It seems that the U.S. Air Force and Navy started to change their relations with Israel in early June 1967. Author Stephen Green in a 1984 book, "Taking Sides: America's Secret Relations With A Militant Israel", said that the USS Liberty was attacked because the ship had discovered a secret U.S. Air Force operation during the Six Day War, located in the Negev Desert. This was the location of a secret Israeli nuclear weapons facility at Dimona. Is there a possible link between this early co-operation and links to
the recent breakdown of proper handling of nuclear weapons at Air Force bases in Minot, North Dakota; Barksdale, Louisiana; F. E. Warren located in Wyoming?
In November 1991 Rowland Evans and Robert Novak reported that the Israeli's knew the Liberty was an American ship when they attacked it. Former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon confirmed the Evans-Novak report. On July 18, 1967 Clifford Clark the chairman of the Presidents Foreign Intelligence Board said "the unprovoked attack constituted a flagrant act of gross negligence for which the Israel Government should be held accountable and the Israeli military personnel involved should
be punished."
But was there payback? In November 1967 Israel announced that their fourth submarine INS Dakar
had been commissioned. The Dakar had been purchased in 1964 in used condition from the British Navy.
January 26, 1968 the British, not Israeli Naval Headquarters reported the submarine was missing some 100 miles from Cyprus. The Israeli government for the most part kept it a state secret, and would not admit the submarine was missing.
The British destroyer Diana and the USS Turner were deployed to the last known position of the Dakar, carrying decompression equipment in the search for any survivors.
Israel denied that the submarine was sunk by any "hostile action." But if it was possibly a retaliatory strike by the U.S. Navy (maybe aided by Britain) would not be considered hostile action, but revenge for the attack on the USS Liberty.
Reports from Cyprus that signal on the same frequency used by the Dakar's radio buoy might have been a distress call search planes and ships could not find the buoy. There were reports of debris, oil slicks and floating drums, but these reports quickly stopped.
On February 4, 1968 Israel stopped the search for the Dakar. They claimed that Dakar had been conducting crash dive exercises and probably was lost due to mechanical failure. On April 25, 1968 the commander of the Israeli Navy stated that Dakar sank from human or technical failure, and said there was no evidence of "foul play".
On January 1, 1970 Egypt reported that Dakar had been sunk by depth charges from an Egyptian navy ship. Israel said that report was "utter nonsense" and there was nothing to indicate that was what happened. Israel then changed the date of the sinking to January 25, 1968, the third time the date was
changed.
In August of 1968 the New York Times said that the U.S. Navy was going to conduct a search in Egyptian waters, close to where the USS Liberty was attacked in 1967. P-3 Orion and carrier based
S-3 ASW aircraft were used to no avail. Israel used a salvage vessel 3 times looking for Dakar, and came up empty.
Then in 1997 Israel pulled a book called "Dakar" from the shelves, written by former Israeli Navy Captain Michael Eldar. His book revealed that the search for Dakar was never serious. One has to wonder if this is true, then why was a search only done halfheartedly?
Finally in May 1999, a U.S.-Israeli team found the Dakar in 9500 feet of water between Cyprus and Crete. The bow of the submarine was intact, the middle part showed extensive damage, the aft portion had been completely broken off. One report stated that it had been hit by an acoustic homing air-dropped torpedo.
What really happened to Dakar?
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Will the Truth ever be told? USS Liberty
June 8, 1967 the USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli planes and gunboats. 34 killed and 173 wounded.
Israel claimed it was a mistake and their pilots did not recognize it as an American ship, the fact that
two large American flags were flying not withstanding. Israel claimed and still claims it was mistaken for an Egyptian ship, and this was during the 6 Day War, so it was justified.
Many do not believe this and think it was a purposeful attempt to kill all those aboard the ship, and destroy the ship. Included in this group was then Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Thomas Moorer, CIA Director Richard Helms, National Security Agency deputy director Louis Tordella, Undersecretary of State George Ball, Undersecretary of the Navy Paul Warnke, Clark Clifford and Secretary of State Dean Rusk.
Planes from an American aircraft carrier were dispatched to assist the Liberty, but were recalled some say on orders from President Johnson. President Johnson admitted using the "hot line" to inform the Soviet Union that the planes were in flight to investigate.
Of course the Soviets had a large naval and intelligence presence in the Mediterranean and knew what had happened.
Some claim that in June 1967 President Johnson was planning to run for re-election and covered up the attack to avoid angering Jewish contributors and therefore covered up the incident.
The cover-up even extended to Arlington National Cemetery. The grave markers of six USS Liberty crewmen who died from the Israeli attack were noted "died in the Eastern Mediterranean June 8, 1967." Nothing indicated they had died as the result of hostile actions. In June 1982 just before the anniversary of the attack the markers were changed to read "Killed, USS Liberty June 8 1967."
The commanding officer of USS Liberty, who was severely wounded during the attack was awarded
the Medal of Honor; but instead of being bestowed upon him at the White House, as is normally done
with great pomp and honor, it was given to him at a small private ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard.
December 19, 1980 Israel and the United States decided that all information had been explored and decided to complete the investigation. Just about a month prior to that an American cargo ship SS Poet
was sunk after delivering arms to Iran as part of the "October Surprise", also sunk by Israeli forces.
The arms were to help ensure that Iran would not release the U.S. Embassy hostages held by Iran until after the November elections.
Thirty-four Americans were killed on the Poet, the same number that were killed in the attack on the USS Liberty. These men too were forgotten in another cover-up. Israel agreed to pay 6 million dollars
in addition to the 7 million dollars it had paid to the families of the 34 killed on the USS Liberty and the wounded crewmen.
So the State Department asked Israel to pay $17 million plus interest to repair the Liberty. Just a little
while after President Jimmy Carter was elected Israel ask Vice President Walter Mondale to forget the
10 million dollar interest and reduce the damages from 7.5 million to a mere 6 million, which of course
is exactly what happened.
More to come in another and later entry.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Israel claimed it was a mistake and their pilots did not recognize it as an American ship, the fact that
two large American flags were flying not withstanding. Israel claimed and still claims it was mistaken for an Egyptian ship, and this was during the 6 Day War, so it was justified.
Many do not believe this and think it was a purposeful attempt to kill all those aboard the ship, and destroy the ship. Included in this group was then Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Thomas Moorer, CIA Director Richard Helms, National Security Agency deputy director Louis Tordella, Undersecretary of State George Ball, Undersecretary of the Navy Paul Warnke, Clark Clifford and Secretary of State Dean Rusk.
Planes from an American aircraft carrier were dispatched to assist the Liberty, but were recalled some say on orders from President Johnson. President Johnson admitted using the "hot line" to inform the Soviet Union that the planes were in flight to investigate.
Of course the Soviets had a large naval and intelligence presence in the Mediterranean and knew what had happened.
Some claim that in June 1967 President Johnson was planning to run for re-election and covered up the attack to avoid angering Jewish contributors and therefore covered up the incident.
The cover-up even extended to Arlington National Cemetery. The grave markers of six USS Liberty crewmen who died from the Israeli attack were noted "died in the Eastern Mediterranean June 8, 1967." Nothing indicated they had died as the result of hostile actions. In June 1982 just before the anniversary of the attack the markers were changed to read "Killed, USS Liberty June 8 1967."
The commanding officer of USS Liberty, who was severely wounded during the attack was awarded
the Medal of Honor; but instead of being bestowed upon him at the White House, as is normally done
with great pomp and honor, it was given to him at a small private ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard.
December 19, 1980 Israel and the United States decided that all information had been explored and decided to complete the investigation. Just about a month prior to that an American cargo ship SS Poet
was sunk after delivering arms to Iran as part of the "October Surprise", also sunk by Israeli forces.
The arms were to help ensure that Iran would not release the U.S. Embassy hostages held by Iran until after the November elections.
Thirty-four Americans were killed on the Poet, the same number that were killed in the attack on the USS Liberty. These men too were forgotten in another cover-up. Israel agreed to pay 6 million dollars
in addition to the 7 million dollars it had paid to the families of the 34 killed on the USS Liberty and the wounded crewmen.
So the State Department asked Israel to pay $17 million plus interest to repair the Liberty. Just a little
while after President Jimmy Carter was elected Israel ask Vice President Walter Mondale to forget the
10 million dollar interest and reduce the damages from 7.5 million to a mere 6 million, which of course
is exactly what happened.
More to come in another and later entry.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Ceremony honors veterans, remembers 9/11 - Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Republic
The ceremony included remarks by Cold War Veteran Joe Bedford
Ceremony honors veterans, remembers 9/11 - Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Republic
----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Ceremony honors veterans, remembers 9/11 - Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Republic
----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Thursday, September 9, 2010
California judge says Don't Ask-Don't Tell Unconstitutional
U.S. district judge Virginia Phillips says that the policy that bans gays and lesbians from serving in the
military is unconstitutional. Saying the ban violated homosexuals first amendment rights and harmed
the effectiveness of the armed services.
While the administration has been attempting to figure out how to lift the ban, it has been a long and drawn-out and complicated process with most military leadership co-operating.
The judge said that evidence shows it has a "direct and deleterious" effect on the military. She plans to issue an injunction barring enforcement of the policy. The U.S. Department of Justice will most likely appeal the decision.
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
military is unconstitutional. Saying the ban violated homosexuals first amendment rights and harmed
the effectiveness of the armed services.
While the administration has been attempting to figure out how to lift the ban, it has been a long and drawn-out and complicated process with most military leadership co-operating.
The judge said that evidence shows it has a "direct and deleterious" effect on the military. She plans to issue an injunction barring enforcement of the policy. The U.S. Department of Justice will most likely appeal the decision.
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
U.S. Navy P-3C Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare(ASW) Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has for a long time used the P-3C Orion a four engine turboprop aircraft for anti-submarine warfare. It was used extensively during the Cold War, long grueling flights searching for Russian submarines.
It has now evolved to include battlespace surveillance either at sea or over
land. Its long range 2,380 nautical miles, and long loiter time 3 hours have proved invaluable in recent
times. It can view the battle space and provide instant communication to ground troops, especially U.S, Marines.
The P-3C has advanced submarine surveillance equipment including sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly
detection and direction frequency and ranging.
New updates include a modernized communications suite, Protected Instrument Landing System, IFF Mode S, Required Navigation Performance Area Navigation, GPS, and modernized cockpit instrumentation, as well as other modifications.
The Navy has shifted the P-3C operational emphasis to littoral regions and is improving the antisurface
warfare(ASUW) capabilities. It also increases the over-the-horizon capabilities and command, control, communications, and intelligence and improves survivability.
The fleet of planes will be 130 aircraft by the end of 2010. They will remain operational until the
P-8A Poseidon becomes fully operational.
The P-3C has a crew of three pilots, two naval flight officers, two flight engineers, three sensor operators, and one in-flight technician. Its armament consists of 20,000 pounds of ordnance including AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E Slam, AGM- 84H/K and AGM-65F Maverick missiles, Mk46/50/54.
With an airspeed of 411 knots maximum and cruise 328 knots.
Truly a plane to have a large place in the history of Naval Aviation. A long and storied stalwart of the U.S. Navy. It's first flight was in 1959, operational P-3A 1962 and P-3C in 1969. The many crew members should be remembered and honored for their duty and dedication.
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
It has now evolved to include battlespace surveillance either at sea or over
land. Its long range 2,380 nautical miles, and long loiter time 3 hours have proved invaluable in recent
times. It can view the battle space and provide instant communication to ground troops, especially U.S, Marines.
The P-3C has advanced submarine surveillance equipment including sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly
detection and direction frequency and ranging.
New updates include a modernized communications suite, Protected Instrument Landing System, IFF Mode S, Required Navigation Performance Area Navigation, GPS, and modernized cockpit instrumentation, as well as other modifications.
The Navy has shifted the P-3C operational emphasis to littoral regions and is improving the antisurface
warfare(ASUW) capabilities. It also increases the over-the-horizon capabilities and command, control, communications, and intelligence and improves survivability.
The fleet of planes will be 130 aircraft by the end of 2010. They will remain operational until the
P-8A Poseidon becomes fully operational.
The P-3C has a crew of three pilots, two naval flight officers, two flight engineers, three sensor operators, and one in-flight technician. Its armament consists of 20,000 pounds of ordnance including AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E Slam, AGM- 84H/K and AGM-65F Maverick missiles, Mk46/50/54.
With an airspeed of 411 knots maximum and cruise 328 knots.
Truly a plane to have a large place in the history of Naval Aviation. A long and storied stalwart of the U.S. Navy. It's first flight was in 1959, operational P-3A 1962 and P-3C in 1969. The many crew members should be remembered and honored for their duty and dedication.
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Monday, September 6, 2010
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The American Cold War Veterans support a National POW/MIA Day, which is annually recognized on the third Friday in September. This day is set aside to honor the sacrifices made by our country's prisoners of war and those missing in action, as well as their families. We do this to honor the POW/MIAs from WWI, WWI, Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan.
The American Cold War Veterans have petitioned Congress to demand a full accounting of all POW/MIAs from all conflicts from the countries involved. We as a country should become involved in this quest. There should be no stone unturned, and no pressure not used to bring home all those brave and dedicated members of our proud military who gave their all.
Until July 18, 1979 there had been no day of recognition for POW/MIAs. In the first year Congress passed resolutions and the national ceremony took place at Washington's National Cathedral. The 1st Tactical Squadron flew the missing man formation. A poster published by the VA contained only the letters POW/MIA. In 1982 a black and white drawing of a POW in captivity was added to show the urgency of the situation.
Every year legislation was issued for a National POW/MIA Recognition Day, until 1985 when Congress determined commemorative days would no longer be considered. Now each year the president signs a proclamation to recognize POW/MIAs.
The National League of Families suggested that the third Friday in September be used as a National Day of Recognition.
This day is commemorated throughout the nation and around the world on military installations, ships, in schools, churches etc.
One particular service will be held at the National Training Center and Ft. Irwin, CA on September 17 at 10:00AM
on the west lawn of Garrison HQ Building 237. At this ceremony the official awarding of the Purple Heart to Mr. David Villafonte while also recognizing former POW/MIA and Purple Heart recipients from across the installation and the local community.
If you live near Ft. Irwin please plan to attend and pay honor and respect to our valiant warriors. If you are a former POW/MIA please contact Ft. Irwin to be included in the ceremony. Contact Mr. Ray Dixon, Plans Officer at ext. 4789 or email ray.dixonjr@us.army.mil
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
The American Cold War Veterans have petitioned Congress to demand a full accounting of all POW/MIAs from all conflicts from the countries involved. We as a country should become involved in this quest. There should be no stone unturned, and no pressure not used to bring home all those brave and dedicated members of our proud military who gave their all.
Until July 18, 1979 there had been no day of recognition for POW/MIAs. In the first year Congress passed resolutions and the national ceremony took place at Washington's National Cathedral. The 1st Tactical Squadron flew the missing man formation. A poster published by the VA contained only the letters POW/MIA. In 1982 a black and white drawing of a POW in captivity was added to show the urgency of the situation.
Every year legislation was issued for a National POW/MIA Recognition Day, until 1985 when Congress determined commemorative days would no longer be considered. Now each year the president signs a proclamation to recognize POW/MIAs.
The National League of Families suggested that the third Friday in September be used as a National Day of Recognition.
This day is commemorated throughout the nation and around the world on military installations, ships, in schools, churches etc.
One particular service will be held at the National Training Center and Ft. Irwin, CA on September 17 at 10:00AM
on the west lawn of Garrison HQ Building 237. At this ceremony the official awarding of the Purple Heart to Mr. David Villafonte while also recognizing former POW/MIA and Purple Heart recipients from across the installation and the local community.
If you live near Ft. Irwin please plan to attend and pay honor and respect to our valiant warriors. If you are a former POW/MIA please contact Ft. Irwin to be included in the ceremony. Contact Mr. Ray Dixon, Plans Officer at ext. 4789 or email ray.dixonjr@us.army.mil
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
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