Month: September 2022

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Defense News: Start of Fabrication Begins for Future USS Pittsburgh

Source: United States Navy

This milestone signifies the first 100 tons of steel for the ship having been cut.

LPD 31 will be the 15th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship and the second ship built in the LPD Flight II configuration. Continuity of LPD Flight II production configuration is intended to fulfill Navy and Marine Corps requirements to lift troops, aircraft, landing craft, vehicles, and cargo.  

“We are proud to have the future USS Pittsburgh under construction, the fifth ship to bear the name,” said Capt. Cedric McNeal, program manager, Amphibious Warfare Program Office, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “With this ship, we will continue to honor the legacy of the great city of Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania.”

The first USS Pittsburgh was an ironclad gunboat that served during the American Civil War, and the second USS Pittsburgh (CA 4) was an armored cruiser that served during WWI. The third USS Pittsburgh (CA 72) was a Baltimore-class cruiser that served during WWII, supporting the landing at Iwo Jima. The fourth USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) was a Los Angeles-class submarine that served the Navy from December 1984 to August 2019.

At a 2021 reception celebrating LPD 31, Pittsburgh city officials also designated November 15 as Navy Day. Rear Admiral Thomas J. Anderson, Program Executive Office Ships was in attendance and recognized Pittsburgh as, “A tough, hard-working and patriotic town with a legacy of resilience and selfless sacrifice.”

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, boats and craft.

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Defense News: Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU Complete Training with Sweden and NATO

Source: United States Navy

“The opportunities to participate in combined training events with both Swedish and NATO forces demonstrated the importance of maritime and amphibious capability and readiness,” said Capt. Aaron Kelley, commanding officer of the Kearsarge ARG and Amphibious Squadron SIX. “The Kearsarge ARG-MEU team is dedicated to operating alongside NATO Allies and partners as a capable and combined maritime force to ultimately ensure security and stability in the Baltic region.”

During the week-long Swedish interoperability, the ARG-MEU team conducted ship to shore operations, a raid in Ravlunda, and an airfield seizure ashore. At sea, ARG ships conducted military subject matter expert exchanges and maneuvering drills.

“The chance to come to Sweden and train with the Swedish Armed Forces was an outstanding experience for my Marines,” said Col. Paul Merida, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. “The opportunity to conduct ship-to-shore maneuvers via surface craft and Marine aviation allowed us to practice one of our fundamental skill sets and helps to keep us combat ready. Even better was training alongside a key regional partner. Our Swedish hosts were extremely accommodating and the Swedish military is a first class and superbly professional organization.”

The combined operations demonstrate the substantial capability the ARG-MEU brings to the region.

“Working closely with partners is as always very important for the Swedish Navy. The exercise demonstrates our determination to work together for the security in the Baltic region,” says Captain (N) Jenny Ström, commanding officer of the Third Naval Warfare flotilla.

Immediately following the bilateral training with Sweden, the Kearsarge ARG-MEU transitioned to a maritime-focused exercise with SNMG1, a ready force continuously available to NATO, establishing Alliance presence and providing maritime capability in peacetime as well as during crisis and conflict.

“The exercise with the Amphibious Ready Group was a great opportunity to demonstrate the integration and flexibility of NATO’s maritime forces,” said Commodore Jeanette Morang (RNLN), Commander, SNMG1. “The diversity of assets available provides unique options to test and improve interoperability. This is what we mean with the NATO motto #StrongerTogether”

During the multinational training event, U.S. and SNMG1 maritime forces conducted cross-deck flight operations, maneuvering drills, a replenishment-at-sea interoperability, small boat personnel exchanges across all participating SNMG and ARG ships, simulated training scenarios, as well as a medical exchange and drill.

Together, the Kearsarge ARG-MEU operates in the Baltic region alongside NATO partners and Allies to demonstrate solidarity and maintain a high level of readiness.

The Kearsarge ARG and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, consists of the flagship of the ARG, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3); the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24); and the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).

Embarked commands with the Kearsarge ARG include Amphibious Squadron SIX, 22nd MEU, Fleet Surgical Team 2, Fleet Surgical Team 4, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Naval Beach Group 2, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Beach Master Unit 2.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) is one of NATO’s two Maritime Immediate Reaction Forces. The Standing NATO Maritime Groups are a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels (including their helicopters) are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to actually intervening in operational missions.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and Partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

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National Endowment for the Arts Hosts Webinar on GSA’s Art in Architecture Program and Upcoming Artist Commissions in New York

Source: United States General Services Administration

September 8, 2022

NEW YORK CITY – The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is hosting an informational webinar about the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Art in Architecture program and upcoming opportunities on Tuesday, September 13, at 1 p.m. ET.

The Art in Architecture Program oversees the commissioning of artworks for GSA-controlled Federal buildings nationwide. These artworks enhance the civic meaning of Federal architecture and showcase the vibrancy of American visual arts. GSA and NEA are collaborating to increase awareness for this program and promote relevant opportunities to artists that reflect the diverse communities of the nation.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, two public art opportunities will be associated with two border station projects currently underway in the GSA’s Northeast and Caribbean Region. These opportunities are in New York state.

The Land Port of Entry projects are:

  • Rouses Point
  • Trout River

As part of the webinar, attendees will learn:

  • The history and goals of the GSA Art in Architecture program.
  • How you can be considered for upcoming project opportunities
  • How to join the National Artist Registry
  • What to expect if you are selected

GSA’s Art in Architecture Program was created in 1972 and has commissioned more than 500 artworks by American artists, pieces that are permanently installed in Federal buildings throughout the United States.

For more information about GSA’s Art in Architecture program, please visit: www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-and-construction/art-in-architecturefine-arts/art-in-architecture-program

Webinar Details:

When: Sept. 13

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Closed captioning will be available. Should you need other reasonable accommodations, please send a request to events@arts.gov

To register in advance for this webinar, visit: Webinar Registration – Zoom (zoomgov.com)

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet and overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services across government, in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Security News: Thirteen Defendants Charged in Imperial Valley Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Assistant U. S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton (619) 546-8941 and Assistant U. S. Attorney J’me Forrest (619) 546-6741

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 8, 2022

SAN DIEGO – An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging 10 alleged members of an Imperial Valley-based methamphetamine distribution network with drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. In addition, three more related defendants were charged today via complaint with drug trafficking offenses.

In a coordinated multi-state takedown that took place yesterday, federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and officers arrested multiple defendants and executed six search warrants in Imperial County. During the searches agents seized additional narcotics and two firearms. As of today, nine of the thirteen defendants are either in federal or state custody, and the search continues for four defendants. In addition to these seizures and arrests yesterday, during this long-term investigation, law enforcement has seized more than 119 pounds of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs and more than $80,000 in cash.

According to the indictment and other publicly-filed documents, this Imperial Valley-based network allegedly smuggled multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine across the international border. The defendants then used cars, the U.S. Mail, and commercial delivery services like FedEx to distribute that methamphetamine to sub-distributors located throughout Imperial County as well as in the state of Minnesota. In addition, the network used a corrections officer to smuggle fentanyl and contraband cellular telephones into Centinela State Prison.

“This case is the culmination of years of work by our agents and prosecutors, alongside our local law enforcement partners, to target a prolific Imperial Valley-based drug trafficking network,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to use every tool we have to stop these drug traffickers and bring them to justice.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team for their excellent work on this case.

“These arrests are the result of a multi-year collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Disrupting these illegal drug distribution networks is a vital step in preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities, and HSI will continue to use its broad investigative authorities to aggressively investigate and bring to justice anyone who attempts to smuggle drugs across our borders.”

“The results of this long-term investigation reflect the commitment of the DEA and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to stop methamphetamine trafficking networks,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “Together, we will continue the fight against the distributors that are driving addiction in the United States.”

Postal Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division Carroll N. Harris stated, “Operation Gotham City showed when the night is darkest, Postal Inspectors will endure to bring justice to those who criminally misuse the US Mail.  I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in the success achieved today.”

U.S. Attorney Grossman also thanked federal, state, and local law enforcement for the coordinated team effort in the culmination of this investigation. This case was led by Homeland Security Investigation – Imperial Valley Border Enforcement Security Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Deputies, agents, and officers from the United States Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol, El Centro Police Department, Calexico Police Department, Brawley Police Department, the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office also provided vital assistance for the investigation.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

*An indictment and or complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

DEFENDANTS                                                                     Case Number 22-cr-1553-BAS                 

(D1) Omar Castro                                           Age: 30                                   Calexico, CA

(D2) Brianna Nunez                                       Age: 31                                   Imperial, CA

(D3) Ramon Luna                                           Age: 40                                   Calexico, CA

*(D4) Vanessa Vega                                       Age: 37                                   Calexico, CA

*(D5) Sasha Brown                                        Age: 34                                   Calexico, CA

*(D6) Michelle Figueroa                                Age: 22                                   Calexico, CA

(D7) Violette Espinoza                                   Age: 38                                   Hillside, IL

 (D8) Hector Perez                                          Age: 28                                   Colton, CA

*(D9) Brent Boggess                                      Age: 32                                   Calexico, CA

(D10) Guillermo Hernandez                           Age: 30                                   Calexico, CA

DEFENDANTS                                                                     Case Number 22-mj-8640-JLB    

(D1) Mario Gallegos                                      Age: 37                                   Calexico, CA

DEFENDANTS                                                                     Case Number 22-mj-8641-JLB                

(D1) Ray Munoz                                             Age: 41                                   Calexico, CA

DEFENDANTS                                                                     Case Number 22-mj-8642-JLB                

(D1) Ricardo Velarde                                     Age: 41                                   Calexico, CA

*Fugitives

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C., § 841(a)(1))

Distribution of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Importation of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 952 and 960).

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

Drug Enforcement Administration

United States Postal Inspection Service

United States Marshals Service

United States Border Patrol

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine

California Highway Patrol

El Centro Police Department

Calexico Police Department

Brawley Police Department

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Imperial County District Attorney’s Office

Imperial Valley – Law Enforcement Coordination Center

Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona

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Security News: Pesticide Smuggler Sentenced to Three Months in Custody

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Assistant U. S. Attorney Melanie K. Pierson (619) 546-7976 

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 8, 2022

SAN DIEGO – Felipa Oliveros was sentenced in federal court today to three months in custody for smuggling pesticides into the United States from Mexico. 

Oliveros pleaded guilty in April 2022 to smuggling bottles of Bovitraz or Taktic into the United States.  Oliveros had been charged as part of a larger organized pesticide smuggling ring, which also included her daughter, Laura Orellana, who was sentenced to 92 days in custody for her role in the conspiracy.

On June 7, 2022, Sofia Mancera Morales, the ringleader of this pesticide smuggling organization, was sentenced to eight months in custody and ordered to pay $7,497 in restitution for the cost of disposal of the illegal pesticides. In pleading guilty, Mancera had acknowledged she obtained the illegal pesticides in Mexico and delivered them to others to smuggle into the United States.

According to sentencing documents, Mancera recruited individuals via Facebook, offering to pay $40-$150/box of six 1-liter bottles delivered to the United States. Morales directed her recruits to deliver the pesticides to a self-storage facility near the border in Calexico and required them to send her photographs of the pesticides in the storage unit as proof of delivery prior to payment. Mancera paid the recruits to lease self-storage units in their own names, and provide her with the keys. Recruits caught at the border with pesticides reported that they had seen items delivered by others in their self-storage units, including pesticides, veterinary medications and alcohol. One recruit delivered almost 1,000 bottles of pesticides in a one-month period, while others advised that they had delivered pesticides two to five times per week.

The pesticides involved were primarily Bovitraz and Taktic, which contain the active ingredient amitraz at an emulsifiable concentration of 12.5 percent. In the United States, amitraz in this form is a cancelled and unregistered pesticide. Amitraz is an acaricide that, in the United States, is registered to control varroa mites in honeybee colonies at a concentration of 3.33 percent and is also registered for use in dog flea collars. Additionally, amitraz is classified as a Group C possible human carcinogen based upon rodent studies, and, therefore, long-term exposure could result in cancer.          

Federal law prohibits the distribution and sale of cancelled or unregistered pesticides. Only pesticides registered with the EPA may be imported or sold in the United States. All pesticides intended for use in the United States must bear their EPA registration number on their labels, preceded by the phrase “EPA Registration No.” or “EPA Reg. No.”  In addition, all required information on a label must appear in the English language. All of the containers smuggled by this group were labeled only in Spanish and bore no EPA registration numbers. The lawful importation of pesticides into the United States requires a Notice of Arrival to be provided to U.S. Customs or U.S. EPA, pursuant to 19 CFR 12.112.  None of the co-conspirators provided a Notice of Arrival for the pesticides in this case.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section.

DEFENDANT           Case Number 20cr3054-JAH__

Felipa Oliveros           Age: 52           El Centro, California

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Smuggling – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545

Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine

AGENCY

Homeland Security Investigations; Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division; California Environmental Protection Agency