Monthly Archives: September 2022

The SKELP Directives: U.S. Secret Financing of Germ Warfare during the …

Posted: September 29, 2022 at 12:48 am

Picture of bacterial bombs modified from U.S. psychological warfare leaflet bombs, from the September 1952 Report of International Scientific Commission for the Investigation of the Facts Concerning Bacterial Warfare in Korea and China, pg. 357 (For history of this report, click here.)

The General was irritated. It was mid-January 1952, and from accounts subsequently released by China, North Korea, and international investigators, a campaign of aerial bombardment with biological weapons (BW) was taking place over both China and North Korea.

The germ weapons attacks allegedly were aimed at both military personnel and civilians, and included the dissemination of plant diseases. Now, suddenly, the bureaucrats in the Pentagon were turning off the secret money spigot for some of the most classified projects of the war!

What happened?

This essay is the first historical account of the secret funding used for the research into and production of chemical and biological weapons during the Korean War. It is based largely on declassified documents available in the U.S. National Archives, many of which are available at the Weapons of Mass Destruction collection at brillonline.com.

Besides clandestine forms of funding their secret weapons, this article will also look at other ways in which the BW program was kept secret, including the use of unwritten orders, the false labeling of weapons during shipment, and extraordinary security procedures taken during the movement of such materials.

The Korean War-era BW allegations have remained controversial for decades. A few years ago, this author postedonline a few dozen declassified CIA communications intelligence (COMINT) reports documenting the fact that various Communist military units were indeed reporting, in encrypted dispatches with authorities and other military units, U.S. attacks by biological weapons in the early months of 1952.

Units from Chinas Peoples Volunteer Army and the DPRK Korean Peoples Army continued making such internal reports at least through the end of the year, and existing evidence argues these reports continued until nearly the armistice agreement in July 1953.

Despite such clear evidence of BW attack by U.S. forces, Western historians and commentators have ignored the CIA COMINT reports, relying on dubious documentation from experts. At the same time, historians have been unable to ignore the fact that the U.S. military, with assistance from the CIA, vastly accelerated its BW research program during the Korean War. Even as hundreds of anti-crop biological bombs were forward positioned in England and North Africa against the USSR as early as 1951 (as will be described below), Western scholars today insist that the U.S. did not implement actual offensive BW operations during this period.

In December 1958, as part of the sedition trial of John and Sylvia Powell, who reported on U.S. use of germ warfare in China and Korea, Ft. Detrick official John L. Schwab, stated under oath in an affidavit to the federal court that from the period 1 January 1949 through 27 July 1953, the U.S. Army had a capability to wage both chemical and biological warfare, offensively and defensively. Schwab had been at one point Chief of Ft. Detricks Special Operations Division, which worked closely with CIA on concocting BW and chemical weapons for use in sabotage and assassination operations.

View of the main entrance to Fort Detrick in 1956, west of current main gate on West 7th Street. Prior to 1956, the site was known as Camp Detrick (Source: Ch. 3, Cutting Edge: The History of Ft. Detrick, Public Domain)

Schwab then added that during the aforesaid period, the biological warfare capability was based upon resources available and retrained only within the continental limits of the United States.

As we shall see, biological munitions were indeed sent overseas as early as 1951. Declassified documents from the Department of Defense show that Schwab apparently committed perjury on this point.

Screenshot from the Pentagons 15 July 1952 Weapons System Evaluation Group report, An Evaluation of Offensive Biological Warfare Weapons Systems Employing Manned Aircraft, Enclosure E: Characteristics of Anti-crop Agents, Munitions, and Weapons Systems, p. E-59 The two overseas installations were in England and Libya, as discussed elsewhere in this article. ZI is the Interior Zone of the U.S., aka the continental United States.

In any case, if there were any covert BW campaign one that operated on a strict need-to-know basis we would expect its funding would also be highly classified, and directions regarding its operations deliberately muddled or unrecorded. That is exactly what we do find, as attempts were made to keep such evidence as secret as possible.

Verbal instructions only

A declassified Summary History of the U.S. Chemical Corps, dated 30 October 1951, and covering the period 25 June 1950 through 8 September 1951, revealed that under the pressures of intense warfare and U.S./UN military setbacks on the Korean peninsula, the Chemical Corps gave a terrific push to the development and creation of new biological and chemical agents. The relevant secret orders were delivered orally. There was no mistaking the urgency behind these orders.

Screenshot from pg. 11, Summary History of the U.S. Chemical Corps, 25 June 1950 through 8 September 1951

According to this previously top secret internal history, the Chief Chemical Officer of the Chemical Corps at the time, Major General Anthony C. McAuliffe, issued verbal instructions that, regardless of previous plans, both chemical weapons (CW) and a BW interim weapon were to be rushed to completion.

The use of verbal instuctions implied that aspects of this program were too secret or sensitive to be written down. The operations of portions of the BW program were covert, subject to deniability by the President and other top U.S. officials. Indeed, President Truman always maintained that he never ordered their use, or a change from a supposed policy of using such weapons in retaliation only.

The use of verbal orders to maintain secrecy is hardly unknown. According to OSS documents dating from the close of World War II, verbal instructions were used to authorize field commanders to use anti-crop biological weapons. Turning to a different era, the Vietnam War, Congressional investigations documented that the orders and instructions for the U.S. Air Force to secretly bomb Cambodia were delivered orally.

Similarly, Canadian scholars Stephen Endicott and Edward Hagerman documented in their 1998 book, The U.S. and Biological Warfare (University of Indiana Press, p. 11), that in 1949, preparations for ready implementation of biological warfare plans were in the hands of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, bypassing the National Security Council. These plans were so secret that they were presented orally to Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal and Secretary of State George Marshall. When such plans were discussed again in 1952, it was decided that only the secretary of defense and not the secretary of state would be notified. (1)

Whatever the level of secrecy involved, war plans costs money. Secret operations must leave some kind of trail. Newbie journalists are advised in their investigations to follow the money. And so we shall.

So lets return to our irritated general. He was Major General Egbert G. Bullene, who left his post as head of Edgewood Arsenal to succeed McAuliffe as Chief Chemical Officer of the Chemical Corps in mid-1951. In January 1952, he and the Chemical Corps were in the very sensitive first operational stages of implementing their stop-gap, interim biological warfare plans against North Korea and China.

The plans utilized a combination of BW weapons, many apparently based upon designs from Japans old biowar Unit 731, which heavily relied on traditional forms of sabotage, as well as the unique use of insect vectors to deliver bacterial agents such as bubonic plague. Other BW munitions designed by Ft. Detrick and/or the U.S. Air Force, such as experimental use of aerosol dissemination of pathogens, may also have been in the mix. But suddenly the spigot of secret funding had been cut off! (2)

Normal military channels were by-passed

17 January 1952 secret memorandum (click to download) from Gen. Bullene to Secretary of the Army Frank Pace, Jr., source Brill Online/National Archives

In a 17 January 1952 secret memorandum from Gen. Bullene to Secretary of the Army Frank Pace, Jr., the Chemical Corps chief complained about the sudden lower priority assigned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to development of both Sarin nerve gas (codename GB) and to biological weaponry. The unexpected reduction in funding priority was retarding development of the Chemical Corps new agent production facilities for GB and BW, codenamed Projects Gibbet and Noodle, respectively.

Priority and urgency must go hand in hand, the general said.

You will recall more than a year ago, Bullene wrote to Pace (via Michael E. Kalette, special assistant for Construction at the Munitions Board, working in the office of the Undersecretary of Army for Research and Materiel), a directive was issued to the Chief Chemical Officer to initiate design and construction of certain highly classified projects in the field of GB and BW.

Bullene continued:

These projects were initiated with vigorous action under a scope of highest priority and unusual administrative procedures. Normal military channels were by-passed in the interests of urgency and for other peculiar reasons known to the Secretarys office.

Did the other peculiar reasons too secret to be detailed in a merely secret memorandum concern the use of interim Unit 731-style BW projects, which were utilized until the Chemical Corps more mainstream projects, such as the anti-personnel Brucella suis and anthrax bombs were ready for full-scale use?

The September 1952 report of the International Scientific Commission, headed by respected British scientist Joseph Needham documented the kinds of Unit 731 BW attacks that allegedly occurred throughout the first nine months of 1952. Looking at the use of insect vector attacks and other types of infected materials, such as chicken feathers, UK scientist Joseph Needham, and other scientists investigating the BW allegations in summer of 1952, wondered whether the American Far Eastern Command was engaged in making use of methods essentially Japanese questions which could hardly have been absent from the minds of members of the Commission (pg. 12).

A sketch of an Uji Bomb, an improved porcelain experimental bomb for bacterial liquid drawn from sketch submitted by Lt. Gen. Shiro Ishii, was included, along with other Japanese bomb designs, in Chemical Corps officer Lt. Col. Arvo Thompsons May 1946 report to Ft. Detrick on Japanese BW activities

Needham and company could hardly have known that Fort Detrick already had sketches of biological bombs drawn from information personally obtained from Unit 731s Shiro Ishii.

Nor could the ISC have known that U.S. Army Chemical Corps researchers believed at the time that Insects and other arthropods act as vectors and reservoirs of some of the most promising and highest priority BW agents affecting man and animals. The 1953 fiscal year annual report for the Chemical Corps Biological Laboratoriesfurther enthused, Arthropods provide a tactical concept of BW agent dissemination, as they can efficiently carry agents to specific targets. (See pg. 77 of the report, which while dated 1 July 1953, covered the period from 1 July 1952 to 30 June 1953.)

Imperial Japans Unit 731 and the U.S. Armys Chemical Corps Intelligence Branch

The October 1951 Summary History of the Chemical Corps, quoted earlier above, described in its section on Intelligence how the activities of its Intelligence Branch which operated under the Plans, Training, and Intelligence division of the Chemical Corps were greatly increased with the advent of the conflict in Korea. The branch received a vast amount of military and technical intelligence from the Far East. Consequently it was confronted with the job of reorganizing to meet this influx and of acquiring the qualified personnel to fill new positions. At the present time these problems are not entirely solved, and temporary expedients have been adopted to meet the emergency. [pg. 32, bold emphases added.]

Unfortunately, we still dont know too much about how the Chemical Corps incorporated this vast amount of military and technical intelligence, which can only have been the data and studies provided by Japans Unit 731 personnelunder the terms of an amnesty for war crimes secretly granted by the U.S. Most likely much of that information was destroyed, or still remains carefully guarded in the vaults where especially sensitive information remains sealed.

A portion of these materials ended up in the U.S. National Archives. In 1960, the U.S. government declassified three key documents from the Unit 731 materials. Titled The Report of A (anthrax), The Report of G (glanders), and The Report of Q (bubonic plague), the reports are hundreds of pages long. They are available to the public at the U.S. Library of Congress.

The 744-page Unit 731-Ft. Detrick report on Q (bubonic plague) rested for some years in the Technical Library at the Chemical Corps Dugway Proving Ground.

Much of what we do know about the postwar activities of Unit 731 and the work at Ft. Detrick during the Korean War comes from the investigations and reports of Chinese and North Korean military and scientific personnel, the limited release of certain COMINT documents by the CIA, a handful of contemporary newspaper reports, and the work of investigators from the International Association of Democratic Jurists and the International Scientific Commission.

Of much significance in this regard is a 26 June 1947 memorandum to the State, War, Navy Coordinating Committee for the Far East from two Defense Department officials, Edward Wetter with the Research and Development Board (RDB) and Dr. Henry I. Stubblefield from Ft. Detrick.

The Wetter-Stubblefield memo explained that the U.S. agreement not to prosecute Ishii or other Unit 731 criminals was based on the promise that information given by them on the Japanese BW program will be retained in intelligence channels.

Evidently the materials became the property initially of the Intelligence Branch of the Chemical Corps, and probably the CIA, and were held closely on a need to know basis.

As an important side note, as I pointed out in an earlier article, by Spring 1950, Wetter was serving as Deputy Executive Director of RDBs Biological Warfare Committee. He was the contact person for all the panels within the Committee that were working on biological warfare, including panels on Man, Animals, Crops, and Intelligence. The Army representative to the RDBs BW Committee Panel on Crops, i.e., for anti-crop biological warfare, was Wetters old colleague, Dr. Henry I. Stubblefield.

Code Name SKELP

Meanwhile, in January 1952, Gen. Bullene, in charge at the Chemical Corps, had his own fish to fry. In his memo to Pace, he described the special procurement procedures unique to both the Sarin and BW crash development programs:

An expediting group for priority procurement was established within the Munitions Board, and direct access to the National Production Authority was exercised. These projects were pursued under a code name of SKELP and MPA directives issued for these projects were known as SKELP directives. These measures insured special and positive actions regarding procurement.

Hence, according to Bullenes account, it appears that the funds for building the secret productions facilities to produce Sarin gas and agents of biological warfare were hidden in the guise of special Army military personnel directives (MPAs).

But now Bullene was flustered. Even though the scope of priority and procedure for procurement had continued without hesitation or question for over a year, suddenly in December 1951, the Munitions Board was throwing bureaucratic obstacles in the way of the Chemical Corps top secret projects.

Bullene described how that December the Munitions Board suddenly was requiring a statement of priority from the Office of the Under Secretary of the Army before proceeding with the special procurement procedures, since the impact of other priority programs was being felt and the situation needed clarification. When the Munitions Board did not receive such a statement of priority or urgency, it discontinued the SKELP priority procedures. For Bullene, the situation could not have come at a more critical time.

What other priority programs could suddenly have arisen to necessitate some kind of clarification at the Munitions Board (or in the office of the Under Secretary of the Army for Research and Materiel)? And why was December 1951-January 1952 such a critical time? Among other things, this was the period of the onset of large-scale bombing raids that allegedly used biological weapons. But there were other projects as well.

The subject line for Bullenes memo specified that two classified programs were at stake here: the construction of a plant to develop Sarin gas (Project Gibbet) and one to produce biological weapons material, in particular, anti-crop agents (Project Noodle).

Author and researcher Nicholson Baker wrote about Project Noodle in his recent book, Baseless: My Search for Secrets in the Ruins of the Freedom of Information Act (page 112):

A factory for vegetative agents, code-named NOODLE, was being built in Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas, according to a Department of Defense progress report prepared in December 1951 by Earl Stevenson of Arthur D. Little and CIA chemist Willis Gibbons. The anti-crop program is aimed at the bread basket of the Soviet Union, the report said. Unfilled bombs for these agents have been produced and delivered to overseas bases. This year, increasingly significant quantities of anti-wheat and anti-rye agents have been harvested.

According to Baker, the Gibbet (or GIBBETT) Sarin plant was built in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The Noodle plant to produce vegetative agents, such as wheat stem rust, was part of an anti-crop program of biological warfare whose main target was the Soviet Union.

A little over a month after Bullene sent his complaint to the Department of the Army, the Joint Chiefs of Staff prepared a draft memorandum to the Chairman of the Munitions Board. Dated 25 February 1952, the draft memo, Priority for Chemical and Biological Warfare Facilities, proposed that both Projects Noodle and Gibbet be transferred to the urgent S category for funding purposes. This policy had the backing of the Armys Chief of Staff, who noted that previously, both Noodle and Gibbet were given the highest authority under the name of SKELP. (According to a 2012 Department of Defense history on DoD acquisition, [pg. 108], S category represented the highest priority of military urgency for munitions production, reserved for programs to be selected by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.)

The February 1952 JCS memo was the only other mention of SKELP directives that I have ever found in any of the extant documentation declassified to date.

Somebodys pet enthusiasm

Screenshot, from pg. 4, 29 October 1951 memo to Air Force General Howard Bunker from William A. M. Burden, Source: Brillonline/National Archives

A final, suggestive explanation as to why SKELP funding of BW programs was suddenly curtailed in late 1951 appears in a 29 October 1951 memo to Air Force General Howard Bunker from William A. M. Burden, special assistant for research and development to Secretary of the Air Force Thomas Finletter, and also an heir to the Vanderbilt fortune, (N. Baker, Baseless, p. 173).

Burden, who had conducted his own brief review of the present BW program, visiting Camp Detrick (later Ft. Detrick) and Edgewood Arsenal, while also conferring with the BW Committee at the Pentagons Research and Development Board (RDB), was critical of the program on a number of points. His criticisms were aimed at creating a robust BW capability in the least amount of time.

Burden pointed out that some unnamed technical consultants at the RDB BW Committee were critical about the selection of BW agents then under development. Burden didnt say which agents these might be, but indicated the RDB consultants claimed the choice of BW agents had been made because a) they were easy to produce, or b) or they were somebodys pet enthusiasm, rather than because they were the most effective agent against the type of targets on which they would actually be used.

Could the easy to produce agents, the product of somebodys pet enthusiasm have been a reference to the mass of infected feathers, spiders, flies, fleas and voles that in late 1951 were being planned for BW drops on North Korean and Chinese troops and villages? Whether that turns out to be the case or not, we can see that even at high organizational levels of the BW effort there was conflict over which programs and munitions were best to pursue.

Project STEELYARD and the Transport of BW Agents Overseas

The anti-crop program aimed at the Soviets was code-named STEELYARD. By December 1951, 800 biological cluster bombs were positioned outside the continental United States, meant for use against the Russians. Four hundred had been sent to RAF Lakenheath, England, and the other 400 were positioned at Wheelus Air Force Base near Tripoli, Libya. Baker noted (p. 113) that Wheelus was temporary home of the CIAs 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing.

The Air Resupply and Communications Service (ARCS) had been created by the Air Force Psychological Warfare Division, in the Pentagons Directorate of Plans, and was initially connected to the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). (3) My own research shows the 582nd ARCS was stationed for a while at RAF Molesworth, only 55 miles from Lakenheath.

Whether or not ARCS was involved in the biological warfare program, the anti-crop munitions sent abroad were modified versions of the Air Force M16 leaflet bomb, a staple of the Air Force Psychological Warfare Division. But these bombs were modified to carry infected feathers tens of thousands of them meant to spread disease to the wheat and rye crops of the Soviet Union. The CIA had supplied a detailed report to the Pentagon in early 1952 describing the vulnerabilities of each targeted area.

Ft. Detricks Special Operations and Crops divisions had earlier produced a top-secret report, Feathers as Carriers of Biological Warfare Agents. The report explained that by December 1950 the Chemical Corps had determined that feathers dusted with 10 per cent by weight of cereal rust spores and released from a modified [leaflet bomb] M16A1 cluster adapter at 1200 to 1800 feet above ground level will carry sufficient numbers of spores to initiate a cereal rust epidemic. (Thanks to intrepid researcher Alice Atlas for providing this document.)

In general, anti-crop biological weapons, as well as the use of chemical defoliants against crops, was more advanced at the time of the Korean War than the rest of the U.S. biowarfare program. Despite the budgetary cutbacks that had hit the military after World War II, according to historian Simon Whitby, Between 1943 and 1950 some 12,000 chemical agents had been screened for their potential as anti-crop chemical agents. [Whitby, S.. Biological Warfare Against Crops (Global Issues) (p. 129). Kindle Edition.] The U.S. program also benefitted from close collaboration with both British and Canadian anti-crop BW programs.

According to a declassified portion of the Joint Chiefs Weapons System Evaluation Groups (WSEG) July 1952 examination of Offensive Biological Warfare Weapons Systems Employing Manned Aircraft, the Air Force biological bombs used for Operation Steelyard were also intended to be sent to a base in French-held Morocco, as well as a base in Cairo, Egypt. Whether they ever were sent there or not is unknown. See pg. E-68 in document embedded below.(4)

WSEG Report 8, Enclosure E, Characteristics of Anti-crop Agents, Munitions, & Weapons Systems (Source: National Archives) Click here to download declassified report

In early March 1952, Air Force Mission Support Services (AFMSS) sent a Top Secret, Operational Immediate memoto the Commanding General of Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson, and a number of other very high-ranking military officials, including the Commander in Chief of U.S. Air Force (European Command) in Wiesbaden, Germany; MATS command at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland; the Commanding General at the Air Force Air Research and Development Command in Baltimore; Gen. Egbert Bullene at the Chemical Corps; Commanding General Third Air Force, headquartered in South Ruslip, England; the Commanding Officer at Wheelus AFB, Tripoli; and the commanding general, Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB outside Omaha, Nebraska. The subject was Operation Steelyard.

The memo reiterated the positioning of 400 biological bombs each at Lakenheath and Wheelus, and stated the need for modifications to the bombs necessary for deployment. The memo further described the plans for airlift and delivery of agent fill for the bombs (5), including time bomb fuzes and arming wire. The fill and the fuzes were to be shipped from Edgewood Arsenal. The MATS commander was ordered to prepare for the airlift.

The memo concluded, The time period for use of these munitions is from the present thru 30 May 52. Accordingly all planning and action required must be completed as soon as possible. Implementation of delivery and airlift for (TS) Steelyard will require specific directive this hq (parentheses in original).

Disguising the Shipment of Biological Bombs

The secrecy wasnt just in the procurement details. As early as 19 September 1951, a memo from AFMSS at USAF headquarters in Washington, D.C., to the Commanding General at Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson airbase described the necessity of camoflaging the biological bombs to be transported overseas. The memo was copied to the Commanding General, Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB in Omaha; Commanding General, Army Chemical Center at Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland; and the Chief of the Army Chemical Corps in D.C.

Screenshot from 19 September 1952 memo from USAF Mission Support Services to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, re shipping instructions for Biological Warfare munitions

As written by Mr. Williams at AFMSS, the memo described the special shipping instructions for the bombs delivery to Lakenheath, England:

Each adapter must be inclosed in a box, and designation on each box and all shipping instructions, such as bills of lading will be marked Hardware There will be no markings or other indication on boxes or bombs to indicate purpose.

Delivery to the U.S. Air Force Commanding Officer at Lakenheath was requested as soon after 1 October 1951 as possible.

Whether or not the anti-crop weapons sent to England and Libya for possible use against the Soviet Union were ever sent further onward to Korea is a matter of speculation. There is no evidence as yet they ever were. But as with the extraordinary SKELP directives, they point to the type of procedures the military may have used when sending non-nuclear weapons of mass destruction, such as biological weapons, to the Far East.

The idea of a transfer of BW munitions outside the European theater is not out of the question. A top secret 11 June 1951 U.S. Air Force Staff Study on the BW-CW Program in USAF aimed at fulfilling an earlier directive (JCS 1837/18) from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dated 21 February 1951 during a period when the U.S. Army was in pell-mell retreat before Chinese forces in North Korea the Joint Chiefs had called for a BW-CW combat capability at the earliest possible date.

Screenshot from USAF Staff Study on the BW-CW Program in USAF, 11 June 1951, National Archives/Public Domain (Link)

BW and CW offer a tremendous military potentiality against the overwhelming manpower superiority of the Soviet Union, the Staff Study stated. The report continued, without explanation, It may be necessary to use BW against the Chinese suddenly.

Further pursuit of Pentagon and CIA documents may yet reveal the full parameters of the U.S. biological warfare activities during the Korean War. Its clear that the claims of various scholars that biological weapons from Ft. Detrick never made it to the Korean War theater, including Japan, Guam, etc., are specious in that almost all of these analyses have failed to mention the implementation of operational offensive action with anti-crop bioweapons. To my knowledge, there has also been no mention of the secret funding that enabled important aspects of the BW program. Nor do any of these analyses persue the hints about stop-gap interim BW weapons in Korea, or the similarity between the kinds of BW reported by China and North Korea and the weapons developed by Unit 731, whose designs (at the very least) were handed over to the U.S. Chemical Corps.

BW and Strategic Air Command

One example of outstanding documentary evidence regarding the shipment of classified materials to the Far East in this period comes from a top secret 17 December 1952 memo from Commanding General Curtis LeMay, at Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB to the Commanding General, 15th Air Force at March AFB. Other addressees included the Commanding General of Air Materiel Command (AMC), Wright-Patterson, and Commanding Officer, 3rd Aviation Field Depot Squadron (3AFDS), Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

3AFDS had been assigned to 15th Air Force in mid-May 1951. A history of the Air Force Special Weapons Project(AFSWP) lists the 3rd AFDS as one of the components of the US Air Forces Special Weapons Units, and trained by AFSWP.

USAF, Cable, CGSAC to CGAF 15th Air Force, et al., December 17, 1952, Top Secret, NARA

The memo, marked Top Secret [-] Security Information [-] Operational Immediate, was copied to the Air Force Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C., the Commanding General of the Air Division at Travis AFB, and the commanding officers at two units at Kelly AFB in Texas. It described an airlift of highly classified material from Kelly to Travis AFB on 19 December 1952. From Travis, the classified materiel departed the U.S. mainland (ZI departure point) for Anderson AFB, Guam, and an unspecified place of arrival in Japan.

The AMC C-124 cargo plane was to be closely monitored on the trip. SACs commanding general advised that Travis be ready for the shipment with salvage and security teams, as well as standby aircraft and crew. Travis was to pay special attention to perimeter security for the cargo planes arrival.

It seems most likely the secret shipment concerned nuclear materials or munition components, given the memos origination from Strategic Air Command. But many people are unaware that SAC was drawn into BW plans at various points. Some of that history, as well as other relevant aspects of the BW story touched on in this article, can be found in Nicholson Bakers excellent book, Baseless: My Search for Secrets in the Ruins of the Freedom of Information Act (see in particular discussion beginning pg. 165).

The BW-SAC connection can be seen directly in a 17 June 1952 letter from Gen. LeMay to Lt. General Thomas D. White, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, at the Pentagon. LeMay explained, As you know, Strategic Air Command has been directed to achieve a one-wing CW-BW operational capability by 1 December 1952.

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9 Top Private Islands Rentals In The U.S. And Canada – TravelAwaits

Posted: at 12:47 am

While we have loads of vacation rental recommendations, ranging from quaint cottages in the north to beaches in Florida, South Carolina, Hawaii, and beyond, were taking our picks a step further. Its time for private island rentals!

Yes, thats right you can actually rent a private island and have it all to yourself, and weve compiled a list of 10 opportunities to do so, all available through Airbnb.com. Each of these islands comes highly rated with a good number of reviews, is the only rental on its respective island, and is in North America.

In the past, there have been a couple of different articles done about private islands, but these articles did not focus on places only in North America. Now, weve compiled a fresh list for you to pick from and odds are, theyre closer to home. Happy vacationing!

Traveling with a larger party, a group of friends, or hosting a family gathering? This nice-sized home on a 4-acre islandthat sits on Katinka Lake offers over 2,100 feet of frontage and a granite walking path throughout. With space for up to 16 guests, this is a spacious home that welcomes your furry friends, too!

Note: There are limited railings and the terrain is uneven, something to consider for those with mobility issues. You will also need something to get you across the water. The host can help you secure a pontoon rental if needed.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 16

This stunning log cottageis just 30 feet from your private dock and waterside deck on an island located in Muskoka. You will love the warm feeling you get in this beautifully decorated cottage that comes with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, and whirlpool tub.

Outside, you can enjoy the many seating areas that include a hammock and large covered porch that offers beautiful lake views. A canoe and paddle boat are provided for you, but the host recommends you either bring or rent a boat to best enjoy full access to the lake. Note: Weather can occasionally keep you from being able to leave the island for short periods of time, so be prepared prior to your visit.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

This quaint cottage known as the Island Hausis on a private island thats a wonderful spot for relaxing and making forever memories. Accessible via a private pedestrian bridge, this is a perfect spot for couples to enjoy some privacy or for families to enjoy together. Located on Gull Lake, you will love the over 600 feet of water frontage, hanging out by the fire pit, or relaxing in the hammock.

Beach towels, two paddle boards, five kayaks, a propane grill, and lots of amenities in the kitchen are provided for your use. If the weather fails to cooperate at any time, take advantage of one of the two screened-in patios or spend some time lounging in the living room that has a smart TV. This one has so much to offer definitely worth a look!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 6

Located on Nym Lake, this 1.2-acre island with a rustic private cabinis waiting for you. Featuring Voyageur-inspired decor, a stone fireplace, and a lakeview screened-in porch, youll create great memories here at the firepit or watching sunsets on the private dock. The photos posted by the host on the listing suggest amazing views definitely worth checking out!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 6

This brand-new cottage, known as the Paddle Inn on Heron Hideaway Island, offers abundant privacy and endless outdoor adventure along with a charming interior. You can head out to the back deck to go fishing, swim in the lake, relax on the covered porch, and take in all the nature you would like while staying in this cute red cabin.

There is a canoe and two kayaks available for your use, as well as a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, electric burner, crock pot, dishes, and more!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

This tiny cabin sits on a completely private islandthat offers 360 degrees of shoreline, a 40-foot private dock, heat, air-conditioning, and even a boat if you need one! You will also have access to four kayaks, a fire pit, a charcoal barbecue, and a generator. There is even a licensed captain who can get you to and from the island included in your booking if you have that need. The host recommends that you prepare for this trip as though you are preparing to camp in a tent just to be safe.

There are several marinas and a town just across the waterway if you want to leave for dinner or other vacation activities.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

Situated on a private 10-acre island, this gorgeous four-season cottageis accessible by boat in the summer months and a private ice road during the winter months. This cabin, located in what many consider the deep north, comes equipped with fresh linens, kitchen cooking supplies, and more. The photos offer a great view of just how cool this island is. Be sure to read the entire listing to get a full understanding of some of the critters you may encounter during your stay!

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

Youre gonna need a boat, as this island is boat-access only. This rustic cottagesits on a pink granite rock island on the St. Lawrence River, offering you peaceful living with boating, fishing, swimming, and more! You will be a short boat ride from the 1,000 Island National Park in this small but well-equipped cottage.

You will have electricity, but there is no running water so be prepared. The host does supply bottled water, and the kitchen includes a small refrigerator, a wine refrigerator, a small oven, and several other amenities. Note: Read the full description carefully so you can be best prepared for this awesome island experience.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

Built in 1917, this historic waterfront cabinis a private island retreat! There is one private bedroom with a second bedroom in the open area of the cottage. This island is accessible by land, and there are restaurants and bars within walking and boating distance.

You can bring a boat or you can rent a boat. The host also offers kayak rentals and private boat tours. There is firewood available as well as a gas grill. Book your stay soon!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

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9 Top Private Islands Rentals In The U.S. And Canada - TravelAwaits

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A Striking Modern Villa Tucked Into a Private Hillside on the Greek Island of Antiparos – Mansion Global

Posted: at 12:47 am

Listing of the Day

Location: Antiparos, Cyclades, Greece

Price: 7.5 million (US$7.5 million)

This strikingly modern circular villa thats tucked into a secluded hillside on the small Cyclades island of Antiparos offers privacy, a curved infinity pool that faces out to the Aegean Sea, an outdoor home theater and easy access to quiet beaches.

Known as Cronos, the stone and concrete home was designed by the Athens-based studio Deca Architecture and was recently completed, said listing agent Despina Laou of Greece Sothebys International Realty.

Perched on a hilltop, Cronus is sited to enjoy both sunrise and sunset as well as mountain and sea views, she said.

More: Why Are Property Taxes in Greece Higher Than Other Parts of Europe?

Atmospheric lighting at night creates a cozy ambience enhanced by the beauty of the night sky, she said.

The home is also fairly private. The closest property at the moment is almost a kilometer away, she said. But even if more properties are constructed in the area, its elevated position and the 10,000 square meters of land surrounding the villa ensure its privacy.

Antiparos, which is only accessible by boat, is a peaceful island that attracts those who are seeking privacy, safety and access to many private beaches, Ms. Laou said. It is also ideal for people that enjoy boating.

Located next to Paros island, Antiparos is one of those Greek islands that have managed to stay off the radar, she said. Known for its mostly sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is less crowded than Paros, but it has a cosmopolitan character.

More: Quality of Life Draws Luxury Buyers to Europe

The upper level of the villa holds the open-plan living spaces, which include a large living room and a modern kitchen that follows the same curvature of the architecture. A staircase in each room leads to the lower level where the six en-suite bedrooms are located.

While serving as a dramatic design feature, the elevated circular roof also brings shade to each of the outdoor spaces, including a large dining area. Other architectural features include a central courtyard open to the sky, a bamboo thatched ceiling, built-in window seats and bi-fold doors that connect the interior living spaces to the outdoor terraces.

Stats

The 3,164-square-foot house has six bedrooms, nine full bathrooms and two partial bathrooms. It sits on a 2.38-acre lot.

Amenities

Amenities include a curved infinity pool, an outdoor home theater and barbecue area, a fitness room, a garden, a shaded outdoor dining area and a fireplace.

Neighborhood Notes

The property is about 10 minutes from Antiparos town, Ms. Laou said. The closest airport is on the nearby island of Paros, which is just a seven-minute ferry ride from Antiparos.

There are two secluded beaches nearby, with a path leading to one of them thats about a 10-minute walk from the villa, she said. Livadia Beach is about a five-minute drive from the home.

Agent: Despina Laou, Head of Private Office, Greece Sothebys International Realty

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A Striking Modern Villa Tucked Into a Private Hillside on the Greek Island of Antiparos - Mansion Global

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Consultants in Gastroenterology, Neurologist and ENT Surgeon job with The Medical Specialist Group | 163080 – The BMJ

Posted: at 12:47 am

Consultant GastroenterologistConsultant NeurologistConsultant ENT SurgeonGuernsey, Channel Islands

A refreshing new healthcare career in an island community.

We have a number of exciting opportunities for GMC Specialist Registered Consultants to join the group.

About the Medical Specialist Group

We are a partnership of currently 54 Consultants, which, under contract, provides specialist medical services to the Guernsey Health Service with a health care model that is different and separate from the NHS. As well as providing contract care the MSG consultants also provide private care which is remunerated separately, but is carried out in both MSG and PEH facilities as there are no other private facilities on island. MSG administration and secretarial staff also support a consultant private practice. Tertiary care services are supplied by hospitals on the UK Mainland, mainly Southampton University Hospital, usually through contracted services.

The Princess Elizabeth Hospital is a modern hospital with approximately 145 beds and strong clinical links to UK mainland centres, particularly Southampton General Hospital and Kings College Hospital.

Our vision is to be internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for clinical care and loved by the Guernsey community.

Our purpose is to use our expertise and compassion to provide outstanding patient-centred services that improve the health of the community we serve.

Learn more about us here

A better work-life balance

If youre searching for a dose of sea air or a better work-life balance, our island community has it all.

Renowned for its sandy beaches and mild climate, Guernsey offers an idyllic, family friendly, lifestyle with excellent connections to the UK, France, and beautiful nearby islands.

Our flexible working patterns and short journey times give you more time to enjoy life, whether thats a paddleboard and beach BBQ with the family after work, an afternoon hiking the cliffs or catching up with friends at one of our many award-winning restaurants.

Our consultants and their families have also benefited from the excellent schools and the wide variety of activities on offer on the island.

For more information on what your new lifestyle could look like, or about the practicalities of re-locating to Guernsey, visit the dedicated website here. Alternatively, hear from other healthcare professionals who have relocated here.

About the roles

Gastroenterologist: This is a replacement post with an exciting opportunity to enable the development of new on-island services with the other established Gastroenterologist/GIM physician. The appointee will NOT be expected to take part in the GIM on call rota.

Neurologist: This post has arisen as a result of retirement and offers the opportunity to change the way off island specialist services are provided in the area of Neurology and is an excellent way to provide the island with ground-breaking accessibility and patient services. There is no formal on call associated with this post.

ENT Surgeon: This is a replacement post for the retiring Head and Neck Specialist with an exciting opportunity to provide clinical excellence in ENT. Applicants must hold full GMC registration and be on the UK GMC Specialist Register for Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery or be within 6 months of obtaining this at the time of interview.

Benefits

In addition to the appealing lifestyle that Guernsey offers, we have an attractive benefits package which includes:

Apply

For more information on the roles, benefits and relocation package, please contact our People & Organisation team by emailing by clicking the Apply buttonor clicking the Reveal Telephone numberand give use a call. Contact Dr Steve Evans, Consultant Geriatrician & Directorate Chair (email stephen.evans@msg.gg) to discuss the Gastroenterologist or Neurologist role, and contact David Beaumont, Consultant ENT Surgeon (david.beaumont@msg.gg) to discuss the ENT Surgeon role.

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Consultants in Gastroenterology, Neurologist and ENT Surgeon job with The Medical Specialist Group | 163080 - The BMJ

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This Custom Home on Mayne Islan is a Lesson in the Benefits of Building Round – Storeys

Posted: at 12:47 am

Tucked into its own pocket of forest, this custom home on Mayne Island, BC is private and picturesque in equal parts. And while the surrounding scenery is certainly captivating the area is filled with parks, trails, boardwalk, and beachfront its the homes spiral seashell layout that sets it apart from others.

The home was conceptualized by Mandala Custom Homes, a Nelson-based home building company with an extensive portfolio of uniquely rounded homes. And although a round home may seem purely stylistic at first blush, its more pragmatic than not, boasting better heat circulation, resource efficiency, noise absorption, weather resistance, and structural strength compared to its angular counterparts.

In addition to its show-stopping shape, 433 Felix Jack Road is full of bespoke touches. Like the west-facing deck that wraps around the house, offering 847 sq. ft of additional living space. And the enamel wood stove that sits opposite the front door. Another highlight is the dome-shaped roof, which culminates into a central skylight.

Meanwhile, the interior layout is thoughtfully executed. At 1,133 sq. ft, its a small space, but the kitchen and dining areas encircle the living area in a way that maximizes the space, while taking into consideration the unique shape of the home.

Also on the property, youll find a shed as well as a detached garage with a loft and adjoining greenhouse.

Our Favorite Thing

Between the picture windows, skylight, and bright interior finishes, the future owners of this home will rarely have to reach for a light switch during the day. And come evening, the wood-burning stove can be used to illuminate the living area with a cozy glow. Outrageous utility bills will be a thing of the past!

Mayne Island, BC is located halfway between the lower mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Its a stunning location, boasting water views, mountain views, and a rich west coast forest. Its surrounded by BCs other Gulf Islands, including Galiano, Pender, Saturna, and Salt Spring, which are all known as tourist hotspots, but Mayne Island in particular is known to offer a quiet pace of life.

Zakiya is a staff writer with STOREYS. Previously, she has reported on real estate for Post City Magazines, Apartment Therapy, and Curbed. She also writes a quarterly series for a Canadian design publication.

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This Custom Home on Mayne Islan is a Lesson in the Benefits of Building Round - Storeys

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This New Turks & Caicos Resort Has the Island Nations First Manmade Lagoon – Robb Report

Posted: at 12:47 am

In our work-from-anywhere world, Turks and Caicos hopes to lure new residents to its white-sand shores. One of the latest developments in the works is the 31-acre South Bank Resort and Marina, a community of private neighborhoods united by a range of high-end amenities and experiences. It is located on Long Bay Beach in Providenciales, the tourism hub of the island, and is home to Turks first-ever man-made lagoon.

One of its neighborhoods, Arc at South Bank, is now launching sales for its 17 residences. This six-story, low-density residential tower, designed by architect and designer Piero Lissoni, will house 17 luxury residences. The residences appear vertically suspended with a villa-style model. Thanks to the innovative architecture, the low-level towers residences appear to be floating. In turn, this promotes privacy, indoor-outdoor living and an aesthetically pleasing residence. Residences range from 2,980 square-foot, two-bedroom homes to one 12,540-square-foot, five-bedroom Sky Villa. They are priced from $3 million to $20 million and each have 360-degree oceanfront and water views of the Caicos Bank, South Bank inlet, marina, lagoon and the wetland.

As a development firm, Windward is always eager to do the unexpected and find new solutions, says Ingo Reckhorn, director of Windward, the developer behind the project. With the lagoon concept, the first man-made beach lagoon in Turks and Caicos, we are able to provide a unique amenity for the wider South Bank community. Not only does the lagoon provide more waterfront access, it also will include two lounging islands that will act as a hangout spot in the heart of the community. We created value on a piece of property that otherwise would have been overlooked.

No matter which residence suits your style and preferences, each has a sprawling terrace with a private garden, private pool, hot tub, outdoor showers and floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. The Sky Villa is the largest of all the options, with expansive living spaces and larger-than-life gardens around the residences perimeter.

Lissoni is known for projects including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, Shangri-La Shougang Park in Beijing and more, and he drew inspiration from the Arcs archipelago, natural materials and the traditional architectural style of Turks and Caicos. He used a soothing neutral color palette, wood and stone to convey a sophisticated Caribbean style. There are open-plan layouts and shaded outside spaces to emphasize functionality in every area of the homes. Buyers will also have the opportunity to enlist in South Banks home rental and management program.

For buyers seeking a hotel-like experience, youre in luck. South Banks concierge services and resort facilities are managed by Turks and Caicos famous Grace Bay Resorts. The man-made lagoon has islands in the center for lounging, and theres a marina and boat concierge; two bars and restaurants; beachfront cabanas; two fitness centers; a spa; tennis and pickleball courts; two private pools with a Jacuzzi and fire pit; and direct access to Long Bay Beach. Construction is slated to begin in 2023, with delivery set for 2025.

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This New Turks & Caicos Resort Has the Island Nations First Manmade Lagoon - Robb Report

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Puerto Rico, hurricanes and colonialism: five things you should know – Liberation

Posted: at 12:47 am

Photo credit: Ricardo Figueroa / Flickr

Puerto Rico is still reeling from the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, which hit the island on September 18 bringing with it historic flooding and landslides. At least a dozen people have died and thousands more required emergency rescue. Fionas arrival came only two days before the 5-year anniversary of superstorm Hurricane Maria which pummeled Puerto Rico in 2017, killing over 4,000 people and leaving millions more without power some for up to a year. Five years later, the island is once again in darkness and Puerto Ricans are left to fend for themselves. Here are five things you should know about hurricanes in Puerto Rico and why this keeps happening.

Originally inhabited by the Tanos and known as Borken, the island was invaded by the Spanish 529 years ago during Columbus second voyage. Later, the United States would seize control of it in 1898 as an imperialist spoil of the Spanish-American War. Today, over a hundred years have passed since its forced annexation, yet Puerto Rico remains in a state of legal limbo and Puerto Ricans have second class citizenship. Puerto Ricans have essentially no control over their economy, they are unable to vote for president or Congress, and yet are forced to live under U.S. laws.

Puerto Rico has a poverty rate of 43.5%, surpassing that of Mississippi, the poorest U.S. state. As a result, millions of Puerto Ricans have been forcefully displaced throughout the decades some 200,000 of whom were forced to evacuate the island as a direct result of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Puerto Ricos colonial status doesnt just exacerbate the islands myriad social and economic issues, it is the root cause of them.

The underdevelopment that centuries of colonialism has caused makes Puerto Rico increasingly vulnerable to natural catastrophes. Hurricanes are an inevitable reality for many Caribbean islands, but their imminence means that local governments and federal disaster relief agencies like FEMA should be able to plan for them accordingly. In Puerto Rico, hurricanes have a habit of unmasking Washingtons refusal to do so, and thus the dire reality of colonialism on the island.

Five years ago on September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. It was a Category 5 storm the strongest to impact the island in nearly 90 years and it left unimaginable damage in its wake. While Puerto Ricans went months without power, water or adequate shelter as a result, then President Donald Trump lied about the death toll on his Twitter account, claiming that between 6 to18 people had passed away. In reality, over 4,000 Puerto Ricans died in the aftermath of Maria. Most were not victims of the storm itself, but of the gross government neglect that Puerto Rico experienced afterward as FEMA and the White House dragged their feet to deliver vital aid.

Long after the storm subsided, the number of fatalities continued to rise as a result of solvable, secondary issues. Take for example, the 26 post-Maria deaths attributed to Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection that spread through the island as survivors were forced to drink fluids containing rodent waste in the absence of clean drinking water. Some two years after Maria, tens of thousands of water bottles issued by FEMA were found abandoned in fields, unopened and expired, never having been distributed to those that so desperately needed them.

Despite such blatant unpreparedness for Maria, the Puerto Rican colonial government has done little to prepare for the next storm in the five years since. Repairs to damaged homes and infrastructure across the island were slated to begin in 2017, yet today, thousands of homes and roads have yet to be fixed. The government has completed only 21% of more than 5,500 planned repair projects and much of what was completed was done poorly. When Fiona hit on Sunday, upwards of 3,600 homes on the island still did not have roofs. In Utuado, a municipality in the central region of the island, viral video footage showed a bridge rebuilt after Hurricane Maria being swept away by aggressive flood waters.

The arrival of Fiona has put even more strain on this already weakened infrastructure. The storm dropped record amounts of rain and caused catastrophic flooding. Early on Sunday, 100% of the island experienced power outages. With no power, people are forced to rely on cumbersome and unreliable backup generators that require expensive diesel fuel to operate, making them inaccessible to many. After Maria, some municipalities went for an entire year without power. This time, Governor Pedro Pierluisi has publicly admitted that thousands will again have to endure several days without power. From experience, Puerto Ricans know that several days can easily turn into months. Currently, nearly half of the island is still without electricity.

Compare these abysmal relief efforts to the hurricane responses of another Caribbean country, Cuba. In 1959, Cuba waged a successful revolution against imperialist forces on the island, putting an end to the legacy of colonialism that had historically underdeveloped the nation. Shortly thereafter in 1966, the revolutionary government established a civil defense system that became a global model for disaster relief efforts. Today, disaster preparation and response in Cuba saves lives. In 2004 for example, Hurricane Jeanne killed 3,000 people in Haiti, but none in Cuba, even though Cuba was hit harder. A 2004 United Nations press release praises the island as a leader in disaster preparedness despite the U.S.-imposed blockade that makes it difficult for them to obtain emergency disaster supplies. A side by side comparison of Cuba and Puerto Ricos hurricane track record makes it clear that it is a capitalist response to disasters, not the disasters themselves, that pose the real problem.

Why does this pattern of disregard exist and what motive does the United States have to continuously fumble repair efforts and delay assistance? Simply put, the U.S. ruling class profits from disasters in Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria, PREPA, Puerto Ricos government-owned utility system, awarded $4.4 billion in contracts to corporations for services related to hurricane reconstruction and necessary repair work to the electrical grid. A whopping $3.7 billion of those contracts went to U.S.-owned private companies.

PREPA and the Puerto Rican government are notorious for favoring private companies over local workers and unions. UTIER is the labor union that represents PREPA workers and is one of the leading forces in the fight against the privatization of Puerto Ricos grid. According to union leaders, in one case, PREPA paid a Florida-based corporation to repair street lights in Puerto Rico at a rate of over $400 per unit, even though local union workers offered to do the same work for only around $60.

This trend extends beyond contracts awarded by PREPA. FEMA, for example, awarded $156 million to Tribute Contracting LLC, a one-person company based out of Atlanta who promised to deliver 30 million emergency meals to survivors of Maria. Only 50,000 of those meals less than 0.2 percent were ever delivered. Such corruption plagues relief efforts in Puerto Rico purposeful mismanagement funnels life-saving aid out of the island and into U.S. corporate accounts.

Unsurprisingly, the United States relationship with Puerto Rico has always been one based on extraction of profit. U.S. corporations squeeze billions of dollars from the island annually. Yet, mind bogglingly, Puerto Rico owes a staggering $72 billion in debt to Washington. In June of 2016, President Barack Obama signed PROMESA, Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, into law, which established a Fiscal Oversight Board colloquially known as La Junta. Tasked with overseeing the repayment of the islands debt, La Junta itself is largely a foreign body its members are chosen by the U.S. president and Congress and are unaccountable to Puerto Rican residents.

Many of the board members have ties to multinational corporations and have increased a push towards privatization on the island as a way to line the pockets of foreign creditors. With leeway to make sweeping executive changes to the islands economy, La Junta has established an austerity regime in Puerto Rico, systematically cutting funding for vital public services in order to pay the colonial piper.

The privatization of PREPA is a prime example. On June 22, 2021, despite Puerto Ricos House of Representatives voting unanimously against the contract, La Junta announced that LUMA would assume control of the formerly public electrical grid. The announcement was met with sustained outcry from Puerto Ricans, who were kept in the dark regarding contract negotiations. LUMA, an American and Canadian owned utility company, laid off hundreds of UTIER workers, refusing to honor their contracts and agreeing only to interview workers should they decide to reapply. As a stipulation, any workers who were rehired would have to relinquish their pensions and other benefits. Many of the workers most of whom had years of experience as linemen on the grid declined these arrangements, resulting in a dangerous labor shortage leading up to hurricane season.

To justify layoffs, Puerto Ricos government argued that LUMA would modernize the islands electrical grid and make the cost of electricity more affordable for residents. In reality, PREPAs privatization was a way to outsource service and boost profits. Even in the absence of storms like Fiona, outages in Puerto Rico have been frequent and long lasting since LUMA took over. Utility bills for individuals have also skyrocketed.

LUMAs response to the public outrage, like that of Governor Pierluisi, has been entirely dismissive. In June, for example, the corporation held a press conference to address the constant blackouts. Reprehensibly, they conducted it entirely in English, refusing to provide translation services and effectively ostracizing over 75 percent of the islands population who do not speak English. In a statement after the fact, LUMAs CEO Wayne Stensby minimized the incident, insisting that English is one of the islands official languages. Pierluisi and his cohort have come under scrutiny for colluding with colonizers like Stensby, prioritizing the interests of foreigner corporations over the lives of Puerto Ricans themselves.

Notably, in light of Fiona, a number of former PREPA workers have volunteered their expertise to perform the grid repair work that would restore electric service to those who are still without it. Pierluisi has said he will consider their offer, but has yet to accept their help. Meanwhile, these skilled electrical workers continue to perform unrelated labor while blackouts drag on.

While the logical humanitarian response to hurricanes should be rapid relief for the most vulnerable, in Puerto Rico post-hurricane vulnerability has been exploited for the benefit of the rich. After Mara, two different visions for recovery emerged: while Puerto Ricans imagined an island rebuilt around land, energy and food sovereignty, a small group of elite foreigners saw an opportunity to cash in on disaster. Of course, the latter were abetted by Puerto Rican government officials like ex-Governor Ricardo Rosell, who in 2018 described post-Mara Puerto Rico as a blank canvas for investors and private corporations. This drive to draw in foreigners and push Puerto Ricans out is nothing new.

In 2012, Puerto Ricos government introduced Act 22, legislation designed to attract foreign investors to the island by offering them tax exemptions on assets like stocks and real estate. After the mass displacement caused by Maria, the government expanded these incentives with the introduction of Act 60 in 2019. Increased tax breaks coupled with record low prices on land and damaged property has ushered in a wave of capitalists looking to profit amidst a backdrop of instability and collective trauma. The incentives, enjoyed by the likes of influencer Logan Paul and crypto bro Brock Pierce, do not apply to native Puerto Ricans and have only fueled gentrification on the island, driving up housing costs, pushing people out of their homes, and deepening inequality between disenfranchised natives and wealthy outsiders. While proponents of Act 60 argue that it will infuse needed revenue into Puerto Ricos hurting economy, the reality is that it makes it harder for working Puerto Ricans to afford to live in their own neighborhoods.

Disaster colonialism has created a land rush in Puerto Rico. Now more than ever, the threat of a Puerto Rico without Puerto Ricans is looming. But crisis can be a catalyst for change, and Puerto Ricans find themselves at a crossroads. Time and again, Puerto Ricans have shown their commitment to fighting for a better future.

Puerto Ricans have engaged in mass demonstrations as one form of resistance. For example, in the 15 months since LUMA took over, protests demanding cancellation of the contract have not let up. Perhaps most dramatically, in 2019, leaked text messages sparked massive protests and strikes calling for the resignation of Ricardo Rosell. After only three days of mobilization, the Puerto Rican people successfully ousted him in what some called a peoples impeachment. Rosells removal, led by militant unions and the organized working masses, was an expression of Puerto Ricans exhaustion with the current system and of their collective power.

Faced with government inaction after Mara, networks of community organizations began occupying vacant buildings across the island, transforming them into hubs for relief and solidarity efforts. CAMs, which stands for Centros de Apoyo Mutuo or Mutual Aid Centers in English, are community-managed centers that serve a dual purpose meeting the urgent material needs of those affected by disasters like Fiona, and building up consciousness around the political reality of colonialism. CAMs across the island have organized according to local needs, and as such their areas of struggle vary from one neighborhood to the next. CAM Jibaro in Lares, for example, focuses on political and practical education around agroecology, food sovereignty and traditional farming techniques. Another in Bartolo rallied local residents to repossess and renovate an abandoned school, providing shelter for families whose homes have been destroyed by hurricanes. No matter their individual struggles, all of the CAMs have a shared vision: self-sustenance and independence for Puerto Rico.

Today, Fiona like Mara has crystalized the need for total transformation in Puerto Rico. LUMA, Pierluisi, and botched relief efforts are all symptoms of a larger colonial disease that must be pulled up by the roots. In the struggle for a just recovery, Puerto Ricans need more than federal aid and isolated victories. If hurricanes in Puerto Rico teach us anything, it is that Puerto Rico needs socialism a system that would place its poor masses ahead of profits and wealthy colonial elites, end centuries of imperial pillage, and allow Puerto Ricans to determine their own destiny free from U.S. meddling.

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SpaceX, ULA postpone launches as Hurricane Ian moves toward Florida Spaceflight Now – Spaceflight Now

Posted: at 12:45 am

A view from NOAAs GOES-16 weather satellite of Hurricane Ian making landfall in Southwest Florida on Sept. 28. Credit: NOAA

The forecast track of Hurricane Ian across Central Florida has forced SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to postpone several upcoming launches at Cape Canaveral, including the next crew flight to the International Space Station, a Starlink mission, and the liftoff of an Atlas 5 rocket.

SpaceX planned to launch two Falcon 9 rockets Sept. 30 and Oct. 3, one with the next batch of Starlink internet satellites and another with a team of four astronauts and cosmonauts to begin a five-month expedition on the International Space Station.

Both missions have been postponed, with the crew launch now tentatively rescheduled for no earlier than Oct. 5 at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT). NASA previously announced Tuesday that the mission launch of the Crew-5 mission would be delayed at least a day to Oct. 4, and the missions could be pushed back again. After Oct. 5, SpaceX has additional launch opportunities available for Crew-5 on Oct. 7, 8, and 9.

NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, both first-time space fliers, will serve as commander and pilot on the Crew-5 mission, the fifth operational flight of a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the space station under contract with NASA. Veteran Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata and rookie Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina will also launch on the Crew-5 mission.

Manns crew will replace another team of four astronauts who have been on the space station since April on the Crew-4 mission. That crew, commanded by NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, will depart the station and return to Earth for splashdown off the coast of Florida about five days after Crew-5 arrives, whenever that occurs.

SpaceX ground teams moved the Crew Dragon Endurance spacecraft from the ships fueling facility to the Falcon 9 rocket hangar Sept. 23 near Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Technicians mated the capsule to the Falcon 9 rocket inside the hangar, where the launcher remains secured to ride out Hurricane Ian.

The Dragon Endurance spacecraft is currently mated to the Falcon 9 rocket and safely secured inside SpaceXs hangar at Launch Complex 39A, NASA said in a statement. Kennedy Space Center is also making preparations across the spaceport to secure other property and infrastructure. After the storm progresses, teams from NASA and SpaceX will evaluate the potential impacts to the center and determine whether to adjust the mission timeline further.

SpaceX will wait to roll the Falcon 9 rocket Dragon spacecraft the quarter-mile distance from the hangar up the ramp to pad 39A after the bad weather passes from Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Southwest Florida Wednesday shortly after 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) as a strong Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters predict Hurricane Ian will slowly move north-northeast across Florida, potentially bringing tropical storm conditions to the Cape Canaveral spaceport.

Were ready to roll out whenever the weather is ready to go roll out, said Bill Gerstenmaier, vice president of build and flight reliability at SpaceX. But we dont want to roll out and end up with high winds and rain. Weve got the right criteria. We shared that with NASA Kennedy Space Center so they know what our constraints are.

Mann and her crewmates remain in Houston. They were scheduled to fly to Kennedy Space Center on Monday, but NASA managers decided to hold off on that milestone as Hurricane Ian threatened to move toward Florida. They will need to travel to KSC at least four days before liftoff to participate in final training activities, including a dress rehearsal at the launch pad, where the crew members will board the Dragon capsule to practice for launch day.

SpaceX also planned to launch a Falcon 9 rocket Friday from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, a few miles south of pad 39A, with another batch of Starlink internet satellites. That launch has also been postponed into October, likely after a pair of Falcon 9 missions planned from pad 40 for commercial customers Intelsat and Eutelsat set for Oct. 5 and Oct. 13.

That shuffling in SpaceXs launch schedule would push back the next Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral until mid-October. SpaceX officials have said they prioritize missions with customer payloads.

Gerstenmaier said SpaceXs fast-paced launch schedule, primarily driven by Starlink missions, helps improve reliability for astronaut launches. SpaceX has launched 43 Falcon 9 rocket flights so far this year, already a record number of space launches by a commercial company in a calendar year.

Wve been flying a lot of missions, a lot of Starlink missions, Gerstenmaier said. I think that really helps the crew program. We learn a lot in those missions and we can carry that learning directly into crewed missions. But I will tell you crewed missions are special. They are very different to us. they are not routine in any way, shape, or form. we treat these missions with more respect than any missions we fly.

Meanwhile, United Launch Alliance has postponed the launch of an Atlas 5 rocket from pad 41 until no earlier than Oct. 4 at 5:36 p.m. EDT (2136 GMT), a four-day delay from the previous target date. The Atlas 5 rocket and its payloads are fully stacked inside ULAs Vertical Integration Facility, ready for rollout to pad 41 once the weather clears. ULA teams hoisted the rockets payload fairing, containing two commercial TV broadcasting spacecraft for the satellite operator SES, on top of the Atlas 5 rocket earlier this month.

Both satellites are integrated to the launch vehicle and safely secured within the Vehicle Integration Facility at SLC-41, ULA said in a statement.

The Atlas 5 rocket needs to roll out to the launch pad the day before liftoff to prepare for the countdown.

Hurricane Ian is also impacting other operations at the Cape Canaveral spaceport. All regular work at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station has been suspended.

NASA rolled the Artemis 1 moon rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday to take shelter from the hurricane, likely delaying the inaugural flight of the Space Launch System until mid-November. The agency previously hoped to launch the uncrewed Artemis 1 test flight to the moon this week, following scrubbed launch attempts Aug. 29 and Sept. 3.

Read our full story on the Artemis 1 rollback to the VAB.

Relativity Space, a commercial startup planning its first orbital launch attempt later this year, moved its Terran 1 booster off its launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after a series of engine hotfire tests. Most recently, Relativity test-fired the rockets nine methane-fueled engines at Launch Complex 16 for 82 seconds on Sept. 23.

Rolling back to hangar to keep vehicle safe during impending hurricane in Florida, said Tim Ellis, Relativitys co-founder and CEO. Early data and hardware looking solid from last weeks extensive stage one testing, super happy with the results.

Other activities at the Cape Canaveral spaceport have also been affected by the threat from Hurricane Ian. A large crane supporting construction of SpaceXs new Starship launch pad at Launch Complex 39A was lowered and secured Tuesday.

Several spacecraft are also at the spaceport preparing for future launches, aside from SpaceXs Dragon Endurance crew capsule and the two SES communications satellites already attached to their rockets.

Intelsats Galaxy 33 and 34 television broadcasting satellites and Eutelsats Hotbird 13F communications spacecraft are undergoing final launch preparations at a payload processing facility at Cape Canaveral. NASAs Psyche asteroid explorer is secured at Kennedy Space Centers Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility awaiting a launch opportunity as soon as next July, following a launch delay earlier this year to resolve software concerns with the robotic science mission.

The U.S. Space Force is also believed to have a classified payload at Cape Canaveral preparing for launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket later this year.

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SpaceX, ULA postpone launches as Hurricane Ian moves toward Florida Spaceflight Now - Spaceflight Now

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NASA’s Nicole Mann will become 1st Native American in orbit – Space.com

Posted: at 12:45 am

A NASA astronaut will make soon make a giant leap for diversity.

Nicole Mann will become the first Native American woman to fly in space when SpaceX's Crew-5 mission for NASA launches from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. That liftoff is currently scheduled for Oct. 4, though Hurricane Ian could end up pushing it back a bit.

"I feel very proud," Mann told Reuters (opens in new tab) in August. "It's important that we celebrate our diversity and really communicate that specifically to the younger generation."

Related: NASA's SpaceX Crew-5 astronauts ready for historic mission

Mann, a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in northern California, said that her community is eager for the chance for orbital representation on board Crew-5's destination, the International Space Station.

"That's really, I think, an audience that we don't get an opportunity to reach out to very often," said Mann, who is slated to spend half a year in space on the orbital complex. Mann will bring a dreamcatcher into orbit, which is a sort of protective charm in some Native American cultures, according to the Smithsonian Institution (opens in new tab) although the specific meanings and associated stories vary from group to group.

Mann's time in orbit will coincide with November's Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the "rich histories, diverse cultures and important contributions of our nations first people," according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. (opens in new tab)

NASA has been highlighting Native American contributions to the agency in recent years, too. One example is the "hidden figure" Mary G. Ross, a member of the Cherokee Nation who contributed to Mars and Venus missions as a mathematician and engineer. The first Native American to leave Earth was John Bennet Herrington, a NASA astronaut and member of the Chickasaw Nation who reached orbit in 2002.

Related: NASA engineers, scientists and more shine bright this Native American Heritage Month

American Indians and Alaska Native populations represent roughly 3.7 million people, or 1.1% of the overall United States population, according to the United States Census Bureau (opens in new tab)'s 2020 numbers. Such figures can be quite fuzzy, however, given that many people are a combination of multiple ethnicities. ("Native Hawaiian" and "Other Pacific Islander" are counted separately in the census, too.)

Mann has emphasized that diversity in space is a good thing, as it brings more perspectives to space exploration. "We are coming together as a human race," Mann told ABC News (opens in new tab) in August, "and our mission on board the International Space Station of developing this technology and research to benefit all of humankind is really what brings us together."

The other three members of the Crew-5 mission are Anna Kikina, the first-ever Russian cosmonaut to fly with SpaceX, and NASA's Josh Cassada and Japan's Koichi Wakata.

Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter@howellspace (opens in new tab). Follow us on Twitter@Spacedotcom (opens in new tab)orFacebook (opens in new tab).

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NASA's Nicole Mann will become 1st Native American in orbit - Space.com

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SpaceX Satellites Thought To Be UFO In North Texas – Local Profile

Posted: at 12:45 am

If you have the X-Files theme song playing in your head you arent alone. Many North Texans were thinking the same thing Monday night after reportedly seeing what they thought was a UFO. After many captured images of the strange light anomalies in the sky, it was announced that SpaceX satellites were the source of the light pattern.

According to FOX 4, shared that many viewers were sending in photographs and videos of what they believed were lights from a UFO. The mysterious lights were visible around 9 p.m. and the display did look like something out of a sci-fi series. But the long line of lights did not belong to something out of this world.

Instead, the strange lights belonged to a SpaceX satellite. The Starlink-55 passed through the state Monday. Elon Musks creation is meant to assist in bringing high-speed broadband internet to areas where the internet is not always available. As of this month, SpaceX has over 2,300 of these satellites roaming above the sky and has many more planned to send up to space in the future.

But if your hopes and dreams of seeing a UFO in Texas were crushed, dont worry. KERA reported that the Lone Star State is actually a hot spot for reported UFO sightings. In 2013, there were three specific sightings that gained national attention. The Mutual UFO Network reported that jailers working at Johnson County Correctional Facility spotted what they thought was a UFO with an unusual triangular shape. During the same year, 7,182 speculated UFO sightings were reported in Texas.

Local Profile previously reported in 2020 that Texas has a lengthy history of UFO sightings. As writer Pamela Colloff pointed out in her 1969 Texas Monthly story, Close Encounters of the Lone Star Kind, Texans have been reporting UFO sightings since 1878 and reported the first one touching down here in 1897, more than fifty years before Roswells infamous crash landing.

If you hope to catch a glimpse of the satellite you can visit Find Starlink to see where the famous light source will be next. If you are looking for an actual UFO, keep your eyes to the sky.

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SpaceX Satellites Thought To Be UFO In North Texas - Local Profile

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