Category: MIL-OSI

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Former Georgia Jailer Who Strangled Detainee into State of Unconsciousness Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A former detention officer with the Fulton County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for intentionally depriving a detained woman of her civil rights by using unreasonable force.

Monique Clark, 32, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty last March to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, Clark strangled a handcuffed arrestee into unconsciousness while processing her for intake at the Fulton County North Annex Jail. As part of his plea, Clark admitted that he knew the woman posed no threat to officers and knew that Sheriff’s Office policy prohibited placing detainees in chokeholds or neck restraints except in life-or-death situations.

“This defendant’s violent assault on a handcuffed arrestee rendered her unconscious and is simply inexcusable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we have seen too many times, chokeholds and neck restraints can prove deadly. Using high-level force against a person in custody who poses no threat is plainly illegal, but using such a dangerous technique gratuitously is especially disturbing. The Justice Department is committed to holding law enforcement officers accountable for use of excessive force and to protecting the rights of people in custody.”

“Instead of carrying out his mission to ensure the safety and security of detainees in his custody at the Fulton County Jail, Clark abandoned his oath of office when he used excessive force to strangle a pre-trial detainee without cause,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “Law enforcement officers who violate their professional duties are not above the law. It is now Clark who will serve time in prison as a result of his reprehensible conduct.”

“Mr. Clark took a sworn oath as a detention officer to uphold the rights of others,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael A. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “He violated that oath when he abused and strangled a female inmate. Today’s sentencing is a reminder that the FBI will relentlessly work to hold accountable anyone who takes an oath to protect others.”

The FBI Atlanta Field Office and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office’s Office of Professional Standards investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret Hobson for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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Defense News: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams arrives in Luanda, Angola, for Port Visit

Source: United States Navy

The Hershel “Woody” Williams last visited Luanda in November 2022. During this port visit, the ESB-class ship will build on the U.S.-Angolan partnership by collaborating on maritime security and domain awareness. Meanwhile, the MARDET will work and train with Angolan partners ashore.

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will host a reception for senior Angolan government and military leaders. During this time, the crew will engage in community relations events alongside local partners. This experience will allow the Sailors and Civilian Mariners to immerse themselves in the rich culture, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality of this important regional partner.

“We are honored to bring the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams to Luanda, Angola, in support of maritime domain awareness” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. “Our crew is eager to collaborate with our Angolan partners, sharing knowledge and strengthening our mutual commitment to security and stability in the region. This visit not only enhances our operational readiness but also fosters lasting relationships built on trust and cooperation.”

Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment to the African continent, leveraging opportunities to work alongside regional Allies and partners in a variety of exercises and operations. A credible, capable naval presence increases maritime security, and highlights our shared commitment to fostering regional security and stability among partnered and allied nation naval militaries.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with 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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Defense News: USS Herschel “Woody” Williams arrives in Luanda, Angola, for Port Visit

Source: United States Navy

The Hershel “Woody” Williams last visited Luanda in November 2022. During this port visit, the ESB-class ship will build on the U.S.-Angolan partnership by collaborating on maritime security and domain awareness. Meanwhile, the MARDET will work and train with Angolan partners ashore.

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will host a reception for senior Angolan government and military leaders. During this time, the crew will engage in community relations events alongside local partners. This experience will allow the Sailors and Civilian Mariners to immerse themselves in the rich culture, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality of this important regional partner.

“We are honored to bring the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams to Luanda, Angola, in support of maritime domain awareness” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. “Our crew is eager to collaborate with our Angolan partners, sharing knowledge and strengthening our mutual commitment to security and stability in the region. This visit not only enhances our operational readiness but also fosters lasting relationships built on trust and cooperation.”

Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment to the African continent, leveraging opportunities to work alongside regional Allies and partners in a variety of exercises and operations. A credible, capable naval presence increases maritime security, and highlights our shared commitment to fostering regional security and stability among partnered and allied nation naval militaries.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with 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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Defense News: FRCE Helps Local Educators Prepare Students for Careers in Industry

Source: United States Navy

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Four Craven County, North Carolina, teachers recently participated in a five-day externship program at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), which allowed the teachers to immerse themselves in the command’s operations by touring the depot and gaining in-depth insight from individuals working in a wide range of career fields. The teachers will use the information gleaned from the program to create curriculum that improves student preparation for careers in industry.

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Defense News: Navy Reminds Potential Claimants of the CLJA Filing Deadline

Source: United States Navy

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. Section 804 of this law is the CLJA, which allows people — including Veterans — who believe they were previously exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to file a new claim with the Department of the Navy. The CLJA states that claims under the CLJA must be filed no later than August 10, 2024, which is two years after the CLJA was enacted.

Individuals seeking to file a CLJA claim with the Department of the Navy may do so in any one of the following ways:

1. Visit the Claims Management Portal at: https://clclaims.jag.navy.mil/ and follow the instructions to file a new CLJA claim.

2. If claimants are unable to file their CLJA claim by accessing the portal, claimants may download a claim form at https://www.navy.mil/Portals/1/clja/CLJA_Claims_Form4.pdf, complete and sign the form, and then either email or mail the form as detailed below.

a. Claimants may email their completed, signed claim form to clclaims@us.navy.mil by 11:59 pm (UTC-12/Anywhere on Earth) on August 10, 2024.

b. Claimants may mail their completed, signed claim form to the address on the form. Mailed claim forms must be postmarked no later than August 10, 2024.

Please note the Department of the Navy will never request a claimant’s personal information by email or over the telephone. Please also note there is no fee to access the portal or to file a CLJA claim and individuals can file a claim without an attorney. The Department of the Navy cannot provide legal advice, including whether you should retain an attorney to assist in filing a claim.

For more information regarding CLJA claim eligibility and answers to other frequently asked questions, please visit the Department of the Navy’s official CLJA website at www.navy.mil/clja or contact the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit at CLClaims@us.navy.mil or (757) 241-6020.