Month: August 2024

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Dominican Republic National Pleads Guilty for His Role in a Human Smuggling Event that Resulted in a Child’s Death

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A national of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty yesterday to his involvement in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy in Puerto Rico.

Alcibades De Paz, 34, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of bringing certain aliens into the United States, resulting in death.

According to court documents, the defendant was identified as one of the captains of a vessel illegally carrying individuals, including a three-year-old child, from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. The defendant admitted to operating the vessel during the human smuggling venture. While the co-conspirators were evading Puerto Rican law enforcement attempting to intercept the vessel safely, the vessel stopped functioning; De Paz admitted that he aided in starting the engine and throttling the boat’s engine towards the Puerto Rican shoreline. The vessel capsized as it reached the shoreline, leading to the child’s death.

“While smuggling migrants by boat to the United States, Alcibades De Paz attempted to evade law enforcement and sped toward the beach — a decision that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child after the vessel capsized,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This tragedy demonstrates human smugglers’ callous disregard for human life. The Criminal Division is committed to combating human smugglers who prey upon vulnerable migrants.”

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. De Paz faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Puerto Rico investigated this case, with assistance from Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD)’s Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA) and U.S. Border Patrol, Ramey Sector.

Trial Attorney Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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Justice Department, Department of Labor, Federal Trade Commission and National Labor Relations Board Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Support Merger Review

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Justice Department, Department of Labor (DOL), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have signed an interagency memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further communication and coordination between the agencies to protect American workers and promote fair competition in labor markets.

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, FTC Chair Lina Khan and NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo all signed the MOU as part of the agencies’ coordinated efforts to ensure that mergers between employers do not threaten harm to competition for workers.

“Workers are the backbone of our economy, and it’s critical that the impact on workers and the labor market are given due consideration when analyzing mergers and acquisitions,” said Acting Secretary Su. “The Department of Labor is committed to providing information and data to strengthen the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission’s understanding of labor markets and we look forward to deepening our work to protect workers by promoting fair competition in the labor markets.”

“Competition in labor markets means higher wages, better working conditions and more opportunities for workers and their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Kanter. “Our partnership with the FTC, NLRB and DOL will help us identify and take action against mergers that threaten to harm competition for workers. The Antitrust Division did just that when we successfully challenged a merger between book publishers that would have decreased compensation for authors. Promoting workers’ right to earn a fair wage is central to the mission of each of our agencies, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration together.”

“Congress passed the antitrust laws to ensure that all Americans benefit from free and fair competition. When businesses vigorously compete for workers, workers enjoy better wages and working conditions as well as greater opportunity and freedom,” said FTC Chair Khan. “By deepening partnerships with the National Labor Relations Board, Department of Labor and Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, the FTC will keep building on our whole-of-government efforts to ensure that all Americans can get a fair shot in our economy, free from unlawful coercion.”

“Taking a whole-of-government approach to enforcing workers’ rights is critically important, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the antitrust agencies to enhance their ability to obtain important information on the potential effects of mergers on workers,” said NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo.

This MOU supplements existing bilateral agreements between the Antitrust Division and DOL and the Antitrust Division and NLRB. Key provisions of the MOU support the Antitrust Division and FTC’s (together, the Antitrust Agencies) work to review mergers that may threaten harm to competition. Those resources include the DOL and NLRB’s (together, the Labor Agencies) organizational contacts and experts, data on labor markets and jobs and enforcement information.

In addition, the MOU supports further training, meetings and coordination among all four signatories. Through this MOU, the Antitrust Agencies and Labor Agencies commit to working together to ensure the Antitrust Agencies have access to all relevant and appropriate information when they evaluate the potential impacts on labor markets from mergers and acquisitions between businesses.

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Defense News: NRL Expands Naval Research Horizons for USNA Midshipmen Interns

Source: United States Navy

“These bright and motivated young scientists and engineers gained invaluable hands-on experience contributing to cutting-edge research projects that support the Navy’s mission,” said NRL Commanding Officer Capt. Jesse Black. “The internship program offers midshipmen the unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, working alongside world-renowned scientists and engineers.”

The midshipmen expressed their gratitude for the mentorship and support they received from NRL staff during their tenure at the laboratory. NRL’s internship program is designed to provide midshipmen with a comprehensive understanding of the Naval Research Enterprise. Interns have the opportunity to network with leading experts, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to the latest advancements in science and technology.

“My biggest takeaway from this internship is that NRL takes mission readiness to new levels,” said Midshipman 1/C Sanjana Basu Mallick, a USNA Chemistry major. “Almost anything you can imagine is studied, tested, and improved on here. I spoke to midshipmen that have interned at NRL in the past, and they hold this lab to a very high regard based on the projects they’ve contributed to and the people they’ve worked with.”

USNA interns received a command overview and a tour of multiple NRL divisions, including the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research, Far Field Range, Software Reprogrammable Payload, and Plasma Physics Space Physics technologies.

“I am so grateful to have worked with Dr. Kristina Nyland at NRL because she was thoughtful and compassionate enough to find a research project related to my passions and my future interests in research at the Naval Academy,” said Midshipman 2/C Olivia Rae Achenbach, a USNA Astrophysics major. “She taught me how integral astronomy is to the Fleet through its navigational uses.”

Achenbach gained a better understanding of the evolution of galaxies by examining a Hubble Space Telescope image of an active galactic nucleus that began emitting radio jets. Upon uncovering the true image of the galaxy, Nyland and Achenbach discovered a morphology that was not expected, and this assured them that there is so much more about the Universe that we do not understand.

“It is critical that astronomers uncover these mysteries as active galactic nucleus and pulsars are heavily relied on for advancing our global positioning systems used by the Fleet,” Achenbach said.

NRL is committed to fostering the next generation of scientific and engineering talent. By providing internships to midshipmen, the laboratory plays a vital role in developing future leaders for the Navy and Marine Corps.

About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.

For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil. 

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Defense News: USS Cowpens Decommissioned After 33 Years of Service

Source: United States Navy

Hundreds gathered to celebrate the ship’s distinguished history of naval service. Cowpens’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jac O. Ullman III spoke of the ship’s legacy and its crew.

“A guiding principle in the last chapter onboard, has been to honor the legacy of Cowpens”, said Ullman. “To honor the grit, determination, and creativity of the Continental Army and Militiamen from that cold battlefield. To honor the service of those on the first USS Cowpens – CVL 25 – and to honor the legacy of those who served before us during Mighty Moo’s 33 year career… We have done just that.”

USS Cowpens participated in many operations and exercises, contributing significantly to U.S. naval power projection and security. From enforcing no-fly zones to conducting maritime security operations, the ship demonstrated versatility and capability across a range of mission profiles.

One of the notable milestones in Cowpens’s history was its participation in Operation Enduring Freedom. Tasked with providing air defense and maritime security. The ship played a vital role in the early stages of the global war on terror, showcasing the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

The ship’s prowess was further demonstrated during Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing crucial support for coalition forces in the Persian Gulf region. From conducting surveillance to launching precision strikes, USS Cowpens contributed to the success of coalition efforts to stabilize Iraq.

“From 1983 onward, these ships [Cowpens] defended our nation’s interests, supported critical combat operations, and ensured freedom of the seas; more than that, they brought AEGIS and VLS, revolutionary technologies into the hands of our warfighters”, said Rear Adm. Ted LeClair, Deputy Commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“Cowpens, the seventeenth AEGIS ship built, provided the value of these advancements. As AEGIS and VLS have evolved in both the Cruiser and Destroyer variants, Cowpens continuously demonstrated their effectiveness and lethality.”

Also in attendance was Cowpens sponsor, Mrs. Lucy Mustin and the first commanding officer of Cowpens, Vice Adm. Edward Moore (Ret.).

“At the end of this day, no matter when we were crewmembers, we can all agree we served on the best ship, the most formidable warship, in the best Navy, and in the best country in the world”, said Moore. “I know in my heart that long after we leave this pier today, we will, from time to time, continue to reflect on our service to country, ship, and each other.”

Additionally, the ship played a key role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, providing aid to regions devastated by natural disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. These operations underscored the Navy’s commitment to global stability and humanitarian values.

The second ship to bear the name, Cowpens was built in Bath, Maine, and commissioned March 9, 1991, in Charleston, South Carolina. Named after the pivotal Battle of Cowpens during the American Revolutionary War, the ship has faithfully served the nation for more than three decades, embodying the valor and resilience of its namesake.

After the decommissioning and inactivation, the ship will be towed to the Navy’s Inactive Ship facility in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where it will be in a Logistic Support Asset (LSA) status.

The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ and www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMNAVSURFPAC.

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Defense News: National Call to Maritime Service Website launched

Source: United States Navy

During a joint Navy Week Proclamation with Onondaga County Executive, Ryan McMahon, and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, the Hon. Parker highlighted the broad range of opportunities to serve in the Department of the Navy, both in and out of uniform, and appealed to the audience to explore how they might answer the call.

“Service to country looks different for everyone—it might be in a uniform or public service or as a volunteer in your local community, but as a life path, it carries profound personal and national significance,” said Hon. Parker. “We need every generation to understand the important role service plays in the fabric of our Nation, and we are encouraging the next generation to take part in building the Nation’s maritime defense and, ultimately, protecting our national security.”

In May 2024, the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, issued the NCTMS to emphasize the benefits and importance of service to country. NCTMS is a call to our Nation’s youth, educators, veterans and leaders, as well as every citizen who values freedom, to consider how they might contribute. NCTMS encourages everyone to explore the different career paths within the DON at www.secnav.mil/calltomaritimeservice.

Developed as a portal, the website allows individuals to embrace their curiosity around service and explore areas they may never have considered. It helps determine what best resonates with the individual and directs them to adjoining sites where they can learn more about the wealth of opportunities offered with the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as other jobs in support of maritime service – both military and civilian.

“We are grateful to have Secretary Parker here to officially kick off Syracuse Navy Week and make such an important announcement about the National Call to Maritime Service,” said Mayor Walsh. “Syracuse, and the hard-working, service-oriented nature of our citizens, is the perfect backdrop for this announcement, and we are standing by to answer the call.”

The Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s principal outreach effort into areas of the nation without a significant Navy presence, with over 300 Navy Weeks held in 95 different U.S. cities. The program is designed to share with Americans how their Navy is deployed around the world and around the clock, and why a strong Navy is vital to protecting the American way of life.

To learn more about the NCTMS and the various ways that you can serve your country, please visit https://www.secnav.navy.mil/calltomaritimeservice/Pages/default.aspx.