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Do you think the previous vassal states of the USSR are sending a message?

After a great discussion with two Ukrainians (one native, one expat US) a few months ago, I started researching how this schism between the USA and Russia began.

As far as I recall, it was right about the time we decided to take down Iraq. I heard some chatter in 2003 through my sources about the Ruskies working as contractors waiting until the tanks were rolling through Bagdhad to evacuate. I also heard rumors of Russian convoys being taken down. Not taken OUT - taken down. Crippled. In the middle of the desert. Searched. People positively identified. That sort of thing.

Obviously with the Food for Oil issue and the Iraqi arms embargo blatantly being violated by Russian and French business Operation Iraqi Freedom became a sticking point for the US/Russian relationship. Russia was/is upset with us for killing the goose that was laying the golden eggs for so long. Saddam was paying in great amounts for what would have gone for much cheaper on the open market.

Maybe that’s what prompted Bush to say he looked into Putin’s soul. Oh by the way, there’s always this: Former Russian Spy Says Government Stole $500 Million From U.N.’s Oil-For-Food Program in Iraq

An 18-month investigation into the oil-for-food corruption, led by former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, culminated in an October 2005 report accusing more than 2,200 companies from some 40 countries of colluding with Saddam’s regime to bilk the humanitarian program in Iraq of $1.8 billion

I look into those heavy lidded and expressionless eyes of Putin’s and say… KGB. Snake. Reptile. Ruthless. Predator. And rich. Have you seen how much natural gas pipeline Russia now controls?!? EU look out.

Poland and the Ukraine ponied up the cojones to back our play with Afghanistan and Iraq, becoming very important partners in the GWOT. FOXNews.com - Ukrainian President: We Won’t Let Russia Add Us to Its Hit List -

Russians form a strong minority in Ukraine, about 17 percent of the population, and could become a flashpoint in any future confrontation with Moscow.

“Ukraine has to move towards the NATO alliance,” Yushchenko said, drumming up support before the NATO summit in December.

“It is the only way for our country to protect our national security and sovereignty. When the borders of NATO expand, so too does the region of peace and stability.”

The defense budget of Ukraine — as in other nervous Central European states — is to be raised immediately. “I want to remind all political forces in our country that shout about the possible neutral status of Ukraine that neutrality can come at a very high price,” he said, casting a nod at pro-Moscow politicians.

I digress. Basically my understanding after many beers, glasses of wine, and great conversation overlooking one of the best rooftop views of Pacific Beach I discovered that Ukraine opinion is virtually split down the middle about support for NATO.

The eastern side of the Ukraine is more economically tied to Russia, and doesn’t want to piss them off. They have more cultural ties and really don’t like the current leadership.

The western side holds an opposite opinion.

Russia Threatens Military Response if U.S., Poland Follow Through With Missile Defense Deal

Not like that really concerned Condi:

“In troubled times the most important thing is to have friends,” Rice said. “But it is more important to have friends who share your values and your aspirations and your dreams. And Poland and the United States are those kind of friends.”

…

She denounced an earlier threat from a Russian general to target NATO member Poland, possibly even with nuclear weapons, for accepting the facility.

Such comments “border on the bizarre, frankly,” Rice told reporters in Warsaw. “The Russians are losing their credibility,” she said, adding that Moscow would pay a price for its actions in Georgia, though she did not specify how.

“It’s also the case that when you threaten Poland, you perhaps forget that it is not 1988,” Rice said. “It’s 2008 and the United States has a … firm treaty guarantee to defend Poland’s territory as if it was the territory of the United States. So it’s probably not wise to throw these threats around.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself and I don’t think Colin Powell could have conveyed as well either.

Update: Add Czech Republic to that list:

“Almost immediately after the Czech Republic signed an agreement with the US to place missile defense tracking radar in its territory, oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to the central European country were reduced to a trickle… ostensibly for technical reasons,” Sabathier said.

Update: Czech petrochem Unipetrol Q2 net profit down 80% y/y, worse than expected

Russia in early July reduced supplies of oil through the Druzhba from an agreed 500,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes, but said the volume would return to normal levels in August. At first citing technical problems, the pipeline operator later said it had diverted supplies to Turkey, where it could fetch a higher price.

However, Poland did come through for the Czech Republic:

Unipetrol, a unit of Poland’s PKN Orlen group, had to buy Russian oil for its refineries from tankers and transport it through Germany to the Czech Republic via the IKL pipelines; the company also bought oil from Czech state reserves, expenses that will affect Q3 results.

Nothing like a manufactured crisis to bring oil prices absolutely sky-high. Thanks most probably to Putin’s machine.

I had a recent viewer ask what does a Naval Aircrewman do?

For what I did in my time in the service I refer the gentle readers to this Naval Aviation News article: A Hunting We Will Go - Naval Aviation News, March-April 1997

In the S-3 Viking community, aircrewmen have the opportunity to fly on jets aboard aircraft carriers that deploy for six months at a time, sailing the world over. This is a major factor when it comes time for an AW to choose the aircraft in which to serve.

Accelerating from 0 to 140 miles per hour in 2 seconds provides an adrenalin rush all its own.

“I like to call it a kick in the pants,” quipped AW2 Thomas Bell, Sea Control Squadron (VS) 41, NAS North Island, Calif. “It beats any roller coaster you’ve ever been on.”

Assignment to a VS squadron also means greater responsibility aloft, because there is only one sensor operator who must be well versed in both acoustic and nonacoustic sensor equipment.

“The platform carries more responsibility with it in regards to the workload. In an S-3, one person does the job of three in a P-3,” Bell said.

As a post script to the article, “Zeebo” Zelasco, pictured on the first page, is sitting in the SENSO station in the S-3 Viking. Tom Bell, if I recall correctly, may have gone on to fly F-14s as a line officer. Can’t recall if he made Radar Intercept Officer or pilot, and don’t know where he is now.

Dramatic quote of the day from the article:

Imagine this. Leaders in the former Soviet Union, strapped for cash, decide to sell one of their older nuclear missile-capable submarines. Diplomats from the third world nation purchasing the sub are, in fact, a front for a fanatical, well-organized, well-funded group of international terrorists. It’s your job to help locate the sub and stop them.

You are an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW), an enlisted Naval Aircrewman…

…and all of 20 years old.

Gives me chills. Ooh-rah. Thanks for the question!

Related Links:

The Cradle of Naval Aviation

So Others May Live | My Personal Heroes

So Others May Live | Personal Heroes Pt. 2

Military: Not a Social Program

Navy’s finest Combat Aircrewmen

Is it possible that something may be brewing? This analyst thinks so…-

Personally, I think it’s just a coincidence that Kuwait’s training exercises coincide with a carrier relief on station. But… Israel might pull something and up goes the balloon.

Things are heating up with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and they’ve reopened the inquiry into the Chinese Gymnastics Team:

Earlier this month, the AP found registration lists previously posted on the Web site of the General Administration of Sport of China that showed both He and Yang were too young to compete. He was born Jan. 1, 1994, according to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 registration lists. Yang was born Aug. 26, 1993, according to the 2004, 2005 and 2006 registration lists. In the 2007 registration list, however, her birthday has changed to Aug. 26, 1992.

So why is this age issue such a big deal? The minimum age for female gymnasts was increased from 14 to 15 in 1981, and up to 16 in 1997, to protect the physical and mental health of young athletes.

According to today’s FoxNews.com story:

Age falsification has been a problem in gymnastics since the 1980s after the minimum age was raised from 14 to 15 to protect young athletes from serious injuries. The minimum age was raised to its current 16 in 1997. Younger gymnasts are considered to have an advantage because they are more flexible and are likely to have an easier time doing the tough skills the sport requires. They also aren’t as likely to have a history of injuries or fear of failure.

If you’ve got an advantage, that’s cheating. Can you imagine the pressure on the young girl holding the medal, her family? Here’s a teen girl stuck in the middle of either a complete fabrication or being assailed by the world unfairly.

We take it for granted that He Kexin won’t be on the box of Wheaties or doing any other US-based promotional work but the lifestyle she will live in China if she’s discredited for the gold concerns me. Living with shame is intolerable at best, having no way to escape it pushes people over the edge.

As in the 2007 lead paint toy fiasco this much global attention on a problem usually ends up with someone hanging themselves quite literally as the scapegoat.

Evidence: Raw Data Showing Years of Competition Records

Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s a quick summary: US contributions 1 billion dollars, Iran - zero

Thought of the Day:

Do you think that Israel feels confident in an Obama administration backing them or would they act alone or with help from the current administration in the three months between Election Day and Inauguration Day?

Back To The Jet…

Check out the conformal centerline fuel tanks on the dorsal side of the jet… Plus the actual dorsal element which looks ECM to me.

Read the rest of this entry »

Does it seem appropriate that with so many unfilled seats in the Olympics, China’s venue managers would hire a cheering section for Venezuela’s volleyball team in their game against the US? You’ll have to go to the halfway point in this video to get to the story…

Not even mentioning the alleged age issues with their medal-winning women’s gymnastics team.

I’m sure that’s in no way whatsoever tied to why China has been providing construction consulting for small Caribbean islands who want to build freeways for cheap… According to independent intelligence sources I’ve developed these freeways have long stretches built to the same specifications as runways, presumably the dual use would allow air transport.

Here’s an example:

Chinese companies are increasingly winning many large construction bids in the Eastern Caribbean, for which they also provide the labour. They are soon to be awarded the contracts for construction of the two secondary schools being funded by the World Bank under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Education Development Project, where the Chinese bid came in EC$3m (£265,000) below the next lowest tender…

…China has also promised support for the development of a major highway in St Lucia, and is active in Jamaica, Guyana and Surinam.

One blog, the Barbados Free Press claims that a letter written by a contractor’s organization states local Carib companies have been outmanuvered by the Chinese construction for a contract for the University of The West Indies. Some of these claims:

…Wages paid by the Chinese companies to their Chinese workers are 25% of the wages paid by the Barbadian contractors to their workers. The conditions, under which the Chinese workers work, violate Human rights treaty and the UN convention of the treatment of migrant Labour, to which Barbados is a signatory.

…Majority of materials are imported from China, which denies opportunities to Caricom indigenous business enterprises.

…The Chinese companies enjoy taxation advantages in Barbados that are not available to our members.

These claims are corroborated by another source which claims:

Dick Stoute, president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce, predicts that local contractors will soon begin complaining about the lack of a level playing field, as he was unsure whether the Chinese state and private sector construction companies are enjoying greater tax and other benefits than locals.

None Of This Is Good News

I’m examining the connections between Venezuela, China, Cuba, and Iran very closely because there is a potential balance of power shift that could happen quickly.

If any disaster removed the US from being a strong naval presence in the Pacific Rim, the balance of power would shift predictably towards China. Japan is concerned about this as well.

If the Caribbean nations are influenced properly by China, support elements (troops) for Hugo Chavez could quickly come in by air to suppress any dissent he may have.

Training for Iranian agents in Venezuela is more than just a potential, according to some sources I have this is a reality and they are attempting to assimilate into South American culture.

Related Articles:

Trade between Dominican Republic, China grows fast

China to build aluminium smelter in southern Trinidad

CARIBBEAN: Influx of Chinese Workers Irks Local Unions

Apparently those who served from 1957 - 2001 get an add-in in retirement checks from Social Security Administration (SSA). Whether you served or retired doesn’t make a difference. Along with that, there may be a provision for VHA/BAQ or flight pay into the calculation.

This just in from Bob “Johnny” Walker, formerly of the Red Griffins and last I heard flying for Northwest Airlines…

Please share this with anyone who’s had active duty service prior to January 2002 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your military service, for active duty any time from 1940 through 2001 (the program was done away with in January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement.

You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office - and you must ask for this benefit to receive it!

Soc Sec website:  http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm

This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty prior to January 2002. FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!

From SSA.GOV’s Retirement Planner page, this is confirmed, first with a note saying this:

Note: Change in special military service credits.

In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service personnel. Military service in calendar year 2002 and future years no longer qualifies for these special extra earnings credits.

… and particularly for those of us in this category:

Service in 1978 through 2001

For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and didn’t complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security for details.

But wait, there’s more!!!

There’s another benefit that might apply for those of us with VHA/BAQ, special duty and flight pay, but I don’t know for sure:

Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957 through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.

Normally only our base pay was taken into consideration for SSA benefits. This would come in particularly helpful in changing the calcs to your benefit.

Related Links:

Special Benefits For Certain World War II Veterans

Special Military Social Security Rate - Military Benefits …

Veterans Report - Social Security and Military Service

Beyond being a democratic ally, Georgia is a link in a U.S.- backed southern energy corridor that connects the Caspian Sea region with world markets, bypassing Russia. The BP Plc-led Baku- Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is a major part of that route and runs about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali.

Robert Johnson, a specialist in energy at the Eurasia Group, said Georgia’s reputation as a viable, alternative route for transporting oil and gas from Turkmenistan and elsewhere has been “compromised” because of the conflict.

See Russian Offensive Imperils U.S. Aims on Iran, Energy - Yahoo! News