Month: November 2017

Urgent Statements from South Korea: NK Ballistic Missile Launch

Photo: North Korea fires a Hwasong-12 ballistic missile on Sept. 15, 2017, in this file photo. (Yonhap)

Statement 1.

(URGENT) N. Korea fires ballistic missile: S. Korea JCS

2017/11/29 03:21

Statement 2.

Korea fires ballistic missile: S. Korea JCS

2017/11/29 03:28

 

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) — North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile from South Pyongan Province early Wednesday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The missile flew eastward and the South Korean military is analyzing details with the U.S., it said.

Statement 3.

(LEAD) N. Korea fires ballistic missile: S. Korea’s military

2017/11/29 03:37

(ATTN: UPDATES with details)

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) — North Korea fired a ballistic missile from an area north of Pyongyang early Wednesday, South Korea’s military said.

“North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile eastward from the vicinity of Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, at dawn today,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing the trajectory, it added.

It marked the North’s first ballistic missile launch since Sept. 15, when it fired an intermediate ballistic missile.

Statement 4.

(URGENT) S. Korea’s military stages ‘precision strike’ missile exercise in response to N. Korea’s missile launch: JCS.

2017/11/29 03:57

Statement 5.

(2nd LD) N. Korea fires ballistic missile: S. Korea’s military

2017/11/29 04:06

(ATTN: UPDATES with details; ADDS photo)

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) — North Korea fired a ballistic missile from an area north of Pyongyang early Wednesday, resuming its provocative act after a 75-day lull, according to South Korea’s military.

“North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea from the vicinity of Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, at around 3:17 a.m. today,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing related details including the flight distance and trajectory of the projectile, it added.

In response to the North’s provocation, the South’s armed forces conducted a “precision strike” missile launch starting at around 3:23 a.m., said the JCS.

It marked the North’s first ballistic missile launch since Sept. 15, when it fired an intermediate ballistic missile over Japan.

Statement 6.

Pentagon detects ‘probable’ N.K. missile launch

2017/11/29 04:29

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) — The Pentagon detected a “probable” missile launch from North Korea Tuesday and is assessing the situation, a spokesman said.

“At approximately 1:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time), we detected a probable missile launch from North Korea,” Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Chris Logan said. “We are in the process of assessing the situation and will provide additional information when available.”

South Korea’s military said the North fired an unidentified ballistic missile eastward from South Pyongan Province, north of Pyongyang.

It marks North Korea’s first missile launch since Sept. 15.

Statement 7.

(URGENT) Pentagon: Initial assessment indicates N.K. missile was ICBM

2017/11/29 05:05

Statement 8.

(URGENT) N. Korea’s missile flies around 960km at altitude of 4,500km.

2017/11/29 05:06

 

(END)

Statement 9.

(URGENT) S. Korean President Moon Jae-in convenes NSC meeting to discuss N. Korea’s missile launch.

2017/11/29 05:11

(END)

Statement 10.

(3rd LD) N. Korea fires ballistic missile: S. Korea’s military

2017/11/29 05:17

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) — North Korea fired a ballistic missile from an area north of Pyongyang early Wednesday, resuming its provocative act after a 75-day lull, according to South Korea’s military.

“North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea from the vicinity of Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, at around 3:17 a.m. today,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The missile flew some 960 kilometers at an apogee of around 4,500 km, it added.

The Japanese government reportedly said the missile flew for 50 minutes and apparently landed in its exclusive economic zone.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in convened a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to discuss the issue, according to his office, Cheong Wa Dae.

The South’s armed forces also conducted a “precision strike” missile launch near the Northern Limit Line in the East Sea starting at around 3:23 a.m. in response to the North’s provocation, said the JCS.

It marked the North’s first ballistic missile launch since Sept. 15, when it fired an intermediate-range missile over Japan.

Statement 11.

S. Korea holds missile exercise against N. Korea’s provocation

2017/11/29 05:31

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s military said Wednesday it conducted live-fire missile training on Wednesday near the eastern sea border with North Korea minutes after its ballistic missile launch.

The South’s Army, Navy and Air Force staged the 20-minute combined drill close to the Northern Limit Line in the East Sea from 3:23 a.m. according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

It involved the Army’s missile unit, the Navy’s Aegis ship and the Air Force’s KF-16 fighter jet, each firing a missile at a simulated target set in consideration of the distance to the site where the North’s shot the ballistic missile.

The North launched it from the vicinity of Pyongsong, just north of Pyongyang.

The South’s armed forces responded with the three missiles — Hyunmoo-II, Haesong-II and SPICE-2000, which hit the target simultaneously, added the JCS.

The quick military response came as the military closely monitored the North’s provocation, it said.

“Our military is keeping a eye on North Korea’s military activities 24 hours,” it said. “It shows our resolve and ability to strike the origin of provocation and core facilities with precision anytime on the ground, at sea and in the air.”

(END)

Statement 12.

(4th LD) N. Korea fires ballistic missile: S. Korea’s military

2017/11/29 05:48

ATTN: UPDATES throughout with Pentagon’s statement from 4th para)

By Lee Chi-dong and Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) — North Korea fired what appeared to be a long-range missile from an area north of Pyongyang early Wednesday, resuming its provocations after a 75-day lull, according to South Korean and U.S. militaries.

“North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea from the vicinity of Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, at around 3:17 a.m. today,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The missile flew some 960 kilometers at an apogee of around 4,500 km, it said.

The altitude suggests the North might have tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

“Initial assessment indicates that this missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM),” Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning said in a statement.

He added the missile traveled about 1,000km and landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

“We are working with our interagency partners on a more detailed assessment of the launch,” he said. “The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies.”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in convened a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to discuss the issue, according to his office, Cheong Wa Dae.

The South’s armed forces also conducted a “precision strike” missile launch near the Northern Limit Line in the East Sea starting at around 3:23 a.m. in response to the North’s provocation, said the JCS.

It marked the North’s first ballistic missile launch since Sept. 15, when it fired an intermediate-range missile over Japan.

It’s the communist nation’s 11th missile provocation since the South’s president took office in May with the stated policy goal of improving inter-Korean ties and bringing lasting peace to the peninsula.

Russia Statement on Intercept of US Fighter Jet: US Should Quit Whining (Sputnik Editorial)

Russian fighter jet intercepts US spy plane over Black Sea: Russia’s Sukhoi-30 fighter jet on November 25 approached a US reconnaissance plane over an international area of the Black Sea

ROSTOV-ON-DON, November 28. /TASS/. Russia’s Sukhoi-30 fighter jet last Saturday approached a US reconnaissance plane over an international area of the Black Sea, the press-service of the Southern Federal district has said.

“On November 25, Russian means of monitoring air space spotted an air target over an international area of the Black Sea that was approaching the state border at a high speed. A Sukhoi-30 jet of the Southern Military District’s air defense was ordered into the air for interception. The Russian fighter approached the air target and identified it as a US reconnaissance plane P-8A Poseidon,” the press-service said.

P-8A Poseidon Courtesy US Navy.

“After being identified by a Russian fighter the US reconnaissance plane changed its route and set course away from Russia’s airspace,” the Southern Military District said. “Upon completing its mission the Russian fighter safely returned to base.”

Earlier, the CNN television network quoted Pentagon spokeswoman Michelle Baldanza as saying the US plane remained in international airspace and did nothing that might provoke the Russian plane’s crew into “unsafe intercept.” The Pentagon claimed the Sukhoi-30 crossed the P-8A Poseidon’s path at a close range, which caused the later to perform a sharp turn that caused “violent turbulence.” This may have resulted in “serious harm and injuries to all air crews involved.”

Today in Sputnik News, another comment on the incident:

Russian Jet vs. US Plane: ‘Instead of Whining, US Should Stop Provoking Russia’

Speaking to Sputnik about the incident, Vladimir Kozin, a professor at the Russian Academy of Military Sciences, said it was worth noting, for context’ sake, that the US has been actively engaged in aerial espionage missions all along Russia’s borders recently. “According to authoritative military sources, US intelligence-gathering activities on our borders have increased ten-fold in recent years,” he observed.

https://sputniknews.com/military/201711281059506792-russian-jet-intercepts-us-navy-plane-commentary/

Radio signals suggest N. Korea possibly preparing for missile launch

KYODO NEWS KYODO NEWS

The Japanese government has been on alert after catching radio signals suggesting North Korea might be preparing for a ballistic missile launch, government sources said Monday, November 27, 2017.

“North Korea might launch a missile within the next few days,” one of the sources said.

But as satellite images have not shown a missile or a movable launch pad, the signals may only be related to winter training for the North Korean military, the sources said.

The reclusive state has been relatively quiet recently, not conducting a nuclear or missile test since Sept. 15 when it launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile over northern Japan into the Pacific Ocean.

Analysts say, however, the North may resort to more military provocations after U.S. President Donald Trump put Pyongyang back on the list of state sponsors of terrorism on Nov. 20.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned in a statement on Sept. 21 that he could take the “highest-level” of retaliatory action against the United States after Trump threatened to “totally destroy” the country if it moves against the United States or its allies, in a speech at the United Nations earlier that month.

South Korea propaganda loudspeakers are coming down

Photo courtesy Yonhap News Agency, released by South Korea’s Defense Ministry.

UPDATE:

SEOUL, May 1 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s defense authorities began taking down loudspeakers installed along the border with North Korea on Tuesday in Seoul’s first action to follow up on their summit deal last week, officials said.

 

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s military is broadcasting towards North Korean servicemen the news of the young North Korean soldier who defected to South Korea through the heavily armed land border earlier this month, according to military officials on Sunday.

The news started to be broadcast through the South Korean military’s loudspeakers set up along the inter-Korean border shortly after the defection on Nov. 13, the officials said.

The broadcast operation is aimed at disseminating outside news to the reclusive country’s soldiers and border residents as part of ongoing psychological warfare between the two Koreas as they remain technically at war since the Korean War (1950-53) ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

The 24-year-old North Korean soldier, identified only by his family name Oh, ran away from his military unit to to the South Korean side of the military demarcation line in the truce village of Panmunjom, where both South and North Korean soldiers keep watch.

He was shot multiple times by North Korean soldiers in the defection process and is recuperating at a hospital after receiving treatment in South Korea.

The officials said that the military broadcast is currently featuring the defection case in great detail, including how he defected and was shot and treated in South Korea as well as how the North Korean side chased and fired at Oh in violation of the Truce Agreement.

Sunday’s broadcast, for example, pointed to the North Korean Army’s dire health conditions, saying that “The nutritive conditions of the North Korean soldier who recently defected through the Panmunjom were unveiled,” according to the official. (The defector had a massive infestation of parasites in his digestive system that complicated his medical treatment.)

The military broadcasting operation has been bitterly protested by North Korea for its potential to provoke defections by North Korean front-line soldiers.

South Korea resumed the broadcast operation in January last year in retaliation for North Korea’s fourth nuclear test. The broadcasts are loud enough to be heard by North Koreans residing as far as 20 kilometers from the border, according to military officials.

The officials also said the military is planning to start its interrogation of Oh as soon as he has recovered from the gunshot wounds.

Navy Football Uniform Reveal: Blue Angels-Inspired Design for Army-Navy Game

The annual match up will occur December 9, 2017.

Army Football Reveals 2017 Uniform for Army Navy Game

F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters Head to Korea for Bilateral Exercise

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, deploy during Exercise Vigilant Ace 18 at Osan Air Base, South Korea, December 3, 2017. U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos

SEOUL, Nov. 23, 2017 (Yonhap) — The United States is planning to send six F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to a joint air force exercise in South Korea next month in what is believed to be U.S. action to put maximum pressure on North Korea, military officials in South Korea have announced. “Six F-22 fighters from the U.S. Air Force are scheduled to join the joint South Korea-U.S. air force exercise Vigilant Ace from Dec. 4-8,” the officials said.

Video courtesy Lockheed Martin.

The fighters will fly to the Korean Peninsula from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and stay at an air base in South Korea throughout the exercise. Up to four F-35A Lightning stealth fighters are also likely to join the deployment, they said.

The U.S. fleet will reportedly engage in enemy infiltration and precision strike drills with South Korean Air Force fighter jets during the exercise.

It would mark the first time the U.S. has deployed six Raptors to Korea at once and is sure to put pressure on North Korea with the overwhelming military force by the allies.

Video courtesy Lockheed Martin.

The Raptor, an air superiority fighter, is capable of flying to key enemy facilities and launching precision attacks under the radar. Its maximum speed is about Mach 2.5

The planned deployment comes as the U.S. steps up the deployment of strategic assets to South Korea in a show of force aimed at pressuring North Korea to the maximum level. Early this month, three U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carriers were deployed to the East Sea after powerful American fighter jets flew near North Korea in the previous months.

South Korea and the U.S. are escalating pressure, both economic and military, on North Korea in efforts to bring the country back to the table to negotiate its illegal development of nuclear weapons.

The US Pacific Air Forces Office of Public Affairs emphasized the drills are an annual event named VIGILANT ACE 18. VIGILANT ACE is a regularly scheduled flying exercise.

It will involve 12,000 U.S. personnel who will participate along with the Republic of Korea Air Force. The realistic air combat exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Republic of Korea forces and increase the combat effectiveness of both nations.

U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy personnel will train with air assets from the Republic of Korea, flying 230 aircraft at eight U.S. and ROK military installations. VIGILANT ACE is part of a continuous exercise program designed to enhance readiness and operational capability of U.S. and ROK forces.

Previously known as Beverly Bulldog, VIGILANT ACE 18 highlights the longstanding military partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between two nations. It is designed to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to stability in the Northeast Asia region.

Volcanic Ash Can Take Down an Airplane

Courtesy Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology

Plane talking: tracking and forecasting volcanic ash

Volcanic ash regularly causes significant flight disruptions. So why is volcanic ash a serious safety hazard for the aviation industry and how does the Bureau track and forecast its movement?

What is volcanic ash?

Volcanic ash in the air is a mixture of fine pulverised rock, minerals and glass, and is accompanied by gases which convert into droplets of sulphuric acid and other substances. It’s extremely hazardous to aircraft, with the potential to melt in the engine, and fuse into a glass-like coating on components, causing loss of thrust (the force that propels the plane through the air) and possible engine failure. It can also cause abrasion of engine parts, and the body of the aircraft, and clog fuel and cooling systems.

Photo: Mt Rinjani eruption, Lombok, 5 November 2015. Credit: Centre for Vulcanological and Geohazards Mitigation.

In June 1982 a British Airways 747 suffered severe damage and had all four engines fail after encountering ash from Mt Galunggung in Indonesia. It descended to 12 000 feet (normal cruising height is around 38 000 feet) before restarting some engines and making an emergency landing in Jakarta.. Three weeks later the same thing happened to a Singapore Airlines 747, which lost two engines and also made an emergency landing.

These incidents drove a major international effort to start tracking and warning aircraft of volcanic ash clouds.

For the latest on Mayon Volcano erupting in the Philippines:

NEW INFO: Mayon Volcano in Albay Province, Philippines Downgraded to Level 3

For the latest on the volcano erupting in Bali:

Bali Volcano Mount Agung, The Great Mountain, Lowers Danger Level; Evacuees Headed Home

Volcanic activity

The highest concentration of active volcanoes in the world lies along the rim of the Pacific Ocean—the so-called ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’. This 40 000 km horseshoe-shaped area stretches along the western edge of the Americas, across to the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia), down through Japan and the Philippines and across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand to the islands of the South Pacific. It is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements. Other active regions are the Great Rift Valley in Central and East Africa, countries around the Mediterranean, and Iceland (home of Eyjafjallajökull, which erupted in 2010, famously grounding flights in 20 countries across Europe and affecting around 10 million travellers).

Pacific Ring of Fire. Oceanic trenches are shown in blue. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey.

Volcanic eruptions range in nature from a quiet, steady outpouring of lava to highly explosive eruptions which blast several cubic kilometres of ash and corrosive gases high into the atmosphere over a wide area for several days. This explosive activity is of greatest concern to aviation, mainly because of the great volume of ash and the height that the volcanic material can reach. An ash cloud from a large eruption can remain in the atmosphere in dangerous concentrations for many days. Over this time, it can travel many thousands of kilometres with the prevailing winds.

Monitoring volcanic ash

Globally there are nine volcanic ash advisory centres (VAACs) that detect, track and forecast the movement of volcanic ash clouds and provide advice to meteorological offices in their area of responsibility. The VAACs are located in the USA, Argentina, UK, Australia, Japan, France, Canada and New Zealand.

The Bureau’s VAAC (known as VAAC Darwin) is responsible for an area that includes the volcanically active regions of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the southern Philippines—and monitors 152 active volcanoes. It provides advice to the aviation industry about the location and movement of potentially hazardous volcanic ash, using ground-based and satellite observations, pilot reports, and sophisticated forecasting models. The VAAC operates 24 hours a day.

First Lady Melania Trump Unveils Christmas at the White House 2017

The First Family will celebrate their first Christmas in the White House with a nod to tradition. This year’s theme, “Time-Honored Traditions” was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House.

In the East Wing, visitors find a tribute to our service members and their families with the Gold Star Family Tree, which has been decorated with gold stars and patriotic ribbon. Visitors are encouraged to write a message to their loved ones who are on duty or abroad on the digital tablets provided.

After passing through the East colonnade, visitors will see the China Room, which honors the holiday traditions of dining and hospitality. The room is set up for a family Christmas dinner, with the table displaying the china from President Ronald Reagan. Then, visitors will see the Library, which features President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1866 edition of “A Christmas Carol,” as they recall the time-honored custom of reading Christmas stories to loved ones.

 

On the State Floor of the White House, the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall celebrate the first themed White House Christmas, which was the “Nutcracker Suite” in 1961. The Green Room honors the festivities of crafts, paper, and classic design.

The Blue Room holds the official White House Christmas tree, which is decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each State and territory.

The Red Room hosts delightful holiday treats, and has been decorated with peppermints, candy, and cookies. The State Dining Room holds a traditional gingerbread house, which depicts the South facade of the White House and features Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths.

“The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People’s House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season.”

Throughout the month of December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours.

Giving Tuesday is November 28, 2017: Enters 6th Year

Entering its sixth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources. https://www.givingtuesday.org/

Statement from President Donald J. Trump on #GivingTuesday*

On #GivingTuesday, the citizens of our great Nation, and people around the globe, take part in the charitable spirit of the holiday season. We commit our time, money, and resources to acts of giving and kindness, as we help those less fortunate and those most in need.

Earlier this year, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria devastated communities across the southern United States and in the Caribbean, and vast wildfires ravaged California. We saw millions of our fellow Americans lose everything, from homes to businesses, and far too many people also suffered the unbearable loss of loved ones. I have seen first-hand the heartbreaking pain it has caused.

Americans, however, are a resilient people, particularly when they support each other through acts of charity, kindness, and generosity. That spirit has been on full display as we have worked together to rebuild America. As the process of recovery and the need for assistance continues, I encourage all Americans to unite in selflessness, compassion, and giving. When we are united, Americans can overcome even the greatest challenges.

This #GivingTuesday, I thank those who have contributed to charitable organizations, including our houses of worship, and ask that we continue to come together to give and help others in need, especially to communities devastated by the recent natural disasters. Together, we can ensure that the blessings of this holiday season are shared around the world.