EIN Presswire: Military Press Releases

As Memorial Day Approaches, Young Americans Remember "Freedom Is Not Free"

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:08:29 +0000

As Memorial Day Approaches, Young Americans Remember "Freedom Is Not Free"

PR Newswire

Generation Opportunity launches online homepage with scroll for those seeking to publicly thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Generation Opportunity today launched an online scroll for Americans to sign to thank the brave men and women who have selflessly served the nation and made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our enduring freedoms. The effort for Memorial Day 2012 – called "Freedom Is Not Free" – gained immediate attention and support across the country.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110805/DC48058LOGO)

"On Memorial Day, families across the country will remember loved ones and relatives who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms. Sharing in that remembrance will be many, many young Americans who honor and deeply respect those from their own generation and previous generations who gave everything for Americans to remain free. We are grateful to those who have taken the time to join our efforts to reaffirm the significance of this day through our 'Freedom Is Not Free' scroll, and we encourage every American, in any way they can, to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day," said Paul T. Conway, president of Generation Opportunity and a former Chief of Staff to Major General Douglas O'Dell, USMC (Ret.) at the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Earlier this year, Generation Opportunity successfully conducted an online initiative entitled "Valentines for Vets" that provided all Americans an opportunity to send a note of appreciation and encouragement to veterans receiving care and or treatment at veterans hospitals and Armed Forces retirement homes across the country.

The Generation Opportunity team delivered the messages to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at multiple facilities serving veterans, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Washington, DC); Armed Forces Retirement Home (Gulfport, MS); Veterans in Partnership (VISN) 11 Healthcare Network (Ann Arbor, MI); Miami VA Healthcare System (Miami, FL); VA Southwest Health Care Network (Mesa, AZ); Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center (Columbus, OH); and Maine VA Medical Center (Augusta, ME).

Generation Opportunity will scroll the names and states of "Freedom Is Not Free" signers throughout Memorial Day week.

HOW IT WORKS

Go to this link – http://generationopportunity.org/memorial-day/
Follow the instructions and write your personal message.
After submitting, your first name and the state you are from will appear on the scroll.
For questions or other information, please email info@generationopportunity.org

ABOUT GENERATION OPPORTUNITY
Generation Opportunity is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(4) organization that seeks to engage everyone from young adults, to early career professionals, college students, young mothers and fathers, construction workers, current service men and women, veterans, entrepreneurs, and all Americans who find themselves dissatisfied with the status quo and willing to create a better tomorrow.

Generation Opportunity operates on a strategy that combines advanced social media tactics with proven field tactics to reach Americans 18-29. The organization's social media platforms – "Being American by GO," "The Constitution by GO," and "Gas Prices Are Too Damn High" on Facebook – have amassed a total fan base of nearly 3.3 million. All three pages post links to relevant articles and reports from sources ranging from the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO), to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Heritage Foundation.

Read about Generation Opportunity here; visit "Being American by GO" on Facebook here, "The Constitution by GO" on Facebook here, and "Gas Prices Are Too Damn High" on Facebook here.

For our Spanish-language page – Generacion Oportunidad – click here.

CONTACT:
Matthew Faraci
202-997-1636
EMAIL

SOURCE Generation Opportunity

Arms Control and International Security: Joint Statement of the U.S. - Iraq Defense and Security Cooperation Joint Coordinating Committee

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:10:08 +0000

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 24, 2012

Begin Text:

The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to a strong and long-term security partnership between the two countries at the inaugural meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) of the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), from May 22-24, 2012.

The meetings, held at the U.S. Department of Defense following a meeting between Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense Saadoun Al-Dlimi, were co-chaired by the Iraqi Acting Minister of Defense and by the U.S. Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller, and Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller. Defense and Security is one of the eight areas of cooperation agreed upon by Iraq and the United States under the 2008 SFA to strengthen cooperation in areas of critical interest to both countries. The establishment of the Defense and Security JCC signifies both countries’ commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Iraqi strategic partnership and continue coordination and cooperation on these vital issues.

During three days of meetings, discussions were held on a number of items of mutual interest, including future sales of military equipment, joint military exercises, and Iraq’s strategy to ensure its future stability and security. In support of an enduring partnership, the United States and the Government of Iraq expanded dialogue on ways of increasing strategic cooperation that would promote stability within Iraq as well as throughout the region. The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Iraq’s stability through the training, equipping, and enhancing the capacity of Iraq’s armed forces for defense against external threats and for counterterrorism.

Both sides discussed ongoing and future security assistance. In addition to an initial purchase of 18 F-16 aircraft in September 2011, during the meetings the Government of Iraq reconfirmed its interest in purchasing a second set of 18 F-16s and the United States reconfirmed its commitment to the sale. The F-16s and other military equipment will help protect Iraq’s sovereignty, meet legitimate defense needs and symbolize the long-term security partnership envisioned by both countries.

The United States commends the Iraqi Security Forces for their demonstrated capability to protect the Iraqi people and recognizes the continued sacrifice being made to ensure Iraq’s security. The Iraqi Security Forces have made great strides in stabilizing the security situation in Iraq and in facilitating Iraq’s emergence as a strategic partner that promotes and contributes to regional security.

The United States and the Government of Iraq agreed that the next meeting of the Defense and Security JCC will be hosted by Iraq in Baghdad this fall. The purpose of the second meeting will be to build upon the foundation laid out this week, and continue discussions on strengthening defense and security cooperation as part of the multifaceted relationship developed between the United States and the Government of Iraq.

PRN: 2012/834

UTC Prices Offering of Senior Notes

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:35:23 +0000

UTC Prices Offering of Senior Notes

PR Newswire

HARTFORD, Conn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) today announced that it has successfully priced an offering of senior notes consisting of:

$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.200 percent senior notes due 2015;
$1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.800 percent senior notes due 2017;
$2.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.100 percent senior notes due 2022;
$3.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.500 percent senior notes due 2042;
$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes due 2013; and
$500 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes due 2015.

The offering is expected to close on June 1, 2012, subject to customary closing conditions. Net proceeds from the offering are expected be used primarily to pay a portion of the cash consideration for the previously announced acquisition of Goodrich Corporation.

The offering is being made under an effective shelf registration statement on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities law of any such jurisdiction. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained by contacting: BofA Merrill Lynch, 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, Attn: Prospectus Department or email dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at 1-212-834-4533 or by mail to Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717; or HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. address, Attn: Prospectus Dept., 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, email: ny.equity.syndicate@us.hsbc.com, toll free: 866-811-8049.

This release includes statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" under the securities laws. Forward-looking statements often contain words such as "believe," "expect," "plans," "strategy," "prospects," "estimate," "project," "target," "anticipate," "will," "should," "see," "guidance," "confident" and similar terms. Forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements relating to future and estimated sales, earnings, cash flow, financing plans, charges, expenditures, proceeds of divestitures, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, our ability to consummate the offering of senior notes; the effect of economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including financial market conditions, fluctuation in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; future levels of indebtedness and capital and research and development spending; levels of end market demand in construction and in the aerospace industry; levels of air travel; financial difficulties of commercial airlines; the impact of weather conditions and natural disasters; the financial condition of our customers and suppliers; delays and disruption in delivery of materials and services from suppliers; cost reduction efforts and restructuring costs and savings and other consequences thereof; the scope, nature or impact of acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and other business arrangements, including integration of acquired businesses; the timing of completion of the previously announced transactions with Goodrich and Rolls-Royce; the timing and impact of anticipated dispositions of non-core businesses; the timing and amount of anticipated gains, losses, impairments and charges related to such dispositions; the timing and impact of anticipated financings in connection with the anticipated Goodrich transaction; the development and production of new products and services; the anticipated benefits of diversification and balance of operations across product lines, regions and industries; the impact of the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, and labor disputes; the outcome of legal proceedings and other contingencies; future availability of credit; pension plan assumptions and future contributions; and the effect of changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations and political conditions in countries in which we operate and other factors beyond our control. The closing of the Goodrich acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction with Rolls-Royce is also subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The completion of the proposed divestitures of non-core businesses is subject to uncertainties, including the ability to secure disposition agreements on acceptable terms; the satisfaction of information, consultation, and / or negotiation obligations, if any, with employee representatives; and satisfaction of other customary conditions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after we distribute this release. For additional information identifying factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements, see our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the SEC from time to time, including, but not limited to, the information included in UTC's Forms 10-K and 10-Q under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Legal Proceedings" and in the notes to the financial statements included in UTC's Forms 10-K and 10-Q.

UTC-IR

Contact:	John Moran
	(860) 728-7062

SOURCE United Technologies Corp.

Team Wendy Unveils New Tactical Bump Helmet

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:43:27 +0000

Team Wendy Unveils New Tactical Bump Helmet

PR Newswire

CLEVELAND, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Team Wendy has unveiled the first prototypes of its new Tactical Bump Helmet, the first carbon fiber helmet made with the company's latest helmet liner technology. The product was revealed at a private event held in conjunction with the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) May 22 in Tampa, Fla.

"By utilizing our helmet liner expertise and our knowledge of the military space, we have created a functional, protective helmet unlike anything on the market today," says Team Wendy CEO, Jose Rizo-Patron.

Using technology partially developed through collaboration on a U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center program, Team Wendy's Tactical Bump Helmet features a hybrid sling/polymer structure impact management system that offers multi-impact performance. The design allows for superior airflow and ventilation by creating standoff between the wearer's head and the helmet shell. Made of a durable TPU, the liner is also resistant to wear and environmental extremes. Blunt impact performance will exceed current military requirements (10ft/sec, 150G max) and offer improved protection against impacts up to 17ft/sec.

Designed with functionality in mind, the helmet is made of lightweight carbon fiber and is compatible with tactical communications headsets. Picatinny rails provide a wide range of attachment and positioning options, and webbing slots offer cable management. The helmet is compatible with standard three-hole NVG mounts, and a custom Team Wendy shroud is currently in development. The helmet also comes equipped with Team Wendy's newest retention system made with cam-lock sliders for easy and secure adjustment, and an integrated BOA closure system to dial-in the helmet and vastly improve stability.

The Tactical Bump Helmet marks Team Wendy's return to producing complete helmet systems. The company manufactured its line of "W" Helmets for the athletic community from 1998 to 2004. Although the military sector will continue to be an important one for Team Wendy, the company is also looking forward to a late-2012/early-2013 launch of a multi-sport, multi-impact helmet. "On our 15-year anniversary, we are proud to be back to where it all began," says Rizo-Patron. "We believe that parents, as well as athletes, will welcome a helmet produced by a company with extensive experience protecting our men and women in uniform."

The Team Wendy Tactical Bump Helmet will be available Fall 2012. For more information, visit www.teamwendy.com or contact our sales manager, Michael Carney, 877-700-5544.

About Team Wendy

SOURCE Team Wendy

Aircastle Announces Authorization of Share Repurchase Program

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Aircastle Announces Authorization of Share Repurchase Program

PR Newswire

STAMFORD, Conn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircastle Limited (NYSE: AYR) ("Aircastle") announced today that the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company's common shares. Under the program, the Company may purchase its common shares from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of the purchases will depend on a number of factors including the price and availability of the Company's common shares, trading volume and general market conditions. The Company may also from time to time establish a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to facilitate purchases of its common shares under this authorization.

About Aircastle Limited

Aircastle Limited is a global company that acquires, leases and sells high-utility commercial jet aircraft to airlines throughout the world. As of March 31, 2012, Aircastle's aircraft portfolio consisted of 145 aircraft and had 65 lessees located in 34 countries.

Safe Harbor

Certain items in this press release and other information we provide from time to time, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not necessarily limited to, statements relating to our ability to acquire, sell, lease or finance aircraft, raise capital, pay dividends, and increase revenues, earnings, EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income and the global aviation industry and aircraft leasing sector. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "seeks," "estimates" and variations on these words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements; Aircastle Limited can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or that could cause actual results to differ materially from Aircastle Limited's expectations include, but are not limited to, significant capital markets disruption and volatility, and the significant contraction in the availability of bank financing which may adversely affect our continued ability to obtain additional capital to finance our working capital needs; volatility in the value of our aircraft or in appraisals thereof, which may, among other things, result in increased principal payments under our term financings and reduce our cash flow available for investment or dividends; general economic conditions and business conditions affecting demand for aircraft and lease rates; our continued ability to obtain favorable tax treatment in Bermuda, Ireland and other jurisdictions; our ability to pay dividends; high or volatile fuel prices, lack of access to capital, reduced load factors and/or reduced yields, operational disruptions or unavailability of capital caused by political unrest in North Africa, the Middle East or elsewhere, uncertainties in the Eurozone arising from the sovereign debt crisis and other factors affecting the creditworthiness of our airline customers and their ability to continue to perform their obligations under our leases; termination payments on our interest rate hedges; and other risks detailed from time to time in Aircastle Limited's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including "Risk Factors" as previously disclosed in Aircastle's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC, press releases and other communications. In addition, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Aircastle to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Aircastle Limited expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

For more information on Aircastle, please visit www.aircastle.com.

Contact:
Frank Constantinople – SVP, Investor Relations
Tel: +1-203-504-1063
fconstantinople@aircastle.com

The IGB Group
Leon Berman
Tel: +1-212-477-8438
lberman@igbir.com

SOURCE Aircastle Limited

U.S. Space & Rocket Center to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Space Camp

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:03:27 +0000

U.S. Space & Rocket Center to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Space Camp

PR Newswire

Officials to Recognize 600,000th Student in the World-Renowned Program

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Space Camp® was training the next generation of explorers long before workforce development became a national topic. June 15, 2012, marks the 30th anniversary of this internationally-recognized program that today counts four astronauts, one cosmonaut, and nearly 600,000 other alumni, many in careers on the frontiers of technology.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama – home of Space Camp – is hosting a weekend of family-friendly activities from June 14-16, 2012, as a Space Camp alumni reunion and community celebration. The spotlight event is the Space Camp Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Friday evening at 6 p.m. in the Saturn V Hall at the USSRC. Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and five-time Shuttle astronaut, International Space Station (ISS) Flight Director Ed Van Cise and Liz Warren, Ph.D., ISS Physiologist, along with Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams from The Weather Channel, will be inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame at the ceremony. Other special events include the Retro Night Social with a special showing of Space Camp the movie and a silent auction at the Space Camp Hall of Fame Dinner to benefit the Scholarship Fund, which supports financial scholarships for eligible students.

"We are proud to welcome home alumni for the 30th anniversary celebration of Space Camp and the 2012 Space Camp Hall of Fame," said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and Executive Director of the USSRC. "We have a fun agenda planned for alumni and look forward to meeting their families and hearing their stories of success since attending."

Space Camp was the vision of Dr. Wernher von Braun, the pioneer of America's space program and architect of the Saturn V rocket. Based on his dream of putting children and adults through astronaut training at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, nearly 600,000 trainees have graduated from the program.

The mission of Space Camp has always been to inspire, motivate and develop a greater affinity for learning, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Data from student surveys document the educational benefits of the program. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center surveyed nearly 10,000 Space Camp trainees who attended between 1987 and 1992. More than 90% of the alumni said they took more science courses particularly physics and chemistry in the years following their camp attendance and more than 90% also reported taking more math courses. Nearly 75% said they learned about their current careers from Space Camp.

This supports a competent, qualified workforce for hundreds of companies and for the U.S. government. Today alumni work for companies like Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, Teledyne Brown, ATK, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin and many others. Thousands more found their inspiration at Space Camp to work for the government on world-class programs like the Space Shuttle Program, the International Space Station, the Hubble Telescope, and numerous other aerospace, defense and technology projects. Dottie Metcalf Lindenberger flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-131 in April, 2010, becoming the first Space Camp alumna to go into space. Other astronaut alumni are Serena Aunon and Kathleen Rubins, NASA; Samantha Cristoforetti, European Space Agency; and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Lazutkin.

If Space Camp has touched your life or you are a graduate of the program, connect with other alumni at www.spacecamp.com/community or for tickets and a complete listing of activities planned for the anniversary weekend, visit www.spacecamp.com/30th.

Contact: Tim Hall, Strategist
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
(256) 701-0916
timh@spacecamp.com

SOURCE U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Military and Law Enforcement Agencies Create New Billion-Dollar Markets as They Focus On UAVs and Robots To Save Lives and Trim Costs

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:01:05 +0000

Military and Law Enforcement Agencies Create New Billion-Dollar Markets as They Focus On UAVs and Robots To Save Lives and Trim Costs

PR Newswire

FARMINGTON, Conn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- As military, law enforcement, and first responder agencies around the globe seek to reduce the physical danger their personnel face, more research and development is being focused on UAV and robot design and training. Global Information Inc is pleased to announce the immediate availability of two new reports detailing this trend within Homeland Security and Law Enforcement, exploring the new billion-dollar markets this trend will create:

The UAV Flight Training & Simulation Market 2012-2022

The value of the global UAV flight training and simulation market in 2012 will reach $451.9m, according to a new Visiongain market research report on the UAV Flight Training & Simulation Market, 2012-2022. Training and simulation represents $13.73 Billion in spending by the US' Department of Defense budget in 2012, roughly 2 percent the DoD's total budget, and UAV training is a not-insignificant part of that budget.

The proliferation of UAVs, and their utility on the modern battlefield, will see demand for the vital services they offer continue into the next decade. This demand will be accompanied by a requirement for more skilled UAV pilots and sensor operators, and as UAV operator training becomes more formalized, governments will be looking to invest heavily in the creation of suitable UAV operator simulation and training systems.

The report explains developing trends within the UAV flight training and simulation market and provides forecasts for the global UAV flight training and simulation market between 2012 and 2022.

A summary for this report and a free sample of the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/kt241547-uav-flight-training-simulation-market-2012-2022.html

First Responder, Border Patrol, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Security Robots: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2012 to 2018

Globally, first responder-type robot markets are poised to achieve significant growth as the next generation robots systems provide a way to improve law enforcement services delivery in the communities of the world, according to new a military, law enforcement, and first responder robots market research report from Wintergreen Research.

Homeland security and police need to target terrorists and protect civilians in order to get their job done effectively, but this needs to be balanced by putting as few of their own personnel in harms way as possible. Robots help in this task by sending machines instead of Homeland security and police into dangerous places.

First Responder Type Robot markets, valued at $440.4 million in 2011, are anticipated to reach $1.6 billion by 2018 as next generation robots are introduced to manage situational response to community threats.

An Executive Summary for this report and a free sample of the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/wg241569-first-responder-border-patrol-homeland-security.html

About Global Information Inc. Global Information (GII) (http://www.giiresearch.com) is an information service company partnering with over 300 research companies around the world. Global Information has been in the business of distributing technical and market research for more than 25 years. Expanded from its original headquarters in Japan, Global Information now has offices in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe and the United States.

Media Contact: Jeremy Palaia of Global Information, Inc., 1-860-674-8796, Press@gii.co.jp

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Global Information, Inc.

NASA Awards Architecture and Engineering Contract For Bridges

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

NASA Awards Architecture and Engineering Contract For Bridges

PR Newswire

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA selected URS Corporation of Orlando, Fla., to perform architecture and engineering studies and provide designs and other professional services to replace and restore bridges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the adjacent Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

The maximum potential value of this indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract will not exceed $30 million for work that starts in May and extends for five years, with four one-year options.

Work under the contract includes completing design packages and performing studies, and providing detailed cost estimates, surveys, reports, environmental permit applications and environmental certificates of compliance. URS will provide designs with low environmental impact and use sustainable materials.

For information about NASA and other agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Boeing Completes Software Preliminary Design Review of Crew Space Transportation Spacecraft

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:11:13 +0000

CST-100 software PDR validates safety, system-level requirements

Rigorous design process reduces risk

HOUSTON, May 24, 2012 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] successfully completed the software Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its Commercial Crew Development (CCDev-2) initiative on May 18. CCDev-2 is part of NASA’s Space Act Agreement.

Software competency is essential to all operational aspects of Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft, including launch, orbital maneuvering, docking with and separating from the International Space Station, re-entry and landing. The PDR team analyzed the system's flight software, including details regarding safety, testing, overall redundancy management, avionics hardware and ground systems.

"The review, conducted with Boeing management along with independent Boeing and NASA reviewers, effectively demonstrated a software design that meets NASA safety requirements as well as all system-level requirements within cost and schedule constraints," said John Mulholland, vice president and general manager, Boeing Commercial Programs. "The completion of the software PDR sets the stage for us to finalize a mature system that is capable of providing safe, reliable crewed access to the International Space Station."

By following a rigorous design process that integrates NASA Human Rating requirements as well as CST-100 system-level requirements, Boeing is reducing the risk of potential future certification noncompliance and rework that could impact safety, cost and schedule.

"On a fixed-price program such as this, detailed planning and innovative teamwork yield better odds toward successful and affordable operations," said Orlando Rodriguez, Avionics & Software Integrated Product Team manager for Boeing.

With the successful completion of the software PDR, Boeing has concluded 45 CCDev-1 and CCDev-2 milestones to date, including the CST-100 vehicle design Preliminary Design Review in February. The team is on schedule to complete remaining CCDev-2 milestones in the next few months, including a propellant tank demonstration test and an orbital maneuvering/attitude control engine hot fire test that will provide additional data on significant elements of the spacecraft design.

The CST-100 is a reusable spacecraft that uses a demonstrated capsule architecture, as well as proven materials and subsystem technologies. The CST-100 can transport up to seven astronauts, or a combination of astronauts and cargo. Boeing has designed the spacecraft to be compatible with a variety of expendable rockets. The company has selected the United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle for initial CST-100 test flights in 2015-2016.

Visit www.beyondearth.com for more information about the future of human space exploration.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

GlobalSpec Defense & Security Technology Online Trade Show and Event Draws More Than 1,300 Attendees

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

GlobalSpec Defense & Security Technology Online Trade Show and Event Draws More Than 1,300 Attendees

81 percent of engineering, technical and industrial professionals at GlobalSpec virtual event are decision makers

PR Newswire

EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Defense & Security Technology" online trade show and event on May 16 hosted by GlobalSpec drew more than 1,300 participants, with 81 percent of attendees reporting they are decision makers within their organizations. The free virtual conference is now available on demand to give engineers and industrial professionals easy access to educational presentations and industry-leading supplier resources from the live-day event.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120410/NY85181LOGO )

GlobalSpec's "Defense & Security Technology" event provided learning opportunities to discover some of the latest products and solutions from leading defense contractors and security system developers, including: electrical and electronic systems, communications and surveillance, materials, and computer hardware and software solutions. Attendees also had the chance to interact with exhibitors, network with their peers and attend educational sessions.

Industrial professionals were able to take advantage of these learning and networking opportunities from the convenience of their desktops, without having to budget for travel expenses or lose time away from the office.

"Industrial professionals who attended our Defense & Security Technology online event heard from experts on what's driving change in today's defense industry and interacted with leading defense contractors and security system developers," said Donna Lewis, vice president of e-publishing and e-events for GlobalSpec. "Global Spec online trade shows and events are also powerful forums for manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their products and innovative technologies to a captive and engaged audience."

Speakers and topics at the event included:

Compact High Performance Data Bus and Networking Solutions for Military Avionics – Avionics platforms are constantly being upgraded, or new ones developed, with the intent of increasing the functionality and capability of aircraft. These pressures have driven advancements in ruggedized small form factor boards and systems designed for avionics applications. This presentation described these advances and how systems designers can take advantage of them.
Presented by Sean Sleicher, Marketing Manager - Databus Products, Data Device Corporation
Transmission and Processing of Mission-Critical Video – Military organizations worldwide are working to integrate video input devices on all types of manned and unmanned platforms to gain the best possible view of the field of engagement. These video input devices, in turn, feed critical information in real time, over a local area network, to warfighters such as vehicle operators, navigators, weapons operators, and commanders. The communications platform increasingly chosen for this task is Gigabit Ethernet.
Presented by John Phillips, Senior Product Manager, Pleora Technologies, Inc.
Parylene Coatings for Enhanced Reliability of Electronics – Parylene conformal coating is a vapor-deposited material that can enhance the reliability of electronic components and assemblies. Ultra-thin, pinhole-free, with excellent chemical resistance, dielectric barrier properties and UV stability, it can: isolate and protect devices from harsh environments; provide thermal and electrical insulation; control metallic whisker growth; stabilize delicate micro/nano structures; provide a biocompatible surface for implantable medical devices; and stabilize/consolidate surfaces by micro-particle immobilization.
Presented by Alan Hardy, Automotive, Electronics & Military Market Manager, Specialty Coating Systems
Transitioning Military, Surveillance & Instrumentation Systems to SDI Digital Video – Military, surveillance and instrumentation systems have special needs for timing and information overlay that are different than those of broadcast systems. These issues were reviewed along with solutions.
Presented by Paul Hightower, CEO, Instrumentation Technology Systems (ITS)

Companies exhibiting at this event included: Newark / element14; Specialty Coating Systems; TE Connectivity; Data Device Corporation (DDC); Enertrols; Jamco Products, Inc.; and Maxon Precision Motors, Inc.

About GlobalSpec, Inc.

GlobalSpec, Inc. is the leading provider of digital media solutions designed to connect industrial marketers with their target audience of engineering, technical, industrial, scientific and manufacturing sector professionals. GlobalSpec provides its registered users with a domain-expert search engine to search more than 50,000 supplier catalogs by specification, a broad range of proprietary and aggregated Web-based content, over 15 annual online events, and more than 70 e-newsletters - helping them search for and locate products and services, learn about suppliers and access comprehensive technical content. For suppliers, GlobalSpec helps generate awareness, demand and engagement opportunities among the professionals they are looking to reach – from inbox to desktop, through networks and via real-time engagement.

GlobalSpec, SpecSearch, The Engineering Search Engine and The Engineering Web are registered trademarks of GlobalSpec, Inc.

Contact:
Amber Devin
Director – Marketing Communications
GlobalSpec, Inc.
Tel: 518.880.0200 ext. 5338
adevin@globalspec.com

SOURCE GlobalSpec, Inc.

NASA Funded Research Shows Existence of Reduced Carbon on Mars

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:34:09 +0000

NASA Funded Research Shows Existence of Reduced Carbon on Mars

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA-funded research on Mars meteorites that landed on Earth shows strong evidence that very large molecules containing carbon, which is a key ingredient for the building blocks of life, can originate on the Red Planet. These macromolecules are not of biological origin, but they are indicators that complex carbon chemistry has taken place on Mars.

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Researchers from the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington who found reduced carbon molecules now have better insight into the chemical processes taking place on Mars. Reduced carbon is carbon that is bonded to hydrogen or itself. Their findings also may assist in future quests for evidence of life on the Red Planet. The findings are published in Thursday's online edition of Science Express.

"These findings show that the storage of reduced carbon molecules on Mars occurred throughout the planet's history and might have been similar to processes that occurred on the ancient Earth," said Andrew Steele, lead author of the paper and researcher from Carnegie. "Understanding the genesis of these non-biological, carbon-containing macromolecules on Mars is crucial for developing future missions to detect evidence of life on our neighboring planet."

Finding molecules containing large chains of carbon and hydrogen has been one objective of past and present Mars missions. Such molecules have been found previously in Mars meteorites, but scientists have disagreed about how the carbon in them was formed and whether it came from Mars. This new information proves Mars can produce organic carbon.

"Although this study has not yielded evidence that Mars has or once may have supported life, it does address some important questions about the sources of organic carbon on Mars," said Mary Voytek, director of NASA's Astrobiology Program at the agency's Headquarters in Washington. "With the Curiosity rover scheduled to land in August, these new research results may help Mars Science Laboratory scientists fine-tune their investigations on the surface of the planet by understanding where organic carbon may be found and how it is preserved."

Scientists have theorized that the large carbon macromolecules detected on Martian meteorites could have originated from terrestrial contamination from Earth or other meteorites, or chemical reactions or biological activity on Mars.

Steele's team examined samples from 11 Martian meteorites from a period spanning about 4.2 billion years of Martian history. They detected large carbon compounds in 10 of them. The molecules were found inside grains of crystallized minerals.

Using an array of sophisticated research techniques, the team was able to show that at least some of the macromolecules of carbon were indigenous to the meteorites themselves and not contamination from Earth.

The team next looked at the carbon molecules in relation to other minerals in the meteorites to see what kinds of chemical processing these samples endured before arriving on Earth. The crystalline grains encasing the carbon compounds provided a window into how the carbon molecules were created. Their findings indicate that the carbon was created by volcanic activity on Mars and show that Mars has been doing organic chemistry for most of its history.

In a separate paper published by American Mineralogist, Steele and his team report their findings on the same meteorite announced in 1996 to contain possible -- but subsequently discounted -- relics of ancient biological life on Mars. Called ALH84001, the meteorite was found to also contain organic macromolecules of non-biological origin.

The Steele team's research indicates that Mars does have a pool of reduced carbon. Their findings should help scientists involved in current and future Mars missions distinguish non-biologically formed carbon molecules from potential life.

For an image and more information about the meteorite, visit:

http://1.usa.gov/mars052412

SOURCE NASA

In Memoriam: Lieutenant Commander Wesley A. Brown, Class of 1949

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:27:50 +0000

In Memoriam: Lieutenant Commander Wesley A. Brown, Class of 1949

PR Newswire

ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It is with great sadness and heaviness of heart that the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association announces the passing of Lieutenant Commander Wesley A. Brown CEC, USN (Ret.), a member of the Class of 1949 and the Naval Academy's first African American graduate, on the evening of 22 May, 2012 in Silver Spring, Md.

LCDR Brown was appointed to the Naval Academy as a Midshipman in 1945 after enrolling at Howard University in the District of Columbia as an Army Specialized Training Student and an electrical engineering major. At the Academy, Brown excelled athletically, running both varsity track and cross country for the Brigade. Following his commissioning in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, Brown served honorably in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, rising to Lieutenant Commander before retiring from the Navy in July, 1969.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Brown worked for the New York State University Construction Fund, the New York State Dormitory Authority and the University Planning Office at Howard University, retiring from civilian employment in 1988.

Brown remained closely connected to the Academy throughout his life. He served on the Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees and, in 2008, the Academy dedicated its newly constructed athletic facility in his honor. The Wesley Brown Field House, the first and only Academy building dedicated to a living alumnus, hosts an annual track and field invitational in Brown's honor and houses his class ring, which he donated to the athletic facility in person at this year's invitational.

Also established in Brown's honor is The Lieutenant Commander Wesley A. Brown '49 Honor Scholar scholarship. Created in 2007 by a consortium of minority Naval Academy graduates, to include the El Dorado Society, the scholarship provides an award of up to $5,000 each annually to four individuals who have been accepted into any four-year college or university in Maryland, and it is renewable up to four years. Since its establishment, five Naval Academy midshipmen have received the scholarship including Midshipman Arvind Stone, class of 2015, who had the honor of meeting with Brown at this year's Wesley Brown track and field invitational.

Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller issued the following statement in response to Brown's passing; "The Naval Academy family is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of retired Lieutenant Commander Wesley Brown. A member of the Class of 1949 and our first African-American graduate, he embodied the highest ideals of the Academy's mission and dedicated himself to decades of selfless and distinguished service to our nation. Wesley Brown was a superb example to our midshipmen, displaying the traits of leadership and character we strive to instill in all of our graduates. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the entire Naval Academy family our heartfelt condolences go out to the Brown family."

Naval Academy Alumni Association CEO, Byron Marchant, stated, "It is with a deep sadness and regret that I report the loss of Lieutenant Commander Wesley Anthony Brown '49, CEC, USN (Ret.) on 22 May. He paved the way for so many and was a true 'trailblazer' who became the first African-American to graduate from the Naval Academy. Commander Brown leaves a legacy, not only with the Naval Academy, but with the history he made."

Admiral Bob Natter '67, USN (Ret), Chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association added, "Commander Brown's passing is a difficult one for all of us. He has been an inspiration to those who have followed him, and his legacy will be captured through the Naval Academy's Wesley A. Brown Fieldhouse, named in his honor. He will be greatly missed."

As we mourn the loss of a true trailblazer and friend, our most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out the Brown family. LCDR Brown will be remembered for his strong commitment to leadership and the Academy mission. He will be deeply missed.

Condolence letters may be sent to:

Mrs. Wesley A. Brown
C/O USNA Alumni Association
247 King George Street
Annapolis, MD 21409

Contact: Lawrence Heyworth III '70
Executive Vice President, Engagement
U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association
Skid.Heyworth@usna.com
410.295.4070

SOURCE United States Naval Academy Alumni Association

NASA To Hold News Conference About Upcoming NuSTAR Launch

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

NASA To Hold News Conference About Upcoming NuSTAR Launch

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA will hold a news conference on Wednesday, May 30 at 1 p.m. EDT to discuss the upcoming launch of the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), a mission to hunt for black holes. The event will be held in the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters located at 300 E St. SW in Washington.

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The event will be broadcast live on NASA Television and streamed on the agency's website.

NuSTAR will observe some of the hottest, densest and most energetic objects in the universe, including black holes, their high-speed particle jets, ultra-dense neutron stars, supernova remnants and our sun. It will observe high-energy X-rays with much greater sensitivity and clarity than any mission flown to date. Among its several goals, NuSTAR will address the puzzle of how black holes and galaxies evolve together over time.

NuSTAR is scheduled to launch no earlier than 11:30 a.m. EDT on June 13 from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The spacecraft will lift off on an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle, released from an aircraft flying south of Kwajalein.

News conference participants are:

-- Paul Hertz, Astrophysics Division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington

-- Fiona Harrison, NuSTAR principal investigator at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif.

-- Daniel Stern, NuSTAR project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena

-- Yunjin Kim, NuSTAR project manager at JPL

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the NuStar mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nustar

SOURCE NASA

American Idol Final Runner Up Jessica Sanchez Is Proud To Give Thanks To The Troops In Her First Televised Performance After Series Finale On PBS's National Memorial Day Concert

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:14:44 +0000

American Idol Final Runner Up Jessica Sanchez Is Proud To Give Thanks To The Troops In Her First Televised Performance After Series Finale On PBS's National Memorial Day Concert

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After an impressive showing at the finale of AMERICAN IDOL, sixteen-year old singing sensation Jessica Sanchez is honored to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sunday, May 27 marks Sanchez's first television performance since AMERICAN IDOL. She will perform the "National Anthem" as well as her rendition of "The Prayer" (by Celine Dion) on the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, airing live in HD on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET, before an on-site audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/DC13534)

This performance is especially significant to Sanchez given that she has military connections in her own family. Her father, Gilbert Sanchez, has served several tours of duty in Iraq and Kuwait with the U.S. Navy and is currently stationed in Singapore. Sanchez's grandfather Edward M. Bugay, a retired Navy veteran, will accompany his granddaughter to Washington, D.C. to watch her live performance with the on-site audience at the U.S. Capitol.

"It's an amazing experience especially since my dad and my grandfather are both part of the military in the Navy so, I feel like I'm a part of it too. I'm really excited and I can't wait to give thanks. They fought for our country and it means a lot to be able to sing in front of all those people," said Sanchez.

Sanchez will join a star studded line-up that includes: concert co-hosts Joe Mantegna (CRIMINAL MINDS) and Gary Sinise (CSI:NEW YORK), distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); the multi-platinum rock band Daughtry; nine-time Grammy award-winner, singer and songwriter Natalie Cole; country music superstar Trace Adkins; Emmy, Oscar and Tony award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor and Vietnam veteran Dennis Franz; celebrated film and television actress Selma Blair; and world renowned tenor Russell Watson; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

Production Credits
The program is a co-production of Jerry Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C. For the 2012 event, executive producer Jerry Colbert and producer Michael Colbert has assembled an award-winning production team that features the top Hollywood talent behind some of television's most prestigious entertainment awards shows. The team includes: Emmy award-winning producer Walter C. Miller, whose credits include the GRAMMY AWARDS and COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS; award-winning director Paul Miller whose credits include THE COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE; and veteran television writer Joan Meyerson who was honored with distinguished Writer's Guild Awards for the 2010 and 2006 broadcasts of the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT.

Companion Web Site and Additional Press Materials
A companion web site at www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert will feature a comprehensive viewer's guide to the 2012 concert. The site also hosts the "Virtual Wall of Remembrance" designed to feature personal stories about war veterans and fallen or injured members from America's Armed Forces. Viewers, or anyone who has lost a loved one to our nation's conflicts, may submit video tributes or photographs as well as written remembrances. Broadcast quality video footage is available at the following FTP site: http://capitalconcerts.org/mediacenter/mem-day/. Additional press materials can be found at www.pbs.org/pressroom.

Underwriters
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT is made possible by grants from the Lockheed Martin Corporation, the National Park Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Department of the Army, General Dynamics, PBS and public television stations nationwide. Air travel is provided by American Airlines.

SOURCE Capital Concerts

NASA Commercial Crew Partner Boeing Meets Software Milestone

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:44:58 +0000

NASA Commercial Crew Partner Boeing Meets Software Milestone

PR Newswire

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Boeing Company has successfully completed a new milestone in the development of software that will operate its Crew Space Transportation (CST) spacecraft. The company is one of NASA's partners developing commercial crew transportation capabilities to ferry U.S. astronauts to and from low Earth orbit and the International Space Station.

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With the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of its software on May 18, the company now has completed more than 40 milestones under partnerships supporting NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP).

"When it comes to designing a spacecraft safe enough to transport humans, software is as important as the hardware," said Ed Mango, CCP manager. "Boeing has made an excellent effort to take safety into consideration while developing critical software components of its spacecraft."

Boeing's CST-100 is designed to be a reusable, capsule-shaped spacecraft, capable of transporting up to seven people or a combination of people and cargo. It is compatible with a variety of expendable launch vehicles. Boeing has selected United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket for initial CST-100 test flights.

Software is essential to all operational aspects of the spacecraft, including launch, orbital maneuvering, docking with and separating from the space station, re-entry and landing.

The testing is part of a NASA-funded Space Act Agreement under the second round of the agency's commercial crew development (CCDev2) activities, which could eventually lead toward human spaceflight certification of the CST-100.

The Boeing team is on schedule to complete its remaining CCDev2 milestones in the next few months, including an orbital maneuvering/attitude control engine hot fire test that will provide additional data on significant elements of the spacecraft design.

All of NASA's industry partners, including Boeing, continue to meet their established milestones in developing commercial crew transportation capabilities.

For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA