Aircraft recycling solutions

Memphis-based Universal Asset Management (UAM) has used recycled carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) from commercial aircraft to make a 3D-printed engine stand. CFRP collected through the firm’s proprietary process - filtered for purity and refined into pellets - was used as raw material to demonstrate that second-generation carbon fiber material is suitable for additive manufacturing. Carbon fiber is the most arduous structural element of an aircraft to recycle. Today’s aircraft are made with about 50 percent of composite material. CEO Keri Wright says: “UAM is the only company to harvest CFRP from end-of-life aircraft to be re-introduced to manufacturing.” UAM and its parent company Aircraft Recycling International Ltd. (ARI) remain committed globally in complete aircraft recycling solutions, he says. UAM has disassembled more than 300 aircraft, including all Boeing platforms and Airbus A300, A310, A320, A330, and A340 aircraft. UAM’s aircraft disassembly center is at the Tupelo (Miss.) Regional Airport, and its global center is in Verona, Miss. (Source: Aerospace Manufacturing and Design 04/30/18)

Blue Angels jet re-joins team

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Blue Angels Navy demonstration team’s F/A-18C Hornet, which sustained engine damage after a bird-strike April 21 and repairs, arrived April 26 for its weekend “Wings Over Myrtle Beach” air show. The jet was flown from Vero Beach, Fla., following repairs to its left engine and vortex generator. The Blue Angels’ maintenance team replaced the GE F404-GE-400 engine, and personnel from Navy Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in Jacksonville replaced the vortex generator this week. Both repairs were done at Vero Beach Regional Airport. Final cost of the repair has not been determined, according to a Blue Angels media release. But early estimates put the damage at about $1 million. (Source: Blue Angels media release 04/26/18)

Navy preparing for hurricane season

NORFOLK, Va. - U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and naval facilities under their directions within Navy regions Southeast and Mid-Atlantic are conducting a natural disaster preparedness exercise - Hurricane Exercise/Citadel Gale 2018 – from April 24 to May 11 prior to the start of the Atlantic hurricane season in June. The annual exercise prepares the Navy to respond to adverse weather threats in U.S. coastal regions, and to maintain the ability to deploy forces even under the most severe weather conditions. HURREX/CG 18 will involve a simulated storm system developing and intensifying to hurricane strength, threatening the eastern coastal regions. Commands are participating by reviewing and exercising heavy weather instructions, procedures and accounting off sailors, Navy civilians, and families in drill-affected regions through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS). (Source: US Fleet Forces Command 04/24/18) Gulf Coast Note: Most all Navy commands within the four Gulf Coast states are participating, including the larger commands at NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field, Fla.; NAS Meridian and Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss.; and NAS/JRB New Orleans. http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=105226

Brokk joins Eglin EOD unit

EGLIN AFB, Fla. – Airmen from the 96th Civil Engineer Group’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robotics section and contractors were busy April 9 assembling the Eglin-based unit's newly designed robotic system, which gives technicians the ability to recover and dismantle munitions - key to aiding test engineers in weapons development. The powerful robot, currently dubbed Brokk after the Norse blacksmith who forged Thor’s hammer, replaces the first-generation robot, named Stewie. The new custom robot is designed to support Eglin’s Test and Training Complex missions. The $1.3M acquisition is the only one of its kind in the world, according to Maj. Kelly Mattie, EOD flight commander. The Eglin group is the only EOD unit in the Air Force with a test mission directive. Seventh-generation tele-robotic technologies from Kraft and Brokk machinery were combined to create the new robot. (Source: Niceville.com 04/25/18)

TACAIR sub tackling PE issues

The Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee of the U.S. House’s Armed Services Committee is taking steps, in its section of the FY 2019 annual defense policy bill, to address physiological episodes (PEs) that have hit the Air Force and Navy pilots, according to an HASC staffer. Navy pilots of F/A-18 Super Hornets and T-45C jet trainers have been reporting unexplained incidents of hypoxia – body is deprived of oxygen at the tissue level. The AF has had similar issues with its fifth-generation F-35A and T-6A jet trainers. There have been unexplained incidents of disorientation, and hypocapnia and hypercapnia - abnormally low and high levels, respectively, of carbon dioxide in the blood. The subcommittee's portion of the defense authorization has provisions related to PEs: Modifications to new Hornets; and requiring a report from the Navy on modifications to the T–45C trainer. A final provision would require the AF to submit a report to Congress of all efforts to reduce the risk and occurrences of PEs in F–35A fighters and T-6A trainers. The subcommittee was to consider its portion of the NDAA at a markup at 12:30 p.m. (ET) today (April 26). (Source: The Hill 04/25/18) Gulf Coast Note: Navy T-45C training is conducted at NAS Meridian, Miss.; NAS Pensacola, Fla.; and NAS Kingsville, Texas. Instructor pilot training in the T-6A is currently based at Columbus AFB, Miss.

Mod pact in support of CAFB

DynCorp International of Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $59,636,368 modification (P00019) to previously awarded contract (FA8617-17-C-6210) for continued contractor operated and maintained base supply support at multiple military bases, including Columbus AFB, Miss.; NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting Field, Fla.; and the Army’s Flight Test Directorate at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. The modification provides for the exercise of an option to extend services, and brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $247,013,876. Work is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2018. FY 2018 Air Force operations and maintenance (O&M) funds in the amount of $13,846,971; Navy O&M funds in the amount of $12,890,966; Navy test and evaluation funds in the amount of $224, 215; Navy Defense working capital funds in the amount of $115,207; and Army O&M funds in the amount of $99,573 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Training Aircraft Division at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/25/18)

‘Spirit of Service' nom packages

WASHINGTON - The American Legion, for the 18th consecutive year, will present its ‘Spirit of Service’ award to an enlisted service member – E-5 or below – at its 100th national convention in August. Nomination packages are being accepted until May 29. Each service will select one overall winner based primarily on the level of community volunteerism. The award will be presented at the national convention in Minneapolis, Minn., that runs from Aug. 24-30. Eligible service members must epitomize core values and be nominated by the service member's commanding officer. (Source: Navy Office of Community Outreach 04/24/18) There are multiple-service military bases along the Gulf Coast from NAS/JRB New Orleans; NAS Meridian, Keesler and Columbus AFB, Miss.; to Fort Rucker, Ala.

US-based Israeli firms adjusting

After years of subsidizing Israel’s defense industry, the U.S. is insisting Tel Aviv spend all of its American military aid with U.S. firms. The Israeli government and hundreds of companies are scrambling to adjust with at least one estimate predicting 20,000 jobs lost. In the past, the U.S. provided Israel with grants under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Israel could convert 25 percent of dollars to shekels to buy Israeli products and support local R&D. Under the new 10-year agreement, the percentage will drop to zero. The agreement was signed in September 2016. The US will pay Israel $34B from 2019 to 2028, but will have to be used for the purchase of American-made systems. The Israeli defense industry isn’t waiting on its government to take action. At Israeli Aerosapce Industries (IAI): “(W)e are reorganizing our activities in the U.S to be ready for the changes in the market,” said Joseph Weiss, president/CEO. The Israeli company currently operates in the U.S. through local companies: IAI North America and its subsidiaries Stark Aerospace of Columbus, Miss. and ELTA US. “We are in the process of building a new strategy for our operations in the U.S.,” said Weiss.” It will be based on proxy companies that will have U.S boards and will act separately from its other activities. (Source: Breaking Defense 04/20/18) Gulf Coast Note: Stark Aerospace’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) division produces the ArrowLite sUAS and supports the U.S. Army Hunter MQ-5B UAS.

Continuing MSU’s innovative legacy

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State University officially opened its new National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center’s (NSPARC) data center April 20 that is designed to continue the university’s legacy of innovative data science practices. The NSPARC center has added state-of-the-art technology that can process and store more than 400 terabytes of data, allowing NSPARC to further its mission of using data science to drive human progress. NSPARC works with multiple government agencies and organizations to use data science: Workforce and economic development, early childhood education and human services are just a number of the areas in which NSPARC does valuable research and creates innovative solutions. The new facility is located in MSU’s Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. The center, which has more than 50 data innovations created in the last decade, has achieved national prominence in the data science field. (Source: MSU 04/20/18)

MSU prez to lead BIFAD board

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum has been designated chairman of the Board for International Food and Agriculture Development (BIFAD) by President Donald J. Trump, according to the White House. BIFAD was created in 1975 under Title XII (Famine Prevention and Freedom from Hunger) of the Foreign Assistance Act. The board’s mission is to draw on higher education’s scientific knowledge to advise America’s international assistance efforts. The president appoints BIFAD’s members, primarily academics with expertise in global food security and world hunger. Prior to becoming MSU president, Keenum was appointed Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture by President George W. Bush in 2000. In 2014, he was appointed to the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) under President Barack Obama; and unanimously elected to chair its board in 2017. Keenum began his career at MSU as a faculty member with the Extension Service and the Department of Agricultural Economics. He went on to serve as chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). (Source: MSU 04/20/18)

Navy civ earns SECDEF award

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - The Air Force took home three honors in the 2018 Secretary of Defense environmental awards program, including the Environmental Quality individual/team award won by Mr. Frederick A. Javier of the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron based out of Hurlburt Field, Fla. Javier provided outstanding leadership by training installation staff on environmental management, and engagement with local communities to promote DoD’s mission and science education. SECDEF awards, established in 1962, honor individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements and innovative environmental practices. (Source: Air Force 04/20/18)

Panel: Base infrastructure priority

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), identified cyber and energy security as two main resiliency efforts needed across the service. He was joined in a panel discussion focused on ensuring installation (bases’) readiness in support of the war-fighting mission. Among the panelists included Phyllis Bayer, assistant secretary of the Navy’s Energy, Installations and Environment (EI&E). Bayer noted the time had come to make bases’ infrastructure a priority in order to support current and future mission needs. She called for NAVFAC and Chief of Naval Installations (CNIC) commanders to re-establish those bases’ infrastructure priorities to address requirements. She asked the two commands to “relook” at FY 2018-19 and FY-21 budgets to “make sure” the Navy is getting the right resources for infrastructure needs for installation upgrades. "We held an all-day session with industry, and we talked about 'how can we describe our requirements better’?" said Muilenburg. "How can we structure the contract better? What industry best practices can be introduced into the government system? We surveyed other federal agencies like NASA on how they do it," he continued. Likewise, CNIC Vice Adm. Mary Jackson promoted a shift in how installations are viewed, to better align the shore with the needs of the war-fighter. "Naval installations are complex platforms," said Jackson. "We certainly think of ships as platforms and airframes … but an installation is really a platform, too. It's a system of systems,” she said. “I do believe that it starts and ends with the shore (commands/bases). The panel was part of the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Global Maritime Exposition on April 10 in Maryland. (Sources: Naval Facilities Engineering Command 04/20/18) Gulf Coast Note: There are at least 12 major military bases across the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Panama City, Fla., including Columbus AFB and NAS Meridian, Miss.

Thunderbirds resume practice

The Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team resumed practice flights April 18 following the death of fellow pilot Maj. Stephen "Cajun" Del Bagno, says team commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh. “While our hearts are still heavy with the loss of our wingman 'Cajun', we know he'd want us back in the air and preparing to recruit, retain and inspire once more," he continued. The team, part of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB, Nev., is still weighing whether it will cancel more shows in the coming weeks. On April 9, the squadron announced it would not perform at Lakeland, Fla., or the "Wings over Columbus" show at Columbus AFB, Miss. (Source: Military.com 04/18/18) Maj. Del Bagno was an F-35A instructor-pilot at Eglin AFB, Fla., before joining the Thunderbirds this year.

Small biz opportunity with AF

VALPARAISO, Fla. – The Air Force issued a combined solicitation for small businesses to provide storage aid systems. The closing date and time for proposals are May 22, 2018, at 1 p.m. Central Time. The place of performance for this opportunity is the Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.. For assistance meeting this deadline with proper registrations and a strong offer, businesses may use the third-party government registration firm, US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR). (Source: Globe Newswire 04/19/18)

Blues to fly over Biloxi beach

BILOXI, Miss. - It’s been seven years since Biloxi has seen the Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team up close and personal. But the Naval aviators will perform an air show along the Mississippi Gulf Coast on July 21-22. But it won’t be over Keesler Air Force Base. The shows will be centered at Harrah's Gulf Coast Casino's Great Lawn, and anyone along the beach for miles will be able to see the aerial acrobatics. (Source: Sun Herald 04/20/18)

AHI delivers H145 to SoCal utility

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) has delivered a new Airbus H145 to San Diego Gas & Electric, a major Southern California public utility, which is using the helicopter to support its vast electric transmission and distribution network. The helicopter is the first H145 to be used for a utility service in America. It has been used by law enforcement, air medical transport, offshore oil and gas, and private businesses. AHI-Columbus, Miss., produces the H145, and UH-72A helicopter for the U.S. Army. (Source: Aviation Pros 04/18/18)

L-3's AF mod contract: $30M

L-3 Communication, Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., has been awarded an estimated value $30,000,000 predominantly firm-fixed-price modification (P00004) to previously awarded contract (FA8106-17-D-0001) for contractor logistics support of the Air Force C-12 fleet. This modification provides for the exercise of an option under the basic contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $28,255,628. Work will be performed in Madison; San Angelo, Texas; Okmulgee, Okla.; Buenos Ares, Argentina; Gaborone, Botswana; Brasilia, Brazil; Bogota, Columbia; Cairo, Egypt; Accra, Ghana; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Budapest, Hungary; Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Nairobi, Kenya, Rabat, Morocco; Manila, Philippines; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Bangkok, Thailand; Ankara, Turkey; Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; and Yokota Air Base, Japan. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 30, 2018) (Source: DoD 04/17/18)

PX supplying H2 to La. refinery

DANBURY, Conn. - Praxair Inc. (PX) announced April 17 it has begun supplying hydrogen to Marathon Petroleum Corp.’s (MPC) in Garyville, La., refineries, located about 10 miles west of Laplace. MPC is one of the largest industrial gas transportation fuels refiners in the U.S. and world-wide. The Garyville refinery, the third largest in the U.S., was the last major refinery built in the America. The hydrogen is supplied through a new extension to Praxair’s Southeast Louisiana pipeline network; and being used by MPC in an ultra-low-sulfur diesel project. PX’s extensive hydrogen system in the lower Mississippi River corridor has been “expanded to support the region’s growing chemical and refining industries,” said Dan Yankowski, president of the firm’s global hydrogen business. PX produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Its products benefit a variety of industries, including aerospace, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. Its industrial gases are used extensively in primary metal production. (Source: Business Wire 04/17/19) The Marathon gasoline and Speedway retail outlets are part of its network of companies.

OA-Iuka working on OmegaA

DULLES, Va. - During the 34th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo., Orbital ATK , a global aerospace and defense technologies firm, provided a detailed update April 16 on the progress of its Next Generation Launch System. OA reaffirmed its commitment to the Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program for national security space missions by announcing the naming of its rocket, OmegA, and selection of its upper stage propulsion system. OmegaA is among the firm’s largest strategic investment that is designed to provide intermediate- to heavy-class launch services for the Pentagon, NASA, and commercial customers within three years. OA has produced more than 430 launch vehicles over 35 years. OA and the AF have invested more than $250M in developing the OmegA rocket; and the company has committed a larger investment to complete development and certification. OA’s nearly 500 employees is currently building major propulsion and structural elements. OmegA is on schedule to complete propulsion system ground tests in 2019, and is slated for a 2021 launch. OA’s workforce is expected to grow to about 1,000 over the next 18 months. The firm’s development team is working on the program in Arizona, Utah, Louisiana, and at its Iuka, Miss., plant, with launch integration and operations planned at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, California. (Source: Business Wire 04/16/18)

Pilot error in NASM T-45 crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Navy is citing pilot error for a military training jet crash in Tennessee that killed a T-45C instructor and student pilot from NAS Meridian, Miss., saying it was being flown for thrills and too low. In the report, Navy officials said the T-45C Goshawk was flying below allowable altitudes in October 2017 when it plunged into a forest near Tellico Plains in Tennessee. The crash killed 31-year-old instructor-pilot Lt. Patrick Ruth from Metairie, La., and 25-year-old student pilot Lt. j.g. Wallace Burch from Horn Lake, Miss. Both were stationed at NASM. The flight originated from McGee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tenn. (Source: The Associated Press 04/15/18

GTRA’s Hainsey earns top honor

JACKSON, Miss. – Mike Hainsey, executive director of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Miss., has been named Mississippi Airports Association’s Professional of the Year. (Source: WCBI 04/12/18)

GC senator to lead Appropriations

WASHINGTON – Alabama Republican Sen. Richard Shelby is the new leader of the U.S. Senate’s appropriations committee. He takes over from retiring Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran. The move will likely impact upcoming FY 2019 budget debates for the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments. Shelby was named chairman of the appropriations committee for the rest of 2018, and will also serve as head of the subcommittee on defense spending. Administration and congressional negotiators have set a framework for FY-19 defense spending at $716B, but Shelby’s committee will be charged with working out the specifics in the next several months. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will take the helm of Shelby’s former position as chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee; and giving up his former job of Military Construction and VA subcommittee leadership role to Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.). Both also serve on the VA committee. The VA has requested an FY-19 budget of nearly $199B (6 percent above FY-18 levels). The VA’s budget has grown by nearly 500 percent over the last 20 years. FY-19 begins Oct. 1. It’s unclear whether lawmakers will meet that deadline because of political bickering. Lawmakers are likely to pass a temporary budget extension in September amid mid-term elections in November. Source: Military Times 04/10/18)

PE sensor data collection on T-45

Cobham group sensors are collecting data to assist the Air Force and Navy in detecting conditions around physiological events (PEs) involving T-45C trainers and fleet F-18 jets. The UK firm’s Orchard Park, NY, division recently flew three test flights with F-18 and T-45 aircraft and confirmed by Rear Adm. Sara Joyner during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Cobham used its VigilOX™ pilot breathing sensor system during those tests. T-45C student and instructor pilots at Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Kingsville, Texas, have experienced multiple PEs that have led to training stand-downs while a fix was sought. VigilOX™ is the first pilot-worn sensing system to comprehensively capture real-time physiological, breathing gas, and cockpit environmental data during flight, which will be used to help inform conditions around unexplained physiological episodes. Cobham and Navy medical, and research professionals are in the initial stages of reviewing the post-flight data, which will be correlated to hypoxia-like symptoms. The data will form the basis of a predictive algorithm that will ultimately drive oxygen equipment to automatically adjust oxygen dosage as needed. Cobham also produces a CRU-123 solid state oxygen monitor that captures critical oxygen concentrator performance data. The T-45C marked the first flight where CRU-123 and VigilOX™ flew together on the same aircraft providing the most comprehensive picture of aircraft and pilot physiological interaction from air source to mask. (Source: Aviation Week 04/09/18) The Air Force, which also has seen a spike in PEs in the F-35A, A-10, and T-6 trainers is simultaneously testing VigilOx.

Yates among ‘the wall’ prototypes

Donald Trump is not the first American president to suggest greater security is needed along the on the U.S.-Mexico border. The President has proposed building a wall to keep people from crossing illegally into the U.S. "The wall" project has made some progress despite political fit-throwing by Democrats. Trump wanted $25B while Congress has allocated $1.6B. The political wrangling has slowed the progress, but did not keep the President from whittling a list of 200 contractors down to a handful of firms that have submitted prototypes. Among the handful of prototypes come from three Gulf Coast-states’ companies: W.G. Yates & Sons Construction of Philadelphia, Miss.; Caddell Construction of Montgomery, Ala.; and Texas Sterling Construction of Houston. Prototypes were tested in January. A Customs and Border Protection report summarized a completed wall would likely be a Lego-like by-product of "combined elements of each, depending on the terrain." While the verdict is still out on the exact design, the wall will likely be at least 18 feet high and made from extremely durable material. Yates & Sons, Caddell, Texas Sterling, and Fisher Sand & Gravel of Arizona have submitted concrete designs. ELTA North America Inc. of Maryland – a partner with ELTA Systems Ltd., Israel’s leading defense firm - and KWR Construction of Arizona built models from other materials. In March, the President inspected progress of eight different prototypes. There have been no additional details as to which prototypes caught his eye. (Source: MultiBriefs.com 04/10/18)

Thunderbirds cancel CAFB air show

The Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team has cancelled its next two air shows following the death of the team’s No. 4 slot pilot Major Stephen "Cajun" Del Bagno, according to team's commander Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh. The AF demo flight team will not perform at the Lakeland, Fla., "Sun-N-Fun Fly-In & Expo" or the "Wings over Columbus" air show at Columbus AFB, Miss., according to a video statement from Lt. Col. Walsh. There is a possibility that more 2018 shows may be cancelled. The squadron, according to Walsh, is prioritizing Del Bagno's legacy and family. The team, part of the 57th Wing, Nellis AFB, Nevada, will host Del Bagno's family for a memorial service this week, Walsh said, but did not provide specifics. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Before joining the team, Del Bagno was an F-35A Joint Strike Fighter evaluator pilot and chief of standardization and evaluation with the 58th Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla. (Source: Military.com 04/09/18)

Mixed bag on MS finances

Despite failures that have the potential to cost the state $185 million, Mississippi has received positive results from its incentive programs designed to entice companies to locate in the state, according to a study by Auditor Stacey Pickering’s office. The results found that the Magnolia State had a return of $12 for each $1 of investments in five incentive programs operated by the Mississippi Development Authority. MDA’s 243 projects that date to 2010, and were awarded incentives through five programs: Mississippi Major Economic Impact Act, Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund, Mississippi ACE Fund, Rural Impact Fund Grant Program, and Existing Industry Productivity Loan Program. The audit cited 11 failed projects. In a separate report on finances, Mississippi’s revenue collections took a downturn in March. Revenue collections were $46.7M (10.4 percent below estimates). For FY 2018, which ends June 30, collections are 0.33 percent below official projections, according to the Legislative Budget Committee. Official estimates represent the amount appropriated by the Legislature. If collections fall far below estimates, cuts would have to be made or the governor would have to dip into reserve funds. At this point, neither scenario seems likely. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal 04/09/18)

Some AFRH vets to see rent hike

GULFPORT, Miss. – For some veterans living at the nation’s two Armed Forces Retirement Homes here in Gulfport and Washington, D.C., will see rent double beginning Oct. 1, the start of the U.S. government’s FY 2019, to cover $22M in yearly deficits to operate the homes. Residents were informed April 2 that their rent, currently capped at 40 percent of income, will be capped at 60 percent. Rent would go from a maximum $1,458/month to a high of $3,054, which AFRH claims is the actual cost of care. Some 10 percent of residents in independent living facilities are expected to pay the new maximum fees, according to the AFRH. No residents in long-term care or memory support are expected to pay maximum fees, and their rent will decrease from 80 to 70 percent. Rent for independent living includes a private room in the Gulfport facility that overlooks the Mississippi Sound, meals, a wellness center, a doctor on site or on call, dental, vision and other medical care, all medication and transportation. AFRH’s new CEO, retired Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Rippe, believes it’s as good as any retirement community, at any cost, in America. (Source: Sun Herald 04/09/18)

Thunberbird pilot's GC connection

MOBILE, Ala. – A first-year U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team pilot, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, was killed in a training crash April 4 on the Nellis Air Force Base Range in Nevada. The 34-year-old AF was a graduate from officer training school at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Ala.; and had been assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla., before joining the Thunderbirds. (Source: WALA 04/06/18) The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, headquartered at NAS Pensacola, Fla., sent condolences to the Thunderbirds on April 5 following the fatal crash.

MSU aero students visit CAFB

Aerospace engineering students spend some 1,000 hours in classrooms learning the components of aircraft, but on April 3, Mississippi State University’s Aircraft Propulsion Class visited Columbus Air Force Base for an up-close perspective. The class toured the 14th Operations Group’s aircraft simulators taking turns in a mock-up cockpit of a T-38C Talon, and learning to simulate basic take offs and landings, and barrel roll maneuvers. The future aero engineers engaged T-38 maintenance contract personnel from L3 Communications who work on multiple aircraft engines at CAFB. Before the end of the day, students arrived at CAFB’s propulsion lab and learned more in depth about the different parts of a T-38 engine. Students were able to get hands-on with spare parts and talked with propulsion lab lead man Rodney Williams about day-to-day maintenance of the engines. “(I)t has allowed us to see engines that are currently being used,” said Billy Crawford, an MSU Aircraft Propulsion student. “We spend so much time reading about this in textbooks, and it’s nice to get a hands-on experience with the engines and talk with the people who work on them every day.” (Source: Columbus AFB 04/03/18)

GC connections in CH-53E crash

Four Marines killed in an April 3 CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crash near El Centro, Calif., have been identified. The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The deceased Marines were Capt. Samuel A. Schultz, 1st Lt. Samuel D. Phillips, Gunnery Sgt. Derik R. Holley, and Lance Cpl. Taylor J. Conrad. Three of the crew have Gulf Coast (GC) connections. Capt. Schultz, 28, of Huntington Valley, Pa., and 1st Lt. Phillips, 27, of Pinehurst, N.C., were pilots assigned to squadron. The pilots had previously served at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Lance Cpl. Conrad, 24, of Baton Rouge, La., was a CH-53 helicopter crew chief. The CH-53E crashed some 15 miles west of El Centro in the mid-afternoon. The crew was conducting training for “aircraft landings in unimproved zones,” the Marines’ statement indicated. The Marines have provided any additiona information on the crash, citing an ongoing investigation. (Source: USNI News 04/05/18)

L3 Vertex to share in $25.5B pact

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss. (W58RGZ-18-D-0008); AAR Supply Chain Inc., Wood Dale, Ill. (W58RGZ-18-D-0030); DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas (W58RGZ-18-D-0031); Arma Aviation Corp., Tampa, Fla. (W58RGZ-18-D-0032); North American Surveillance Systems Inc., Titusville, Fla. (W58RGZ-18-D-0033); and Pinnacle Solutions Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (W58RGZ-18-D-0034), will share in a $25.5B hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price) contract for aircraft and support equipment maintenance, minor modification, and supply chain management primarily for performance outside the continental U.S. to support equipment and personnel in known theaters of operations. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 10 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 3, 2028. U.S. Army Contracting Command of Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 04/04/18)

MSU grad to lead hurricane center

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State University alumnus Kenneth Graham was selected to lead the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., that is located on the campus of Florida International University. A 1994 graduate of MSU’s Department of Geosciences, Graham began his new role April 1, ahead of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season that begins in June. The NHC, a department of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has had only 10 directors since it was created 53 years ago. From 2008 until his appointment, Graham had served as the meteorologist-in-charge of the New Orleans/Baton Rouge, La., office of the National Weather Service. (Source: Mississippi State University 04/04/18)

Goldwater award for MSU senior

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State University senior physics major, Nicholas “Nic” Ezzell of Laurel, Miss., has received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. It is the fourth time in seven years an MSU student has received the scholarship. Ezzell is also the only Mississippian to receive the honor this year. The Virginia-based Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation serves as a memorial to the former U.S. senator and presidential candidate. The foundation recognizes undergraduate majors in science, mathematics, engineering and computer disciplines, and helps ensure a continuing source of highly qualified professionals in these fields. An aspiring computational physicist, Ezzell has accumulated significant research experience as an undergraduate in the MSU chemistry department and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge (Tenn.) National Laboratory. He is to return this summer to Oak Ridge to work on the development of quantum computing software. (Source: Mississippi State University 04/04/18)