Some good advice...

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January 10, 2011

A weekly stimulant for those who lead - From Dan
Mulhern

Daniel Granholm Mulhern
mulhern@danmulhern.com
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Friends,

You know "tautologies," right, expressions that use different words to
define or describe the same thing? My favorite one is from the great
Kouzes and Posner who write, "leaders go first." I mean, a leader
literally leads, right, like the car or horse "in the lead." But gosh
there's a lot to that simple statement.

I was reminded of it, reading Brian Dickerson's column
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32&ud=a8b933b96fccf817adb0798e8fc1bb48&url=http://www.freep.com/article/
20110102/COL04/101020455/1322/In-Facebook-era-we-all-have-the-chance-to-
be-leaders> in the Free Press last week. Dickerson was talking about
how the comedian-satirist Jon Stewart says he's most optimistic about
America when, during a lane closure, he sees drivers merge cars like
teeth on a zipper - left, right, left, right, they take turns, blending
efficiently and willingly. Dickerson points out, this generally happens
only after someone sets the right example with a kindly "go ahead" wave.
"Compassion," he suggests "is contagious." In his column he calls on the
bloggers, who tend to dwell in one ugly soup, to lead with civility - a
message echoed over and over on Sunday after the hideous shooting in
Arizona. Leaders - everyday leaders, he's talking about - go first.

This combined phenomenon - our individual hesitance to lead, yet the
power for good of everyday leadership - is one I've noticed often. I saw
it daily, teaching high school and college, leading meetings, and now as
a talk show host. It's always the most challenging to get the first set
of vocal chords and willing mouth to open up. The experience is so vast
that I've wondered if it's some deep ancient instinct that says: "Do NOT
step out from the crowd." Some primeval fear seems to remain in us. Yet
once someone gets in the game, the social cost of entry seems to plummet
(as if unconsciously everyone says to themselves, "huh! she didn't get
killed; maybe it's okay to play."). And of course, the "play" - the
classroom, the meeting, gets so much better as a result.

On the radio, I'll say "I'd love to hear your thoughts," and, speaking
to the collective unconscious fear, I'll add, "you can be anonymous, or
make up a name, or feel free to just say your opinion or question, then
hang up." Yet those invisible listeners are on the sidelines, arms
folded, as if I'm asking them to dance naked at the junior high sock
hop. I can go a half hour without a call. Then I get one, and as they
say "the phone lines are lighting up."

The implications of this duality of fear-and-possibility are unending,
aren't they? For authorized leaders, the point is clear: you must make
it as safe as you can for peer contributions, and make sure to thank the
first speaker. For parents, teachers, managers, pastors, there's a need
for patience, for some cleverness, and certainly for encouragement.

The biggest implication though is for each of us as everyday leaders to
see that behind our fear stands great possibility. The first one in can
be the a-hole who forces his way ahead in the traffic jam, the talk show
caller who loves to whine, the worker who says the bs they think the
boss wants to hear, or . . . You can praise when the culture is
decrying. You can point out troublesome facts when the rest of the team
is in denial. You can laugh at yourself when everyone's being a little
too self-serious. Or, you can just offer a humble opinion to get the bus
rolling (it's a lot easier to steer a moving bus.

A mentally ill man stepped out of the shadows and shot 17 people. Gave
me goosebumps when to see it on CNN. Made me feel powerless at the utter
randomness. But you, like I, will have 25 or 30 chances today to lead
with goodness - to reveal all that's best in people as

Leaders go first!

Dan

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Adios...

The Navy is merciless when it comes to relieving leadership of command.
This stems from the tradition that the captain always goes down with his
ship. Even in events where circumstances did not warrant immediate
action, a skipper's neck is always on the line. I have had the sad
experience of witnessing at least two skippers relieved for cause of
major combatant vessels. This is not done lightly and typically spells
the end of a career for any Naval officer. COs of aircraft carriers are
typically being groomed for flag rank (admiral) and as a consequence are
extremely well screened and evaluated.

The actions of CAPT Honors clearly violate the expectations for behavior
of a Naval officer. It is one thing to appear in crew skits - but the
ramifications of questionable materials and context must ALWAYS be
considered. A Navy O-6 is expensive to train and prepare for command -
a carrier qualified captain even more so.

However, there is a far higher standard for military officers to uphold.

Navy Relieves Enterprise Captain for 'Poor Judgment'
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=62320>
Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:12:00 -0600

Navy Relieves Enterprise Captain for 'Poor Judgment'

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2011 - A Navy captain whose shipboard videos have
made headlines since they surfaced in the media over the weekend has
been relieved of his command for demonstrating poor judgment, a senior
Navy officer announced today.

Capt. Owen Honors made the videos while serving as executive officer
aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in 2006 and 2007, and he had
served as commander of the Enterprise for about seven months when he was
relieved.

"The responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is
absolute," U.S. Fleet Forces commander Navy Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. said
today in Norfolk, Va. "While Captain Honors' performance as commanding
officer of USS Enterprise has been without incident, his profound lack
of good judgment and professionalism while previously serving as
executive officer on Enterprise calls into question his character and
completely undermines his credibility to continue to serve effectively
in command."

Honors' video skits garnered global attention after the Virginian-Pilot
newspaper published three of them and an accompanying story on its
website Jan. 2. The videos include anti-gay slurs and depict male
sailors in drag and female sailors showering together in a single stall.

The Enterprise crew viewed some of the videos on the ship's
closed-circuit television system while the vessel was deployed in 2006
and 2007 supporting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the
newspaper's reports.

"It is fact that as naval officers we are held to a higher standard,"
Harvey said. "Those in command must exemplify the Navy's core values of
honor, courage and commitment, which we expect our sailors to follow.
Our leaders must be above reproach, and our sailors deserve nothing
less."

Honors has been reassigned to administrative duties at Naval Air Force
Atlantic.

Navy Capt. Dee Mewbourne will take command of USS Enterprise, Harvey
said. The ship is scheduled to deploy in the coming weeks. Mewbourne
commanded the carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during two combat
deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Harvey said.
Mewbourne had been serving as chief of staff for Navy Cyber Forces, and
was to assume command of the Enterprise this afternoon.

Harvey said an investigation will continue on all aspects of the videos'
production, including the actions of other senior officers who knew of
the videos and the actions they took in response.

Biographies:
Navy Adm. John C. Harvey Jr.
<http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=138>

Related Sites:
USS Enterprise <http://www.enterprise.navy.mil/>

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Misguided and Ill Informed Saxby Chambliss does not speak for me...

Below is the response from Sen Saxby Chambliss, who represents me by his
role as Senator, but not in his misguided, and incorrect opinion on DADT.

____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________

Thank you for contacting me regarding the United States Military's Don't Ask
Don't Tell (DADT) policy. It is good to hear from you.

In 1993, the U.S. Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed into law
the current Don't Ask Don't Tell policy (P.L. #103-160). The current policy
authorizes the discharge of any service member who acknowledges his or her
homosexuality by word or deed.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has held many hearings concerning Don't
Ask Don't Tell. As I stated at those hearings, I am not in favor of
repealing the current policy. I believe that military life is fundamentally
different from civilian life. Military leaders and military law acknowledge
the need to restrict certain behaviors. For this reason, military personnel
are restricted from and punished for certain forms of self-expression that
are permitted in civilian life. This includes restrictions on speech,
appearance, and behavior that do not exist outside the military. Military
leaders acknowledge that these restrictions are necessary to safeguard
morale, good order and discipline and unit cohesion.

I believe that allowing openly gay individuals to serve in the military,
along with the necessary accommodations that would need to take place, may
adversely affect military performance and readiness, particularly at a time
when our military is under great stress and engaged in two major operations
in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Recently, the Department of Defense conducted an extensive review of the
current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The intent of the review was to
evaluate the Armed Forces' readiness to transition to a new policy of open
homosexual service and prepare for the accompanying changes it could bring
about with regards to housing and benefits, regulations, fraternization
rules, training, and individual conduct. As a member of the Senate Armed
Services Committee, I thoroughly reviewed this study upon its release.

The study found that a majority of service-members who responded to the
survey believe that repealing the policy would not have an overall negative
effect on their unit's ability to complete its mission. However, the number
believing the effects of repeal would be negative is significantly higher in
war-fighting units and in the Marine Corps particularly. After reviewing
the study, I still remain concerned with repealing this policy, given that
war fighting units expressed significant concern with the repeal and that we
remain a nation engaged in two major combat operations which continue to
greatly stress the force.

Following the release of the study, the Senate Armed Services Committee held
two additional hearings to receive testimony from the Secretary of Defense,
Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the co-chairs of the study. During the hearings,
three of the Service Chiefs stated that they oppose repeal of the "Don't
Ask, Don't Tell" policy at this time. The views of these three Service
Chiefs confirm my own concerns that repealing this policy could have a
detrimental effect on our military's ability to carry out the missions our
Nation asks of them. For this reason as well as the reasons above, I
continue to oppose repeal of the policy at this time.

Infamy...

It is the memorial date of the attack by the Empire of Japan on the
United States of America's ground and naval forces in the Hawaiian
islands. On this date, in a cunning move, the Imperial Japanese Navy
sought to strike a crippling blow to the US carrier forces.
Unfortunately for the IJN, their attack only served to galvanize
American forces and miss the carriers, which were operating at sea
during the attack. At that time in history, the Japanese were a
homogeneous, xenophobic culture with deep mistrust of foreigners. Their
barbaric actions against neighbors in the region linger on in the
memories of Koreans, Australians, Phillipinos and Chinese alike - far
more deeply than the military assault on the United States.

We may draw some comparisons with the Japanese Empire and the current
enemy which may be classified as Radical Islamist Zealots, (RIZ). Both
Imperial Japan and radical Islam have a deep distrust of outsiders.
They also operate under a hierarchical structure, with a small group of
individuals defining doctrine and policy. Unlike Japan, radical Islam
does not have the aspect of a nation state, although the restoration of
the Caliphate is a significant objective in all of the "organized"
groups. This domain of Sharia and Islamist rule echoes the designs of
Imperial Japan to dominate the Pacific rim.

Ultimately the war with Japan was won when the allied powers,
specifically the United States, revealed the folly of the leadership of
that nation and demonstrated our own will to conclude the conflict on
our terms. The outcome ushered in the atomic age but also heralded a
deep friendship and alliance with our former enemy - which still
respects the vast cultural differences between the East and West.
Although I doubt that there will be a seminal event which undoes the
loosely connected leadership of the RIZ organizations, there is clearly
a willingness to connect with the wider population of "daily Muslims"
who simply would like to practice their faith, raise their families and
have a seat at the world table as an equal.

I sincerely hope we can begin to see the foundation which can be built
upon through the ashes of the start of this current conflict.

Done deal...

At last, we can put this ridiculous phase of our military history behind
us. Now let us hope the Senate acts with all possible haste. Write to
your Senator today!

Gates, Mullen Endorse Working Group's Report
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61895>
Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:26:00 -0600

Gates, Mullen Endorse Working Group's Report

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today
urged the Senate to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law
this year.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-11/scr_101130-N-
0696M-048a.jpg>
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conduct a press briefing at the Pentagon
discussing the public release of the "Dont Ask, Dont Tell" Comprehensive
Working Group report, Nov. 30, 2010. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty
Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-11/hrs_101130-N-
0696M-048a.jpg> available.
Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
spoke at a Pentagon news conference unveiling the recommendations of the
working group tasked with looking at the issues associated with
implementing a repeal of the law that bans gays from serving openly in
the military.

Gates said any change causes short-term disruptions, but that the
military can handle longer-term impacts. He added that he's recommending
repeal of the law after fully studying the potential impact on military
readiness, including the impact on unit cohesion, recruiting and
retention, and other issues critical to the performance of the force.

"In my view, getting this category right is the most important thing we
must do," the secretary said. "The U.S. armed forces are in the middle
of two major military overseas campaigns - a complex and difficult
drawdown in Iraq, a war in Afghanistan - both of which are putting
extraordinary stress on those serving on the ground and their families.
It is the well-being of these brave young Americans, those doing the
fighting and the dying since 9/11, that has guided every decision I have
made in the Pentagon since taking this post nearly four years ago. It
will be no different on this issue.

"I am determined to see that if the law is repealed," he continued, "the
changes are implemented in such a way as to minimize any negative impact
on the morale, cohesion and effectiveness of combat units that are
deployed, or about to deploy to the front lines."

Gates acknowledged concerns from troops in combat units raised in a
survey on the potential impact changing the law, but added that he
believes they can be overcome if a repeal is handled properly.

"In my view, the concerns of combat troops as expressed in the survey do
not present an insurmountable barrier to successful repeal of 'Don't
Ask, Don't Tell,'" the secretary said. "This can be done and should be
done without posing a serious risk to military readiness. However, these
findings do lead me to conclude that an abundance of care and
preparation is required if we are to avoid a disruptive and potentially
dangerous impact on the performance of those serving at the tip of the
spear in America's wars."

The working group, co-chaired by Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of
U.S. Army Europe, and Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson,
took nearly 10 months to research and analyze data in drawing its
conclusions. The mission was to determine how best to prepare for such a
change should the Congress change the law.

Gates said he wanted the group to engage servicemembers and their
families on the issue - not to give servicemembers a vote, but to get an
idea how best to implement the changes.

"I believe that we had to learn the attitudes, obstacles and concerns
that would need to be addressed should the law be changed," he said. "We
could do this only by reaching out and listening to our men and women in
uniform and their families.

The survey results found more than two-thirds of the force do not object
to gays and lesbians serving openly in uniform, Gates said. "The
findings suggest that for large segments of the military, repeal of
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' though potentially disruptive in the short
term, would not be the wrenching, traumatic change that many have feared
and predicted," the secretary said.

But the data also show that servicemembers in combat arms specialties -
mostly in the Army and Marine Corps, but also in the special operations
from the Navy and Air Force - have a higher level of discomfort and
resistance to changing the current policy, Gates said.

"Those findings and the potential implications for America's fighting
forces remain a source of concern to the service chiefs and to me," he
said.

The working group also examined thoroughly all the potential changes to
the department's regulations and policies dealing with matters such as
benefits, housing, relationships within the ranks, separations and
discharges. The report says that the majority of concerns often raised
in association with the repeal - dealing with sexual conduct,
fraternization, billeting arrangements, marital or survivor benefits -
could be governed by existing laws and regulations.

"Existing policies can and should be applied equally to homosexuals as
well as heterosexuals," Gates said. "While a repeal would require some
changes to regulations, the key to success, as with most things
military, is training, education, and, above all, strong and principled
leadership up and down the chain of command."

The secretary called on the Senate to pass legislation the House of
Representatives passed earlier this year, which calls for the president,
defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify
that the military can handle repeal without a lessening of combat
effectiveness before a repeal takes effect.

"What is needed is a process that allows for a well-prepared and
well-considered implementation - above all, a process that carries the
imprimatur of the elected representatives of the people of the United
States," he said. "Given the present circumstances, those that choose
not to act legislatively are rolling the dice that this policy will not
be abruptly overturned by the courts."

The working group's plan, with a strong emphasis on education, training
and leader development, provides a solid road map for a successful full
implementation of repeal, assuming that the military is given sufficient
time and preparation to get the job done right, the secretary said.

"The working group surveyed our troops and their spouses, consulted
proponents and opponents of repeal and examined military experience
around the world," Mullen said. "They also spoke with serving gays and
lesbians."

The chairman called the working group's recommendations "solid,
defensible conclusions."

Mullen said he was gratified that the working group focused their
findings and recommendations "rightly on those who would be most
affected by a change in the law: our people."

The chairman recommended repeal of the law during testimony before
Congress in February, and he called for research into how best to do
this. "For the first time, the [service] chiefs and I have more than
just anecdotal evidence and hearsay to inform the advice we give our
civilian leaders," he said today.

Mullen said strong military leadership will be key in implementing any
repeal of the law throughout the ranks.

"We all have our opinions, and those opinions matter. This is without
question a complex social and cultural issue," Mullen said. "But at the
end of the day, whatever the decision of our elected leaders may be, we
in uniform have an obligation to follow orders.

"When those orders involve significant change such as this would," he
continued, "we need to find ways to lead the way forward. Our troops and
their families expect that from us, and I think the American people do
as well."

The admiral added that today's troops expect the force to maintain high
standards of conduct and professionalism throughout the process.

"No special cases, no special treatment, if we're going to continue to
comport ourselves with honor and hold ourselves accountable across the
board to impeccably high standards, repeal or no repeal," he said.

Mullen added that the implementation of a repeal of the law would not be
without its challenges, and that he supports the process taking place
through the Congress instead of the court system.

"We can best address those challenges by having it within our power and
our prerogative to manage the implementation process ourselves," he
said.

Biographies:
Robert M. Gates
<http://www.defenselink.mil/bios/biographydetail.aspx?biographyid=115>
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen <http://www.jcs.mil/biography.aspx?ID=9>

Related Sites:
Special Report: Don's Ask, Don't Tell
<http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_gatesdadt/>

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Not good...

Pentagon Monitors Korean Situation With Concern
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61817>
Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:41:00 -0600

Pentagon Monitors Korean Situation With Concern

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 - The Defense Department affirmed its alliance
with South Korea and is closely monitoring the situation on the Korean
peninsula in the wake of today's North Korean artillery attack on South
Korea.

"We will honor our alliance obligations to the South, and ... we are
determined to promote peace and security on the peninsula," Pentagon
Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today in an interview on MSNBC.

The attack on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong is reported to have
killed two and injured at least 15.

Secretary of Defense Gates Robert M. Gates is monitoring the situation
closely and will be in contact with his South Korean counterpart this
morning, Morrell said.

"We take this very seriously, just as we took the sinking of the Cheonan
earlier this year very seriously, [in which] the North murdered some 40
South Korean sailors," Morrell said.

Morrell said Gates responded to a reporter's question yesterday about
North Korea by saying, "To any question beginning with 'Why?' with
regards to North Korea, my answer is the same: I don't know."

North Korea's government is extremely unpredictable, and "they do things
you could not possibly have predicted in a rational world," Morrell
said.

Morrell said U.S. sanctions in place against North Korea have been
strengthened since the March sinking of the Cheonan.

"It's hard to pile more sanctions upon the North than are already
there," he said, "and yet it seems they are not foolproof. But we've
always known they aren't foolproof."

North Korea's government "is determined to bypass the sanctions [and] to
not abide by its international obligations," the press secretary said.

North Korea's irresponsible behavior also is "demonstrated by the fact
that it's trying to be a proliferator of weapons, that it's dealing with
countries that are also under sanctions ... unfortunately, this is not
out of keeping with their belligerent and unpredictable behavior,"
Morrell said.

The Defense Department views North Korea's actions "with concern,"
Pentagon spokesman Col. David Lapan told reporters today.

The North Koreans "certainly increase tensions on the peninsula," Lapan
said, "and so any type of military incidents between North and the
Republic of Korea are viewed with concern, because of contributing to
instability in the region, and especially on the Korean peninsula."

Meanwhile, he said, the U.S. government is monitoring the situation and
conferring with allies.

"At this point it's premature to say that we're considering any
[military] action," Lapan said.

The White House issued a statement earlier today strongly condemning the
attack and calling on North Korea to halt its belligerent action and to
fully abide by the terms of the Armistice Agreement.

Related Articles:
White House Condemns North Korean Attack
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61812>

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Kim Jong Illin'...

After sinking a South Korean warship, the DPRK (Democratic Peoples
Republic of Korea) aka North Korea, has begun shelling a South Korean
Island. This is in retaliation for "war games" staged by the US and
South Korea. The same games which have been staged for many, many
years. The only difference is that North Korea has nuclear weapons
which it has threatened to use on the South. A nuclear strike by the
North would invite massive retaliation by the South and the United
States. It may even drag China into a conflict it neither wants nor can
afford. This hotbed of friction is one of the many leverage points
remaining in the world from the failure of post World War II diplomacy.
The collective intransigence of the east and west left the world
savagely divided and we are only now beginning to untangle this
post-Cold War mess.

In Germany the reconciliation has been remarkably successful and
peaceful. In the Mideast, less so. It is on the Korean peninsula where
the real danger to the globe slumbers. Until China takes a firm hand in
controlling their defective southern cousin, we will be faced with
continual brinksmanship and chaos. I think the remainder of the world
would actually welcome a Chinese invasion and occupation of North Korea.
I am sure the people of that impoverished land would also be better off
under Chinese control.

As shocked as I am to even suggest that China act militarily against its
neighbor, we have seen the positive effects in Cambodia of Vietnam's
invasion. Although bloody, it ended an even worse transgression by Pol
Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia's return to sovereign rule was
overseen by the UN and has been lauded as the model for conversion from
an occupied state to a free nation.

Christopher Hitchens: 'You have to choose your future regrets' | interview | Books | The Observer...

The interview with Hitchens is critically important to read as a point of understanding the philosophical view of the conflict between the rational and irrational. I was truly impressed and agreed with much of his world view. The planet will be poorer upon his passing.

Christopher Hitchens: 'You have to choose your future regrets' | interview | Books | The Observer

Service...

To all my brothers and sisters in uniform, past and present. I raise my
glass. To my Marine Corps comrades - Happy Birthday. How reassuring to
know your origins spring from a tavern located in the city most
associated with freedom in our nation, Philadelphia.

It is also fitting that the DADT survey was leaked today indicating that
the armed services will integrate all those willing and able to serve
with no regard for their personal orientation. It is often the military
which provides the model for our greater society. We racially
integrated first and perhaps will demonstrate the absurdity of
discriminating against our fellow humans simply based on who they choose
to love. I am grateful to those service members who have paved the way
for our nation and the world at large and I am eternally indebted to
those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their brothers-in-arms.

It is ultimately for one another that we serve. It is for the promise
that our nation represents and continues to fulfill throughout the
world. One day we will be able to stack arms and reflect that our
sacrifices were not in vain but in truth given for all those who dwell
on this planet and seek the freedom which is humanity's inherent right.

Don't Ask, Don't Care, redux...

Gays Allowed to Enter the Military - Marc Ambinder - Politics - The Atlantic

Are we at the end of this ridiculous policy? I certainly hope so. Since the President and Congress couldn't get thier act together, it took the Log Cabin Republicans to force this absurd restriction into the light. Hopefully it will wither and die.

When it counts...

Okay - maybe too hardcore for a recruiting ad, but it sure captures the spirit of the Corps.

Semper Fi.

Remember the Cole...

I had the distinct privilege of supporting the rebuilding of the USS
Cole (DDG 67) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was horribly damaged by a
small boat attack in the port of Aden, Yemen ten years ago. The
camaraderie and dedication of the civilian / military team working on
her was uplifting. The ship was refit and back in action after what had
been crippling damage.

Navy Honors Killed, Injured in USS Cole Attack
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61238>
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:33:00 -0500

Navy Honors Killed, Injured in USS Cole Attack

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2010 - Navy officials, current and former crew
members and families of the fallen gathered today at Norfolk Naval
Station, Va., to remember the 17 sailors killed and 39 others wounded in
the al-Qaida attack on the USS Cole 10 years ago today.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/scr_101012-N-
000x-776.jpg>
The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole arrives in Naples, Italy, for a
scheduled port call while deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of
responsibility, Feb. 23, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd
Class William Pittman
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/hrs_101012-N-
000x-776.jpg> available.
Suicide bombers launched the surprise Oct. 12, 2000, attack on the
Arleigh Burke-class, Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyer as it was
anchored in Aden, Yemen, for a routine refueling stop. The attackers
detonated an explosive-laden boat against the ship's port side, tearing
a 40-by-40-foot hole in the hull and sending seawater gushing into the
engineering compartment.

The attack was the deadliest assault against a U.S. naval vessel since
the Iraqis attacked the USS Stark on May 17, 1987.

Retired Navy Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, the Cole's commander during the attack,
recalled the impact of the blast.

"There was a thunderous explosion. You could feel all 505 feet and 8,400
tons of guided missile destroyer violently thrust up and to the right,"
Lippold said during a recent radio interview. "Lights went out, and
within a matter of seconds, I knew we'd been attacked."

During today's ceremonies, Navy Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr., commander of USS
Fleet Command, saluted the Cole crewmembers' quick response and valor as
they fought to keep the ship afloat and tended to the wounded while
defending against a feared follow-on attack.

Harvey said the attack underscores the importance of always being
trained and prepared, and he praised the sense of vigilance that has
been passed down to subsequent USS Cole crews.

After 14 months of upgrades and repairs following the attack, the USS
Cole made an overseas deployment in November 2003. The ship later
deployed to the Middle East in June 2006.

The USS Cole, which recently returned to its Norfolk homeport after a
deployment that took it through the Gulf of Aden, shows no visible
evidence of the deadly attack that occurred a decade ago. But below its
decks are regular reminders, including a blackened U.S. flag that
survived the attack and 17 gold stars that line the ship's "Hall of
Heroes" passageway.

As a ship's bells rang 17 times during today's ceremonies, the names of
the fallen 17 sailors were read aloud:

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter, 21, a hull
maintenance technician from Mechanicsville, Va.;

* Chief Petty Officer Richard Costelow, 35, an electronics technician
from Morrisville, Pa.;

*Seaman Lakeina Monique Francis, 19, a mess management specialist from
Woodleaf, N.C.;

* Seaman Timothy Lee Gauna, 21, an information systems technician from
Rice, Texas;

* Seaman Cherone Louis Gunn, 22, a signalman from Rex, Ga.;

* Seaman James Rodrick McDaniels, 19, of Norfolk, Va.;

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Ian Nieto, 24, an engineman from Fond du
Lac, Wis.;

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Scott Owens, 24, an electronics warfare
technician from Vero Beach, Fla.;

* Seaman Lakiba Nicole Palmer, 22, of San Diego, Calif.;

* Seaman Joshua Langdon Parlett, 19, an engine room fireman from
Churchville, Md.;

* Seaman Patrick Howard Roy, 19, a fireman from Cornwall on Hudson,
N.Y.;

* Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Shawn Rux, 30, an electronic warfare
technician from Portland, N.D.;

* Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronchester Manangan Santiago, 22, a mess
management specialist from Kingsville, Texas.;

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Lamont Saunders, 32, an operations
specialist from Ringgold, Va.;

* Seaman Gary Graham Swenchonis Jr., 26, a fireman from Rockport, Texas;

* Ensign Andrew Triplett, 31, of Macon, Miss.; and

* Seaman Craig Bryan Wibberley, 19, of Williamsport, Md.

Related Sites:
USS Cole <http://www.cole.navy.mil/default.aspx>
10th Anniversary Video
<http://www.navy.mil/navydata/featurePlay169.asp?id=110>

Click photo for screen-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/scr_101012-MC
-000X-721.jpg> Military Sealift Command's fleet ocean tug USNS
Catawba tows the USS Cole from the port city of Aden, Yemen, Oct. 29,
2000, after a terrorist attack that caused the ship heavy damage and
killed 17 sailors. U.S. Marine Corps photo
Download screen-resolution
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/scr_101012-MC
-000X-721.jpg>
Download high-resolution
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/hrs_101012-MC
-000X-721.jpg>

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The Futility of Finding Physical Explanations for Homeopathy...

The Futility of Finding Physical Explanations for Homeopathy

This post from Quackometer, covers the broad arguments against any efficacy from homeopathy. In the United States, billions of dollars are spent on un/dis-proven, fraudulent or dangerous medical therapies. Homeopathy falls into the category of disproven. No evidence exists of its effectiveness, save anecdotal testimony from patients and practitioners.

Sadly, there remain many folks who continue to espouse this waste of time, resources and possibly delay of meaningful diagnosis and treatment. Take some time to read the post and then travel to the magical land of the homeopathic believers.

Ironically, one of the most popular posts of mine is a critique of the effectiveness of a "homeopathic / herbal" cold remedy known as Sinupret.