To All
Good Thursday Morning July 6, 2023.
Tomorrow is the Bubba Breakfast in San Diego.
Regards,
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This Day in Navy and Marine Corps History:
July 6
1747
John Paul Jones is born in Arbigland, Scotland. Originally appointed to the Continental Navy in 1775, he is known for his quote, Ive not yet begun to fight! during the battle between Continental frigate, Bonhomme Richard, and HMS Serapis on Sept. 23, 1779.
1898
During the Spanish-American War, the auxiliary-cruiser USS Dixie captures the Spanish vessels, Three Bells, Pilgrim, and Greeman Castle, off Cape Cruz, Cuba.
1943
Following the Allied landing on New Georgia, the Japanese attempt to land reinforcements with 10 destroyers, resulting in the Battle of Kula Gulf. In the battle, USS Helena (CL 50) is hit by three torpedoes, breaks apart, and sinks, with nearly 170 of her crew lost.
1944
USS Paddle (SS 263) attacks a Japanese convoy northwest of Halmahera and sinks destroyer Hokaze off Sangi Island. Also on this date, USS Sealion (SS 315) attacks a Japanese convoy in the East China Sea and sinks merchant passenger cargo ship Setsuzan Maru off Ningpo, China while USS Tang (SS 306) sinks Japanese freighter Dori Maru in Chosen Bay.
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Today in History: July 6
1415 Jan Hus, a Czech who spoke out against Church corruption, is burned at the stake as a heretic.
1519 Charles of Spain is elected Holy Roman emperor in Barcelona.
1535 Sir Thomas More is beheaded in England for refusing to swear allegiance to King Henry VIII as head of the Church.
1536 Jacques Cartier returns to France after discovering the St. Lawrence River in Canada.
1685 James II defeats James, the Duke of Monmouth, at the Battle of Sedgemoor, the last major battle to be fought on English soil.
1770 The entire Ottoman fleet is destroyed by the Russians at the Battle of Chesma.
1788 10,000 troops are called out in Paris as unrest mounts in the poorer districts over poverty and lack of food.
1835 John Marshall, the third chief justice of the Supreme Court, dies at the age of 79. Two days later, while tolling in his honor in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell cracks.
1836 French General Thomas Bugeaud defeats Abd al-Kader's forces beside the Sikkak River in Algeria.
1854 The Republican Party is officially organized in Jackson, Michigan.
1885 Louis Pasteur gives the first successful anti-rabies inoculation.
1944 Lieutenant Jackie Robinson of the U.S. Army, while riding a civilian bus from Camp Hoo, Texas, refuses to give up his seat to a white man.
1945 B-29 Superfortress bombers attack Honshu, Japan, using new fire-bombing techniques.
1945 Operation Overcast begins in Europe--moving Austrian and German scientists and their equipment to the United States.
1982 President Ronald Reagan agrees to contribute U.S. troops to the peacekeeping unit in Beirut.
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear … Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post
Skip… For The List for Thursday, 6 July 2023… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 6 July 1968…
The JCS testify on the Hill…
This following work accounts for every fixed wing loss of the Vietnam War and you can use it to read more about the losses in The Bear's Daily account. Even better it allows you to add your updated information to the work to update for history…skip Vietnam Air Losses Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at
: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
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Thanks to Carl
Another factor today: only about 23% of Americans age 17 to 24 have the academic and physical qualifications to serve.
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/army-desperate-smart-fit-soldiers-090241879.html?guccounter=1
The Army is desperate for smart, fit soldiers. How these $200M fit camps get recruits into shape.
Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY
Wed, July 5, 2023
WASHINGTON — Patricia Limbaga's recruit-cute moment happened at her lowest point.
She'd failed her military entrance exam eight times and her dream of joining the Army felt like it was slipping away. That's when her DoorDash route took her to Brig. Gen. Richard Harrison's driveway last summer.
"She approached me, and she says, 'Oh my God, you're a sign from God," Harrison recalled. "It kind of struck me like, 'Why?' I've got three kids and a wife, and no one's ever called me a sign from God."
Whether providence or coincidence, the meeting between a prospective entry-level soldier and Army general was propitious. The Army, the largest branch of the U.S. military, has been desperate for recruits, and the 23-year-old from Chesterfield, Virginia, desperately wanted to join its ranks. Two problems: Limbaga couldn't pass the military academic test, and she didn't meet height and weight standards. The military needs smart troops to operate sophisticated, expensive weapons, and young people fit to fight.
Limbaga had a lot of company — fewer than one-in-four young people qualify academically or physically to join the military. With a booming jobs market even fewer young people consider the military an option. The result: the worst recruiting environment in the 50-year history of the all-volunteer military.
Spending more than $100 million this year for Army fitness schools
That crisis has prompted the Army to spend more than $100 million this year to open schools to bring recruits who fall short of the standards into mental and physical shape.
Harrison, who had been stationed at nearby Ft. Eustis at the Army's Training and Doctrine Command, told Limbaga about the new program called the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. It tutors young people like Limbaga on the military entrance exam and on how to get physically fit. The pilot program at Fort Jackson in South Carolina expanded in January, and, by June, more than 6,800 recruits had graduated to basic training.
The program is expected to cost around $119 million in fiscal year 2023, including potential expansion to other installations. The cost for 2024 is estmated at $95 million.
The Army needs the recruits the school produces. Last year, the Army fell more than 15,000 recruits short of its target of 60,000 in 2022. Military recruiting troubles generally coincide with low unemployment as young people opt for jobs in the private sector or attend college. In February, unemployment was at its lowest mark in 54 years. It has ticked up to 3.7% but remains historically low.
That spells trouble for the Pentagon, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force on July 1. The unpopular draft ended in 1973 as the U.S. military wound down its presence in Vietnam.
Another factor today: only about 23% of Americans age 17 to 24 have the academic and physical qualifications to serve.
Struggling to meet recruitment goals
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has told Congress that the Army will struggle to meet its goal of 65,000 recruits this year. She testified that graduates of the preparatory course had performed well in basic training. Their attrition rate is lower than average.
"We brought them up to our standards, and they felt good about it," Harrison said.
But there are caveats. Studies have shown that there's a correlation between higher test scores on the entrance exam and performing military tasks well, said Beth Asch, a senior economist at the RAND Corporation think tank and an expert on recruiting. Accepting too many recruits who struggle academically could be problematic.
"It's potentially concerning," Asch said.
For example, researchers found that recruits who scored higher on military aptitude tests were more likely to kill targets with the Patriot anti-aircraft system than those with lower scores, she said. They followed instructions better and used fewer missiles. That's no small matter given the $4 million price tag for a Patriot interceptor.
"You could save a lot of money because now you're using fewer missiles," Asch said.
Raising academic standards in the military, and coaching recruits on nutrition
Realizing it needs smart troops, the Pentagon set benchmarks for recruiting quality in 1993. It wants 90% of recruits to have high school diplomas, for example, and each branch of the military exceeded that benchmark last year. At least 60% of recruits must score above average on the Armed Forces Qualification Test. The Army has seen that figure edge closer to the minimum, dropping from 62.9% in 2020 to 60.2% last year. The Pentagon limits to 4% recruits it can accept who score in 10th to 30th percentile of the test, a group referred to as Category IV. Last year, 3.9% of Army recruits belonged in Category IV.
Wormuth told Congress that the Army will not lower its standards, or sacrifice quality for quantity.
Coaching prospective recruits on nutrition and exercise is more likely to have lasting results than the three-week course that helps them improve their test scores, Asch said. The Army will need to track soldiers who graduate from the program and measure their success to determine if the program works as intended, she said.
A good fit
What General Harrison saw in Limbaga, he said, was a young woman who wanted to serve her country and wasn't deterred by setbacks. The preparatory course seemed like a good fit for her.
Students increased their test score by an average of 18.5 points and those in the fitness track losing an average of 1.8% body fat each week.
"I really saw the passion in her eyes," he said. "She wanted to be a soldier more than anything. I'm a father and I have two daughters and a son, and I would want someone that's in position to help my kids to do that."
Limbaga's first language is Tagalog, spoken in the Philippines, and she had stumbled on the English comprehension and vocabulary portion of the test, she said. The minimum score to join the Army is 31. After three weeks at Ft. Jackson, Limbaga's test score jumped from 18 to 49, she said.
Limbaga's said she viewed the Army as a place to become an independent adult. She and Harrison stayed in touch by text, with the general offering the prospective recruit encouragement.
Losing 25 pounds with the help of a trainer
She wound up needing that encouragement. The three-week course at Fort Jackson helped her pass the academic portion of the test. But when she prepared to enlist, Limbaga fell short of the physical requirement. With the help of a trainer, Limbaga lost 25 pounds.
"When she came back for me to enlist her, she looked totally different with that weight loss," Harrison said. "And she was so excited."
Basic training at Fort Jackson, Limbaga said, didn't worry her because instructors had prepared her for it physically and mentally. Harrison attended Limbaga's graduation 32 years after he completed basic training at the same place.
"My opinion is that she wants to pay it back for the opportunity the Army gave her," he said. "I think she gonna be an amazing soldier."
Limbaga's now completing advanced training to be an Army cook at Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia. She likes the job and took the advice of an instructor to heart. We should cook the way we want to eat, Limbaga said. Because maybe that food will be the last meal a soldier eats.
"It really gave me a lot of motivation to cook well," she said.
Austin administers military oath of office to new recruits as US military faces continued recruiting crisis
Nearly 80% of new military recruits are related to those who have already served their country
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Thanks to Carl
How China Is Destroying American Farmland
China's $1.3B Farming Scam: US Citizens Asleep at the Wheel
It's a two-year, $1.3 billion stealth takeover. China's acting in its own self-interest, poisoning the water supply, killing fish and causing life-threatening illness in humans - all while taking this valuable clean meat back to China. And it's perfectly legal.
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"This Day in Aviation History" brought to you by the Daedalians Airpower Blog Update. To subscribe to this weekly email, go to https://daedalians.org/airpower-blog/.
July 6, 1950
James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, Daedalian Founder Member #107, was named "Aviator of the Decade" by the Harmon Aviation Awards Committee.
July 7, 1942
A Lockheed A-29 Vega of the 369th Bombardment Squadron attacked and sank the German submarine U-701 off the coast of Cherry Point, North Carolina, the first such victory by an Army Air Forces aircraft.
July 8, 1978
The Naval Air Test and Evaluation Museum opened its doors to the public at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland; it is now known as the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
July 9, 1943
Operation Husky: The invasion of Sicily began with the first major Allied airborne assault using gliders and paratroops. Many C-47s were lost due to friendly fire incidents.
July 10, 1942
Test pilot Benjamin Odell Howard took the prototype Douglas XA-26-DE light bomber, serial number 41-19504, for its first flight at the Douglas Aircraft Company El Segundo Division. The XA-26 was a twin-engine mid-wing monoplane with retractable tricycle landing gear. Douglas had proposed the design to the U.S. Army Air Corps as a replacement for three different airplanes: The Douglas A-20, the North American Aviation B-25 Mitchell, and the Martin B-26 Marauder. It was to be operated by a pilot, navigator/bombardier and a gunner. The XA-26's maximum speed was 322 knots (370 miles per hour) at 17,000 feet and it had a service ceiling of 31,300 feet. A second prototype, designated XA-26A, was developed as a night fighter. It carried air-intercept radar in the nose and armament in a pod under the fuselage. The third prototype, the XA-26B, was a ground attack aircraft. Like the XA-26A, it had a solid nose, but was armed with a fixed 75-millimeter cannon in the nose, and forward-firing Browning .50-caliber machine guns. When ordered into production, the XA-26 became the A-26C Invader, while the ground attack design was assigned A-26B.
July 11, 1967
Martin Marietta rolled out the X-24A, a manned, flat-iron shaped wingless lifting body for reentry studies, powered by a rocket engine.
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This Day in US Military History
JULY 6
1779 – The Battle of Grenada took place during the American War of Independence in the West Indies between the British Royal Navy and the French Navy, just off the coast of Grenada. The British fleet of Admiral John Byron, the grandfather of Lord Byron, had sailed in an attempt to relieve Grenada, which the French forces of the Comte D'Estaing had just captured. Incorrectly believing he had numerical superiority, Byron ordered a general chase to attack the French as they left their anchorage at Grenada. Because of the disorganized attack and the French superiority, the British fleet was badly mauled in the encounter, although no ships were lost. Naval historian Alfred Thayer Mahan described the British loss as "the most disastrous … that the British Navy had encountered since Beachy Head, in 1690." Despite the French victory, d'Estaing did not follow up with further attacks, squandering any tactical advantage the battle gave him.
1945 – Some 600 US B-29 Superfortress bombers struck Osaka, Kofu, Chiba, Shimizu (near Tokyo), Shimotsu and Akashi, all on Honshu. Nearly 4000 tons of bombs are dropped.
1945 – Operation Overcast began in Europe–moving Austrian and German scientists and their equipment to the United States.
1964 – At Nam Dong in the northern highlands of South Vietnam, an estimated 500-man Viet Cong battalion attacks an American Special Forces outpost. During a bitter battle, Capt. Roger C. Donlon, commander of the Special Forces A-Team, rallied his troops, treated the wounded, and directed defenses although he himself was wounded several times. After five hours of fighting, the Viet Cong withdrew. The battle resulted in an estimated 40 Viet Cong killed; two Americans, 1 Australian military adviser, and 57 South Vietnamese defenders also lost their lives. At a White House ceremony in December 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Captain Donlon with the first Medal of Honor of the Vietnam War.
1976 – In Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Naval Academy admits
women for the first time in its history with the induction of 81
female midshipmen. In May
1980, Elizabeth Anne Rowe became the first woman member of the class to graduate. Four years later, Kristine Holderied became the first female midshipman to graduate at the top of her class. The U.S. Naval Academy opened in Annapolis in October 1845, with 50 midshipmen students and seven professors. Known as the Naval School until 1850, the curriculum included mathematics, navigation, gunnery, steam, chemistry, English, natural philosophy, and French. The Naval School officially became the U.S. Naval Academy in 1850, and a new curriculum went into effect requiring midshipmen to study at the Academy for four years and to train aboard ships each summer–the basic format that remains at the academy to this day.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
See the note at the end of this one on the four that were awarded yesterday
*VAN VOORHIS, BRUCE AVERY
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy. Born: 29 January 1908, Aberdeen, Wash. Appointed from: Nevada. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Squadron Commander of Bombing Squadron 102 and as Plane Commander of a PB4Y-I Patrol Bomber operating against the enemy on Japanese-held Greenwich Island during the battle of the Solomon Islands, 6 July 1943. Fully aware of the limited chance of surviving an urgent mission, voluntarily undertaken to prevent a surprise Japanese attack against our forces, Lt. Comdr. Van Voorhis took off in total darkness on a perilous 700-mile flight without escort or support. Successful in reaching his objective despite treacherous and varying winds, low visibility and difficult terrain, he fought a lone but relentless battle under fierce antiaircraft fire and overwhelming aerial opposition. Forced lower and lower by pursuing planes, he coolly persisted in his mission of destruction. Abandoning all chance of a safe return he executed 6 bold ground-level attacks to demolish the enemy's vital radio station, installations, antiaircraft guns and crews with bombs and machinegun fire, and to destroy 1 fighter plane in the air and 3 on the water. Caught in his own bomb blast, Lt. Comdr. Van Voorhis crashed into the lagoon off the beach, sacrificing himself in a single-handed fight against almost insuperable odds, to make a distinctive contribution to our continued offensive in driving the Japanese from the Solomons and, by his superb daring, courage and resoluteness of purpose, enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
DONLON, ROGER HUGH C.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army. Place and date: Near Nam Dong, Republic of Vietnam, 6 July 1964. Entered service at: Fort Chaffee, Ark. Born: 30 January 1934, Saugerties, N.Y. G.O. No.: 41, 17 December 1964. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending a U.S. military installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Capt. Donlon was serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire. Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach of the main gate. En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition team of 3 in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them. Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in reaching a 60mm mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as he was within 5 yards of the gun pit. When he discovered that most of the men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the utmost effectiveness. Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Capt. Donlon's left shoulder. Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried the abandoned 60mm mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he found 3 wounded defenders. After administering first aid and encouragement to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position, and retrieved a 57mm recoilless rifle. Then with great courage and coolness under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for the 2 weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade. Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an 81mm mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the seriously threatened east sector of the camp. He then moved to an eastern 60mm mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60mm mortar, set it up for defensive operations, and turned it over to 2 defenders with minor wounds. Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding him in the face and body. As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades, Capt. Donlon immediately reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. His dynamic leadership, fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful defense of the camp. Capt. Donlon's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
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Biden awards Medal of Honor to 4 soldiers for Vietnam War heroism
By Darlene Superville, The Associated Press Jul 5, 09:56 AM
President Joe Biden speaks during a Medal of Honor ceremony in the
East Room of the White House, Tuesday, July 5, 2022, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday bestowed the nation's highest military honor to four Army soldiers for heroism during the Vietnam War, bravery that he said had not diminished even with the passage of time.
Biden presented the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Edward N. Kaneshiro, Spc. Five Dwight W. Birdwell, Spc. Five Dennis M. Fujii, and retired Maj. John J. Duffy. Speaking at a ceremony in the White House East Room, Biden praised their heroism, noting that many like them don't receive "the full recognition they deserve."
"Today, we're setting the record straight. We're upgrading the awards of four soldiers who performed acts of incredible heroism during the Vietnam conflict," Biden said.
"It's just astounding when you hear what each of them have done," he said. "They went far above and beyond the call of duty. It's a phrase always used but ... it takes on life when you see these men."
President Joe Biden awards the Medal of Honor to Spc. Dwight Birdwell
for his actions on Jan. 31, 1968, during the Vietnam War, during a
ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, July 5, 2022,
in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Addressing the three living soldiers and relatives of Kaneshiro, who is deceased, the president said, "I'm proud to finally award our highest military recognition, the Medal of Honor, to each of you."
Biden noted that more than 50 years had passed "since the jungles of Vietnam where, as young men, these soldiers first proved their mettle. But time has not diminished their astonishing bravery, their selflessness in putting the lives of others ahead of their own and the gratitude that we as a nation owe them."
Four soldiers to receive Medals of Honor for actions in Vietnam The
men will be recognized in a White House ceremony on July 5.
By Leo Shane III
Kaneshiro, killed in action by hostile gunfire in Vietnam in 1967, received his honor posthumously for a Dec. 1, 1966 raid where his unit came under fire by North Vietnamese troops. His actions were credited with helping his unit withdraw from the village where they were fighting. Kaneshiro was born and raised in Hawaii, a son of Japanese immigrants.
President Joe Biden awards the Medal of Honor to retired Maj. John
Duffy for his actions on April 14-15 1972, during the Vietnam War,
during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, July
5, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Birdwell was honored for actions helping to head off an assault and evacuate wounded at Tan Son Nhut Airbase near Saigon on Jan. 31, 1968, despite injuries to his torso and face, during an opening salvo in what is known as the Tet Offensive, an especially bloody period of the war.
Birdwell, a member of the Cherokee Nation and a lawyer in Oklahoma City, had received a Silver Star for his actions. Biden said it took Birdwell's commanding officer decades to realize that Birdwell had not received the proper recognition and took steps, even in retirement, to "make this day possible."
"At long last, long last, your story is being honored as it should have been always," Biden told Birdwell.
President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Edward
Kaneshiro for his actions on Dec. 1, 1966, during the Vietnam War, as
his son John Kaneshiro accepts the posthumous recognition during a
ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, July 5, 2022,
in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Fujii received a Medal of Honor for actions over four days in February 1971 treating wounded and directing air strikes against enemy positions after his air ambulance was forced to crash land.
Duffy was recognized for leading troops who came under ambush after their commander was killed in action, repelling attackers and evacuating wounded, despite his own injuries. Duffy went on to become an author and once was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for poetry.
"He is the definition of a warrior poet," Biden said.
The list of Duffy's awards is most impressive. I will try to find it again. Four tours in Vietnam. 19 major awards and 8 purple hearts. There were so many awards on his chest that he may have affected any wet compass near him.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for July 6, 2020 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF
HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE
AGENCY
6 July
1908: The Signal Corps appointed the Aeronautical Board to conduct
tests on dirigibles, balloons, and airplanes being built under
contract. (12) (24)
1915: Capt V. E. Clark, the first air officer to graduate from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Doctor of Engineering,
reported to North Island. (24)
1924: Maj Henry H. Arnold set a new speed record by flying 500 miles between Rockwell Field and San Francisco in 4 hours 25 minutes.
1945: The North American XP-82 Twin Mustang first flew. (12)
1950: KOREAN WAR/FIRST STRATEGIC ATTACK. Nine B-29s conducted the
first strategic air attacks of the Korean War by bombing the Rising
Sun oil refinery at Wonsan and a chemical plant at Hungman in North
Korea. (21) (28) The Harmon International Aviation Awards Committee
named James H. Doolittle the Aviator of the Decade, Jacqueline Cochran
the Outstanding Aviatrix, and Vice Admiral Charles E. Rosendahl the
top aeronaut (lighter-than-air). (16) (24)
1951: KOREAN WAR. A 43 AREFS aircrew flew a KB-29M in the first combat
air refueling operation. It refueled four RF-80s flying reconnaissance
missions over North Korea. (1) (26) (28)
1953: Operation KINDERLIFT. USAFE began an airlift of children from
Berlin to West Germany for a summer vacation in German and American
homes. (4)
1954: The Lockheed XF-104 made its first flight. 1961: An Atlas-E,
launched from Cape Canaveral, set a US record by flying 9,050 miles
and dropping a 1.5-ton payload on target, 1,000 miles southeast of
Capetown, South Africa. (24)
1967: The Chaparral monorail sled set a record, when it reached
6,834.2 feet per second (4,750 MPH). The two-stage sled was 21 feet
long, 12 inches high, and weighed about 780 pounds. An Atlas D booster
successfully launched an Advanced Ballistic Reentry Vehicle System
(ABRES) vehicle from Vandenberg AFB. (16)
1982: A MAC C-130 left Rhein-Main AB for Kano, Nigeria, with two
crews, maintenance personnel, an airlift control element, parts,
rations, satellite communications, and water. After setting up an
operating base, the aircraft flew to N'Djamena, Chad, where the crews
began alternating flights to Abe'che' and Faya-Largeau. In a week, the
C-130 carried 113 tons of food supplies to Chadian civil war refugees.
(2)
1989: Under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, the US destroyed
its last MGM-31 Pershing 1A missile, the 169th, at the Longhorn Army
Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Tex. (20) President George Bush presented
the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award
to Gen James H. Doolittle (retired) at the White House. (26)
2005: The 305 AMW at McGuire AFB received the 13th and last C-17 (tail
number 04-4137), when Lt Gen Walter Buchanan III, the Ninth Air Force
and US Central Command Air Forces commander at Shaw AFB delivered the
C-17 from the Boeing in Long Beach, Calif. The first C-17 had been
delivered to the 305th on 24 September 2004. (22)
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There is a lot going on out there in thr world
Thanks to Brett
Stratfor snippets - France, Saudi Arabia/Russia, China, Senegal, U.S./Israel., Kenya, South
France: Riots Show Early Signs of Easing, but Issues Remain Unaddressed
What Happened: French police said the number of arrests connected to nationwide protests over a June 27 police killing had fallen to 157 on the night of July 2, down from 719 the night before, France24 reported on July 3. French mayors also called for people to gather at town halls across the country to express their opposition to violence.
Why It Matters: Street unrest seems to be easing in France after almost a week of riots and looting. Still, the structural issues behind the ongoing violence (which include racism and inequality in France) remain unaddressed, which means similar events will likely occur in the future. These grievances, combined with discontent over the government's recent pension reform and broader economic strife, will open the door to anti-establishment political groups in the future.
Background: On the morning of June 27, a police officer shot and killed a 17-year-old French-Algerian delivery driver during a traffic stop in the western Parisian suburb of Nanterre. Since then, France has experienced nationwide violent protests, causing the government to deploy around 45,000 police officers across the country.
Saudi Arabia, Russia: Efforts to Prop Up Oil Prices Still Face Headwinds
What Happened: Saudi Arabia will extend its voluntary oil production cut of 1 million barrels per day through the end of August, the Saudi Press Agency reported on July 3. After this announcement, Russian energy minister Alexander Novak said Russia would reduce oil exports by 500,000 barrels per day and cut oil production by another 500,000 barrels per day.
Why It Matters: Oil prices increased moderately following the news but appear to remain entrenched well below the $80 per barrel mark that Saudi Arabia would like to be a price floor. Meanwhile, Russia's production cuts may not actually result in lower export levels, as happened earlier in 2023.
Background: Major oil benchmarks Brent and WTI are trading at around $76 and $71 per barrel, respectively, as of early July 3. Saudi Arabia's production cuts have recently struggled to push oil prices higher due to rising production in places like Guyana and lower oil demand caused by the global economic slowdown.
China: Export Controls Hit Back at Western Restrictions
What Happened: Chinese exports of industrial products and materials containing germanium and gallium will require a license starting on Aug. 1, according to a July 2 announcement from China's Ministry of Commerce.
Why It Matters: With the restrictions, China is trying to disrupt Western production of semiconductors and dual-use technologies in retaliation for Western restrictions on China's own semiconductor sector. These actions further demonstrate that China is willing to engage in direct retaliation against U.S. semiconductor restrictions, something it had largely avoided prior to 2023. However, it remains unclear the extent to which China will enforce the ban and whether or not it has the administrative ability to detect and stop export control circumvention.
Background: China is the leading producer of both germanium and gallium and, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, produced about 67% and 86% of the two elements' global supplies, respectively, in 2022. Gallium and germanium are commonly used in the semiconductor industry, such as for gallium nitride semiconductors that are becoming increasingly attractive as an alternative to silicon semiconductors in the electrical vehicle and 5G industries. Gallium arsenide is also commonly used in solar panels.
Senegal: Opposition Leader Calls for Protests Ahead of President's National Address
What Happened: Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko called on the Senegalese people to rise up against the government in advance of President Macky Sall's national address, Africanews reported on July 3. Sall is expected to announce whether he will run for a third term, which the opposition says would be unconstitutional given a 2016 constitutional amendment limiting presidential tenure to two five-year terms.
Why It Matters: Sall's announcement will likely determine the severity of protests in response to Sonko's call for mobilization, as thousands of opposition supporters would likely turn out to protest Sall's participation in the upcoming election. Demonstrations could quickly escalate into violent unrest, as previous rounds of opposition-led protests resulted in clashes with security forces and tens of casualties.
Background: Clashes between opposition supporters and security forces killed 16 people in June 2023.
Kenya: High Court Suspends Finance Bill
What Happened: Kenya's high court suspended the implementation of President William Ruto's finance bill after opposition members challenged the constitutionality of tax increases, Reuters reported on June 30.
Why It Matters: The bill is part of Ruto's attempt to appease the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which are pressuring Kenya to implement fiscal consolidation and revenue-raising measures. As Ruto continues to push for these tax increases, opposition unrest will remain possible in the coming months.
Background: The current version of the finance bill — which the National Assembly passed in late June — would double Kenya's fuel tax from 8% to 16%, introduce new taxes on online content producers, and institute a mandatory 1.5% tax on all employees to fund the national housing program.
South Korea, Japan: Fisheries Boycott Displays Upper Limit to Bilateral Thaw
What Happened: South Korea will extend its ban on seafood imports from Japan's Fukushima region "until people's concerns are laid to rest" if Japan decides to release wastewater from the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant meltdown into the ocean as expected, Yonhap News Agency reported July 3 quoting the ruling People Power Party (PPP) floor leader, Rep. Yun Jae-ok. "No matter whether it takes 10, 20, 30, 50 or even 100 years, the duration is not important," he added.
Why it Matters: The boycott will likely persist regardless of Japanese and international regulators' findings, demonstrating an upper limit to the recent rapprochement between South Korea and Japan, particularly notable in that this rejection is coming from President Yoon Suk-yeol's pro-Japan ruling party. The PPP cannot ignore polling indicating 84% of South Koreans oppose the discharge. Amid the Yoon government's push to thaw relations with Japan, negative sentiment among the population will be the primary constraint on the overall success trajectory of rapprochement and will likely cause future bilateral speedbumps.
Background: The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) final report on the matter is expected to be issued in Japan's favor on July 4. Japan has applied the so-called advanced liquid-processing system to treat the water and remove radioactive content to below the IAEA's 2022 regulatory limit, rendering it safe for the environment (according to Japan). China and the Pacific Islands Forum are also opposed to the discharge.
Tunisia: Protests Over Shortages and Immigration Will Continue Throughout Summer
What Happened: Over the weekend of July 1-2, Tunisia's town of Redeyef in Gafsa governorate experienced small protests over shortages of bread and water, and the city of Sfax experienced clashes between sub-Saharan migrants and Tunisian residents, Tunisie Numerique reported on July 3.
Why It Matters: Driven by increasing economic strain evidenced by worsening food and water shortages and social stress between migrants and Tunisian residents, Tunisian cities will likely experience occasional protests throughout the summer. Protests are likely to happen in more rural, poverty-stricken areas first, but they could spread to Tunis, where they would likely have a stronger political impact.
Background: Staple foods in Tunisia are increasingly expensive, and bread shortages are being reported sporadically across the country. Meanwhile, Tunisian authorities are mulling tightening border restrictions to satisfy EU demands for stronger controls on illegal migration in exchange for some financial aid.
Hong Kong: Warrants Signal Growing Alignment With China's Anti-Sanctions Push
What Happened: Hong Kong's national security police issued arrest warrants with bounties of HK$1 million ($128,000) for each of eight overseas Hong Kongers, including some residing in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, Reuters reported on July 3. Officer Steve Li told reporters the warrants were issued because their subjects encouraged sanctions intended to "destroy Hong Kong."
Why It Matters: The warrants indicate that Hong Kong is increasingly aligning with Beijing's national security and anti-sanctions policies, which will make the business community wary of growing compliance and reputational risks. The warrants will also raise the low risk of U.S. sanctions against Hong Kong, which would further worsen the business environment.
Background: Officer Li justified the National Security Law's extraterritoriality by citing Articles 37 and 38 of the law. U.S.-based Georgetown University senior fellow and barrister Kevin Yam, one of the eight Hong Kongers targeted, claimed China's goal in issuing the Hong Kong warrants was to display the National Security Law's extraterritoriality.
Senegal: President Sall Will Not Stand for Reelection in 2024
What Happened: Senegalese President Macky Sall announced that he will not stand for reelection in 2024, Reuters reported July 3.
Why It Matters: Sall's announcement significantly de-escalates tensions ahead of the February general elections but also throws open a contentious presidential race amid continued allegations of abuse of power. The opposition coalition — led by Ousmane Sonko, who remains under house arrest after receiving a two-year prison sentence for 'corruption of youth,' charges Sonko claims are politically motivated — continues to allege that the ruling party abuses the justice system to prevent its members from participating in elections. This will likely continue to fuel some unrest ahead of the election, although Sall's announcement significantly mitigates the risk of escalating violence.
Background: Senegal's Parliament is set to pass two bills this week that would allow two other opposition leaders — Karim Wade and Khalifa Sall —, who the judiciary struck from voter rolls in 2019, to run in the February election.
Egypt, Turkey: Governments Reappoint Ambassadors, Improving Political and Economic Ties
What Happened: Turkey and Egypt reappointed ambassadors to one another for the first time in 10 years, and both sides hailed the move as a major step in the normalization of their relationship, AP reported on July 4.
Why It Matters: Improved diplomatic relations will likely help Turkey and Egypt resolve their maritime disputes, improve bilateral trade and increase investment in one another. However, a future resurgence of political Islam in Egypt, resumed fighting in Libya or new energy discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean could rejuvenate old conflicts that break down this recent rapprochement.
Background: Turkey and Egypt broke off relations after current Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ousted former President Mohammed Morsi, who was part of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and backed by Turkey, in a 2013 military coup. The two also backed rival factions in neighboring Libya, with Turkey intervening to support the internationally-recognized Government of National Unity and Egypt sending support to the Government of National Stability.
South Sudan: President Kiir Pledges to Hold Elections in 2024
What Happened: South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit promised that the country will hold delayed elections in December 2024 and that he will run for reelection, Voice of America reported July 4.
Why It Matters: While multilateral institutions and Western powers have for years pressured South Sudan's transitional government to proceed with elections preparation, the prospect of 2024 elections could spark renewed conflict between President Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, particularly as the war in Sudan sustains risks of spillover violence.
Background: A transitional period after South Sudan's war was supposed to conclude with elections in February 2023. However, the government has not yet taken the necessary steps — including drafting a constitution — for elections to be held.
Libya: Eastern Military Commander Threatens Armed Force in Oil Revenue Distribution Spat
What Happened: Libyan Arab Armed Forces commander Khalifa Hifter threatened on July 3 to take military action if the Tripoli-based and internationally recognized Government of National Unity does not agree to establish a new oil revenue-sharing mechanism with the rival Government of National Stability by the end of August, Argus Media reported the next day. Hifter is demanding the creation of a committee that would, at least in his view, fairly distribute oil revenue across the country.
Why It Matters: Hifter's threat suggests that there is a high likelihood that Libya's oil industry — which currently produces about 1.2 million barrels per day and exports about 1 million barrels per day — could face a new blockade within the next two months. While Hifter's armed forces are largely confined to eastern Libya (home to much of Libya's oil production), he has also coordinated action with friendly groups in western Libya, so the impact of any military action could be widespread.
Background: The prime minister of the Government of National Stability threatened to cut off oil exports in late June over revenue-related issues and corruption allegations.
Kenya: Opposition Leader Odinga Calls for Protests on July 7
What Happened: Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga called for indefinite nationwide demonstrations on July 7 to protest President William Ruto's "Finance Bill 2023," Standard Media reported July 4.
Why It Matters: Disapproval of Ruto's tax increases will likely increase support for the opposition Azimio coalition and its planned demonstrations, laying the groundwork for potentially violent unrest throughout the country this coming weekend.
Background: Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah challenged the Finance Bill 2023 at the high court last week, which resulted in a temporary suspension of the bill's implementation. Regardless of political affiliation, most Kenyans oppose the tax increases included in the Finance Bill 2023, as many people are already struggling with inflated prices and low wages.
Global: Net-Zero Insurance Alliance Alters Rules After Wave of Defections
What Happened: The U.N.-backed Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (NZIA) is planning to loosen requirements for remaining members after a wave of global insurers withdraw from the alliance over various concerns, such as anti-trust threats in the United States, Reuters reported on July 3. The NZIA is planning on scrapping a requirement for members to publish greenhouse gas emission reduction targets within six months.
Why It Matters: By reforming its rules, the NZIA hopes to open the door to new entrants, but legal concerns from insurers (and, to a lesser extent, other financial institutions) will likely deter more organizations from joining wide-ranging alliances like the NZIA. Even so, many of the NZIA's former members remain publicly committed to reducing emissions and transitioning to net zero.
Background: The NZIA lost more than half of its 30 members after 23 Republican U.S. state attorney generals outlined concerns about the bloc in May, specifically how requirements to publish and meet greenhouse gas targets may violate U.S. antitrust laws.
Iran: Naval Forces Attempt to Seize Two Oil Tankers Near Strait of Hormuz
What Happened: Iranian maritime forces tried to seize two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz early on July 3, AP reported on July 5. In both cases, the U.S. Navy said it responded to distress calls, Iranian forces backed off once U.S. vessels arrived, and both commercial tankers continued their voyage.
Why It Matters: There appear to be no immediate triggers for the incidents, but they demonstrate that Iranian naval forces remain a threat to commercial vessels — particularly oil tankers and Israeli-linked vessels — traversing the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, despite revived U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Iran will likely also continue to use other asymmetric threats such as cyberattacks while talks are ongoing.
Background: Iran seized two tankers earlier in 2023 in what appears to have been retaliation for the U.S. seizure of a tanker carrying Iranian crude.
China, U.S.: Washington May Expand Tech Restrictions to Cloud Computing Industry
What Happened: The U.S. Biden administration is considering requiring U.S. cloud computing service providers to seek U.S. government approval before providing any cloud computing services to Chinese companies that use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, The Wall Street Journal reported on July 4.
Why It Matters: The new rule would expand U.S. restrictions on China's technology industry into the cloud computing sector. By limiting China's cloud access to the same chips that are already under export controls, Washington would close loopholes in current restrictions that are designed to cut off China's access to AI-training technology.
Background: U.S. providers that would be affected by the new rule include Amazon's Amazon Web Services and Microsoft's Azure. In June, The New York Times reported that the United States was also exploring possible restrictions on Chinese cloud computing providers, which would open yet another front in the U.S.-China tech war.
Thailand: House Speaker Selection May Smooth Ascension of Move Forward-Led Government
What Happened: Thailand's House of Representatives elected veteran politician Wan Muhamad Noor Matha of the tiny Prachachat Party, a coalition partner of the Move Forward Party (MFP), as its speaker, Channel News Asia reported on July 4. On July 2, the Bangkok police said it would use special detention centers, protest dispersal operations and potential mass arrests to counter expected upheavals ahead of the July 13 prime ministerial vote.
Why It Matters: As House speaker, Wan will be able to set the body's agenda, as well as influence what, when and whether votes are held. This power, combined with Wan's well known advocacy for democratic reform, makes him an asset to the MFP, whose influential coalition may lead Thailand's next government. Additionally, the fact that Wan is not from the MFP could convince a handful of senators to support the MFP's candidate for prime minister, Pita Limjaroenrat. However, Limjaroenrat is still facing political and legal challenges to his ascendency. If he is disqualified, Thailand would likely experience renewed social unrest, for which the authorities are making thorough contingencies.
Background: Wan's appointment is a compromise between the MFP and the Pheu Thai Party, both of which sought the speakership but elected to elevate Wan when they could not resolve the impasse.
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