Today's Photos - Thursday, February 16th, 2012

[Nickchios]

ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 14, 2012) A Naval air crewman assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 guides the pilots of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter as it approaches to retrieve cargo from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew K. Haller/Released)

ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 14, 2012) Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jose Moreno, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, works on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew K. Haller/Released)

HAKODATE, Japan (Feb. 14, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Suzanne Schang, commanding officer of the mine countermeasure ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) and Command Master Chief Mike Kaszubowski receive a welcoming gift from community members as Patriot arrives in Hakodate for a goodwill port visit. While in Hakodate, Sailors will engage with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow/Released)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 14, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Dave Hecht gives distinguished visitors from United Nations Command a tour of flight deck control aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). The guests were also able to tour the ship’s hangar bay, flight deck and bridge. George Washington is the Navy's only full-time forward-deployed aircraft carrier ensuring security and stability in the western Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin E. Yarborough/Released)

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Feb. 13, 2012) Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kori Melvin descends from the surface to document diving operations in the harbor of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Expeditionary Combat Camera's Underwater Photo Team conducts semi-annual training to hone its divers' specialized skill set and ensure valuable support of Department of Defense activities worldwide. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jayme Pastoric/Released)

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Feb. 13, 2012) Fire and emergency services personnel at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay conduct a live fire training evolution inside a condemned, concrete block home set for demolition at Evans Point Family Housing subdivision. Firefighting training tactics included the extension of hand lines to find and fight fire, positive pressure ventilation, and search and rescue operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Ailes/Released

[Nickchios]

Ninjutsu practitioners prepare for a sword drill as members of various Ninjutsu schools showcase their skills to the media at a park in Karaj, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tehran February 13, 2012

A Ninjutsu practitioner performs a split as members of various Ninjutsu schools showcase their skills to the media in a gym at Karaj, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tehran February 13, 2012.

A Ninjutsu practitioner looks on as she wait to showcase her skills to the media in a gym at Karaj, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tehran February 13, 2012.

A Ninjutsu practitioner jumps over a sword as members of various Ninjutsu schools showcase their skills to the media in their gym at Karaj, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tehran February 13, 2012

Ninjutsu practitioners participate in a sword drill as members of various Ninjutsu schools showcase their skills to the media at a park in Karaj, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tehran February 13, 2012.

A Ninjutsu practitioner runs up a wall as members of various Ninjutsu schools showcase their skills to the media in a gym at Karaj, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tehran February 13, 2012

[Nickchios]

Hellenic Air Force SAR Super Puma AS332C1 flying backwards and impressively depart from an airfield during training maneuvers in Aegean Sea.
The Super Puma helicopter is a common project shared between EUROCOPTER GROUP-AEROSPATIALE and DASA. It is a twin-engine, single rotor, multi-role helicopter considered ideal for combat missions, due to its great resilience, reliability and flexibility. Hellenic Super Pumas have a crucial social contribution as they are also used for search and rescue missions. It is yet another aircraft based in 112 Combat Wing, 384 Squadron "Puma", in the Air Force Base of Elefsis.

[Nickchios]

Palestinian stone-throwers take cover behind a garbage bin during clashes with Israeli troops outside Ofer prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah February 15, 2012. The clashes broke out after a protest marking the 60th day of Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan's hunger strike. Adnan is on hunger strike to protest against his detention without trial by Israel.

A pro-Kurdish demonstrator covers her face as riot police prevent protestors from marching, at Taksim square in central Istanbul February 15, 2012. Supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) held a protest to mark the 13th anniversary of the capture of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Family members react as they stand next to the dead and covered-up body of a 13-year-old boy at a crime scene in Monterrey February 14, 2012. The boy was found dead, blindfolded and handcuffed on the side of a street after he was reported missing last night, according to local media.

Italy's Member of the European Parliament Licia Ronzulli (top C) takes part with her daughter in a voting session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg February 15, 2012.

An employee of the Workers Housing Organisation threatens to jump from the office where she worked because her wage has been cut and she and her husband were threatened with layoffs, in Athens February 15, 2012. Workers Housing Organisation is a state owned company that is on the list of state entities that may be shut down to cut costs under the terms of the new 130-billion-euro ($170 billion) bailout agreement with the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

Australian war veteran Roy Cornford (R) sheds tears during an Australian Memorial Service at the Kranji Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery in Singapore February 15, 2012. The dawn service was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the fall of Singapore during World War II.

A demonstrator sits on the snow next to police officers during a protest of several hundred people against the Stuttgart 21 project in a park near the train station in Stuttgart February 15, 2012. Several trees are due to be felled in the coming days for the construction of the controversial Stuttgart 21 railway project.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is shown the Ampulla and Coronation Spoon used at her coronation in 1953, by the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (L), as Prince Philip (3rd L) and other guests watch during a multi-faith reception to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at Lambeth Palace in London February 15, 2012.

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L) talks to a girl as he visits the Federal Scientific Clinical Center of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Oncology in Moscow February 15, 2012.

[Nickchios]

Netanyahu embarks on historic visit to Cyprus

Prime minister becomes first ever Israeli leader to visit Nicosia; will discuss boosting diplomatic, trade ties

Black smoke is seen from a Homs refinery February 15, 2012. An explosion hit a major oil pipeline feeding a refinery in Homs, sending a large plume of smoke rising into the sky, witnesses said. The blast hit the pipeline near a district being shelled by government troops, they said.

Syrian soldiers man a checkpoint in the Damascus suburb of Harasta February 15, 2012.

People attend a rally to show support for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus February 15, 2012, in this handout photograph released by Syria's national news agency SANA.

Smoke is seen rising from Bab Amro near Homs, Syria February 15, 2012.

Syrian soldiers who defected to join the Free Syrian Army are seen in Al Baiadah near Homs February 14, 2012

[Nickchios]

"Love speeches"......from Valentine's day, i believe

Time and time again Hamas has openly announced its goal to destroy the State of Israel and her allies. Hamas' leaders dream of an Islamic nation to rise and take over the world.
These are but a few examples of Hamas' violent, supremacist and misanthropic rhetoric.

[Nickchios]

Army Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, Alaska’s adjutant general, races to the finish line during the "Top Brass" Charity Sled Dog Race in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 11, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Guy Hayes

U.S. Army Maj. Leah Triolo, left, and U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Ayleigh Amaya assist an Afghan in Afghanistan's Farah province, Feb. 11, 2012. Triolo is an orthopedic surgeon with the 67th Forward Surgical Team Airborne and Amaya is a physician’s assistant with Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Price, a squad leader assigned to 3rd Platoon, Blackfoot Company conducts security checks near the village of Narizah located in the Tani district, Feb. 10.

U.S. Army Spc. Bruce Cotton, a paratrooper assigned to 3rd Platoon, Blackfoot Company conducts security checks near the village of Narizah located in the Tani district, Feb. 10.

[Ceriy]

Great job Nickchios, thanks for posting so many great photos.

Electronic Warfare Troops battalion, Ukraine.

25th Airborne brigade, Ukraine.

[He219]

A soldier from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force fires a mortar during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force take part in a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

A soldier from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force fires a rocket-propelled grenade during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force fire a howitzer during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force operate an anti-aircraft gun at their position during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force dismount from their Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force line up during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Officers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force hold a briefing during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force conduct a de-mining task during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force conduct a mining task during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012

[He219]

A demonstrator holds a Syrian national flag with a portrait of Syrian President Bashar Assad during a rally in support of Syria in front of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012.

This image from amateur video made available by Shaam News Network, purports to show a Syrian military tank in Homs, Syria, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. As Syrian forces have stepped up their assault on rebellious cities, President Bashar Assad ordered a referendum on a new constitution that would create a multiparty system in a country that has been ruled by his autocratic family dynasty for 40 years. Regime forces on Wednesday battered rebellious neighborhoods in the central city of Homs, pushing ahead with one of the deadliest assaults of the crackdown that activists say has killed hundreds in the past two weeks, aimed at crushing a city that has been a stronghold of dissent. Black smoke billowed from an oil pipeline in the city that was hit in the fighting, with each side blaming the other for attacking it.

In this undated citizen journalism image provided by the Local Coordination Committees in Syria and accessed on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, Syrian government army soldiers are seen atop of their armored personnel carrier patrolling a street, at the mountain resort town of Zabadani, Syria, near the Lebanese border.

A weapons dealer carries AK-47 rifles before selling it to smugglers transferring it to Syria, at his house near the city of Mosul, 390km (240 miles) north of Baghdad, February 16, 2012. The weapons dealers sell a rifle for about $1000.

[He219]

A weapons dealer carries AK-47 rifles before selling it to smugglers transferring it to Syria, at his house near the city of Mosul, 390km (240 miles) north of Baghdad, February 16, 2012. The weapons dealers sell a rifle for about $1000.

North Korean new leader Kim Jong Un, right, and General Staff chief Ri Yong Ho clap as they review a parade of thousands of soldiers who vowed to protect Kim Jong Un with their lives as North Korea commemorated the 70th birthday of his late father Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012.

A North Korean soldier sheds tears during a parade marking the 70th birthday of the country's late leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012.

A North Korean soldier smiles from the back of an army vehicle at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea, before a parade of thousands of soldiers commemorating the 70th birthday of the country's late leader Kim Jong Il on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012.

North Korean soldiers stand at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang at the end of a parade of thousands of soldiers commemorating the 70th birthday of the late Kim Jong Il on Thursday Feb. 16, 2012.

Fireworks explode over the heads of North Korean soldiers lined up in formation at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang during a parade of thousands of soldiers commemorating the 70th birthday of the late Kim Jong Il on Feb. 16, 2012.

North Koreans pay respects to statues of North Korea founder Kim Il-Sung and late leader Kim Jong-Il erected at Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang in this picture released by the North's KCNA news agency February 16, 2012, to mark the 70th birthday of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

A large screen shows video, recorded during the period of grieving following the death of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, during a concert in Pyongyang to commemorate his death and what would have been his 70th birthday on Thursday Feb. 16, 2012.

[Nickchios]

If sales going well, he could buy a nice terrain for his volleyball site....

[Nickchios]

Israel PM arrive today in Republic of Cyprus

[He219]

Hires

U.S. Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., center, the commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command; Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, left, the Army Vice Chief of Staff; and other general officers read the names of the fallen during a tour of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City Feb. 14, 2012. The 9/11 Memorial is a national tribute of remembrance and honor to the men, women and children killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and Feb. 26, 1993. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)

U.S. Airman monitor F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron during preflight checks prior to a mission in support of Cope North 2012 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 14, 2012. Cope North is a multilateral aerial exercise designed to increase the combat readiness and interoperability of the U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force and other Pacific partner nations. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Carlin Leslie, U.S. Air Force/Released)

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 18th Aggressor Squadron climbs into the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during Cope North 2012 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 14, 2012. Cope North is a multilateral aerial exercise, held once or twice yearly, designed to increase the combat readiness and interoperability of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), Royal Australian Air Force and other Pacific partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Carlin Leslie/Released)

Guam-An F-16 Fighting Falcon Aggressor taxis on the flight line during Cope North 2012, Feb. 14. More than 1,000 military members from units spanning the Pacific are scheduled to begin arriving this week for exercise Cope North. The trilateral exercise, which began Feb. 11 and will run through Feb. 24, is a multinational exercise designed to enhance air operations between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Carlin Leslie)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Garrett Storhoff, a plane captain assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, sits outside the cockpit of an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft during exercise Cobra Gold 2012 on the flight line at Wing 1 Royal Thai Air Force Base at Camp Suranaree, Thailand, Feb. 13, 2012. Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint/combined exercise designed to ensure regional peace and strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand or respond to regional contingencies. (DoD photo by Pfc. Ryan Scott, U.S. Army/Released)

[Nickchios]

Soldiers from 3rd Howitzer Section, Alpha Battery, 2-8th Field Artillery fire the M777 at COP Wolverine in Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

Col. Joseph Wawro and Command Sgt. Maj. Wylie Hutchison, the commander and senior noncommissioned officer of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Dragon Brigade), 1st Infantry Division, visit with Soldiers of Company A., 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4IBCT , during a training mission at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 14. The Dragon Brigade is preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan later this year. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tiffany Monnett, 4IBCT PAO)

A CH-47F Chinook helicopter from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, prepares to take off for a maintenance test flight, Feb. 9, here.

Pfc. Anna Ciamaichelo, I Battery, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, unloads the FIM-92 Stinger missile she is about to fire. The purpose of the Stinger live-fire exercise was to the prepare Soldiers on how to engage hostile aircraft. U.S. Army photo by Casey Slusser

Pfc. Cory Miller, I Battery, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, fires the FIM-92 Stinger missile at the MQM-170 Outlaw drone plane. The FIM-92 Stinger is a personal portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile. U.S. Army photo by Casey Slusser

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Michael J. Spear, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, top left, guides 1st Lt. Neil E. Plummer, bottom right, platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, 51st Tactical Interpreter Company, Regimental Support Squadron, 11th ACR as he completes and exercise for the Combat Water Survival Test during the 11th ACR's Pre-Ranger Course at Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012. Soldiers from the 11th ACR must complete the course in order to attend the Army's Ranger School. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Zachary A. Gardner, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

A Trooper from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's Horse Detachment jumps an obstacle while slashing down a target during the 11th ACR's Horse Detachment Rider Certification Course at Fort Irwin, Calif., Jan. 18. The new course was used to measure the riders' confidence, dexterity, and precision by completing challenges that are often featured in Cavalry shows and competitions. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Zachary A. Gardner, 11th Armored
Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs Office

U.S. Army Spc. Rasjiem Holmes, of the Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, looks into the distance as he waits to return home from the field at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. Holmes is a member of the Regimental S-6 and was conducting retrains mission at the time. Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Danny D.
Woo