Regional Army (re-)assignments

The chief of staff of the Army announced April 30, the following officer assignments that have Gulf Coast regional ties: Maj. Gen. Diana M. Holland, commanding general, South Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Atlanta, Ga., to commanding general, Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss. * Maj. Gen. Richard M. Toy, commanding general, Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss., to chief of staff, United Nations Command, Republic of Korea. * Brig. Gen. David S. Doyle, deputy commanding general (Support), 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., to commanding general, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La. * Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La., to chief of staff, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. (Source: DoD 04/30/20)

Designing a hypersonic missle?

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - Air Force hypersonic weapons experts are surveying the industry for companies able to design an aircraft-launched hypersonic cruise missile within the next 17 months. The Air Force Armament Directorate at Eglin AFB issued a source-sought notice (FA8682-20-R-0008) for the Future Hypersonics Program: Missiles that travel through the air at speeds of at least Mach 5 (3,836 mph). The Air Force wants companies to identify themselves if they can integrate a Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA)-based, solid-rocket boosted, air-breathing, hypersonic conventional cruise missile that can be launched from existing fighter or bomber aircraft. This future hypersonic cruise missile should be ready for preliminary design review (PDR) no later than late September 2021. Air Force officials will use responses from this sources-sought notice to determine if they should issue a future solicitation as a full and open competition, as a set-aside for small business, or any particular small business program. Companies interested in participating in the Future Hypersonics Program should email capabilities statements no later than May 11, 2020, to lanie.bolin@us.af.mil. (Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics 04/29/20) For more information online: https://beta.sam.gov/opp/7201c51b033b46699d8d88bfebad8bf4/view.

AF women’s virtual fly-in at CAFB

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. – Retired Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson will be one of the presenters for the first-ever Air Force Virtual Women’s Fly-In, which will be held live on the Columbus AFB Facebook page from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CT) on May 11. With a nod to female aviation pioneers as the backdrop, the event, helps Airmen create networks to learn more about experiences, leadership and life. “The vision of the original event was to connect aviatrices and build a supportive network to grow our diverse and inclusive force, as well as connect our operators with their long blue line and origin in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II,” said Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander and lead organizer. With rated diversity being a top priority for Air Force senior leaders, creating a place to discuss, connect and cultivate relationships, as well as to share struggles, successes, and resources is critical to building the force. WASP were civil service employees who played a pivotal role during WWII. “These women flew over 60 million miles, transported every airframe in the military arsenal, towed targets for training, and transported essential cargo. In 1977, the WASP were granted veteran status. In 2009, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. These women, now in their 90's, continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us and we’re proud to honor their legacy.” Keynote speakers will include: Gen. Lori Robinson (R-AF), who was the first female officer in the history of the United States Armed Forces to command a major unified combatant command; Col. Kim Campbell, who was decorated for piloting an A-10 Thunderbolt II back to base in southern Iraq after taking heavy anti-aircraft artillery damage in aerial combat over Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003; and Col. DeDe Halfhill is a special assistant for Public Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The virtual fly-in is also to honor Harriett Quimby, who in 1911 was awarded a U.S. pilot's certificate by the Aero Club of America, becoming the first woman to gain a pilot's license in the United States. (Source: CAFB 04/29/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2169214/first-ever-air-force-womens-fly-in-goes-virtual-may-11/

CNATT boss relieved of command

Navy Capt. Nate Schneider, commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) at NAS Pensacola, Fla., was relieved of his post April 28. The decision was carried out by Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, head of the headquarters of Naval Education and Training Command in Pensacola. Cozad had lost confidence in Schneider's ability to lead, according to NETC spokesperson Cmdr. James Stockman. NETC had conducted an unspecified investigation, according to Stockman, and "based on the findings, Adm. Cozad relieved Capt. Schneider." Stockman declined to provide additional details. Capt. Bryant Hepstall, the command’s executive officer, has replaced Schneider, Stockman said. The former XO is a native of Thomasville, Ala. Hepstall enlisted in the Navy in 1981 and advanced to the rank of chief petty officer. Commissioned via the Limited Duty Officer program in 1993, he was designated an aerospace maintenance duty officer in 2001. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Business Administration from Troy State University in 2001. Schneider has been assigned to Naval Air Station Pensacola. Reached by e-mail, Schneider said commanding CNATT was an “honor and privilege.” CNATT is the schoolhouse that develops Navy and Marine Corps enlisted aviation technical training, and for officers who work in aviation maintenance. (Source: Military.com 04/28/20) Central Mississippi Note: Naval Technical Training Center Meridian, Miss., is also under the operational and administrative control of the Naval Education and Training Command. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/04/28/navy-fires-head-aviation-training-school.html

Keenum: ‘Most trying time' of life

For Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum, March 11 seems like a year ago, he told the Starkville Rotary Club at its virtual meeting on April 27. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic started to force cancellations of school and public gatherings on that date; and the university converted all classes to an online environment for the rest of the semester. The last eight weeks “have probably been the most trying time of my life," Keenum said. Classes have wrapped up. Students are taking final exams and MSU will hold a virtual graduation May 1, which will be live-streamed on the MSU website and broadcast live by WCBI-TV. Additionally, Keenum announced the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has allotted more than $14B for higher education institutions. MSU's share is $17.8M. The university has received half $8.9M, which is to go directly to students, he said. The rest of the grant money will be used to cover university costs related to the pandemic, he said. Summer classes at MSU will all be online. More courses will be offered than usual and the prices of those courses have been lowered. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 04/28/20) https://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=80903

Gulfport PO slated to reopen May 1

Simon Property Group, the biggest operator of malls in America, has a plan for reopening 49 shopping centers across 10 states starting May 1. The company shared its ideas for what its pandemic-era malls will look like in documents attached to an April 27 memo given to retailers, and obtained by The New York Times. Among the properties scheduled to reopen May 1 is the Gulfport (Miss.) Premium Outlet (PO). The memo provides an insight into how the shopping experience is likely to look as the country begins to slowly reopen. But it depends largely on whether retailers will decide to reopen within those malls, and whether the public is going to respond, when tests for the coronavirus remain difficult to get. The memo did say that hours will be shortened to allow for increased cleaning. The malls will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday, when the hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Simon Property is based in Indianapolis and at the end of 2019 last year owned more than 200 properties in 37 states and Puerto Rico. (Source: NY Times 04/28/20) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/business/coronavirus-shopping-malls-simon.html?campaign_id=168&emc=edit_NN_p_20200429&instance_id=18058&nl=morning-briefing&regi_id=92576814&section=topNews&segment_id=26195&te=1&user_id=069c0c79e41b9effe3db22ae17a5e131

Birds/Blues kickoff America Strong

The Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels demonstration teams made their first appearances in the sky, in a salute to COVID-19 first responders and U.S. troops, over New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on April 28. The flyovers marked the beginning of the “America Strong” tour, in which the teams will crisscross the nation to honor the everyday heroes. The teams took off from Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., before undertaking the pair of flyovers. The first was over Newark, N.J., and New York City; and the second was over Trenton, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa. At least one hospital in NYC took to social media to express its gratitude for the gesture and share footage of the flight. (Source: AF Magazine 04/28/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/thunderbirds-blue-angels-kick-off-america-strong-tour-with-tri-state-area-flyovers/

MA asssessments for FL/LA bases

Risk Mitigation Consulting Inc. of Destin, Fla., is awarded an $8,860,412 modification to task order N62470-20-F-4016 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The task order is for mission assurance (MA) assessments for various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) area of operations worldwide. Work will be performed in Florida (15%); Virginia (11%); Georgia (10%); California (7%); Maryland (6%); and Louisiana (6%). Work will also be performed outside of the U.S. in the following locations: Bahrain (11%); Souda Bay, Greece (10%), Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (9%); Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan (8%); and Deveselu, Romania (7%). The MA assessments to be performed include assessments of installation infrastructure, industrial control systems and energy/utility management control systems. Work is expected to be complete by January of 2021. The maximum dollar value for this task order as a result of this modification will increase from $5,172,574 to $8,860,412. FY 2020 Navy operations and maintenance contract funds in the amount of $3,687,838 will be obligated on a modification to the above referenced task order. The base contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with six proposals received. (Source: DoD 04/28/20)

Stormy: Cash for defense industry

WASHINGTON – While the Defense Department is on the hunt for billions of dollars in a future package to combat the coronavirus pandemic, it appears the next massive relief bill will be a political battle royal. DoD announced it is seeking funds to prop up the military’s network of suppliers, following $3B in new “progress payments," to increase cash flow to primary contractors and vulnerable small subcontractors. Details have yet to be disclosed, but the Pentagon is working with the White House budget office. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said last week he wants to “push the pause button” on the next aid package and “move cautiously” because Democrats aim to center bailouts for states hit hard by the pandemic. “(M)y goal from the beginning of this, given the extraordinary numbers that we’re racking up to the national debt, is that we need to be as cautious as we can be,” McConnell told reporters April 21. The Senate will reconvene in full May 4 to work on aid legislation. It’ll be the first time the chamber has been back in full since late March. There doesn’t appear to be any room for a quick compromise after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) set herself at odds with McConnell. “There will not be a bill without state and local” aid. McConnell’s stance is based on a projected report from the Congressional Budget Office that the federal budget deficit would quadruple to $3.7T, driven by the coronavirus and a government spending on testing, health care, and aid to businesses and households. The current national debt is $24.6T. Defense hawks in the Senate are warming up for more defense spending. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) has voiced support for an additional cash infusion for the defense industry. (Source: Defense News 04/27/20) https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/04/27/storm-clouds-await-pentagons-request-for-defense-industry-cash/.

CNO aviation safety award to VT-9

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday recognized excellence in aviation safety among seven Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) squadrons as part of the 2019 CNO Aviation Safety Awards program. The seven CNATRA squadrons named in the April 14 CNO message are the “Tigers” of Training Squadron (VT) 9 at NAS Meridian, Miss.; the “Doerbirds” of Training Squadron (VT) 2 and “Vigilant Eagles of Helicopter Training squadron HT-18 at NAS Whiting Field; “Fighting Redhawks” of VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas; “Boomers” of VT-27 and the “Stringrays” of VT-35 at Corpus Christi, Texas; and the “Sabrehawks” of VT-86 at NAS Pensacola, Fla. VT-9, VT-21, and VT-2 accomplished more than 15,000 flight hours in 2019; VT-2, the oldest training squadron, reached 22 years of mishap-free primary flight training. HT-18 completed more than 22,000 flight hours giving them a 5-year mishap-free record and earned “Fleet Best Practice” from the Navy Safety Center for their Operational Risk Management techniques. VT-27 accomplished more than 16,000 flight hours and implemented a checklist for human factors screening. VT-35 conducted more than 12,500 mishap-free flight hours and highlights individuals who identify and solve safety issues with a quarterly “Safety Pro” award. VT-86 continues a robust safety program with implementation of the Aviation Safety Awareness Program (ASAP), which requires aircrew to submit safety observations after every flight. These seven squadrons conduct primary, intermediate, and advanced phases of flight training. They are responsible for undergraduate flight training of all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators in addition to selected international military partners. CNO’s Aviation Safety Awards program recognizes squadrons that have maintained Class A, B, and C mishap-free safety records throughout the fiscal year and that have made significant contributions to the Naval Aviation Safety Program. The program honors award recipients with a plaque and the Safety “S” marking on their aircraft, signifying exceptional professionalism in daily operations and a focus on safety. (Source: CNATRA 04/14/20) https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368565/7-chief-naval-air-training-squadrons-earn-2019-cno-aviation-safety-awards.

DoD: 3rd small biz webinar online

The Department of Defense’s Office of Small Business Programs continues to partner with Defense Industrial Base (DIB) small businesses to identify impacts of COVID-19. OSBP has already held two successful DoD small business webinar series in April (relief efforts available and cybersecurity), and a third one is scheduled at 2 p.m. (CDT) on April 29 on the subect of “Foreign Investment: Toos for Sall Bsiness." Interested businesses can join the webinar by clicking here. (Source: DoD 04/27/20)

Jackson: 1% of tilt rotor work

Bell Boeing Joint Program Office of Amarillo, Texas, is awarded an $8,126,000 modification (16) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee order (0073) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-12-G-0006). This modification adds non-recurring baseline performance rig test efforts in support of the Improved Inlet Solution/Engine Air Particle Separator preliminary design on MV-22 and CV-22 Tiltrotor aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind. (57%); Fort Worth, Texas (34%); Ridley Park, Pa. (8%); and Jackson, Miss. (1%), and is expected to be complete by April 2021. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $1,862,344; and fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,241,562 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/27/20)

No-show airshow turns virtual

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base was to have been the sight of the 2020 Wings Over Columbus airshow April 25-26, but with the coronavirus keeping everyone home, the base one-upped the real thing with a virtual air show on April 24 via its Facebook page. The virtual airshow connected the base-community with the opportunity to see the world’s greatest military aviators from a new perspective. The virtual airshow was aimed at showcasing military airpower and to “highlight the dedicated selfless service of our military members all across the globe,” said Col. Samantha Week, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. Personnel at CAFB “work every day to be the premier pilot training wing” and to “create the most advanced generation of pilots, and cultivate all airmen to be bold innovative leaders ready to fly, fight and win.” In a series of 16 videos, the 14th FTW showcased civilian and military aerial demonstration acts, along with highlighting the base’s mission. The virtual show finished with a video showcasing CAFB’s Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduation from earlier in the day. Eleven pilots from SUPT Class 20 12/13, earned their silver wings culminating more than a year in pilot training. All the videos are available on the base’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusAFB/. (Source: CAFB 04/27/20)

GA supports CVN's flight deck cert

SAN DIEGO - General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced April 23 that successful USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Flight Deck Certification (FDC) has been completed with the support of the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG) system. The number of aircraft to have landed/taken off from CVN 78 totals more than 2,000. CVN 78 used fleet squadrons to obtain hundreds of sorties over a 2-week period. All arrested landings/catapult launches were completed safely. “We continue to see EMALS and AAG perform according to specifications to execute cats and traps with the objective of reaching the robust evolution rates necessary for combat,” stated Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “We are working closely with the Navy and CVN 78 crew to ensure operational performance is achieved. We remain extremely proud of our team(s) … for all their hard work and dedication and look forward to continuing success as CVN 78 undergoes these continued at sea periods.” FDC is a qualification of the ship’s various aviation systems. GA-EMS is delivering EMALS and AAG to the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and USS Enterprise (CVN 80). (Source: Seapower Magazine 04/24/20) Central Mississippi Note: GA’s Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Division production and test facility is located at Tupelo, Miss. It supports production of EMALS and AAG programs for next‐generation aircraft carriers. https://seapowermagazine.org/general-atomics-emals-and-aag-support-successful-ford-flight-deck-certification/

Manasco nomination to AFSEC

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Shon Manasco, current acting under secretary, to take the role of Secretary of the Air Force permanently, the White House announced April 24. Manasco, who has been serving in the acting role since December, is assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. If confirmed, he would take the role last filled by Matt Donovan. Before the AF, Manasco was the executive VP/chief administrative officer for the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), and the senior VP/chief human resource officer for Constellation Energy. A former Army soldier, Manasco was commander of Fort Bragg, N.C. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and the United States Military Academy. In the acting role, Manasco recently Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to observe the changes to basic military training amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: AF Magazine 04/24/20)

CBO blog: GDP may fall 12% in 2Q

America’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to fall 12 percent in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to an April 24 blog from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Twelve percent is equivalent to an annual rate decline of 40 percent for the second quarter, CBO claimed. The federal deficit is also expected to reach $3.7T for FY 2020. Fedderal debt held by the public is projected to be 101 percent of GDP by the end of the year, according to CBO's projections. (Source: Fox Business 04/25/20) https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/us-gdp-12-percent-deficit-3-trillion?utm_source=american-truth_org

2020 Census milestone: GC #s

The country has reached a milestone for the 2020 Census. More than half, 54.8 percent, of all households in the U.S. have responded as of April 24: That’s 78.1M households from 52 states, territories and DC. Minnesota leads the way: 63.5 percent. Gulf Coast (GC) regional states’ percent of household responses are: Alabama (51.1% for #29); Florida (50.1% for #30); Mississippi (49.4% for #36); and Louisiana (47.9% for #40). Mississippi city rankings: Madison (70.5%), Tupelo (56.9%), Gulfport (52.9%), Columbus (52.7%), and Jackson (55.5%). Glendora was at the bottom of the city list (3.3%). It is a village in Tallahatchie County with a population of 285 in the 2000 Census. In Louisiana, Harahan had the highest percent of responses with 61.6%, Slidell (56.1%), Bossier City (54.4%), Morgan City (47.3%), New Orleans (46.7%), and low city on the totem pole was Grand Isle (2.2%). Grand Isle is in south Jefferson Parish at the mouth of Barataria Bay where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,296. In Alabama, Mountain Brook (71.1%), Fairhope (59.4%), Mobile (52%), Tuscaloosa (44.1%), and on the lowest end, Myrtle Wood (0.8%). As of the 2000 Census, there were 139 people, 59 households, and 45 families residing in the Morengo County town. In Florida, Lake Clarke Shores was No. 1: (69.2%). In NW Florida, Niceville (62.8%), Valparaiso (59.6%), Gulf Breeze (56.6%), Pensacola (54.2%), Fort Walton Beach (53%). At the lowest end was Lake Buena Vista (0.8%). Lake Buena Vista is in Orange County, and mostly known for being the mailing address for Walt Disney World. Its population was 10 at the 2010 census. (Source: 2020 Census 04/24/20) Notable: The planned completion date for data collection for the 2020 Census is July 31. However, that date can and will be adjusted if necessary as the situation evolves in order to achieve a complete and accurate count, according to the 2020 Census website. https://public.tableau.com/profile/us.census.bureau?utm_campaign=20200424msc20s1ccallnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/vizhome/2020CensusSelf-ResponseRankings/RankingsDashboard.

MANG C-17 brings citizens home

JACKSON, Miss. - Ninety American citizens seeking to return home amid the coronavirus pandemic got the ride of their lives when an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 172nd Airlift Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard, brought them home in two airlifts – from Colombia and Panama – to Duke Field, Fla., on April 1-2. The mission was part of an ongoing interagency effort led by the U.S. State Department to assist Americans unable to return home from countries around the world during the pandemic. “This has been a difficult time for the entire world,” said Maj. Jimmy Balcom, a pilot assigned to the 183rd Airlift Squadron, a unit of the 172d Airlift Wing based at the Allen C. Thompson Field (Miss.) Air National Guard Base in Jackson. “Our crew was able to provide a crucial service, which directly impacted not only our passengers but all of the family members that were waiting for their return.” The six aircrew members only had a few days to prepare for departure. “We didn’t know the locations until the morning of departure,” said Balcom. “Even then, locations changed.” On Day 1, 48 citizens were transported from Bogota, Columbia. On Day 2, 42 were transported from Panama. “Every one of the citizens was grateful to have a ride,” said Balcom. These types of missions are another way the 172nd AW accomplishes its vision “to be the most responsive, resourceful, and respected airlift wing in the nation.” The 172 AW is referred to as The Wings of the Deep South. (Source: 172nd Air Wing 04/23/20) https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368329/bringing-them-home

T-38 mechanics keep CAFB flying

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Propulsion mechanics at Columbus Air Force Base responsible for keeping T-38 Talon designed engines in pristine conditions are being counted on to ensure the Air Force’s pilot training pipeline requirements continue in light of COVID-19. M1 Support Services lead propulsion mechanic Rodney Williams says propulsion is essential to making sure the 14th Flying Training Wing continues its primary mission of training pilots. “It’s important for us to keep working because they’re still training pilots,” he said. “So, they still need engines in good condition.” The shop is responsible for helping maintain the nearly 90 T-38s in the wing’s inventory that are used for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals. Williams said they are continuing to maintain engines by following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 14th FTW base leadership regarding distancing in relationship to COVID-19. “We have to be full throttle ahead,” said Christopher Story, M1 Support Services senior propulsion mechanic. (Source: CAFB 423/20) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2162261/columbus-afb-mechanics-go-full-throttle-ahead-in-light-of-covid-19/

14th's AOF No. 1 in Air Force

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - The 14th Operations Support Squadron’s Airfield Operations Flight (AOF) at Columbus Air Force Base has been selected as the best in the Air Force for 2019 following their accomplishments and support of the base’s mission to Cultivate Airmen, Create Pilots and Connect. The AOF is responsible for CAFB owned airfields as well as the control of all 234 of 14th Flight Training Wing aircraft and civilian aircraft utilizing the surrounding airspace. The team monitors and manages all airfield construction projects and supports the wing’s 76,000 flight hour program to help produce pilots for the U.S. and its allies. “Every member of our AOF understands how critical the 14th FTW mission is, but just as important they understand how they fit into it,” said Lt. Col. Dustin Mowrey, 14th OSS commander. “They earned this award because their work ethic is unmatched and they’re excellent at what they do.” The AOF is comprised of four sections with their own mission area while each interact with one another. (Source: CAFB 04/23/20) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2162360/best-in-the-air-force-columbus-afb-airfield-ops-hard-work-recognized/

Columbus lad 9K'th F-35 maintainer

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - Airman First Class Benjamin Missel, who grew up around Columbus (Miss.) Air Force Base, graduated in March as the 9,000th F-35 maintainer from the 33d Fighter Wing’s training program. Following graduation, he has reported to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., home to 93 F-35As and four training squadrons for F-35 pilots and maintenance personnel, for follow-on training. Luke is home to 93 F-35s and four training squadrons for F-35 pilots and maintainers. “We’re so proud of the work done by the maintainers at the Academic Training Center” at Eglin, said Chief Master Sgt. Alex Morgan, 33d FW command chief. “This milestone is really exciting (because) these Airmen are the future” of the F-35 program. “I chose the maintenance career field,” Missel said, “because I wanted to be around aircraft and … about the pilot community.” He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University, but he also admits that his priorities may change to pilot training in the future. (Source: 33rd Fighter Wing 04/21/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2158857/second-generation-airman-helps-fifth-gen-fighter-reach-milestone/.

DoD: Three-month program delays

The Defense Department’s acquisition chief Ellen Lord told reporters April 20 that the agency is predicting a 3-month slowdown for major defense programs due to the coronavirus pandemic. The acquisition team did not identify specific programs, but the most vulnerable sectors would include aerospace and shipbuilding. There are 10,509 major prime contractors. More than 100 have shut down, and 68 have closed/reopened. Of 11,413 vendor-based companies, 427 have shuttered, with 147 having closed/reopened, she said. One of the measures DoD is taking to support the industrial base is boosting progress payment rates to contractors, raising them for large businesses from 80%-to-90%; and small businesses from 90%-to-95%. (Aviation Week 04/20/20) https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/pentagon-predicts-three-month-major-program-delay?utm_rid=CPEN1000002255725&utm_campaign=23806&utm_medium=email&elq2=3246a4b618f0455aa4c91818256e274c.

Hell or coronavirus, NORAD on job

The ongoing war against the coronavirus hasn't stopped either U.S. Northern Command or North American Aerospace Defense Command from defending North America against meddling Russian aircraft or North Korean missile launches, the commands' top officer, Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, said. (Source: DoD 04/21/20) Gulf Coast Note: Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) is one of eight numbered AF commands assigned to Air Combat Command. It’s HQs is at Tyndall AFB, Fla., and has sole responsibility for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental US, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. As the Continental U.S. Region (CONR) for NORAD, the bi-national North American Aerospace Defense Command provides air defense in the form of airspace surveillance and airspace control. CONR- 1st AF (AFNORTH) is also the designated air component command for U.S. Northern Command. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2157756/covid-19-doesnt-stop-homeland-defense/.

Update2: Birds/Blues tour 4/28

UPDATE: The AF Thunderbirds and Navy/Marine Corps Blue Angels demonstration teams are set to fly over multiple cities as a show of solidarity for health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald Trump announced April 22 that the flyovers - part of Operation America Strong - are meant to pay tribute to the medical communities "confronting COVID." The series of flyovers will take place over the next few weeks. They are not intended to formal airshows, according to the Washington Post. Senior defense officials said the flyovers are meant to be a non-partisan way to say "thank you" to those “who are pitching in." The Post, citing a DoD memo, said the teams will jointly fly over Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; New York City; Newark and Trenton, NJ; Philadelphia; Atlanta; and Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas. The Thunderbirds will separately fly over San Antonio; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle. The Blue Angels will fly by Miami, Tampa, Tallahassee and Jacksonville in Florida, and Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Additional destinations include Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, and Kingsville and Corpus Christi in Texas, according to the Post. "The flyovers are intended to be viewed from home, work and via media coverage while maintaining social distancing, and will not take place as traditional air shows,” said AF spokesperson Ann Stefanek. (Source: Military.com 04/23/20) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/04/23/thunderbirds-blue-angels-team-dramatic-salute-coronavirus-responders.html. EARLIER STORY: There is speculation that the Air Force’s Thunderbirds and Navy/Marine Corps’ Blue Angels may be planning numerous nation-wide flyovers – from East to West to Gulf coasts – in a salute to healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers helping in the battle against the coronavirus. On April 19, there was a list of cities - including NYC and DC - posted to social media alleging it was an upcoming schedule of flyovers to be conducted between April 23 and May 2. The military demonstration teams have been seen in the skies of south Escambia County, Fla., and around NAS Pensacola, over the past several days. NASP is the airshow-season home of the Blue Angels. It sounds far-fetched because it would take great planning and resources that would require travel at a time when it’s minimized across the services … and not to mention, there’s been no comment from either team, NASP or the services. But, allegedly, in the afternoon of April 20, local aviation enthusiasts heard Thunderbird 1 check in with the air traffic control tower at NAS Pensacola with eight other aircraft in his formation. (Source: Air Show Stuff 04/20/20) https://airshowstuff.com/v4/2020/thunderbirds-join-blue-angels-in-pensacola-amid-rumors-that-flyovers-are-planned-around-the-country/. UPDATE2: The Air Force’s Thunderbirds and Navy/Marine Corps' Blue Angels will kick off a nationwide tour honoring first responders and essential workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic on April 28 in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The “America Strong” tour will start around noon (ET) in New York City, followed by flyovers in Newark, Trenton, and Philadelphia. The teams will then move on to other cities across the country, with demonstrations occurring every one to two days, according to a Pentagon release. (Source: AF Magazine 04/26/20)

Piloting manned space mission

NASA plans to put a pair of astronauts - active-duty Air Force Col. Bob Behnken, 49, of Creve Coeur, Mo., and retired Marine Col. Doug Hurley, 53, of Endicott, NY - at the helm of the first US manned space launch in nine years. The Kennedy Space Center, Fla., launch is tentatively scheduled for May 27. The mission is to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). Both men were test pilots and veterans of space shuttle flights, Endeavour and Atlantis, are to be at the controls of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft owned and operated by SpaceX. Hurley was the pilot of Atlantis on the final space shuttle mission in July 2011. Behnken will be the joint operations commander for the mission; and Hurley will be the spacecraft commander, responsible for launch and landing. There are currently three astronauts on the ISS: Russians Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner, and NASA astronaut Christopher Cassidy. (Source: Military.com 04/20/20) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/04/20/airman-and-marine-will-head-space-first-us-manned-launch-2011.html.

FANG aids vets with COVID-19 tests

Florida Army National Guardsmen from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) have been assisting with COVID-19 testing for veterans and staff at the Alexander Nininger Jr. State Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines, Fla. The 53rd IBCT's federal mission is to mobilize, deploy to conduct combat missions, but the soldiers are also trained/equipped to support local authorities in disaster response. Their newest mission is supporting the state's COVID-19 response with trained and equipped service members. “Being here for veterans is truly meaningful,” said Army Capt. Alex Repp, 2-124 Infantry Company commander. “They paved the way for us … (and) we have learned a lot from them," he said. Overall, FANG soldiers and airmen are operating nine community-based testing sites and have administered to date more than 50,000 sample collections. (Source: Florida Army National Guard's 107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment 04/20/20) The 53rd IBCT is HQ'd at the C. W. "Bill" Young Armed Forces Reserve Center in Pinellas Park, Fla., and consists of elements located in Florida and Alabama. Florida has more than 2,300 National Guardsmen on duty in support of the state's COVID-19 response. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2156223/florida-guard-aids-covid-19-testing-at-veterans-nursing-home/

NavMed deploys to Baton Rouge

Weeks after responding to Louisiana’s epicenter of the coronavirus in New Orleans, Navy medical professionals moved north to aid Baton Rouge’s General Medical Center-Mid City. Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, who leads the Defense Department’s COVID-19 response in North America, announced April 19 that 74 patient care personnel will be working at two 30-bed units, as well as bolstering staff treating patients at the Mid City hospital’s ICU. Baton Rouge General was caring for 114 coronavirus patients requiring hospitalization. They’d discharged nearly 140 between Mid City and Bluebonnet hospital campuses by Sunday. Richardson compared the response to the pandemic as a war. “We don’t normally think of our doctors and nurses and respiratory therapists and medics having to be on the front line,” Richardson said. “That’s what’s happening.” The aim of the Navy’s presence will eventually see their corpsmen, nurses and doctors operate their own units and expand another unit for a total of 60 COVID-19 patients by this week. Navy Cmdr. David Volk, medical director of the deploying team, said he’s been surprised by the number of young and seemingly healthy people in his care while in New Orleans. “Normally, we can predict the people who are going to have requirements and outcomes,” Volk said. “But this is so new and so different, it’s very hard to predict these things.” The Navy’s presence has “been a huge relief,” Joni Lemoine, chief nurse at BRG. “They will be here with us hopefully until this pandemic ends.” Louisiana’s governor announced 29 more deaths on Sunday, bringing the toll to nearly 1,296. (Source: The Advocate 04/19/20) https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/coronavirus/article_c5371396-8263-11ea-86be-bbd562cf3b3b.html

MSU's Spirit of State awardees

MERIDIAN - Alan Bracken, a senior psychology major at MSU-Meridian is one of 15 Mississippi State University students honored with the Spirit of State Award, the university’s premier student recognition for exceptional personal contributions to campus life. For 15 years, the Spirit of State Awards program, organized by the Division of Student Affairs, formally has honored those who have made a positive impact on peers and campus community through organizational involvement, service to the institution and personal actions promoting school spirit and tradition. Those selected have been nominated either by faculty and staff members or fellow students. In addition to Bracken, some of the other Spirit of State Award recipients include (by hometown): BILOXI - Shandrea D. Stallworth, a plant and soil sciences/weed science doctoral student. BYRAM - Justice A. Rule, a senior psychology major. GAUTIER -Taylor M. Reeves, a senior business administration major. JACKSON - Robyn Elizabeth Hadden, a senior biochemistry/science and foreign language/Spanish double-major. KOSCIUSKO - Mayukh K. Datta, a senior chemical engineering major. MERIDIAN - Alan Bracken, a senior psychology major. MOBILE, Ala. - Emily L. Maxime, a senior educational psychology major. OCEAN SPRINGS - Eric Darnell Lucas Jr., a senior biological engineering/biomedical engineering major. RIDGELAND - Jacob S. “Jake” Manning, a senior biomedical engineering and software engineering double-major. STARKVILLE - David N. Cuevas, a senior biomedical engineering and biochemistry/bioinformatics double-major; and Ben K. Mackin, a senior sociology major. (Source: MSU 04/20/20)

CNATRA relief served at NASM

The Chief of Naval Air Training's command Rear Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer will be relieved by Rear Adm. (Select) Robert Westendorff, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for Commander Naval Air Forces in San Diego. The change of command will occur aboard the USS Lexington museum June 5 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Westendorff was commissioned in December 1992 after completing Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla. He was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1995 in Meridian, Miss., after flying T-34, T-2, and TA-4 training aircraft. Dwyer assumed command of CNATRA in July 2019, which consists of nearly 5,000 military and civilian personnel and 700 aircraft across five training wings in three states, including Training Air Wing One at NAS Meridian. CNATRA trains and qualifies over 1,000 naval aviators and naval flight officers each year for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and international partners. As CNATRA, Dwyer is also responsible for the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. (Source: Blue AngelsAssociation.org 03/29/20)

81st FS to train Nigerians on A-29

MOODY AFB, Ga. - Moody Air Force Base will host a stateside mission to train Nigerian air force pilots and maintenance personnel on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The 81st Fighter Squadron, a geographically-separated unit of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus AFB, Miss., will conduct the A-29 Light Air Support training. The aircraft begin arriving this summer, and the unit is planned to become fully operational in the winter of 2021. The 81st FS has been training Afghan Air Force personnel in the A-29 since 2014. Mirroring training for its Afghan partners, U.S. Air Force advisors will provide flying, aircraft maintenance, and ground training device instructors and operators to support training for the Nigerian forces. The new mission is anticipated to bring about 100 additional personnel to Moody, including Nigerian military, civilians and contractors required to support training on 12 of the aircraft. The program will train an initial cadre of Nigerian personnel, both pilots and maintenance personnel, who will become instructors. The additional A-29 aircraft, procured by the Nigerian government, will in turn train additional personnel on the A-29 weapons system throughout Nigeria to combat terrorism. (Source: 23rd Wing 04/16/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2153275/14th-ftw-unit-at-moody-afb-set-to-host-nigerian-af-training/

Aviation support for FRC NOLA

AECOM Management Services Inc., Germantown, Md., is awarded a $35,330,861 modification (P00062) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract (N68335-17-C-0272). This modification exercises options to procure contractor support services that provides seamless integrated support equipment maintenance repair and overhaul services for 14 Fleet Readiness Center aviation support equipment sites with a goal of reducing repair cycle time while improving availability and readiness in support of the Navy. Among the regional work sites are at Jacksonville, Fla. (12%); and New Orleans (7%); and is expected to be complete by April 2022. FY 2020 Navy operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,624,915; FY-20 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $2,435,821; FY-20 other Navy procurement funds in the amount of $1,410,800; andFY20 Navy aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $590,600 will be obligated at time of award $9,624,915 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center’s Aircraft Division of Lakehurst, NJ, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/15/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2151724//

F-35As to base with 187th FW

The Air Force selected Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala.’s 187th Fighter Wing and Truax Field near Madison, Wis., and its 115th Fighter Wing for the next two Air National Guard F-35A Lightning II base locations. F-35As will begin to replace the older fourth-generation aircraft, but the AF will continue to fly both fifth and fourth-generation fighters into the 2040s. Dannelly’s 187th Fighter Wing provides the nation with an F-16C+ Aviation Package, RC-26B Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform and Expeditionary Combat Support functions organized, trained, and equipped for rapid worldwide combat deployment, domestic relief and law enforcement operations. Truax is to receive 18 F-35As that will replace the current 21 primarily assigned F-16 Fighting Falcons. The AF expects the F-35As to begin arriving at Dannelly and Truax in 2023. (Source: Air Force 04/15/20) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2151179/air-force-makes-final-basing-decision-for-next-two-air-national-guard-f-35a-bas/

MS airfields to split $34.8M grants

TUPELO, Miss. - Seventy-three Mississippi airports and airfields, which have experienced “severe economic disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will split nearly $34.9M in Federal Aviation Administration grants funded under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Mississippi’s U.S. senators, Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, made the announcement April 14. “This emergency funding will help our airports mitigate the worst effects of the coronavirus on their operations so they can continue to support air travel after this crisis has ended,” Wicker said. The senator is chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which was responsible for negotiating transportation-related provisions in the CARES Act. Among some of the other larger grants are: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport – $20,929,795; Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport – $8,561,630; Golden Triangle Regional Airport, Columbus – $1,190,282; Key Field, Meridian – $1,079,543; and Tupelo Regional Airport – $1,055,781. Other grant recipients included: Iuka and Corinth (both $30,000); Oxford ($69,000), Starkville ($69,000), and West Point ($20,000). (Source: Daily Journal 04/14/20) https://www.djournal.com/news/business/mississippi-airports-receive-nearly-35m-in-grants-for-economic-disruption/article_3fef8cfd-3029-5d44-bfdc-d91731df5368.html. Other airports in the Gulf Coast region receiving grants were Mobile Regional Airport, $15.1 million, and Mobile Downtown Airport, $69,000, both in Alabama. In NW Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is getting $12.4M, Pensacola International Airport $11M, and NW Florida Beaches International Airport $6.3M. In Louisiana, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International is receiving $42.8M, and Lakefront New Orleans is getting $157,000.

Stop movement orders extended

The Defense Department plans to extend its stop movement orders (PCS moves) likely into the summer and limit the exemption process to further address the spread of the coronavirus, according to SECDEF Mark Esper. Those orders were to expire May 11. Esper initially ordered personnel across the world to limit movement in mid-March. He confirmed April 14 that an extension is coming, but not finalized. A review process will happen every 15 days to allow for a curtailment or a further extension. “The key thing is to protect our people,” Esper said. Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel Matt Donovan will announce the changes in the near future, and to provide personnel enough notice to make adjustments. The eventual decision to reopen travel within the military will be “driven by science.” The stop movement order also means personnel down range can’t return home unless commanders approve specific waivers. (Source: AF Magazine 04/14/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/esper-dod-stop-movement-will-be-extended/

MS infrastructure report card: D+

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi schools may be closed due to the coronavirus, but the State of Mississippi got a D+ on its infrastructure systems report card on April 14 from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ research of 12 categories including, aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water, energy, inland waterways, levees, ports, rail, roads, solid waste, and wastewater. Two key grades were roads and bridges – both got a D-. ASCE said a great deal of the state’s infrastructure was aging and outdated, which lead to the grade. It’s going to take increased awareness of the issues, and more funding, to fix the problems, according to Jacob Forrester, Infrastructure Report Card Chairman. (Source: WCBI 04/14/20) https://www.wcbi.com/mississippis-infrastructure-systems-receive-low-rating/

Launcher signs on with Stennis

WASHINGTON - Small launch vehicle startup Launcher has signed an agreement with the Stennis Space Center in south Mississippi to use the E-1 test stand at the center for tests of its E-2 engine that the company is developing for a small launch vehicle. The Brooklyn, NY-based company signed a Space Act Agreement with SSC in March. But CEO Max Haot said in an April 14 interview the Launcher had planned to conduct tests of the 3D-printed combustion chamber for the E-2 on Long Island that they have used for smaller engine tests. Those tests are part of a $1.5M Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from last November. “We had always assumed that Stennis was out of our expense range for now,” Haot said. Stennis officials contacted Launcher after the SBIR to discuss how the center could affordably support those tests. “We basically found a mode of operation and a deal that made sense for us at our current size.” Testing at SSC removed some of the environmental issues at the Long Island site. Stennis also has the infrastructure that included access to high-pressure nitrogen needed for engine tests, he continued. “If we’re doing it ourselves we’re dealing with more than 50 bottles for each test. There (at SSC) it comes from the tap.” Launcher is working on the specific test stand structures it needs with the goal of being ready to start combustion chamber tests in the summer. One complication is that Stennis is one of a dozen NASA facilities currently at Stage 4 under its pandemic response framework, effectively closing the center except for safety and security. Haot said he hopes that by the time the company is ready to set up the test stand, SSC will have reopened. The long-term agreement allows the firm to perform full-scale E-2 engine tests at Stennis. The goal is to complete testing of the engine by the close of 2021. (Source: Space News 04/14/20) https://spacenews.com/launcher-to-test-engines-at-stennis/

AF negotiating mil.housing PIF

The Air Force is negotiating with privatized housing owners on a Performance Incentive Fee (PIF) plan aimed at improving customer service and strengthening the role of base commanders with quality military housing. Corvias Group was the first project owner to reach an agreement with the AF on the revised PIF plan. The AF privatized housing program awards fees to project owners for achieving specific performance standards each quarter. As part of an effort to improve the program, officials revamped the fee structure to ensure residents have a voice in the operation and evaluation of housing, and increase the chain of command’s involvement and ability to solve problems and drive improvements at the installation level. Under the new criteria at Corvias projects, including Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB in Florida, residents will have more impact. Base commanders’ evaluations will make up 25 percent of the total award of the incentive plan that focuses on resident satisfaction, project safety, maintenance management and financial management. Corvias operates housing units at 15 Army and AF bases, including regional bases at Fort Polk, La., and Fort Rucker, Ala. “We appreciate Corvias’ partnership and leadership … to also hold themselves accountable by putting their incentive fees at risk should they fall short of the high standards our military families deserve,” said John Henderson, assistant secretary of the AF for Installations, Environment and Energy. The Air Force will negotiate similar revisions to the PIF with the remaining nine AF project owners, Lendlease, Hunt Military Communities (Columbus/Keesler AFBs) and Balfour Beatty Communities (NAS Meridian, NCBC Gulfport, Miss.; NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field, NSA Panama City and Tyndall AFB in Florida). (Source: Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center 0/14/20)

NASP shooting 'still open and active'

QUANTICO, Va. - The investigation into the Dec. 6, 2019, shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., that left four people dead - including the shooter, a Saudi military aviation student - and wounded eight people “is still open and active,” according to a Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) e-mail of April 13, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported in an exclusive story in today's edition. The e-mail was in response to an April 9 e-mail seeking an update of the newspaper’s initial Dec. 7, 2019, letter requesting documents from NCIS and Navy under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The newspaper asked for information on the shooter, Saudi Air Force 2nd Lt. Ahmed Mohammed al-Shamrani, and all other Saudi aviation students on base at the time of the shooting. Both agencies rejected initial and subsequent requests for documents; but the Navy’s Office of Judge Advocate General (JAG) did leave a glimmer as to the potential future release of documents related to the shooting. G.E. Lattin, director of the JAG’s general litigation division, cited U.S. Code 5, U.S.C. 552(b)(7)(a), which allows withholding “records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that production … could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings.” Lattin wrote that the applicable code section is “temporal in nature,” which suggests those record requests could potentially be fulfilled at some point in the future, the paper surmised in today’s edition. In another development, the FOIA office of the U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla. - a unified command comprising all U.S. military services whose area of responsibility includes Saudi Arabia - wrote April 9 that the shooting case is still in the review process. “The request is currently #1731 in the USCENTOM queue,” the e-mail noted. “Please contact our office in 60-90 days if a response has not been provided.” In January, the FBI reported that it had “conducted more than 500 interviews and collected more than 42 terabytes of digital media in an effort to determine if Alshamrani was acting alone” and “have not identified any solid evidence that the shooter acted with any co-conspirators or that he was inspired by a specific group.” In a Navy JAG letter of Dec. 23 rejecting the FOIA request, it was noted that “(w)hile Mr. al-Shamrani is dead, it is possible that others may be charged criminally in this case. Likewise, it is possible that other foreign students may be subject to administrative proceedings.” (Source: NW Fla. Daily News 04/14/20) https://www.newsherald.com/news/20200413/nas-pensacola-shooting-investigation-continuing-says-ncis-office.

NASWF top dog of NSF small bases

MILTON, Fla. - Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) has named Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Fla., winner, in the small base category (less than 500 personnel), of the 2019 Navy Security Force (NSF) of the Year Award. NASWF was chosen from a field of 32 installations. Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, was the recipient for the large installation category. The award recognizes installations that successfully completed the NSF shore training and certification cycle, and demonstrates safety and proficiency in assessed areas while achieving the highest scores in a Final Evaluation Problem - an installation security exercise that tests the security force response and readiness. “This award is the culmination of a tremendous amount of effort by this team,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Lombardozzi, the Installation Security Officer and the Police Director at NAS Whiting Field. “It is the greatest honor, I think, as a security officer that I could ever be a part of a team to have earned. It identifies that we are the best of the best.” CNIC is the naval command tasked with overseeing 71 of the Navy’s shore installations worldwide. (Source: NASWF media release 04/14/20)

NBHC 7 train for COVID hot spots

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Seven Navy health care workers from Naval Branch Health Clinic at NAS Meridian, Miss., are about to join with others flocking to COVID-19 hot spots to assist with stopping the spread of the coronavirus. NBHC Officer-in-Charge, Cmdr. Nichole Olson, said once the group - known as the "LIMA" team - gets trained up at Naval Hospital Pensacola, Fla., the call to deploy gives them 48 hours to hit the road. “Nobody really expected this to come up,” she told WTOK, “but my staff is ready to go. They know how to protect themselves. They know what the risks are and they’re ready to go help and serve in any way that they can.” Senior Medical Officer Lt. Cmdr. Michael Racs will be among the leaders of the team. “Being able to deploy is the penultimate goal” for doing anything to support the community and nation, he said. The list of personnel preparing to deploy include Lt. Cmdr. Racs, HM2 Aaron Barnes, HA Shea Buquet, HN Dylan Ehler, HM2 Dakota Neel, HN Hannah Ross and HM3 Bishop Sisemore. The eighth member of the NBHC team, Hospital Corpsman Chad Nelson, is already serving aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort in NYC. (Source: WTOK 04/13/20) https://www.wtok.com/content/news/NAS-Meridian-sailors-prepare-to-serve-in-COVID-19-hot-spot-569599291.html?fbclid=IwAR1i-mPkXZuHo-NdUrIcybfM0nr7RckB3no_WAujcMWys_MtnLJCkmRUY7c. The NAS Meridian clinic is one of 10 branch health clinics across five states that falls under the command of NH Pensacola.

$415M pact for N95 decon system

U.S. Health & Human Services awarded a $415M contract to Battelle Memorial Institute’s for 60 Critical Care Decontamination Systems (CCDS) that can decontaminate up to 80,000 used N95 respirators per system/per day enabling mask reuse up to 20 times. Six of those units have already been delivered to New York (2), and one each to Columbus, Ohio; Boston; Chicago; and Tacoma, Wash., providing the ability to sterilize 3.4M masks a week, reducing the need for new masks by the same number. All 60 systems will be available by early May. Once delivered, the 60 units will allow 4.8M masks to be sterilized per day (nearly 34M a week). (Source: DoD 04/13/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2148352/dod-contract-for-60-n95-critical-care-decontamination-units-415m-contract-each/ The Ohio-based company announced that its decontamination services for N95 respirator masks will be offered at no charge to healthcare providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government contract will cover Battelle’s associated costs of staffing and training system operators who will be deployed across the country to help process previously worn respirator masks. The Battelle CCDSTM uses concentrated, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) and works by exposing used respirator masks to the validated concentration level for 2.5 hours to decontaminate biological contaminates, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes the COVID-19 illness. (Source: Battelle 04/10/20)

Strong storms pummel La., Miss.

NEW ORLEANS - Strong storms pounded Louisiana and Mississippi earlier on Easter Sunday killing at least six people in south Mississippi – in Walthall (1), Lawrence (2) and Jefferson Davis (3) counties - and damages were to about 300 homes and other buildings in north Louisiana. All three Mississippi counties are more than an hour's drive south of Jackson, near the Louisiana state line. The National Weather Service said strong winds were sweeping through other parts of Mississippi. A tornado was spotted north of Meridian. The weather service reported multiple tornadoes and damaging winds across north Louisiana. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries, but thousands of power outages. The mayor of Monroe, La., Jamie Mayo, told KNOE-TV that flights were canceled at Monroe Regional Airport, where siding was ripped off buildings and debris scattered on runways. Airport Director Ron Phillips told the News-Star the storm caused up to $30M in damage to planes inside a hangar. The weather service said the greatest risk for strong storms throughout Sunday into early Monday covered much of Mississippi, Alabama and western Georgia. (Source: The AP 04/12/20)

Pandemic upside: Taking care

While the news surrounding the coronavirus pandemic appears to be doom and gloom, there's been a number of upsides. People are stepping up to take care of one another, whether it’s helping a neighbor or trying to cheer up a first responders. If you're looking to brighten your day, read on to discover a few feel-good stories. * Barbara Benoit discovered a stranger's free motivational gifts while on a walk. The best things in life are often free. During the walk, she discovered a dish on the ground full of painted stones with motivational phrases, like "let it be" and "you're braver than you think." Next to the dish was a note recommending passersby take one for themselves or a friend who might need encouragement. * Then there was very young boy who delivered Easter treats to his entire block. Jamie Thom's son wanted to make sure the holiday was a happy one. To ensure that his neighbors could enjoy it, they brought treats and cards decorated by the toddler to 61 homes on their block. * Shop donates microwave to a stroke patients to help them stay nourished while house-bound. * 16-year-old has been flying medical supplies to hospitals around Virginia in need.  * Shopkeeper brought a box of groceries to a quarantined family. * Young boy creates a whole tutorial to teach others how to grow their own food under quarantine. (Source: Best Life 04/09/20) https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/13-uplifting-stories-that-will-warm-your-heart-right-now/ar-BB12oxdN?ocid=spartandhp

Mercy MTF boss served at NASWF

Captain (Dr.) John Rotruck (MC) is commanding officer of the Medical Treatment Facility aboard the Navy’s hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) that is currently in the Port of Los Angeles assisting with the coronavirus pandemic. He was commissioned in the Navy Medical Corps in 1996 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology, MBA, and Medical Degree all from the University of Miami. After completing Surface Warfare Medical Department Officer training, he went to NAS Whiting Field, Fla., as Flight Surgeon for Helicopter Training Squadron (HT 8) EIGHT and later as Senior Flight Surgeon for Commander Training Air Wing (CTW 5) FIVE at NASWF. (Source: Navy Live Blog/Comfort, Mercy deployment website 04/20) https://www.navy.mil/strategic/USNS_ComfortandMercyBios.pdf

Farms, coronavirus domino effect

PALMETTO, Fla. - Mounds of harvested zucchini and yellow squash ripened and rotted in the Florida sun. Juicy unpicked tomatoes were left to wither in the fields. Thousands of acres of Florida fruits and vegetables are being plowed under because farmers can’t sell the items to restaurants, theme parks or schools that have closed because of the coronavirus. “This is a catastrophe,” said south Florida tomato grower Tony DiMare. “We haven’t even started to calculate it. It’s going to be in the millions of dollars.” Agriculture officials say leafy greens in California, and dairy farmers in Vermont and Wisconsin have had to dump a surplus of milk because of the virus and shutdowns. Florida leads the nation in harvesting tomatoes, green beans, cabbage and peppers. Many farmers cater only to restaurants, schools and theme parks. It’s created a domino effect for the farm industry, Florida’s second-largest economic driver, which yields $155B in revenue and supports about 2M jobs. (Source: The AP 04/09/20) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200408/coronavirus-florida-vegetables-unexpected-virus-victim?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NW%20Florida%20Daily%20News%20daily%202020-04-09&utm_content=INKA_FWN&utm_term=040920

MSU small biz center CARES

STARKVILLE, Miss. - As the Magnolia State's small businesses navigate during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi State University is providing guidance to owners seeking funds from the federal government’s $2T stimulus package. MSU's Small Business Development Center provides no-cost counseling to businesses within a 10-county area. Chip Templeton, SBDC director, said the center has been working to understand the rapidly evolving provisions for businesses in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and relaying that information to owners. Templeton said there are two main relief programs from which business owners can seek loans. The Paycheck Protection Program, created by the CARES Act, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program through the U.S. Small Business Administration. “We’re not in the deciding position on loans or anything like that," said Templeton, "but we guide business owners and help them get the right information.” Mike Tagert, CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, also has been working to communicate key details of the CARES Act to local businesses. The Partnership has been supporting the broader community with relevant information on business changes related to COVID-19 and aggregating relevant resources for business owners at www.starkville.org/support. (Source: MSU 04/08/20)

‘Rosie’ meets ‘Robbie the Riveter’

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - In an update to the fight against coronavirus, the Defense Department directed all individuals on DoD property, to the extent practical, wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing in public areas. In many facets of a training air wing, six feet of physical distance isn’t practical. Wing leaders researched how to purchase dust masks online, but quickly found out masks are in short supply. Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander at Columbus AFB, Miss., wanted to “tap into” community efforts to ensure the wing’s mission could continue in a safe manner for the team and their families. Patricia Wilson, whose husband is retired Air Force and a T-1 simulator instructor at CAFB, was already making face coverings for local organizations and commissary employees. Wilson, best known for sewing efforts in support of the annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, was one of the first volunteers to step up. “I used remnants from the fabrics that I had left over from our pilgrimage dresses,” Wilson said. “It really didn’t cost me anything, other than time.” Col. Weeks reached out to Wilson to discuss forming a team of spouses to make face masks. “Without hesitation, she jumped in and I could even hear her excitement over the phone.” Using appropriated funds, Wilson along with AF spouses, Brittani Metzger and Kelly Marshall, got started. More than 200 yards of fabric and sewing necessities to make about 6,000 coverings. The initiative brought to mind those women who pitched into the WWII effort, and became known as the iconic “Rosie the Riveter,” only a 21st century version. When Weeks discovered some of the sewers were men, she commented about “how Rosie has evolved into today’s Robbie the Riveter.” (Source: CAFB 04/07/20)

https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143022/21st-century-rosie-and-robbie-the-riveters-how-the-home-front-continues-to-supp/