Latest news with #CharlesBrown
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LifeLabs partners with POGO to support their ongoing mission of helping Ontario children with cancer
Members of LifeLabs' team gather to deliver donation to partners at Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). Toronto, Ontario, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LifeLabs, Canada's leading medical laboratory, is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) to support Canadian children with cancer and their families. As part of this collaboration, LifeLabs donated $10,000, and gathered many senior leadership team members to come together and create care packages for children supported by POGO at their POGO Satellite Clinics in community hospitals in Ontario. 'At POGO, we know there is nothing more devastating for a family than a childhood cancer diagnosis,' said Shannon Caskey, Chief Development Officer and Director of Communications at POGO. 'While they adjust to their new reality, acts of kindness can provide much-needed comfort during an incredibly difficult time. We are grateful to LifeLabs and their leadership team for creating care packages that will bring comfort to children undergoing treatment at our eight POGO Satellite Clinics across Ontario. LifeLabs continued commitment to children with cancer, survivors, and their families is commendable, and we're grateful for their partnership that helps ensure children receive the best care and support for the best possible outcomes.' As a trusted healthcare provider, LifeLabs understands the importance of supporting the communities it serves. The company is committed to making a positive impact and continues to work alongside POGO to improve the lives of Canadians and strengthen community partnerships. 'LifeLabs and POGO share a rich history of collaboration, driven by our mutual goals of fostering a sense of community and improving lives,' said Charles Brown, President and CEO at LifeLabs. 'This donation is just the latest example of our commitment to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. By continuing to support POGO's important work, we are reinforcing our dedication to giving back and building stronger, healthier communities.' LifeLabs' partnership with POGO started in 2017 and has made significant contributions towards POGO initiatives, underscoring their ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact. This latest donation reaffirms LifeLabs' role as a socially responsible company that is committed to nurturing teamwork and making a difference in the communities it serves. Through initiatives like this partnership with POGO, LifeLabs continues to demonstrate its dedication to supporting those in need and spreading hope and positivity. About LifeLabs LifeLabs is Canada's leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs has been named one of Canada's Best Employers (2021, 2022 and 2023) and Best Employers for Diversity (2022, 2023 and 2024) by Forbes, named by BrandSpark as the Most Trusted Brand in medical diagnostic services voted by Canadians (2023 and 2024) and recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. Learn more at About POGO The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) is the official fundraising partner of the Pediatric Oncology Program at hospitals across Ontario. POGO supports children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance, education, and resources to help improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. Attachment Members of LifeLabs' team gather to deliver donation to partners at Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). CONTACT: Media LifeLabs media@
Morocco World
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Agadir Hosts Final Planning for African Lion 2025 Military Exercise
Doha – Morocco's Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir is hosting the final planning meeting for the 21st edition of African Lion 2025 from February 24-28, according to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). The meeting brings together representatives from Morocco's Royal Armed Forces, the United States Armed Forces, and several allied countries to finalize preparations for the multinational military exercise scheduled for May 12-23. The upcoming exercise will be conducted across multiple locations including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit. According to FAR officials, African Lion 2025 will feature various operations training, planning exercises for officers, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) decontamination drills, alongside joint maneuvers. The exercise will also include parallel humanitarian and social initiatives. This final meeting builds upon the groundwork established during the earlier main planning meeting that was also held in Agadir from November 18 to 22, 2024. This final planning session follows a high-stakes telephone conversation earlier this month between Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, and US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown. During their February 11 call, both military leaders stated that the African Lion exercise, conducted in Morocco since 2004, represents 'the best illustration of the solidity and depth of the Moroccan-American strategic partnership,' the FAR General Staff reported. 'Morocco is one of our oldest allies; we will continue to support one another in the face of evolving security challenges,' General Brown stated on social media following the discussion, which focused on regional security concerns, particularly in the Sahel and Maghreb regions. African Lion has become Africa's largest joint military exercise under US Africa Command since 2008. The exercise has grown substantially since its first edition in 2007, which began as a bilateral training between Morocco and the US. Last year's edition, African Lion 2024, was held from May 20-31 and convened approximately 7,000 military personnel from about 20 African countries and NATO member countries. The US-Morocco military alliance, dating back to the 1950s, was further strengthened when Morocco was designated as a Major non-NATO ally in 2004. Since then, Morocco has become Africa's largest purchaser of US military equipment, with active government-to-government sales reaching $8.545 billion under the Foreign Military Sales system. The defense partnership extends beyond equipment purchases. Morocco has received $478 million in equipment through the Department of Defense's Excess Defense Articles program since 2013, along with $135 million in Foreign Military Financing since 2012 and $32 million for International Military Education and Training since 2006. Morocco joined the anti-ISIS Global Coalition in 2014 as the first Maghreb country to do so and currently serves as co-chair of the Coalition's Africa Focus Group. The country has also participated in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership since 2005. The African Lion exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation between Morocco and the US, develop interoperability, and enhance intervention capabilities in a multinational context, ultimately contributing to regional security, peace, and stability. Read also: US, Morocco Security Alliance: A Blueprint for Regional, Global Security
South China Morning Post
23-02-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Trump's shake-up of US top brass will not change focus on China rivalry: observers
The shake-up of the US military leadership is unlikely to change the Trump administration's strategic focus on China but will leave it with less experience of the region at the top, according to observers. Advertisement US President Donald Trump dismissed six senior military officers on Friday, including Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Charles Brown, the nation's highest-ranking officer and principal military adviser to the president. Trump has nominated retired US Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine, a former F-16 fighter pilot, to replace Brown. Caine will need to be confirmed by the Senate to take up the position. Diao Daming, a professor at the school of international studies at China's Renmin University, said that changing the joint chiefs chair before time was very unusual and warranted close monitoring by Beijing. Brown's four-year term was to run until September 2027. US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Charles Brown was fired on February 21. Photo: EPA-EFE Diao said the selection of Caine, a three-star general, for the position was also extraordinary, because the precedent was for a four-star general to assume the role.
Morocco World
19-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Will Morocco Become First Arab, African Nation to Acquire the F-35?
Doha – Recent reports from various defense and security sources suggest Morocco could be on the verge of becoming the first Arab and African nation to acquire the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet. These claims, which first emerged on the French-speaking website Identité Juive in late 2024, have gained significant traction, particularly following Donald Trump's return to office. The development tracks with intensifying US-Morocco military ties, as General Charles Brown reaffirmed during a February 11 call with Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid. According to multiple reports, Morocco is expected to receive official documentation from both Israel and the Pentagon in the coming months, confirming the acquisition of 32 F-35 stealth fighter aircraft. The deal's estimated value exceeds $17 billion over 45 years, covering both procurement and maintenance costs. Morocco's pursuit of the F-35 has a longer history than these recent developments suggest. Back in December 2021, Israeli outlet Jafaj reported that Morocco was making 'far-reaching efforts' to acquire the advanced fighter jet. At that time, sources indicated the UAE had offered to 'cover the cost' of the jets if Morocco could gain US approval. The latest generation of the F-35 multirole fighter is estimated to cost at least $78 million per unit. According to a European source quoted by Jafaj, 'Morocco needs more planes with a serious potential for war raising with its Algerian neighbors.' The country's air force was then primarily relying on F-16s, which could be outclassed by Algeria's planned acquisition of 14 Russian Su-57 jets announced in January 2021. The path to this potential breakthrough began as early as 2020 when Morocco sought Israel's assistance in navigating political and administrative barriers with US authorities. A crucial meeting in November 2021 between then-Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi proved instrumental in advancing these negotiations. As reported by Aviation Week Network analyst Brandon Patrick, 'In 2020, following the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco, officials from the Moroccan Ministry of Defense approached their Israeli counterparts seeking assistance in acquiring Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.' The orchestration of these developments couldn't be more intriguingly timed. Israeli and US officials had previously supported Morocco's bid to purchase the F-35 five years ago, but the contract remained unsigned before President Trump's first term concluded. His return to office has reportedly revitalized the Moroccan plan. Technical specifications and capabilities The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, represents the pinnacle of modern fighter jet technology. It comes in three primary variants: the F-35A, a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version; the F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) model; and the F-35C, a carrier-based version designed for naval operations. These variants share a common airframe but have modifications specific to their roles, such as the F-35B's lift fan for vertical landings and the F-35C's reinforced landing gear for carrier operations. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the aircraft achieves speeds exceeding Mach 1.6 and maintains a combat radius of approximately 669 nautical miles, depending on the variant. Its advanced stealth features significantly reduce radar cross-section, making it difficult for enemy systems to detect. The aircraft's sophisticated sensor suite includes the AN/APG-81 radar for advanced targeting and situational awareness. It also features a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) providing pilots with 360-degree battlefield awareness and missile tracking capabilities. The F-35's electronic warfare systems enable it to jam and evade enemy radar systems, drastically enhancing survivability in contested environments. The US committed to ensuring Morocco's military superiority The potential acquisition comes amid escalating regional tensions, particularly with neighboring Algeria over the Western Sahara dispute. Algeria has maintained strong military and diplomatic ties with Russia, recently signing a contract for 14 Su-57 Felon stealth fighters as part of a broader military agreement that includes Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft. On 12 February, Algerian state media confirmed that the Algerian Air Force had acquired Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets and that Algerian military personnel were being trained in Russia. This development has sparked what analysts describe as an emerging arms race in North Africa. Algeria's support for the separatist Polisario Front in the Western Sahara dispute has been a major factor driving Morocco's military modernization efforts. Since Morocco retook its southern provinces in 1975, Algeria has provided political backing to the Polisario Front and hosted what it claims to be Sahrawi refugees. Diplomatic relations further deteriorated in August 2021 when Algeria severed ties with Morocco, citing alleged 'hostile actions' related to the dispute. Mohamed Etayyar, a writer, analyst, professor, and researcher in security and strategic studies specializing in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel region, in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), stated that 'The United States, especially in the last four years, appears highly committed to ensuring Morocco's military superiority in the region.' 'Through various purchases in this aspect, it seems that the United States has been providing Morocco with highly sophisticated and precise weapons,' he noted. He explained that 'Morocco's acquisition of this type of aircraft would greatly enhance its defensive capabilities,' adding that 'this development has special significance, as Morocco maintains strategic military relationships through treaties.' 'Furthermore,' Etayyar observed, 'this aligns with Morocco's larger project of becoming a weapons manufacturing state. These matters are interconnected.' According to Aviation Week forecasts, Morocco's current fighter fleet includes a mix of Block 52+ C and D aircraft, soon to be upgraded to the block 72 V standard, alongside 24 new-build Vipers entering service. If the F-35 deal materializes, Morocco would field a larger fleet of these fifth-generation fighters than several NATO allies, including Spain, Portugal, Singapore, Romania, Czech Republic, Greece, and Denmark. This potential acquisition aligns with Morocco's broader push to enhance its defense capabilities, a strategy underlined by its recent decision to boost the 2025 defense budget to $13 billion. As part of this effort, the country has secured cutting-edge military assets, including AH-64E Apache helicopters, M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, Bradley armored vehicles, and MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. The F-35 was prominently featured at the 7th Marrakech Air Show, held from October 30 to November 2, 2024, under the patronage of King Mohammed VI and with the support of the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The event showcased over 300 exhibitors and hosted 100 international delegations, where Morocco also displayed its first Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopter, part of an order for 24 units currently in production. Amid a rapidly deteriorating security landscape across the Sahel and North Africa – where extremist violence, political upheaval, and shifting alliances are redrawing the region's military map – this acquisition stands to mark a profound reconfiguration of the balance of power. In a hypothetical aerial engagement between Algeria's Su-57 and Morocco's potential F-35 fleet, several factors would come into play. The Su-57's agility and thrust-vectoring engines could provide advantages in close-range combat, while the F-35's stealth and advanced sensor fusion capabilities might allow it to detect and engage targets at greater distances before being detected itself. If the deal proceeds, Morocco would become the first non-Israeli F-35 operator in the MENA region, potentially opening doors for future sales to other Arab nations. Israel, which plans to operate 100 F-35Is by 2035, would maintain its qualitative edge through more advanced and timely upgrades. The broader implications extend beyond military capabilities. This acquisition could represent a dramatic entrenchment of Morocco's strategic alignment with the United States and Israel, following the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. This represents a shift away from traditional reliance on European allies, particularly France. While final confirmation awaits official announcement, the convergence of multiple reports and sources suggests that Morocco may indeed be on the cusp of a historic military acquisition that could signal a seismic shift in the regional military balance. Tags: Defense NewsMorocco F-35North Africa Security
Morocco World
12-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
US-Morocco Military Chiefs Reaffirm Defense Alliance in High-Stakes Call
Doha – Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, convened with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, in a critical telephone discussion on Tuesday, following a request from US military leadership. During their exchange, both military chiefs stressed that the African Lion exercise, conducted in Morocco since 2004, represents 'the best illustration of the solidity and depth of the Moroccan-American strategic partnership,' according to a statement from the FAR General Staff. 'Yesterday I spoke with the Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces about security issues in Sahel and Maghreb,' General Brown announced on X following the call. 'Morocco is one of our oldest allies; we will continue to support one another in the face of evolving security challenges.' The conversation centered on matters of mutual interest, particularly regional security and methods to unite efforts in addressing current regional challenges and threats. This high-level military dialogue occurs within the context of extensive bilateral defense cooperation. Morocco, designated as a Major Non-NATO ally in 2004, is Africa's largest purchaser of US military equipment, with active government-to-government sales reaching $8.545 billion under the Foreign Military Sales system. Read also: US, Morocco Security Alliance: A Blueprint for Regional, Global Security The defense partnership has deepened through various channels, including Morocco's receipt of $478 million in equipment through the Department of Defense's Excess Defense Articles program since 2013. The United States has also provided Morocco with $135 million in Foreign Military Financing since 2012 and $32 million for International Military Education and Training since 2006. The relationship extends to counterterrorism efforts, with Morocco joining the anti-ISIS Global Coalition in 2014 as the first Maghreb country to do so. The North African country currently serves as co-chair of the Coalition's Africa Focus Group and participates in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership since 2005. The African Lion exercise, which the two officers mentioned during their call, has evolved into Africa's largest joint military exercise under US Africa Command since 2008, drawing participation from more than twenty countries and NATO forces annually. These partnerships are projected to strengthen further under President Trump's second administration.
