On January 16, 2024, the U.S. Army awarded a contract action to RTX Corporation for $75 million for the production of 600 Coyote 2C Interceptors in direct support of the U.S. counter-unmanned aircraft systems mission.
The contract award was part of an Office of the Secretary of Defense rapid acquisition authority that was identified to Congress, with all actions completed in less than 30 days from the authorization approval and receipt of funding.
The contract supports a Coyote Interceptor demand increase and subsequent need to increase production capacity.
The Coyote is a key component of the counter-UAS system of systems. It is a ground-launched, radar-guided interceptor, with kinetic and non-kinetic variants, that integrates into fixed site-low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat systems and mobile-slow, small-unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat systems.
This effort was led by the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, in partnership with components across the DOD.
U.S. Army Pacific and the Hawaii National Guard continue their fully integrated response to the recent wildfires. With the stand-up of Joint Task Force 50 (JTF-50) under the command of dual-status commander Brig. Gen Stephen Logan, the distinction between the active-duty and National Guard forces begins to become less apparent as the military headquarters assumes command and control responsibilities for military support to civilian authorities.
There are currently 691 DoD personnel in Maui who are actively engaged in planning, synchronizing, and coordinating support to FEMA and the State of Hawaii.
Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters with Bambi buckets from the Hawaii National Guard are being used to conduct fire suppression support. The fire in the Pulehu/KΔ«hei area is 100% contained, the fire in Lahaina is 85% contained, and the fire in the area of Kula is 75% contained. According to Maui County, 2,170 acres burned in the vicinity of Lahaina and 678 acres burned in the vicinity of Kula.
As of Aug. 16, 2023, according to state officials, 106 fatalities were reported, and nearly 2,250 customers do not have power. Six shelters are open in Maui County, and the state of Hawaii has secured more than 400 hotel rooms and 1,400 units from Airbnb.
The JTF-50 joint operations center at the Haggai complex in Maui is fully Operational.
Search and rescue teams are conducting wide-search-area activities with CBRNE-enhanced response force packages and teams from the FBI. JTF-50 continues to maintain traffic-control points and conduct 24-hour security operations in Lahaina in coordination with local law enforcement, the HIARNG, and neighboring sheriff departments.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has moved 32 FEMA generators to Maui, and 61 generators are staged at Oahu.
Possible courses of action for initial debris removal have been briefed to FEMA, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense has approved the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to assign six forensic anthropologists to assist in gathering and identifying human remains.
Future anticipated actions include debris removal, engineer assessments, damage assessments (including port facilities), and rebuilding efforts.
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth appointed Ms. D. Noelani βNoeβ Kalipi from Hilo, Hawaii, as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on Aug. 9, 2021, at Fort Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii.
βCASAs are a unique group,β Wormuth said during the ceremony. βThey help the Army strengthen our relationship with our local communities. Telling the Army story is a critical element I need Noe to do, and I ask that she advocate across her entire community to pave the way for our recruiters to bring talented Soldiers and civilians into our workforce. We must do all we can to make the Army the employer of choice for all who can and are willing to serve and seek out the best and most diverse talent for our future Army.β
CASAs are a vital resource for the Army. They promote improved relations between the Army and the public and advise the Secretary of the Army on regional issues.
Each state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs to provide vital links between the Army and the communities they serve. CASAs are typically business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.
βItβs an honor to have been selected by the Secretary of the Army to serve in the CASA position,β Kalipi said. βMy commitment to strengthening relationships between military officials and civilians stems from my experiences as an Army veteran and staffer for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, who served on the Armed Services Committee and led the Veteransβ Affairs Committee as ranking member. I hope to honor his legacy of demonstrating the strength of Aloha in building a connection to people and places. I also look forward to sharing the many learning opportunities associated with serving in the U.S. Army as a Soldier or as a civilian.β
Kalipi is one of two CASAs representing Hawaii, joining Gil Tam, CASA for Hawaii (O’ahu East). She currently serves as the chief strategy officer for Progression Energy and owns a consulting firm specializing in systems planning, food security, energy security, and community empowerment.
Each CASA serves a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service. The Secretary of the Army may also recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service.