JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCHORD, WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) — Four U.S. service members were killed on Monday evening when two U.S. Army helicopters crashed at a military base in Washington state, officials said on Tuesday.

The accident happened just after 8 p.m. local time when two single-engine OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters crashed inside the southwest training area at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Thurston County, about 9.1 miles (14.6 kilometers) south-southwest of Tacoma.

While debris was spread across a large area, indicting a possible mid-air collision, officials were unable to say whether the aircraft collided or had crashed separately. Sheriff deputies and military personnel blocked off the site, and an investigation was ongoing on Tuesday.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the Soldiers involved in this tragic accident,” said Major General Lloyd Miles, acting senior Army commander at JBLM and deputy commanding general of I Corps. “We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the families of the brave Soldiers who died [yesterday].”

The names of the four Army aviators were expected to be released on Wednesday after next of kin have been informed.

Although no initial comments were made regarding the cause, reports indicate that the skies were clear and not foggy. The H-58 Kiowa helicopter has been used by the U.S. Army since 1969 and has been manufactured by Bell Helicopter.

On December 21, 2006, a Black Hawk helicopter crashed on a mountainside near Enumclaw, marking the last time a military helicopter crashed in the area. Three members of the 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment assigned to Fort Lewis died in the crash.

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KABUL (BNO NEWS) — A U.S. soldier was shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday when his unit came under attack from insurgents, the U.S. military confirmed on Sunday.

The U.S. Department of Defense said one of its soldiers died in Logar Province, located in Afghanistan’s east, as a result of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. The service member was identified as 24-year-old Specialist Ricardo Cerros Jr. of Salinas, California.

Cerros was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, according to the Department of Defense. It gave no other details.

Cerros’ death was not earlier reported by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), but the multinational force previously said two other coalition service members were killed as a result of an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan, also on Saturday, but gave no other details such as the nationalities of the casualties.

Coalition casualties in Afghanistan have been rising sharply in recent years with a total coalition death toll of 709 in 2010, making it the deadliest year for international troops since the war began in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

There are currently more than 130,000 ISAF troops in Afghanistan, including some 90,000 U.S. troops and more than 9,500 British soldiers. U.S. President Barack Obama previously ordered a drawdown of 10,000 American troops later this year, with another 23,000 U.S. troops to return home next year.

So far this year, at least 476 coalition service members have been killed in Afghanistan. Most troops are American and are killed in the country’s south, which is plagued by IED attacks on troops and civilians. The deadliest incident happened in August when a U.S. helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan, killing 30 U.S. troops, seven Afghan troops and an Afghan interpreter.

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SEATTLE (BNO NEWS) — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday said it will fine Alaska Airlines nearly $600,000 for allegedly operating aircraft while they were not in compliance with federal regulations due to improper installations.

The FAA said the fine is the result of an investigation into a flight deck ceiling fire which occurred on a Boeing 737-400 aircraft on January 18, 2010, while it was parked at the gate of Anchorage International Airport in Alaska. Investigators determined the fire was caused by chafed wiring that had resulted from improper installation of a hose clamp.

The 737-400 maintenance manual includes an explicit warning about proper installation of the hose clamp in question, and the airline later discovered the same problem existed on nine other aircraft in its fleet. Alaska Airlines made corrections as a result and there were no other fires.

“Maintenance work has to be performed precisely and correctly every time. Improper maintenance can have serious consequences,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said. As a result, the agency fined Alaska Airlines $590,000.

It is Alaska’s first civil penalty from the FAA since January 2006, when the agency fined the airline $500,000 because it operated a Boeing 737 aircraft on 478 flights while the aircraft’s emergency exit identifier lights were not working properly.

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VANCOUVER (BNO NEWS) — A strong earthquake struck off Vancouver Island in British Columbia on early Friday afternoon, seismologists said, with tremors felt as far away as the city of Vancouver and the U.S. state of Washington.

The 6.4-magnitude earthquake at 12.41 p.m. local time (1941 GMT) was centered about 119 kilometers (73 miles) west-northwest of Ucluelet, a district municipality in British Columbia on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It struck about 25.9 kilometers (16.1 miles deep), making it a shallow earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS estimated that some 2,000 people living near the epicenter may have felt strong shaking, while around 248,000 people were estimated to have felt light to moderate shaking. Tremors were felt as far away as Vancouver and Seattle in the U.S. state of Washington.

Police in both Seattle and Vancouver said there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, which was initially measured as 6.7 magnitude, and the USGS said there was a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

As earthquakes below magnitude 7 do usually not generate tsunamis, no tsunami warning was issued by the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. “Based on the earthquake magnitude, location and historic tsunami records, a damaging tsunami is not expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska coasts,” the center said in a bulletin. “Some of these areas may experience non-damaging sea level changes.”

In November 2004, a strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island, generating a small tsunami but causing no damage or casualties. The country’s deadliest quake on record happened in 1774, when a powerful quake of unknown magnitude killed at least 300 people on the island of Newfoundland.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — Retired Army General John Shalikashvili, who served as the first foreign-born Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Bill Clinton, died at a hospital in Washington state on Saturday. He was 75.

Shalikashvili died at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, on Saturday as a result of complications from a stroke. A public memorial service will be held at the Tacoma Convention Center on August 6, followed by a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Born in Poland in 1936, Shalikashvili rose from a U.S. Army draftee to chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He served as chairman from 1993 until his retirement in 1997 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Clinton.

“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our close friend and colleague, General John Shalikashvili. He represented America at its best,” Clinton said in a statement. “An immigrant who entered the Army as a draftee, he rose to become an exceptional Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who oversaw more than forty operations, including the liberation of Haiti from a brutal dictatorship and NATO’s first use of force outside its member countries in Bosnia.”

Clinton praised Shalikashvili for his ‘staunch advocacy’ for the Bosnian people which he said saved thousands of lives in Bosnia. “He was also a key advocate for nuclear weapons reduction, the expansion of NATO, the creation of a partnership for peace, and, always, for the men and women in uniform from whose ranks he came,” Clinton added. “I was honored to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

The former president added that Shalikashvili will be remembered as a “superb general and a wonderful man” who saw the world through some of the most critical moments of the late 20th Century. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan and Brant,” Clinton said, referring to Shalikashvili’s wife Joan and their son Brant.

President Barack Obama also commented on the death of Shalikashvhili, calling him a “genuine soldier-statesman whose extraordinary life represented the promise of America and the limitless possibilities that are open to those who choose to serve it.”

“From his arrival in the United States as a 16-year old Polish immigrant after the Second World War, to a young man who learned English from John Wayne movies, to his rise to the highest ranks of our military, Shali’s life was an ‘only in America’ story,” Obama said. “By any measure, he made our country a safer and better place.”

Obama recognized Shalikashvili for his work as chairman during which he strengthened the United States’ alliances in Europe and in Asia, and forged closer defense ties with Russia. “At the same time, he oversaw successful military operations in Bosnia and Haiti, and elsewhere. Most of all, he fought tirelessly to improve the quality of life for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and their families who serve to keep us safe,” the president said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said he received the news of Shalikashvili’s death with a heavy heart. “John was an extraordinary patriot who faithfully defended this country for four decades, rising to the very pinnacle of the military profession,” Panetta said. “He lived the American dream, arriving from Europe with his family as a teenager after World War II, and he dedicated his life to defending the country that had quickly adopted him and his family.”

Panetta, who served as White House Chief of Staff when Shalikashvili was chairman, said he relied on him for his wise counsel and his wealth of military expertise. “I will remember John as always being a stalwart advocate for the brave men and women who don the uniform and stand guard over this nation,” Panetta said. “During my many years of public service, I have had the privilege to serve alongside great leaders. John Shalikashvili was one of this country’s finest.”

Current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, also mourned the death of Shalikashvili. “We are a stronger, more capable military today because of his efforts to make us so. He will be deeply missed,” Mullen said.

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SEATTLE (BNO NEWS) — Two United States citizens on Thursday were indicated on nine criminal counts in relation to a plot to attack a Seattle military processing center, prosecutors said.

Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, also known as “Joseph Anthony Davis,” 33, of Seattle, and Walli Mujahidh, aka “Frederick Domingue, Jr.,” 32, of Los Angeles, were charged with conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.

In addition, Abdul-Latif was charged with solicitation of a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence.

The indictment also charged Walli Mujahidh with possession of firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm. Both defendants have prior convictions that prohibit them from possessing weapons.

“This serves as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant against those that would seek to carry out attacks here at home,” said Jenny Durkan, U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington.

Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh allegedly bought machines guns which they intended to use in an attack on a military entrance processing station in East Marginal Way, Seattle. Law enforcement had been monitoring the suspects, including the weapons transaction.

The weapons were previously rendered inoperable and posed no risk to the public. The defendants initially planned an attack on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but later changed targets, according to the complaint. The defendants allegedly intended to carry out their attack with both grenades and machine guns.

Since early June the conspirators were captured on audio and videotape discussing a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPs). The MEPS is where each branch of the military screens and processes enlistees. In addition to housing many civilian and military employees, the building houses a federal daycare center.

The investigation, monitoring and arrest were possible thanks to a female citizen who was approached by the defendants to participate in the attack and supply firearms to the conspirators. She agreed to work with law enforcement after alerting them.

Both Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh face potential sentences of life in prison if convicted of the charges. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with significant expertise from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

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SEATTLE (BNO NEWS) — Two terror suspects from California and Washington state were arrested on Wednesday evening in relation with an alleged plot to attack a military processing center in Seattle, prosecutors said on Thursday.

33-year-old Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, who is also known as Joseph Anthony Davis, of Seattle, and 32-year-old Walli Mujahidh, who is also known as Frederick Domingue, Jr., of Los Angeles, are accused of buying machines guns which they intended to use in an attack on a military entrance processing station in East Marginal Way, Seattle.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, law enforcement had been monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh, including the weapons transaction. Unbeknownst to the defendants, the weapons were rendered inoperable and posed no risk to the public. The defendants initially planned an attack on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but later changed targets, according to the complaint. The defendants allegedly intended to carry out their attack with both grenades and machine guns.

“The complaint alleges these men intended to carry out a deadly attack against our military where they should be most safe, here at home,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan. “This is a sobering reminder of our need to be vigilant and that our first line of defense is the people who live in our community. We were able to disrupt the plot because someone stepped forward and reported it to authorities.”

Law enforcement first became aware of the potential threat when a citizen alerted them that he or she had been approached about participating in the attack and supplying firearms to the conspirators. The person then agreed to work with law enforcement, which began monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh. Since early June the conspirators were captured on audio and videotape discussing a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPs). The MEPS is where each branch of the military screens and processes enlistees. In addition to housing many civilian and military employees, the building houses a federal daycare center.

“Driven by a violent, extreme ideology, these two young Americans are charged with plotting to murder men and women who were enlisting in the Armed Forces to serve and protect our country. This is one of a number of recent plots targeting our military here at home,” said Todd Hinnen, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The threat was averted by the combined efforts of the federal, state and local law enforcement officers that make up the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.”

Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh are charged by complaint with conspiracy to murder officers and employees of the United States, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (grenades), and possession of firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence. Abdul-Latif is also charged with two counts of illegal possession of firearms.

“This attack was foiled because of the trust and relationships the men and women of the Seattle Police Department enjoy with our community,” said Seattle Police Chief John Diaz. “The complainant felt safe approaching a Seattle Police Detective and, in doing so, ended the plot intended to take innocent lives. This cooperative investigation involving local, state, and federal partners worked exactly as intended.”

Both defendants are expected to make their initial appearance on the complaint on Thursday afternoon. If found guilty, both Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh face potential sentences of life in prison.

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LAS VEGAS (BNO NEWS) — Actor Doug Hutchison, who is best known for his role as corrections officer Percy Wetmore in the movie ‘The Green Mile’, has married his 16-year-old girlfriend in Las Vegas, he confirmed on Monday.

A brief update on Hutchison’s website showed a wedding photo and said the couple was married on May 20 at noon local time at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas. “Mr. and Ms. Hutchison live happily ensconced in their Hollywood Hills, [California] home with their lil’ pups, Everette and Tuna!” the statement said.

The news that Hutchison, 51, married Courtney Alexis Stodden, 16, led to a storm of criticism online due to their age difference, although it is legal. “We’re aware that our vast age difference is extremely controversial,” the couple said in a statement to E! Online. “But we’re very much in love and want to get the message out there that true love can be ageless.”

Hutchison is best known for his role as corrections officer Percy Wetmore in the popular 1996 movie ‘The Green Mile.’ He is also known as Eugene Victor Tooms in ‘The X-Files’, as Horace Goodspeed in ‘Lost’ and as Davros in ’24.’

Stodden was previously a contestant for Miss Washington Teen USA 2010 but lost the race to 17-year-old Camilla Cyr. She is also a self-described “upcoming recording artist that writes her own music” and a model, as well as a dancer.

Some questioned whether the marriage was legal because of Stodden’s young age, but Nevada state law allows teens under the age of 18 to marry with parental consent. “We are totally supportive of this marriage,” Courtney’s mother Krista Stodden told Radar Online, confirming that at least one parent had to sign the permission form for the marriage to take place.

In a YouTube video uploaded by Stodden in December 2010, she describes herself as a Christian girl and said she did not want to have sex until she got married. “About myself; I am a Christian girl. I hold my faith very tightly, and I’m a virgin. And I plan to stay that way until I’m married,” she said.

Even though the age of consent in California, where they will live, is 18, this does not apply when the minor was legally married in any U.S. state.

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SEATTLE (BNO NEWS) — Boeing on Wednesday announced that it will increase the production rate for its Next-Generation 737 aircraft to 42 airplanes per month in 2014, nearly a dozen more than its current production rate.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh made the announcement, saying the market outlook for single-aisle jetliners is strong and growing. “Customers are demanding our Next-Generation 737 at an unprecedented rate,” Albaugh said. “New performance improvements and enhanced passenger comfort features have driven home the value equation for our customers.”

Albaugh emphasized the popularity of Boeing’s new passenger comfort features, noting that since its introduction in May 2010, the new Boeing Sky Interior is specified on more than 80 percent of new 737 orders.

737 Program Vice President and General Manager Beverly Wyse said the goal with this rate increase is to continue meeting customer demand with a plane that provides strong performance and value. “We have worked very closely with our supply chain and our world-class manufacturing team to ensure we can increase rate in an efficient and responsible fashion,” Wyse said. “We believe that many of the capital investments and production system changes made for 38 airplanes per month will already position us to build 42. We are very well situated for this rate increase.”

The 737 program currently produces 31.5 airplanes per month and expects to go to 35 per month in early 2012, 38 per month in the second quarter of 2013, and then to 42 per month in the first half of 2014. Once implemented in the first half of 2014, the 737 program expects to build on average two 737s each workday and nearly 500 airplanes each year.

Boeing said the rate increase announced on Wednesday is not expected to have a material impact on the company’s financial results for 2011. More than 280 Boeing customers have placed more than 8,880 orders for the single-aisle 737 airplane – including more than 5,750 orders of the Next-Generation 737. Boeing currently manages a backlog of more than 2,100 of the 737 family.

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VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) — A Washington man is believed to have set fire to his own home, killing himself and his five children on Easter morning, local authorities said Wednesday.

Tuan Dao, 37, of Vietnamese descent and from Vancouver, Washington, on Sunday set fire to his home with an explosion caused by liquid fuels at around 1:30 a.m. local time, killing himself and five of his children as they slept in the living room.

Twenty members of the Vancouver Fire Department rushed to the scene, and at around 2 a.m. local time, the flames were controlled. However, the fire had already caused extensive damage and killed the six people inside.

According to several media reports, Dao had been troubled by financial and marital problems, as he had recently split up with his wife. Records showed that the couple had filed for bankruptcy last year with a credit card debt of $158,000. In addition, they owed $262,000 on their home.

The children killed in the fire were identified as Nathan, 6; Samantha, 8; Nolan, 12; and nine-year-old twins, Noah and Jacob. Dao’s wife, Lori Dao, and their sixth child were not at home during the incident.

All of the fatal victims had fire-induced skull fractures due to the sudden exposure of the flames.

According to local authorities, current investigations identified Tuan Dao as the only possible suspect in this incident with no information showing other outstanding suspects.

The investigation includes a neighbor’s surveillance footage, which shows a vehicle driving into the house’s driveway around one hour before the explosion was heard.

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