Thuraya Ready to Expand Mobile Coverage in Asia

ST. LOUIS, June 23, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the on-orbit handover of the Thuraya-3 Geo-Mobile satellite, which will extend Thuraya's coverage to 170 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Thuraya-3 is the third Boeing-built 702 Geo-Mobile satellite for Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications, a leading multiregional mobile satellite operator. The satellite was launched Jan. 15 aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket.

"Over the past decade, Boeing has worked side by side with Thuraya to develop satellites that provide much-needed additional communications capacity to people across Asia, and we continue that partnership with the handover of Thuraya-3," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "Boeing thanks Thuraya for choosing a Boeing 702 satellite."

"Thuraya is technically and commercially well prepared to operate the Thuraya-3 satellite after its handover to Thuraya. The successful launch of Thuraya-3 and post-launch testing are a result of a strong and long-standing partnership with both Boeing and Sea Launch," said Thuraya CEO Yousuf Al Sayed. "We are very excited to bring our pioneering mobile satellite service to the Asia-Pacific market, providing a range of cutting-edge communications services. There are a variety of sectors, such as rural telephony, maritime and broadband, in addition to the core mobile service, that promise an excellent prospect for Thuraya in the region."

The Thuraya-3 satellite enables Thuraya to double its current commercial coverage -- including its handheld, fixed and broadband services -- to parts of Asia that include markets in China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Australia. Boeing is the proven leader in delivering the technology behind complex mobile satellite systems that provide a lifeline for first responders reaching those in need, connect businesses that depend on reliable data access, and supply telecommunications services to those who use mobile phones every day.

Boeing designed the 702 satellite to exceed customer expectations for low-cost and highly reliable communications spacecraft. The satellite offers a range of power up to 18 kilowatts and has supplied communication services since 1999 to customers who seek a range of satellite solutions, including mobile satellite telephony, satellite-based broadband communications service, high-definition television broadcasts and digital audio radio.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

Front Page France

Airbus transports first aircraft segments to assembly line in China

24 June 2008

Airbus has started transporting the first aircraft segments to the new single-aisle assembly line in Tianjin, China. The assembly process of the first aircraft, which is for Sichuan Airlines, will start in August 2008. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for the first half of 2009.

Six jigs loaded with parts for an A320, coming from the Airbus production sites in Europe, departed from Hamburg on a barge. It carries the forward and rear fuselage section, a pair of wings, the horizontal and vertical tailplane and engine pylons. The barge will transport these segments to the nearby container terminal at Hamburg harbour, where they will then be transferred onto a commercial container ship bound for Tianjin. The overall transportation to China will last less than one month.

"The transportation of these aircraft sub-assemblies marks another important milestone for our assembly line in China. The construction work on the site is progressing successfully and the training of the Chinese workers at our production facilities in Toulouse and Hamburg is going very well," said Alain Flourens, Airbus Executive Vice President A320 Programme.

The final assembly line in China is an important milestone on Airbus' way to become a global company. It enables Airbus to increase its flexibility in the A320-family production by simultaneously ramping-up the production rate to 40 by 2010. The Chinese final assembly line will mainly produce aircraft for the Chinese market, where Airbus expects the passenger traffic to grow fivefold in the next 20 years, causing a demand of a total of 2,670 new passenger aircraft.

The final assembly line in China is a joint venture between Airbus (51 per cent) and the Chinese industry Consortium (49 per cent). The latter comprises the Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) holding a 60 per cent interest, China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) holding 20 per cent, and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) holding 20 per cent of the consortium's 49 per cent overall share.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Francais:

Airbus transporte les premiers tronçons d'avion vers la chaîne d'assemblage final en Chine

24 June 2008

Airbus a commencé le transport des premiers tronçons d'avion vers la nouvelle chaîne d'assemblage final monocouloir de Tianjin, en Chine. Le processus d'assemblage du premier appareil, destiné à Sichuan Airlines, débutera en août 2008 et la livraison est prévue pour le premier semestre 2009.

Six bâtis, chargés d'éléments A320 en provenance des sites Européens de production d’Airbus, ont quitté l'usine de Hambourg sur une barge transportant les parties avant et arrière du fuselage, une voilure, les empennages horizontal et vertical ainsi que les mâts réacteurs. La barge transportera ces tronçons jusqu'au terminal de conteneurs tout proche du port de Hambourg où ils seront ensuite transférés sur un navire commercial à destination de Tianjin. Le transport jusqu'en Chine durera moins d'un mois.

"Le transport de ces sous-ensembles marque une étape importante pour notre chaîne d'assemblage final en Chine. La construction du site progresse avec succès et la formation des ouvriers chinois sur nos sites de production de Toulouse et Hambourg se passe très bien", a déclaré Alain Flourens, Airbus Executive Vice President pour le programme A320.

La chaîne d’assemblage final de Tianjin est une étape importante dans le processus de globalisation d’Airbus. Elle permet d’accroître la flexibilité de production de la famille A320 et d’augmenter simultanément sa cadence de production pour atteindre 40 avions par mois en 2010. La chaîne d’assemblage en Chine va principalement produire des avions a destination du marché chinois où Airbus prévoit que le trafic passager va quintupler en 20 ans entraînant une demande de 2 670 avions passagers neufs.

La chaîne d'assemblage final en Chine est une joint venture entre Airbus (51 pour cent) et le Consortium industriel Chinois (49 pour cent). Ce dernier comprend Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) qui détient 60 pour cent, China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) qui détient 20 pour cent et China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) qui détient 20 pour cent des 49 pour cent constituant la part totale du Consortium.

Airbus est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

Airbus transportiert erste flugzeugsektionen zur endlinie in China

24 June 2008

Airbus hat mit dem Transport der ersten Flugzeugsektionen für die neue Single-Aisle Endlinie in Tianjin, China begonnen. Die Montage des ersten Flugzeugs läuft im August 2008 an. Die Auslieferung an Sichuan Airlines ist für das erste Halbjahr 2009 geplant.

Sechs Vorrichtungen, beladen mit Bauteilen für eine A320 aus den Airbus-Produktionsstandorten in Europa, haben das Werk Hamburg heute auf einem Schlepper verlassen. Dieser befördert die vordere und die hintere Rumpfsektion, die Tragflügel, das Seiten- und Höhenleitwerk und die Pylons zum nahe gelegenen Container-Terminal im Hamburger Hafen. Dort werden die Flugzeugkomponenten auf ein herkömmliches Containerschiff mit Kurs auf Tianjin umgeladen. Insgesamt dauert der Transport nach China weniger als einen Monat.

„Der Transport dieser Flugzeug-Baugruppen stellt einen weiteren wichtigen Meilenstein für unsere Endlinie in China dar. Der Ausbau des Fertigungsstandortes in Tianjin macht gute Fortschritte und die Schulung der chinesischen Werker an unseren Fertigungsstandorten in Toulouse und Hamburg schreitet sehr gut voran“, so Alain Flourens, Airbus Executive Vice President A320-Programm.

Die Endlinie in China ist ein bedeutender Meilenstein auf dem Weg von Airbus zu einem globalen Unternehmen. Sie ermöglicht es Airbus, die Flexibilität in der Produktion der A320-Familie bei gleichzeitiger Ratensteigerung auf 40 Flugzeuge pro Monat in 2010 zu erhöhen. Die Endlinie in China wird hauptsächlich Flugzeuge für den chinesischen Markt produzieren, wo Airbus in den nächsten 20 Jahren eine Verfünffachung des Passagierwachstums einen Bedarf von 2670 Passagierflugzeugen erwartet.

Die Endlinie in China ist ein Joint-Venture von Airbus (51 %) und einem chinesischen Industriekonsortium (49 %). Das Konsortium besteht aus der Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) mit 60 % Beteiligung, der China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) und der China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) mit Anteilen von jeweils 20 % am chinesischen Joint-Venture-Anteil von 49 %.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

Airbus transporta los primeros segmentos de avion a la linea de ensamblaje en China

24 June 2008

Airbus ha comenzado a transportar los primeros segmentos de avión a la nueva línea de ensamblaje de aviones de pasillo único en Tianjin, China. El proceso de ensamblaje del primer avión, destinado a Sichuan Airlines, comenzará en agosto de 2008. La entrega del avión está prevista para la primera mitad de 2009.

Seis plantillas cargadas con piezas para un A320, originarias de los centros de producción Airbus en Europa, han salido de Hamburgo en una barcaza. Transporta las secciones de fuselaje delantera y trasera, un par de alas, los estabilizadores horizontal y vertical y los pilones de los motores. La barcaza transportará estos segmentos a la cercana terminal de contenedores del puerto de Hamburgo, donde serán transferidas a un buque de contenedores con rumbo a Tianjin. El tiempo total de transporte hacia China durará menos de un mes.

“El transporte de estos subensamblajes del avión supone un hito importante para nuestra línea de ensamblaje en China. El trabajo de construcción de la factoría progresa con éxito, y la formación de los trabajadores chinos en nuestras instalaciones de producción en Toulouse y Hamburgo se está desarrollando muy bien”, dijo Alain Flourens, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo del Programa A320 en Airbus.

La línea de ensamblaje final en China es un hito importante en el camino de Airbus para convertirse en una compañía global. Permite a Airbus mejorar su flexibilidad en la producción de la Familia A320 e incrementar simultáneamente la producción hasta los 40 aviones en 2010. La línea de ensamblaje final China producirá aviones principalmente para el mercado chino, donde Airbus espera que el tráfico se multiplique por cinco en los próximos 20 años, provocando una demanda de un total de 2.670 nuevos aviones de pasajeros.

La línea de ensamblaje final en China es una empresa conjunta entre Airbus (51 por ciento) y el Consorcio industrial Chino (49 por ciento). Este último incluye la Zona de Libre Comercio de Tianjin (TJFTZ), con un total del 60 por ciento, China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I), con un 20 por ciento del capital, y China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II), con otro 20 por ciento de los 49 por ciento constituyendo la parte total del Consorcio.

Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page

June 24, 2008

Release No. 072

New rules give Airmen more choices in death gratuity benefit designation

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Beginning July 1, Airmen will be able to select one or more persons of their choosing to receive death gratuity benefits.

“This is a significant change to the DG benefits election option for all Airmen,” said Steven Kelley, director of Air and Space Expeditionary Force Operations at the Air Force Personnel Center here.

Prior to the change in law, payments were restricted to the spouse, then children if applicable and then to a family member as elected by the Airman. It didn’t allow a married Airman to leave the death gratuity to anyone else.

“Since the amount of death gratuity increased to $100,000, payment to minor children requires guardianship over the child’s estate and can be a lengthy and costly process depending upon the state in which the child resides,” said Mr. Kelley. “This change provides more flexibility to the service member in designating the gratuity benefit. “

Beginning July 1, Airmen will be able to select persons to receive death benefits in increments of 10 percent. For example, an Airman will be able to choose 20 percent to a cousin, 10 percent to a friend and the remaining 70 percent to a spouse for a total of 100 percent. The death gratuity designation will no longer be restricted to a spouse, child or blood relative.

To implement this change, AFPC officials will update the vREDs of members who are married and/or have dependent children to reflect a “by law” designation on July 1. “By law” means that 100 percent of the DG payment is paid in the following order of precedence: surviving spouse, surviving children in equal amounts, descendents of any deceased children in equal amounts, executor or administrator of the service member’s estate or Airman’s other next of kin under the laws of domicile at the time of death.

Airmen who would like to designate a specific beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries by name must access the vMPF on or after July 1 to provide the information on their beneficiaries.

An unmarried Airman with children will be able to designate a person of his or her choice, such as a parent or other person to receive the DG directly thus eliminating the need to be a court-appointed guardian over the minor child's estate. However, the member still has the responsibility to ensure their wishes are followed through a will or trust. Married Airmen may elect to leave less than 100 percent of the DG to the spouse. The law, however, requires the spouse be notified in writing when such as election is made. The letter will be sent from the AFPC Contact Center whenever such an election occurs and will not disclose any percentages, or identify any additional beneficiaries.

Because of the changes, AFPC recommends every Airman go in to vMPF after July 1 and review his/her vRED. Once the vRED is reviewed, the Airman will need to submit the vRED to AFPC, even if there are not any changes, to change the date on the vRED and to show their vRED reflects their proper benificiaries.

Contact the AFPC Contact Center at 800-616-3775 for additional information.

Front Page

SPECIALIZED ASSISTANCE
For U.S. Crime Victims Overseas
06/23/08

Earlier this month, we told you how the FBI responds internationally to incidents of Americans being seriously harmed or killed overseas.

But we also offer another, more personal service: through our victim assistance program, we ensure that victims and their families receive all the rights and services help they are entitled to under U.S. law. In other words, we make sure they have what they need to help put their lives back together.

The FBI established its Office for Victim Assistance in 2002 to aid victims of crimes investigated by the Bureau, including overseas crimes against Americans. In addition to experts at our Headquarters, every FBI field office has its own victim assistance specialist. But we soon recognized that victims of overseas crimes that fell under FBI jurisdiction—like terrorism and kidnappings—had unique needs. So in 2003, we formed a Terrorism Victim Assistance Program within our Office for Victim Assistance.

Included on our special terrorism team are licensed clinical social workers and, soon, a forensic family affairs specialist—all with plenty of experience working with victims, particularly bombing victims.

Since then, we have worked with a variety of victims and their families—tourists, business travelers, missionaries, journalists, and humanitarian aid workers. We’ve also assisted U.S. government contractors and employees, including diplomats, security officials, and drivers. We have even worked with some of our own employees deployed overseas—most recently, with four agents injured in a bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Our assistance usually begins shortly after the family—or in some cases an employer—is notified of the incident by the State Department. Our assistance can continue for years, depending on the path of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings…as well as the needs of the victim and/or family.

What kind of assistance do we offer? We break it down into three phases:

Acute: usually lasting anywhere from one to four weeks—includes explaining the process to the family; meeting with victims; coordinating medical evacuations and autopsies (if necessary) and obtaining official death certificates for benefits purposes; arranging crisis intervention services if appropriate; and facilitating investigative interviews with family members;

Intermediate/Transition: usually anywhere from four to 24 weeks—includes identifying additional federal, state, and local resources for victims; providing appropriate intervention with creditors and employers; supplying case status updates; and arranging briefings with investigative officials; and

Long-term: could be months or years—includes responding to inquiries from victims and/or their families; maintaining updated victim contact information; providing updates on case developments; and assisting with travel arrangements to attend the trial.

Over the past several years, we’ve been called upon to offer assistance to victims around the world. We’ve coordinated medical evacuations following terrorist attacks in the U.K., Jordan, and Egypt…helped families of citizens taken hostage in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Colombia…worked with recovered American hostages from Afghanistan, Iraq, Gaza, and Nigeria…and coordinated the repatriation of citizens killed in terror attacks in London, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan.

We don’t do it alone. While working with American victims and their families, we often work closely with partner agencies like the State Department, Defense Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and the Dover Air Force Base Mortuary.

Resources:
- FBI Office for Victim Assistance

Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN WINS $24 MILLION IT CONTRACT WITH CDC

Company to support the Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response
SEABROOK, Md., June 23rd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] was selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide Information Technology services to the agency’s Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response (COTPER) in Atlanta. This task order has one base year and three option years, with an estimated program value of more than $24 million.

Awarded within the scope of an already competed Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under a General Services Administration schedule, the contract calls for Lockheed Martin to provide Information Technology support to elements of COTPER including systems architecture, Web design, application development and support, management, and security.

COTPER provides strategic direction to the agency for all terrorism preparedness and emergency response activities. COTPER manages the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement which provides guidance and funding to state and local jurisdictions to enhance their preparedness and response capacity, oversees the CDC Emergency Operations Center, regulates entities that use or transfer biological agents or toxins, and manages the Strategic National Stockpile.

DeEtte Gray, vice president of Lockheed Martin Enterprise Solutions and Services’ professional services unit, said, “We are proud to have been selected to carry out the vital IT support needs of the CDC as it fulfills its mission to prepare the nation to respond to emergency public health challenges. We commit to deliver the best level of service required to help these CDC professionals in their critical effort.”

Lockheed Martin currently provides COTPER support under the BPA awarded in January 2007, under which the company provides business consulting and the performance of technical, professional, logistical, engineering and administrative tasks. The company also supports the agency and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry under the enterprise-level CDC Information Technology Contract.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract To Produce Multi- Function Towed Arrays For U.S. Navy

SYRACUSE, NY, June 23rd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] received a $10 million contract to produce and support Multi-Function Towed Arrays (MFTAs) for the U.S. Navy's AN/SQQ-89 Antisubmarine Warfare Combat System. The work will be performed at Lockheed Martin’sSyracuse, NY facility.

The MFTA is the next generation passive and active sonar receiver configured as a long three inch diameter array that can be towed behind surface ships. It provides several enhancements to the legacy AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array System (TACTAS) enabling greater coverage and increased capability and reliability. The MFTA significantly contributes to the capability of surface ships to detect, localize and prosecute undersea threats, and is a critical sensor for the ship’s combat systems suite.

“We’re proud to provide the U.S. Navy the largest, most experienced towed array design and production workforce with the best-equipped towed array production facility in the world,” said Denise Saiki, vice president & general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Undersea Systems business. “We have leveraged the lessons-learned from the Navy’s prototype array to simplify construction, improve reliability and reduce life cycle costs.”

The MFTA is the first new surface ship array to be built for the U.S. Navy in twenty five years. This array will be integrated with AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 systems installed aboard guided missile destroyers and cruisers. More than fifty U.S. Navy ships are equipped with the AN/SQQ-89 system. The MFTA is also slated for use on DDG-1000 and the Littoral Combat Ship.

For this contract, Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Chesapeake Science Corporation in Millersville, MD.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD , Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Completes LCROSS Thermal Vacuum Testing; Mission to Seek Water Ice At a Lunar Pole
REDONDO BEACH, Calif., June 24, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) successfully completed one of the most critical spacecraft environmental tests on NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) two months ahead of schedule. LCROSS will be launched later this year on a mission to impact the moon in the search for water ice and water-bearing compounds in lunar craters.

Thermal vacuum testing helps determine a spacecraft's flight-worthiness. During the 13.5-day test, LCROSS was subjected to thermal cycles with temperatures reaching as high as 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 Celsius) and as low as -40 degrees F (-40 C) while simulating launch, on-orbit turn-on, and the cruise phase to spacecraft impact on the moon.

LCROSS is now undergoing final checkout at Northrop Grumman's manufacturing facility in Redondo Beach, Calif. It will then be readied for shipment to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for launch processing and integration onto an Atlas V rocket as a secondary payload to NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

"The fast-track development processes we've employed on this program have paid huge dividends in our ability to improve schedule performance, which, in turn, results in a lower cost," said Steve Hixson, vice president of Advanced Concepts for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. "We are applying the lessons learned here to some of our other programs."

LCROSS is a rapid response mission. NASA Ames Research Center awarded the contract to design and build LCROSS to Northrop Grumman in June 2006, and the company plans to have the spacecraft ready for delivery in just 25 months, two months ahead of the original 27 month schedule.

LCROSS consists of two main components, an expended Centaur upper stage and the Northrop Grumman-built Shepherding Spacecraft. On approach to the Moon, the Shepherding Spacecraft will position the upper stage for a precision impact, then separate and perform a braking maneuver in order to observe the upper stage's impact into the Moon using NASA-Ames' on-board sensor payload. The impact will create a plume higher than 10 kilometers from the Moon's surface that may be visible from Earth by amateur astronomers, given viewing conditions.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman's Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload Product Line Flies On Army Guardrail Aircraft

RESTON, Va., June 23, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of a communications intelligence sensor package derived from its Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) Product Line aboard the U.S. Army's RC-12 Guardrail Aircraft.

The demonstration, which was successful on the first try, took place the week of Feb. 11 at the Lakehurst test bed facility in New Jersey and was performed under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Northrop Grumman and the Army. Northrop Grumman met all objectives demonstrating basic Guardrail requirements and exceeded sensor system stability and performance expectations.

"The success of these test flights is an important milestone in modernizing the Guardrail fleet. It mitigated program development risks by leveraging the U.S. Air Force's investment in ASIP and validated ASIP scalability in meeting the U.S. Army's signals intelligence needs," said Imad Bitar, vice president of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector's Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory business unit.

ASIP was originally developed as the Air Force's modern signals intelligence payload for deployment on the U-2 and Global Hawk platforms. Through internal research and development, Northrop Grumman created an ASIP Product Line that fully leverages the Air Force's investment, eases the addition of modern signals and enhances the scalability (size, weight and power) of the sensor to satisfy signals intelligence requirements across multiple platforms, including the RC-12 Guardrail.

Guardrail is being significantly upgraded and enhanced under the Army's Guardrail Modernization program to include, among other things, an ASIP Product Line payload. Guardrail Modernization will extend the fleet's operational life beyond 2020 while expanding the system's ability to exploit evolving threats and serving the Army's signals intelligence needs.

The CRADA RC-12 flight tests were conducted with an ASIP Product Line payload scaled and optimized to address critical Guardrail mission needs. These flights demonstrated intercept and direction finding capabilities through the integration of an ASIP Product Line payload, a new Global Positioning System-enabled inertial navigation system and existing antenna arrays.

"The CRADA test flights demonstrate that the ASIP Product Line can be easily and effectively configured to meet new customer requirements," said Mike O'Brien, Northrop Grumman airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance area director. "Flight test results provided solid evidence that transitioning technology from the ASIP program can be low-risk and cost-effective, resulting in products with high technology readiness levels."

The success of the CRADA demonstration effort is a shared accomplishment of the Army's Aerial Common Sensors project management office and Northrop Grumman's Reston, Va., and Woodland Hills, Calif., facilities.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page Canada

Airline Orders Four Bombardier CRJ700 Nextgen Aircraft

Toronto, June 23, 2008

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it has received a signed firm order for four CRJ700 NextGen regional jets. The airline, which placed the order, has also taken options on an additional four CRJ700 NextGen aircraft and has requested to remain unidentified at this time.

Based on the list price for the CRJ700 NextGen aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately $146 million US. If all four options are exercised, the value could rise to approximately $ 302 million US.

“Orders for our CRJ Series NextGen aircraft since the NextGen program was introduced in the spring of 2007, are very encouraging,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial aircraft. “This transaction increases those firm orders to 213 aircraft from 19 customers. Clearly, the family resonates well with our customers and our investment in the program has been well justified.”

Bombardier’s CRJ700 NextGen, CRJ900 NextGen and CRJ1000 NextGen airliners have all-new interiors and improved economics compared to earlier CRJ Series aircraft. These improvements come from fuel burn savings of up to four per cent and direct maintenance cost reductions because of lower airframe maintenance requirements.

Bombardier has now received orders for 1,667 CRJ Series aircraft, and as of April 30, 2008, 1,485 had been delivered to customers.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier, CRJ, CRJ700, CRJ900, CRJ1000 and NextGen are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Front Page Canada

Bombardier Sells Three Q400 Nextgen Airliners To All Nippon Airways

Toronto, June 23, 2008

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that All Nippon Airways (ANA) of Tokyo, Japan has signed a contract to acquire three Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The transaction represents the conversion of options.

Based on Q400 NextGen aircraft list prices, the contract is valued at approximately $80 million US.

“We are pleased to extend our relationship with Bombardier Aerospace with these aircraft acquisitions,” said Tomohiro Hidema, Executive Vice President, All Nippon Airways. “We are using the Q400 airliner on several routes resulting in a significant saving in operation costs.”

“Airlines and government operators in Japan have been valued Bombardier customers since the sale of the first Dash 8 airliner to a Japanese operator in 1996,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“Since that time, Japanese operators have placed firm orders for 48 Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops, including the transaction with All Nippon Airways announced today. We are proud of the contribution our aircraft are making to regional air service in Japan.”

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier, Dash 8, Q400, NextGen and Q-Series are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

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SNIPOD: a new research project aimed at protection against sniper attacks Launched by European Defence Agency

Lead by EADS Innovation Works

Amsterdam, 23 June 2008

EADS Innovation Works has recently signed a contract with the European Defence Agency to launch a new research project called SNIPOD (SNIper POsitioning and Detection). This project aims at enhancing sniper detection systems.

Recent crisis management operations in urban environment have highlighted the issue of snipers attacks. Urban areas are by nature highly populated, heterogeneous and highly cluttered, offering multiple potential sniping posts. There is therefore a real need of systems that could detect snipers in such complex environments, localise and classify them with accuracy and speed, in order to deter, prevent or react without collateral damage.

The SNIPOD project is an answer to this need; it will improve the capabilities of acoustic and laser-based systems, investigate complementary promising technologies such as infrared imagery and radar and develop signature databases. By combining these different tools, SNIPOD will significantly enhance the performances of detection systems.

SNIPOD is one of the first projects selected under the R&T Joint Investment Programme (JIP) on Force Protection, launched by the European Defence Agency in 2007 with the support of 20 nations: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The SNIPOD consortium gathers 6 entities from 5 contributing Members States: EADS Innovation Works and CILAS in France, Defence Electronics, an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security in Germany, SNIPOS in Norway, the Military University of Technology im. Jaroslawa Dabrowskiego in Poland and the Swedish Defence Research Agency.

EADS Innovation Works will manage this 30 months project and among others, will provide its expertise in the characterisation of Laser signature of optronics systems. Such contract will contribute to EADS Innovation Works strategy to enhance capabilities in Defence and Security, to strengthen partnerships with European key actors and develop innovative operational solutions.

About EADS

Innovation WorksEADS Innovation Works is the research & technology production facility of EADS. With sites in France, Germany, Russia, Spain, Singapore, UK and a workforce of more than 600, it provides world-class capabilities in aeronautics, defence and space research topics. Consistent with the EADS research & technology strategy and covering the skills and technology fields that are of critical importance to the EADS group of companies, EADS Innovation Works is organized in six trans-national Technical Capability Centres: Composites Technologies - Metallic Technologies & Surface Engineering - Structures Engineering, Production & Mechatronics - Sensors, Electronics and Systems Integration - Simulation, Information Technologies & Systems Engineering - Innovative Concepts & Scenarios. EADS Innovation Works is an operational and strategic entity for the creation of added value by technology innovation. It fosters technological excellence and business orientation through the sharing of competences and means between the various partners of EADS and it develops and maintain partnerships with worldfamous schools, universities and research centres.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Through the Eyes of a Soldier ~ Through the Eyes of an Airman ~ Through the Eyes of a Sailor ~ Through the Eyes of a Marine

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International Air Transportation Association (IATA)

Date: 25 June 2008 No: 34

Europe Must Abandon ‘Tunnel-Vision’ On Emissions Trading

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament to put aside their single-minded focus on emissions trading and deliver real progress in reducing aviation emissions with a Single European Sky.

“I urge the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission to support our successful strategy with concrete measures. And to stop plans to punish airlines and travellers with an ETS that will only invite international legal battles,” said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA.

“When it comes to aviation, Europe’s governments have lost the plot,” said Bisignani. “Tunnel-vision on emissions trading is no solution at all. Airlines are working hard to reduce their 2% share of global carbon emissions. Europe is fixated on punitive measures. Unilaterally bringing aviation into the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) seeks to limit mobility and adds EUR 4.2 billion to the cost of travel. But reducing emissions is more effective than charging for them.’’

Bisignani pointed to record fuel prices as strong industry incentive to reduce fuel burn and related emissions. “Europe’s ETS proposal was developed when oil averaged US$55 per barrel (Brent). Now oil is around US$135. Our 2008 fuel bill could be US$190 billion.’’

Bisignani called on Europe to drive a global approach to emissions trading. “Europe must show international leadership. The drafters of Kyoto envisaged a global ETS solution for aviation brokered through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – a UN body. Europe’s unilateral regional scheme misses the mark. An ETS that is fair, global and compliant with international law could be effective. But only if it is part of a comprehensive programme to reduce emissions. Europe’s regional scheme is none of these. To survive the oil crisis, airlines are already doing everything possible to save fuel and reduce emissions. So there is no additional incentive. Already over 130 countries have vowed to oppose it. And it puts 7.6 million aviation-related European jobs at risk with higher costs.”

“It’s time to say BASTA. Enough. Europe must refocus. First, it must put aside its ETS proposal. Making decisions in the middle of an energy crisis for an ETS to be implemented in five years is crazy. Second, it must be honest. Emissions taxes may fill government coffers. But they do little for the environment. Third, Europe must find a comprehensive strategy that can reduce aviation emissions – even in the middle of a crisis,” said Bisignani.

IATA’s Four Pillar strategy designed to limit aviation’s impact on the environment – by investing in technology, flying planes effectively, building efficient infrastructure and implementing positive economic measures – has been endorsed by ICAO’s 179 member states and is delivering tangible results.

“The industry strategy is delivering results. Airlines will spend US$3 trillion to renew their fleets over the next 20 years. Our target is a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency by 2020. IATA Green Teams worked with airlines to save 7 million tonnes of CO2 in 2007 through better flight operations. In 2007 IATA optimised 395 routes, saving 4 million tonnes of CO2. Our target is to eliminate the 73 million tonnes of unnecessary CO2 emissions caused by inefficient infrastructure. Europe is falling behind,” said Bisignani. “Tax credits for re-fleeting and research funding are essential measures. Industry increased its research spend and tested bio-fuels, solar power and fuel cells. By 2017 10% of our fuel will be from alternative sources. But OECD countries reduced their energy research budgets by 50% compared to 1980. This must change.”

“Uniting Europe’s 35 air navigation service providers into a Single European Sky is the biggest action that Europe could take to improve environmental performance – saving 12 million tonnes of CO2. Routes would be optimised and the 21 million minutes of delays experienced last year would be reduced. I challenge the French Presidency to work with the Commission to deliver a Single European Sky within its mandate,” said Bisignani.

- IATA -

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