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Mystery Missile Launch Seen off Calif. Coast
CBS News ^ | 11/9/10 | CBS

Posted on 11/09/2010 8:05:31 AM PST by Gennie

(CBS) A mysterious missile launch off the southern California coast was caught by CBS affiliate KCBS's cameras Monday night, and officials are staying tight-lipped over the nature of the projectile.

CBS station KFMB put in calls to the Navy and Air Force Monday night about the striking launch off the coast of Los Angeles, which was easily visible from the coast, but the military has said nothing about the launch.

KFMB showed video of the apparent missile to former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Robert Ellsworth, who is also a former Deputy Secretary of Defense, to get his thoughts.

Scroll down for KFMB video showing the launch.

Video here

"It's spectacular… It takes people's breath away," said Ellsworth, calling the projectile, "a big missile".

Magnificent images were captured by the KCBS news helicopter in L.A. around sunset Monday evening. The location of the missile was about 35 miles out to sea, west of L.A. and north of Catalina Island.

A Navy spokesperson told KFMB it wasn't their missile. He said there was no Navy activity reported in the area Monday evening.

On Friday night, Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California, launched a Delta II rocket, carrying an Italian satellite into orbit, but a sergeant at the base told KFMB there had been no launches since then.

Ellsworth urged American to wait for definitive answers to come from the military.

When asked, however, what he thought it might be, the former ambassador said it could possibly have been a missile test timed as a demonstration of American military might as President Obama tours Asia.

"It could be a test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine … to demonstrate, mainly to Asia, that we can do that," speculated Ellsworth.

Ellsworth said such tests were carried out in the Atlantic to demonstrate America's power to the Soviets, when there was a Soviet Union, but he doesn't believe an ICBM has previously been tested by the U.S. over the Pacific.

Officially, at least, the projectile remains a mystery missile.


TOPICS: Breaking News; Government; News/Current Events; US: California
KEYWORDS: 800; alaskaairlines225; awe808; california; californiamissile; china; coldwar2; contrail; flight800; junebugepidemic; launch; madgasserofmattoon; missile; missilemystery; missle; mumbaisweetwater; mystery; mysteryflight; mysterymissile; notbreakingnews; russia; sanclementeisland; sovietunion; tinfoilbrigade; twa800; twaflight800; unusualjetcontrail; ups902
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To: _Jim
Could it be China warning the US after Obama's visit to India.

http://www.kashmirwatch.com/showarticles.php?subaction=showfull&id=1289331373&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&var0news=value0news

US Strategy to Pitch India against China

Kashmir Watch, Nov 9

By Zaheerul Hassan

President Barack Obama has announced $10 billion trade deals with India and claimed that the deal will create 53,670 U.S. jobs. He brought some of the changes in export rules to make it easier for U.S. companies to do business with the nation of 1.2 billion people. US is also relaxing control on India's purchase of "dual use" technologies that could be used for civilian or military purposes, have been top priorities for the business community. The commercial deals include the purchase of thirty three (33) 737s Boeing by India's Spice Jet Airlines; the Indian military's plans to buy aircraft engines from General Electric; and preliminary agreement between Boeing and the Indian Air Force on the purchase of 10 C17s. Though, Obama’s mentioning of trade deal and creation of jobs in US may attribute in up coming democrats' midterm election partly and also depicting an attempt of put his domestic economy back on track.

It is mentionable here that Obama also promised to support Indian nomination as permanent member of United Nation Security Council. Though, overtly the US leader’s visit seem to be a business tour but his covert agenda could be to promote and present India as second super power while pitching her against China. In this way she will be able to get her ultimate objective of hitting two birds in one stone.

Interestingly, at the same time, President Obama declared Pakistan as American’s strategic partner and deliberately avoided of making any lose statement on Pakistan’s related issues. In this connection while addressing the Common Session of Indian Parliament, he advocated the continuation of peace process between Pakistan and India. He also stressed that confrontation on Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally, however US can come forward as a mediator if desired by two countries. In short, India failed to achieve optimum results of threshing out Pakistan on the issue of extremisms since Obama has shown maturity by not involving Pakistan in terrorism. He asked both the countries to resolve the disputes for establishing permanent peace.

In fact, Obama exposed US desire openly while saying that the relationship between the two great powers (India and U.S) "will be one of the defining and indispensable partnerships of the 21st century." Declaring India as great power has to be translated and viewed in its true perspective. Unfortunate part of Obama’s visit is that he backed a country where millions of people have been victimized by the extremists’ Hindus and armed forces. During this visit Obama did not mention clearly about human violation of India. However, to gain more sympathies Indian government ensured that American president to stay in Taj Mehal but at the same time never been allowed or to visit Kashmir, Golden Temple and Babri Mosque. Obama said that he intended to send a signal by making Mumbai the first stop of the trip and by staying at the Taj, which was a target during the terror siege." The United States and India stand united," he said. "We'll never forget." This action of organizers of the visit is enough to show true motive of secular state (India) and so called civilized democratic country (USA). Would some out of Obama’s staff would like to clarify that why he only preferred to show solidarity with Hindus only and failed to say something on the brutality against Kashmiries, Maoists, Sikhs and Christians.

The other angle of the visit depicts that Obama’s visit would be adding tension between China-India and Pakistan. Obama has also broadcasted his underline message more openly as compare to the past i.e. making India militarily and economically strong. The American’s president visit and arms pacts with India are being viewed with concern by the China, Pakistan, Russia and Sri Lanka. An arms race, conventional and nuclear, between India and china is now gaining prominence as India is building her weapon piles increasing day by day. Some analysts have also started to view India competing with China in an arms race rather than acquiring weapons merely for defensive purposes. It is mentionable here that India is also developing her nuclear and missile system with the help of Israel and US. The UN Watchdog “IAEA’ should inspect Indian nuclear programme since it has pathetic security arrangement and could prove danger to the human lives again. Though, Indian concerned authorities are trying to tighten the security at nuke plant sites but no worthwhile improvement has been yet noticed. Recently, security was tightened in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district after villagers clashed with officials of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India. The corporation was constructing a cluster of nuclear power plants in Ratnagiri under the Indo-US nuclear agreement. The villagers, opposing the nuclear establishment, attacked and chased away the officials who were visiting the villages to take soil samples. India is also planning to buy Israeli Missile System. New Delhi has also launched major effort to develop laser weapons for military applications. Reportedly, Indian military is working on laser weapons for deploying on its submarines, destroyers, air force fighters and transport planes.

Actually, Indo-US-Israel collaboration is emerging the world most dangerous collaboration. Few days back, US National Security Adviser Tom Donilon while briefing reporters said that Obama intends the trip to be "a full embrace of India's rise." At this occasion Indian officials Shivshankar Menon endorsed that he doesn’t think that there’s an area of human endeavor in which we do not actually cooperate.

In this connection, very authenticated reports illustrated that: (one) Israeli systems are being tested in India, (two) India is a stake-holder in Iron Dome and David's Sling systems as these are being tested in India, (two) systems have been tested in controlled environment and thus have not gained the un-questioned confidence of Indian side, (fourth) Japanese were also called for demonstration of Israeli missile systems. They remained skeptical and un-committed; (fifth)India is also persisting with its Prithvi Air Defence System PAD in order to keep its intentions are to contain China and stopped Pakistan for further developments.

As a matter of fact after disintegration of Soviet Union, uni-polar system emerged. The new great game and number of new cold wars like: Indo-Pak, Indo-China, North- South Korea, US-Iran and Sri Lanka-India have been started. The regional and global security environment has been changed drastically because of 9/11, American invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan. India took U-turn and became U.S regional and global ally against China and Russia. India in its pursuit of acquiring high technology has been making headway both politically and scientifically. Recently, Indian Defense Minister, AK Antony, to the US marked the highlight of Indo-US relation. Mr Antony had meetings with Secretary Gates, Secretary Clinton and NSA James Jones. Obama administration has been pushing India in awarding defense contracts to the American companies. Indian who is already purchasing arms to restructure her armed forces has welcomed US lucrative defense contracts for transferring high technology.

Concluding I must say that though Obama tried to adopt balanced approach while talking about India Pakistan issues but never forgotten his ultimate objective of putting India against China. The arms race between China and India would definitely going to be speed up. She already tested Agni-II, a revamped Agni-II in the Wheeler Island, off the Orissa coast. Agni-II has two stages and both are powered by solid propellants. It has several features of advanced technology. The missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, can be transported both by rail and road. Its projected range is 2750 to 3000 km. Indian second missile system Agni-III is ready for Operational Induction. According to Defence Minister Mr A K Antony, the 3000 km range Agni-III missile is ready for induction into the armed forces. The nuclear capable ballistic missile would give a boost to India's credible minimum deterrence as no other missile in the Indian arsenal has the range to strike targets deep inside China. She also carried out Strategic Weapons Storages in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jallandar, Jaisalmer, Bhuj, Bhatinda and Barmer.

World community and US administration should know that Indian design of storage, deployment, development of nuke weapons and recently concluded defence pacts with Israel and USA are serious threats to the regional and global peace. There is a need to stop and condemn Indian aggressive nature of expansionism rather than declaring her a great power and future member of Security Council.

Posted on 10 Nov 2010 by Webmaster
701 posted on 11/09/2010 12:52:31 PM PST by ncfool (The new USSA - United Socialst States of AmeriKa. Welcome to Obummers world or Obamaville USSA.)
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To: mad_as_he$$

It was Billy playing in the bath tub.


702 posted on 11/09/2010 12:52:34 PM PST by Red_Devil 232 (VietVet - USMC All Ready On The Right? All Ready On The Left? All Ready On The Firing Line!)
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To: Arthur Wildfire! March
As per LA TImes...no clue what it was, but NOT a threat to national security.

Wow. Really?

703 posted on 11/09/2010 12:52:47 PM PST by riri
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To: Arthur Wildfire! March

What will the bonehead say? He is silent 18 hours later.
When will Gibbs say something stupid?


704 posted on 11/09/2010 12:53:30 PM PST by Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!
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To: cruise_missile
“They can when they are on boost phase.”

Nope.

BTW, I'm a former USAF missilier.

Your friend told you a whopper!

705 posted on 11/09/2010 12:53:36 PM PST by ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY
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To: Danae

I imagine you’re right. I suspect this was implemented on shorter notice than it would take for NK to sneak a missile aboard a cargo vessel, etc.


706 posted on 11/09/2010 12:54:00 PM PST by Arthur Wildfire! March (Our 2010 victory was won the Tea Party Way, not the RINO way.)
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To: DCBryan1

Meant to copy your posting but goofed. I do agree that there’s great potential that this was a missile fired from a container aboard a cargo ship. Whether that cargo ship was under Pakistani flag or some other enemy of the US, I dunno. There are links earlier in this thread to an article TODAY in the UK’s Daily Telegraph re such a system being offered for sale. (sorry, didn’t catch the number of the posting of that either.)


707 posted on 11/09/2010 12:54:39 PM PST by JoyjoyfromNJ (Psalm 121)
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To: riri

Yeah, they always send out goofy knee-jerk trial balloons. Don’t want to cause a panic in the stock market.


708 posted on 11/09/2010 12:55:18 PM PST by Arthur Wildfire! March (Our 2010 victory was won the Tea Party Way, not the RINO way.)
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To: Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!

“When will Gibbs say something stupid?”

Next time he opens his mouth?


709 posted on 11/09/2010 12:56:01 PM PST by Arthur Wildfire! March (Our 2010 victory was won the Tea Party Way, not the RINO way.)
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To: Gennie

maybe this has something to do with why Obama and the govt got out of dodge for a few days.


710 posted on 11/09/2010 12:56:29 PM PST by eak3
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To: mware
ha!~ I saw that film about a year ago for the first time!

Very glad I didn't see it when I was a kid during the Reagan years. I thought for sure we'd end up in a nuclear conflict with the communists and I had one heck of an overactive imagination at the time.

I recall when our local paper in Maine had photos on the front cover of Russian Backfire bombers ( if I remember the name correctly ) which were chased off US protected territory by planes base in Maine. Man, I thought they were going to invade for sure. What can I say...I was a kid. But a kid whos target practice with his .22 bolt action increased percipitiously!

711 posted on 11/09/2010 12:56:36 PM PST by warsaw44
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To: RinaseaofDs

10 minutes. Could likely be done faster than that. It does take a while, very min 3-5 minutes. Have to load packages and things like that.


712 posted on 11/09/2010 12:57:49 PM PST by Danae (Anail nathrach, orth' bhais's bethad, do chel denmha)
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To: NormsRevenge
Well,...Shep is still working on this...had a retired Admiral on...who was calm about it all...paraphrasing...he seems to think private party doing something too small to be detected by norad and atmospheric conditions make it appear larger than it really was....

So there....

I am not buying it yet...

713 posted on 11/09/2010 12:57:54 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach ( Support Geert Wilders)
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To: warsaw44

HEre’s the link to see video- scroll halfway down the page and click on the video..

http://www.cbsnews.com:80/stories/2010/11/09/national/main7036716.shtml


714 posted on 11/09/2010 12:59:44 PM PST by SE Mom (Proud mom of an Iraq war combat vet)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

ADM Stufflebeam said some pretty dumb things, like contrails from his jet back in the day, etc. This is NO CONTRAIL for a jet. He also intimated that si was small, this is NOT small.

He should have just said, you know, I don’t know jack!


715 posted on 11/09/2010 1:01:27 PM PST by wxgesr (I want to be the first person to surf on another planet.)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
had a retired Admiral on...who was calm about it all...paraphrasing...he seems to think private party doing something too small to be detected by norad and atmospheric conditions make it appear larger than it really was,

OK so we have DOD,NORAD and Air Space Command saying different things all day. Now I See this explanation for the 3rd time. Do they think we are idiots, a freelancer shooting a rocket. This is very strange.

716 posted on 11/09/2010 1:02:00 PM PST by crosslink (Moderates should play in the middle of a busy street)
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To: Greysard

Well done.


717 posted on 11/09/2010 1:02:07 PM PST by Lazamataz (Pelosi: Like a rapist, PROUD of their handiwork.)
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To: Arthur Wildfire! March
From the video I saw, it seemed to be launched from the CA coastline.

oops! Sowwee. Just a wittle accident. ...we'll call it a classified test.

718 posted on 11/09/2010 1:03:21 PM PST by TexasCajun
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To: Jewbacca

@ Jewbacca,

Or just a reflection off the fuselage of the aircraft? Look at the amount of light and how it lights up the contrail.


719 posted on 11/09/2010 1:03:37 PM PST by Tommyjo
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Doesn’t Smith sound like he’s hopped up on something? Or does he always act this giddy?


720 posted on 11/09/2010 1:03:58 PM PST by BenLurkin (This post is not a statement of fact. It is merely a personal opinion -- or humor -- or both)
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