Welcome Home,
Job Well Done, and
THANK YOU
to these returning Navy Heroes!!!

Family and friends of sailors aboard amphibious transport dock USS Shreveport watch as the ship pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007, after a six-month deployment as part of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. The ESG supported maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez


Amphibious transport dock USS Shreveport pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007, after a six-month deployment as part of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. The ESG supported maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez


A young boy waits for his grandfather to arrive aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze as ships of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group returned to Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007, after their six-month deployment. The ESG supported maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow


Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007, after a six-month deployment as part of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. The ESG supported maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez


A sailor aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze meets his newborn baby boy on the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007. The sailor returned home after Nitze’s six-month deployment with Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group in support of maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez


Ensign Ryan Robertson kisses his wife at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007. The USS Nitze returned from a six-month deployment with Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group, which supported maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez


Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007, after a six-month deployment as part of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo


Family and friends of sailors aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf watch as the ship pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 3, 2007, after a six-month deployment as part of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo


More photo essays at DefenseLink

Labels: Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group, photo essays, photos, US Navy, USS NItze, USS Shreveport, USS Vella Gulf, Welcome Home

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Toll in Iraq bombings could surpass 150
Flurry of Bombings Kill 26 in Baghdad
Iranians Detained in Iraq Say U.S. Treats Them Poorly
Truck bomber kills 23 Iraqi army recruits
Bodies of snatched Iraqi U.S. embassy couple found
Petraeus: High Profile Attacks Expected
Village residents lead troops to caches
‘Wolverines’ ready for anything on mission for Iraqi children

Operation Enduring Freedom
THE REAL KITE RUNNERS FLYING THE AFGHAN SKIES

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
Report: U.K. Terror Plot Has Links to Al Qaeda in Iraq
Israeli Cabinet OKs Release of 250 Palestinian Prisoners
Israeli army back to basics after Lebanon bruising
Indonesia terror attacks may be imminent: Australia
Pakistani commandos blow walls in mosque standoff - Video
India police seize "Islamist" CDs in bomb plot case
Pols: NYC stiffed again on terror funds
UK terror chief warns of long fight

Troops on Trial
AWOL Vet Won't be Courtmartialed
Lawyer Calls Ex-Marine a Combat Hero

Supporting Our Heroes
Troop rallies held across U.S.

Other Military News
NBA Star Produces Vietnam War Film
Ex-Spouse Law Goes to Congress

Religion of Peace??
U.S. human trafficking report misses progress: Saudi

Worldwide Wackos
U.N. monitors set to go to North Korea after IAEA meeting

Homegrown Moonbats
Rockers Urge Fans to Fight Global Warming at Live Earth Concerts Around Globe
Earth underwhelmed by environment pop extravaganza Video

Politics / Government
Iowa Campaign Office for Sen. Obama Burglarized
Bush sharpens budget attack on Democrats
White House expected to block aide from testifying
Rice makes first Mideast trip since Hamas took Gaza
Blair wanted to quit year before Iraq war: book
Gerald Ford belongings sold at auction
Thompson energizes young Republicans
Farm bill renews fight over subsidies
Edwards says votes count, not money
Cheney fatigue settles over some in GOP

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment / Law and Order
Cheerleader's Killer Sought
Cops Eye Escort-Service Ties - Target 'persons of interest' in missing mom case
Video of Prison Guards Responding to Inmate Killing Pedophile Priest Appears on Internet
Missing University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Student Kelly Nolan Was Convicted of DUI Twice in Last 3 Years
Florida Police Arrest Two Teens in Gang-Rape of Woman, Forcing Son to Participate
Former NFL Player and FOX Sports Broadcaster Bill Maas Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges
Ex-JonBenet Ramsey Murder Suspect John Mark Karr Arrested for Domestic Violence
Search for Missing Mom Lisa Stebic Shifts to State Park
School Gives 6th-Grade Graffiti Artist Same Punishment as Drug Users
Mother Arrested After Leaving Son in Van for 14 Hours

Science / Medicine / Technology
China stops sale of drug to treat leukemia, arthritis
Canada, Massachusetts warn consumers on toothpaste
Scientists find clues to ice cap longevity: study
Ford, utility join to promote plug-in vehicles
Sun Micro to revamp Solaris with Linux features
Miniature robots play nano-soccer
Verizon copper cutoff traps customers

Mother Nature
Wildfire Scorches Nevada
Hundreds flee town as flames approach
6-Year-Old Boy's Body Found in Texas Flooding
Search for missing Texan continues
Malaysia plans match-making reserve for rare rhinos
Drought renews pressure to fix Glades

News from My Neck of the Woods
Rescuers Pull 8 From Sightseeing Helicopter That Crashed in New York City's Hudson River

Oddities
The Truth Is Out There (Roswell's 60th anniversary)
Crop Circle Puzzles Switzerland Residents
Man Disguised as Tree Robs New Hampshire Bank
Australian Gored During Running of Bulls - PHOTOS
11-year-old charged with driving drunk
Stretch your talents as a condom tester..

Other News of Note
Groom Killed in Crash on Day After Wedding
New 7 Wonders of the World Named
Key to marital happiness? Let the wife have her way (See honey? What did I tell you?)

Fox News
9 Injured After Deck at New Jersey Restaurant Collapses
Clay Aiken Involved in Spat on Flight to Oklahoma

Reuters: Top News
California's 'ganja guru' vows conviction appeal
Reggie Jackson saddened by cloud hanging over Bonds
Valentino returns to hero's welcome in Rome
Desperate photographers frozen out as Longoria weds - Video
Stars turn out for Valentino's anniversary show
Stocks may rise as earnings season starts - Video
Stocks cap week of gains on jobs data, oil
Oil hits 11-month high above $76 a barrel
Dollar falls as payrolls rally runs out of steam
Macy's, Target shares, options up on deal talk
Subprime risks come home to roost
KKR IPO heeding Blackstone lessons?
KKR aims to take role of banks with IPO
Air Berlin orders 25 Boeing 787s, worth $4 billion
ICE seen at risk of overpaying if raises CBOT bid
Trump stays upbeat despite setbacks
Bayer's blood-clot drug beats Lovenox in key study
Hilton's real estate secures rich deal price
KKR aims to take role of banks with IPO

AP World News
Furloughs loom in Pa. amid stalled talks
Study: Volunteerism thriving in Midwest
Mets defeat Astros 5-3 in 17 innings
Couples fill Las Vegas chapels on 7-7-07
Bonds hears boos, remains stuck on 751
Tiger misses spectacular round at AT&T
Bus drivers strike 2nd day in S. Calif.

Military.com
San Francisco Career Fair July 11th
Intel: Russia Won't Extradite Spy
Ace the ASVAB
Ten Secrets For Recruiter Visits
Daily Shock: Rummy in Action

CENTCOM: News Releases
1-30TH INF. BRINGS IN WANTED INSURGENT SUSPECT
TWO SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA LEADERS, 7 OTHERS DETAINED IN COALITION RAIDS
IRAQI AIR FORCE DELIVERS WATER, DISPLAYS PROFICIENCY
PROJECT FOR IRAQI’S FARMERS
SIX SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED AND ONE KILLED BY COALITION FORCES IN TWO SEPARATE RAIDS
AIRPOWER SUMMARY FOR JULY 4
IRAQIS, CF WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE EASTERN BAGHDAD ROUTES SAFER
MND-B AIRCREWS DESTROY POSSIBLE CAR BOMB
SHA'AB CAR BOMB KILLS 5 IRAQIS, WOUNDS 20
IRONHORSE BRIGADE WORKS WITH CITY OF AUSTIN TO HELP LOCAL IRAQI GOVERNMENT
COALITION FORCES KILL 25, DETAIN 5 AND UNCOVER CACHES IN DIYALA
OP GERONIMO STRIKE FINDS AL QAEDA SAFE HOUSES
IAS, GIS BRING SECURITY TO ARAB JABOUR
TOP U.S. COMMANDER IN IRAQ ENTERS THE “LIONS’ DEN”
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES DETAIN INSURGENT RELIGIOUS LEADER IN MOSUL
COALITION FORCES KILL 10 TERRORISTS, DETAIN NINE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS
MND-B AIRCREWS THWART ROCKET ATTACK ON IZ
TROOPS CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY
OPERATION “IRON BLITZ” CAPTURES 25 INSURGENTS IN JUNE
CF DESTROY HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVE FACTORY
COALITION FORCES COMBAT EXTREMIST FIGHTERS
NON-HOSTILE RELATED ACCIDENT

USJFCOM
USJFCOM, others to test Coalition Combat Identification capability during Bold Quest 07
More about CCID - podcast
USJFCOM Advanced Concept Development Demonstration named finalist for award - podcast
Exercise puts critical technology on trialCommand helps test new gun shot location system - podcast
Wood addresses joint warfare transformation at Transformation Warfare conference - podcast

Multi-National Force-Iraq
Ironhorse Brigade, City of Austin team up
IED ring broken by Operation Bastogne
Qarghuli village residents lead troops to caches
3-1 Cav. finds four weapons caches, detains five
Paratroopers find weapons cache
MND-B patrol struck by explosively-formed penetrator
Two Task Force Soldiers killed in IED attack
Iraqi Army Forces detain one extremist leader, four others in operation near Kirkuk

DefenseLink
Rice Visits Troops at AT&T Golf Tournament
Chairman Meets with Italian Military Leader
Early Troop Pullout Would Leave Iraq ‘a Mess'
llinois Unveils Mental Health Services for Veterans
North Korea Expected to Field New Missile Soon
U.S. Must Keep Asian Nations Focused on Terror
Troops Follow in Footsteps of Earlier Heroes
Bush Compares Guard Troops to Original Patriots
Programs Assist Wartime Injured Servicemembers
Nearly 600 U.S. Troops Re-enlist in Baghdad

Military News
USNS Comfort Continues Mission in Panama
Video: Engineers Warn Residents About Flood
U.S., Thai Servicemembers Conduct Joint Training
Training Mission Becomes Real-Life Rescue

War on Terror
Troops Detain Taliban Fighters
Troops Kill Three, Detain Eight
Forces Detain Nine Suspects
Coalition, Iraqi Forces Increase Pressure on al Qaeda in Iraq

Transformation
Officials Offer Million-Dollar Prize for Power Innovations
‘Sentinels of the Sea’ Debuts
Guard Unit Flies First Predator
Command to Deliver More F-22s
Officials Shorten Training Time

Face of Defense
Evil Eyes Stand Out
Veteran Overcomes Obstacles
Family Serves in Afghanistan
Military Roots Run Deep For Top Enlisted Servicemember's Wife

America Supports You
San Diego Padres Salute Military
Canines Offer Healing Therapy
Sled Hockey Scores Goal
Bush Urges Support of Troops

DefendAmerica
NEWS UPDATES
Troops Detain Taliban Fighters - Story

ON THE GROUND
Ironhorse Brigade, City of Austin Team up in Iraq - Story
'Wolverines' Ready for Anything on Mission - Story
Sustainment Brigade Hands off Q-West Mission - Story

IN IRAQ
Broadcast Detachment Bids Farewell to Iraq
Coalition Forces Bring Security to Arab Jabour
Engineers Build New Female Police Academy
Fort Riley ‘Raiders’ Hold Their Own in Iraq
Paratroopers Prove Unshakeable in Iraqi Town

IN DJIBOUTI
Marines Train Djiboutian Navy in Security Tactics
Medical Task Force Educates to Save Lives

IN AFGHANISTAN
National Guard Soldiers Patrol Qarabagh
Korean Hospital Marks Health Care Milestone

DefendAmerica Week in Review
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday

BACKGROUND
IRAQ
Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
War on Terror Reconstruction Report
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

Weather
Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Germany
Ansbach Aschaffenburg Berlin Berlin-Tempelhof Berlin/Schonefeld Bremerhaven
Darmstadt Frankfurt Frankfurt/Main Freiburg/Breisgau Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Geilenkirchen Gelnhausen Giessen Kitzingen
Hanau Am Main Heidelberg Mainz Mannheim Nurnberg Stuttgart Trier
Wiesbaden Wurzburg

Gitmo

Guam
Agana Agana Heights Agat Andersen AFB Asan Barrigada

Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Japan
Kadena Air Base Okinawa Tokyo Yokohama

Today in History
1663 - King Charles II of England grants a charter to Rhode Island.
1693 - NY City authorizes America's first police uniforms.
1776 - Colonel John Nixon gives the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
1777 - Vermont becomes the first state to abolish slavery, and adopts male suffrage.
1796 - The U.S. State Department issues the first American passport.
1797 - William Blount of Tennessee becomes the first U.S. Senator expelled by impeachment.
1835 - The Liberty Bell cracks (again).
1870 - Governor Holden of NC declares Casswell County in a state of insurrection in the wake of a wave of KKK violence (including murders). Democrats have him impeached a year later.
1905 - Part of Angel Islandin San Francisco Bay is allocated for an Immigration Detention Center.
1923 - Warren G. Harding becomes the first sitting president to visit Alaska (Metlakahtla).
1947 - Demolition begins in NYC for the construction of the UN headquarters.
1950 - General Douglas MacArthur is named commander-in-chief of UN forces in Korea.
1969 - The U.S. begins withdrawing troops from Vietnam.
1978 - The Pioneer-Venus 2 multi-probe is launched to Venus.
1979 - Voyager 2 takes the first-ever photograph of Jupiter's satellite Adrastea.
1988 - Stevie Wonder announces he will run for mayor of Detroit in 1992.
1990 - Clocks display 12:34:56 on 7/8/90 (1234567890)

Birthdays
1838 - Count Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, inventor of the rigid dirigible
1839 - John D. Rockefeller, US capitalist; founded Standard Oil
1907 - George W. Romney (Gov-Mich)/US Secretary of HUD
1908 - Nelson A. Rockefeller (Gov-NY) 41st Vice President
1918 - Nelson Mandela, jailed South African political activist
1931 - Roone Arledge, ABC-TV executive

Passings
810 - Pepin, son of Charlemagne, king of Italy
1957 - Grace Goodhue Coolidge, First Lady
1959 - Dale Buisand and Chester Ovnand, first Americans KIA in Vietnam

Reported Missing in Action
1965
Bram, Richard C., USMC (OH); disappeared while on a hike near Chu Lai Air Base

Dingwall, John F., USMC (NY); disappeared while on a hike near Chu Lai Air Base

1966
Browning, Ralph T., USAF (FL); F105D shot down, released by DRV February, 1973 - retired as a Brigadier General as of 1996 - alive as of 1998

Longanecker, Ronald Lee, USMC (OR); passenger on a CH46a shot down - KIA, body not recovered

1969
Andre, Howard V., Jr., USAF (TN); A26A shot down - KIA, body not recovered

Sizemore, James E., USAF (CA); A26A shot down - KIA, body not recovered

Labels: Headlines, History