Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn killed in Afghanistan : 23 December 2010

Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn

The Ministry of Defence confirms that Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, 21 December 2010.

Corporal Dunn deployed to Afghanistan on 19 September 2010 as part of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup (2 PARA).He was based at Patrol Base 2, in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand Province.

On 21 December 2010 he was working with 2 PARA Patrols Platoon on a deliberate operation to interdict insurgents in the Bowri desert. He was travelling in a Jackal vehicle which hit an improvised explosive device at 1722 hours local time.

Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn

Corporal Dunn was born on 4 October 1983 in Gateshead where he grew up and attended Saint Joseph's School, Hebburn. On joining the Army in September 2004, he successfully completed Basic and Trade Training before serving with 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron as a Communications System Operator. Following a brief spell at 2nd Signal Regiment, he returned to 216 and to the environment in which he felt most comfortable.

With a tour in Iraq and two previous tours of Afghanistan already under his belt, he relished the opportunity to deploy again on Op HERRICK 13. He thrived in the challenging role of providing communication support at battlegroup level and was in his element when deployed forward on the ground with his infantry counterparts. He led by example and was a rock to his Rear Link Detachment.

Corporal Dunn's future was bright and he was already earmarked as a man that would return to 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron as he promoted through the ranks.

His passion for Newcastle United FC knew no bounds and his thirst and excitement for life was apparent in everything he did. Thoroughly dedicated to his family, his job and to those he served with, this potent blend won him the highest accolades and the respect of all.

He leaves behind his wife Cheryl and daughter Emily.


--army.mod.uk--

India to complete the nuclear triad by 2011 with "K-4" series SLBM's

China,of course,is way ahead with around 240 warheads. While Pakistan is nowhere near getting a nuclear submarine,China has 10 of them in its 62-submarine fleet,with three being SSBNs (armed with longrange strategic missiles).India,in contrast,has just 15 conventional and aging diesel-electric submarines.

Consequently,INS Arihant is crucial to Indias nuclear deterrence doctrine,which revolves around a clear no-first use policy.A robust and survivable second-strike capability is hugely dependent on having nuclear-powered submarines,armed with SLBMs (submarinelaunched ballistic missiles ),which can operate silently underwater for several months at a time.

Admiral Verma said INS Arihant,which was launched at Vizag in July 2009,would have potent SLBM capabilities to complete the triad.With INS Arihants miniature 83 mw pressurized light-water reactor slated to go critical within a month or two for sea-acceptance trials,the navy also seems confident about the ongoing undersea tests of the 700-km range K-15 and 3,500-km K-4 SLBMs.The 6,000-tonne INS Arihant,which has four silos on its hump to carry 12 K-15 s or four extended range K-4 s,is to be followed by another two nuclear submarines under the secretive Rs 30,000 crore Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
The navy,on its part,is keen to have three SSBNs and six SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) in the coming years.The force will also finally induct the K-152 Nerpa submarine,on a 10-year lease from Russia,towards April-May 2011 after several delays.

While the 12,000-tonne Nerpa will not come armed with long-range missiles due to international treaties,it will help train Indian sailors in the complex art of operating nuclear submarines.It will also be a lethal hunter of enemy submarines and warships,armed with torpedoes and 300-km Klub-S cruise missiles.

Some of India Missiles