FY-20 ends: GC defense contracts

The final day of FY 2020. DoD contracts with Gulf Coast regional connections for 09/30/20

Greenup Industries, Kenner, La., was awarded a $17,915,131 firm-fixed-price contract for excavation and reconstructing an asphalt pavement ramp and other incidental projects. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in LaPlace, La., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 7, 2022. FY 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $17,915,131 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, is the contracting activity.

* Walga Ross Group 3 JV, Joplin, Mo., was awarded a $15,120,882 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction renovations for Buildings 2824 and 2850 at Fort Polk, La. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. The estimated completion date is Sept. 24, 2022. FY 2020 Army operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $15,120,882 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity.

* SOL Engineering Services, Jackson, Miss., was awarded a $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for research, development, test and evaluation and civil activities. Bids were solicited via the internet with two re0ceived. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2025. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity.

* Shiers Communication Specialist Inc., Vicksburg, Miss., was awarded a $9,950,000 firm-fixed-price contract for labor services, equipment and materials for the voice, video and data communications networks at the U.S. Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center locations. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2025. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity.

* Modern American Recycling & Repair Services of Alabama,  Mobile, Ala., was awarded a $9,562,791 firm-fixed-price contract to keep the Wheeler Dredge Vessel in good working condition to meet inspection requirement from U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Mobile with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2020. FY 2020 Army operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,562,791 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, is the contracting activity.

* Chenega Management and Red Peak Technical Services, Anchorage, Alaska; Silver Mountain Weston, Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Trofholz Technologies, Rocklin, Calif., are each awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for a maximum dollar value of $99,000,000 for all four contracts combined. The work to be performed provides for design, procurement, integration, installation, technology refreshment, testing, initial training, repair and replacement for PS/AC systems to include hardware, firmware and associated software. The types of PS/AC systems covered in this contract include automated vehicle gates, automated pedestrian turnstiles, enclaves, final denial barriers, electronic security systems-intrusion detection systems and physical security information management systems. Trofholz Technologies is being awarded the initial seed task order in the amount of $388,228 for the replacement of active vehicle barriers and associated construction at Naval Support Activity Orlando, Fla. Work for this task order will be performed in Orlando, and is expected to be completed by April 2021. Work on this contract will be performed at various locations worldwide depending upon needs of the Navy. Based on historical data, work will be distributed to California (18%); Virginia (16%); Washington (15%); Hawaii (11%); Illinois (11%); Florida (7%), Mississippi (7%); Texas (5%); Connecticut (3%); Georgia (3%); Nevada (2%); and Tennessee (2%). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of September 2025. FY 2020 other Navy procurement (OPN); and FY-20 Navy operations and maintenance (O&M,N) contract funds in the amount of $418,228 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by OPN and O&M,N funds. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with 16 proposals received. These four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.  The Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Bill would allow fish farming in GoM

 A bill introduced in Congress on Sept. 24 would open the Gulf of Mexico and other federal waters to offshore fish farming, an idea backed by the Trump administration, but opposed by environmental groups and some in the seafood industry that depend on wild fisheries. Bill sponsors included Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). The Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act aims to accomplish what a recent federal court decision said was impossible without congressional intervention. Last month, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans blocked federal rules to allow offshore fish farming for the first time in the Gulf, considered potentially a prime area for raising high-value fish in large floating pens. The court said federal regulators lack the authority to “create an entire industry” not mentioned in the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the primary law governing fisheries since 1976. The AQUAA Act would do just that. (Source: NOLA.com 09/28/20) https://www.nola.com/news/environment/article_f2dd0cea-01b3-11eb-a7bb-ff7f70acd02d.html

CNO surgery for pre-existing condition

WASHINGTON - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, 57, fell ill on Aug. 10 while on a run near his home on the Washington Navy Yard and underwent heart surgery about two weeks later,  according to Navy officials. CNO's medical procedure had not been previously disclosed before Sept. 29. Gilday is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On Aug. 10, Gilday became ill, according to several people familiar with the matter. A Marine passing by provided assistance before Adm. Gilday was taken to see his physician. Navy officials declined to say what his medical condition was, citing privacy regulations, but said it was a pre-existing condition. The Navy did not disclose the medical procedure until it received a query from the Wall Street Journal. The Navy response described the surgery as a planned procedure for a “pre-existing medical issue” but didn’t provide specifics. “He is in good condition and returned to full duty (Sept. 28) in the Pentagon,” said CNO spokesperson, Cmdr. Nathan Christensen. Gilday has served as CNO since 2019. President Trump nominated him, then a vice admiral, after the Navy passed over several four-star officers competing for the post. (Source: Wall Street Journal 09/30/20) https://www.wsj.com/articles/navy-chief-fell-ill-underwent-heart-surgery-officials-say-11601411498

Census: MS positive retail sales

The U.S. Census Bureau is launching a new experimental data product featuring modeled state-level retail sales. The Monthly State Retail Sales (MSRS) report features interactive state-level data visualizations that combine data from Monthly Retail Trade Survey data, administrative data, and third-party data. Data will continue to be published monthly. Within this first report, year-over-year percent changes are available for total retail sales excluding non-store retailers as well as 11 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) retail subsectors. These monthly data are detailed by state and NAICS codes from January 2019 to June 2020. (Source: US Census 09/30/20) https://www.census.gov/retail/state_retail_sales.html?utm_campaign=20200930mspios1ccdtars&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Mississippi Note: June 2020 Total Retails Sales in Mississippi increased 9 percent above June 2019.

CG presents lifesaving medals

NEW ORLEANS - Rear Adm. John Nadeau, commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, was to present on Sept. 29 three Silver Lifesaving Medals to Charles Alba, Nicholas Asprodites III, and Kim Williams - on behalf of her husband Frank Williams - and Erica Galiouras will be presented a Certificate of Valor. The Silver Lifesaving Medal is awarded to military or citizens of the United States who rescue or endeavor to rescue any  person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the waters within U.S. jurisdiction. On Dec. 5, 2017, Alba, Asprodites, Galiouras and Williams entered into New Canal outside of the Blue Crab restaurant in New Orleans, where they assisted in the rescue of two men trapped in a vehicle that drove off the dock into the lake. (Source: Coast Guard 09/28/20)

Tupelo POW honored by local VFW

TUPELO, Miss. - Retired Air Force Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris, a former Vietnam prisoner of war, was honored with the dedication of a lounge room in his name at the American Legion Post in Tupelo on Sept. 18. He was honored for his exceptional service during the war and his time as a POW for 2,781 days. To make the room dedication ceremony more memorable, Harris’ family and friends surprised Harris and held the ceremony on POW/MIA Recognition Day. Shortly after, Harris and his family and friends - including retired Lt. Col. Richard “Sonic” Johnson, a former Columbus Air Force Base member - were led to the room for him to cut the ribbon and officially open the room. The room was filled with memorabilia of Harris’ time in service, including service medals, official portraits and his own book titled “Tap Code” that was released in November of 2019. Harris then led guests through the room explaining what each of the pieces were and what they meant. (Source: Columbus AFB 09/29/20) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2364540/former-vietnam-pow-surprised-with-a-room-dedication/

Waterway mgmt work in Columbus

EMR Inc., Niceville, Fla., was awarded a $9,089,000 firm-fixed-price contract for demolition of an existing facility and construction of a new two-story waterway management center facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of April 5, 2022. FY 2020 civil operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,089,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/29/20)

Dredging pact for South Pass, La.

Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $47,460,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging shoal material from the South Pass in Plaquemines Parish, La. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Plaquemines, La., with an estimated completion date of July 5, 2022. FY 2020 civil operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $47,460,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/29/20)

MS firm awarded $13.7M sub pact

Seeman Composites LLC, Gulfport, Miss., is awarded a $13,797,435 firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery, definite quantity contract for Virginia Class Submarine Tailcones. Work will be performed in Gulfport (55%); and Chesapeake, Va. (45%), and is expected to be completed by September 2027. FY 2018 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $2,268,981 will be obligated at time of award for the first delivery order and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Beta.Sam.gov website, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division, West Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/29/20)

Fuel services pact for NAS Meridian

TK&K Services, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., has been awarded a maximum $8,256,336 firm-fixed-price contract for ground fuel services at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss. This was a competitive acquisition with 10 responses received. This is a four-year base contract with one five-year option period and one six-month option period. Locations of performance are Georgia and Mississippi, with a March 31, 2025, performance completion date. Type of appropriation is FY 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va. (Source: DoD 09/29/20)

Adranos locating ops to MS

Solid rocket fuel innovator Adranos Inc. is locating its rocket motor research and development operations to McHenry, Miss., and will make a $525,000 investment and plans to create 20 jobs in Stone County. Adranos will be located at the 640-acre, seven-building complex formerly occupied by General Dynamics. The site’s primary advantages are its proximity to Stennis Space Center and its compliance with all Defense Department safety requirements for munitions handling. Adranos will build a rocket motor test stand to perform a series of tests of its next-generation rocket fuel, the first of which will occur during Summer 2021. (Source: Area Development 09/28/20) Adranos of West Lafayette, Ind., develops and produces propellants, explosives, and other energetic materials for use in space and military platforms. https://www.areadevelopment.com/newsItems/9-28-2020/adranos-mchenry-mississippi.shtml

Ingalls-built Ross ops w/ Polish

BALTIC SEA - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) operated alongside the Polish Navy, Sept. 26, in the Baltic Sea. Ross and Polish Navy frigate ORP General Kazimierz Pulalski (F272) conducted a series of maneuvering exercises, air and surface tactics, and data link exercises to improve joint interoperability. Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, began its 10th Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, Aug. 29 in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. Ross is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. (Source: US Navy 09/28/20) Mississippi Note: Ross was the 10th ship of her class to be built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., and commissioned in Texas on June 28, 1997.

DoD awards rivers' removal pacts

Mike Hooks LLC, West Lake, La., was awarded a $25,145,900 firm-fixed-price contract for removal of material from the Calcasieu River ship channel. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, La., with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2021. FY 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $25,145,900 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity. 

* Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC, Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded a $13,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract for removal and disposal of shoal material excavated from the Atchafalaya River Bay. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Berwick, La., with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2021. FY 2020 civil operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $13,800,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity. 

* Crosby Dredging LLC, Galliano, La., was awarded a $10,470,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of the Mississippi River. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Venice, La., with an estimated completion date of April 26, 2021. FY 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $10,470,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/28/20)

Pascagoula 5% of BAE contract

BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Md., is awarded a $21,323,451 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract provides engineering and technical services to the Ship and Air Integrated Warfare Division in support of integrated communications and information systems radio communications for Navy ships. Work will be performed in Saint Inigoes, Md. (60%); California, Md. (30%); Bath, Maine (5%); and Pascagoula, Miss. (5%), and is expected to be completed in September 2025. FY 2020 Navy defense working capital funds in the amount of $17,050,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Sou8rce: DoD 09/28/20)

$37.9M at-sea pact for La. firm

Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, La., is awarded a $37,980,207 modification for the fixed-price portion of previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N62387-15-C-2507) to exercise a one-year option period for the operation and maintenance of four modified off-shore supply vessels, identified as T-AGSEs vessels USNS Arrowhead, USNS Eagleview, USNS Westwind and USNS Black Powder, serving as blocking vessels in support of the Navy. The contract includes a 215-day base period, nine one-year option periods and one, 150-day option period. Work for this option period will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2021. Navy working capital funds in the amount of $37,980,207 are obligated for FY 2021 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was issued on a basis of other than full and open competition in support of the statute under provisions of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/28/20)

Porter assumes command at VT-7

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Cmdr. Dylan G. Porter assumed command of Training Squadron Seven (VT-7) “Eagles” during a change-of-command ceremony Sept. 25 at Naval Air Station Meridian. Outgoing commander, Cmdr. Michael Poe took command of VT-7 in May 2019. During his tenure as XO and CO, 179 naval aviators earned their Wings of Gold. Cmdr. Porter comes to NASM from duty as executive assistant to the Commanding General at Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS) in Fort Eustis, Va. An E-2C pilot, his operational sea assignments include four deployments and has served in five separate VAW squadrons. He is a graduate of the Naval War College, where he earned a degree in National Defense and Strategic Studies. He has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and nearly 400 carrier-arrested landings in E-2 and T-45 aircraft. (Source: WTOK 09/25/20) https://www.wtok.com/2020/09/25/vt-7-welcomes-new-commanding-officer/?fbclid=IwAR3zfxSQ5c9f8zPcFqyOW3VPBNZfAWJIl2yIQ7rkIoDYwd1iQO9MzNOR_Aw

NRDA restoration summit Nov. 10

The Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group will hold its annual public meeting virtually from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 to provide updates on Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) restoration activities. The NRDA updates will be presented during the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality 2020 Virtual Restoration Summit to be held via a webinar. The summit will provide an update on MDEQ’s restoration planning efforts across all funding streams and will provide stakeholder engagement opportunities. More information on the summit can be found at the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality website. (Source: Deepwater Horizon NRDA Trustee Council 09/29/20)

CG: Unregulated ferry crossings

NEW ORLEANS - Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Ala., issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin addressing the increase in unregulated ferry crossings within the sector's inspection zone on Sept. 25. Some roads leading off of barrier islands near Pensacola, Fla., are closed due to impacts from Hurricane Sally, creating an increased demand for alternate methods of transportation. However, recreational vessels may not carry passengers for hire without having a properly licensed captain and crew, along with other safety requirements in accordance with federal regulation. Vessel operators who are interested in offering chartered trips should start the inspection process by reaching out to the Sector Mobile Domestic Vessel Branch at 251-441-5262 or mobinsp@uscg.mil. (Source: Coast Guard 09/27/20)

Vertex promotes Beard to SVP

Bill Beard, former interim senior VP of corporate business operations and development at Vertex Aerospace, has been promoted to SVP of corporate operations and strategy. The four-decade industry veteran will be responsible for the Madison, Miss.-based company's growth strategy and business operations in his new role. Beard initially joined Vertex as VP of operations in 2007, then became a consultant between 2016-19. He returned to the firm's leadership team in September 2019. He had previously served VP and general manager of GKN Aerospace, where he directed flight-critical parts manufacturing operations. The retired Navy master chief gained more than two decades of naval aviation experience and logged over 4K flight hours with aircraft platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and special missions. (Source: Executive Business 09/25/20)

Navy releasing Thresher docs

WASHINGTON - The Navy began releasing Sept. 23 unclassified documents concerning the loss of the submarine USS Thresher (SSN 593), fulfilling a February 2020 ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Thresher sank on April 10, 1963, more than 200 miles off the Massachusetts coast while conducting sea trials. All 129 onboard - 112 crew and 17 shipyard personnel - perished. A formal Court of Inquiry convened to determine the cause. It did not conclusively determine the cause from available evidence. The probe did identify multiple weaknesses in Thresher's design and ability to save the ship. In the intervening years, no evidence has been found that would identify the cause. Documents will be released on a monthly basis, in order by which it was processed. Records are available for public viewing in the THRESHER RELEASE folder at: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/foia/readingroom/SitePages/Home.aspx (Source: DoD 09/23/20)

SLS 'Green Run" at Stennis

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The 'Green Run' hot-fire test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is expected in early November. The test of the rocket’s core stage and its integrated systems is a major step before the Artemis I lunar mission - scheduled for 2021. The test will be on the B-2 Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The hot fire is the final in a series of eight tests that ensure the stage’s systems are functioning and ready for operation. The test replicates the launch by loading the propellants and allowing them to flow throughout the system as the four RS-25 engines fire simultaneously to demonstrate that the engines, tanks, fuel lines, valves, pressurization system, and software can all perform together just as they will on launch day. Following the test, NASA will ship the core stage to the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will be assembled with the other parts of the Artemis I rocket and the Orion spacecraft. (Source: NASA/SSC, 09/23/20)

USMI $8.8M pact for SW boats

United States Marine Inc., Gulfport, Miss., is awarded an $8,898,065 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-19-C-2226) in support of the government of Greece for six 11-meter Naval special warfare (SW) rigid-hull inflatable boats, forward looking infrared systems, ship spare parts and other technical assistance. Work will be performed in Gulfport, and is expected to be completed by March 2022. The program is funded by Section 333 building partner capacity security assistance funding in the amount of $8,898,065 and will be obligated at time of award. This U.S appropriated funding will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(4), this contract was not competitively procured: International agreement. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/25/20)

Regional dredging contracts

Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $15,037,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging the Mississippi River. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Plaquemines, La., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2021. FY 2020 civil operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $15,037,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, is the contracting activity.

* The Dutra Group, San Rafael, Calif., was awarded a $15M firm-fixed-price contract for dredging in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received.  Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 25, 2021. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/25/20)

La. firm awarded $24M contract

Mike Hooks LLC, Westlake, La., was awarded a $24M firm-fixed-price contract for rental of a 27-30 inch cutterhead pipeline dredge. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 25, 2021. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: Dod 09/25/20)

NOLA airport among 80 grantees

Eighty airports across 25 states received airport infrastructure grants Sept. 24 from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the FAA.  Regionally, only the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) was among the grantees and securing $39M+ in funds to help pay for the expansion of the airport's taxiways. The grant comes as a part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The NOLA airport was previously notified it would get $15.2M in AIP funds for the taxiway project, and this announcement brings the total federal funding for the project to $54.5M. (Source: NOLA.com 09/24/20) https://www.nola.com/news/business/article_8d2db0da-feb5-11ea-a52c-1f950eed59c9.html

Mil.families sue housing firms

AUSTIN, Texas - The Lewis, Johnson and Burn military families in North Carolina filed a lawsuit Sept. 25 against the private companies that manage housing at Camp Lejeune. The military families claim Lendlease Group, an Australia-based firm, and its partner, WinnCompanies, based in Boston, put profits before maintenance, and the families’ homes were plagued with mold growth and water leaks, and maintenance crews were either unwilling or unqualified to repair. The claims are similar to those made by other military families living on0 bases across the country, and who have filed lawsuits to combat poor housing conditions despite pledges from private companies, DoD and Congress to make base housing safe and habitable a top priority. The extent of the poor quality of housing in the military first surfaced two years ago. There are at least eight ongoing lawsuits in courts nationwide filed by residents of military housing. Nine families at Fort Hood, Texas, also filed a lawsuit against Lendlease in June. Other bases where the private housing companies face ongoing litigation include MacDill AFB, Fla., Fort Bragg, N.C., Randolph AFB, Texas, and Fort Meade, Md. At least two cases related to mold in military housing have seen their day in court, nearly all remain in the pretrial phase, which may take years. The 70-page complaint filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina outlines the stories of the three families who moved into base housing at Camp Lejeune between August 2015 and October 2019. It seeks damages as well as non-monetary reforms to leasing practices. (Source: Stars and Stripes 09/24/20) 

https://www.stripes.com/news/us/three-marine-families-at-camp-lejeune-sue-housing-firms-over-moldy-pest-filled-homes-1.646334

Safran completes quieter demo

Boeing and Safran successfully completed flight tests of passive noise reduction fairings developed by Safran as part of the latest phase of its long-running ecoDemonstrator program. The experimental fairings, which were fitted to the landing gear of the Etihad 787-10, are designed to reduce noise-generating turbulent flow around the drag and side braces of the main landing gear, and steering mechanism and tow fitting of the nose leg. As engines become quieter with each new generation the airframe is becoming a proportionately bigger contributor to community noise around airports. (Source: Aviation  Week 09/23/20) Gulf Coast Note: Since 2006, Safran Helicopter Engines powers the Army's Light Utility Helicopter UH72-A Lakota twin-engine with its Arriel 1E2. Gulf Coast Note: Those Lakota helicopters are built in Columbus, Miss. https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/aircraft-propulsion/ecodemonstrator-completes-quieter-787-landing-gear-tests

DDG 119 to be commissioned in Fla.

The Navy will commission the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) during a 9 a.m. CDT ceremony on Sept. 26 in Port Canaveral, Fla. The ceremony’s principal speaker is Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russel L. Smith. “Commissioning a ship after the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy is an honor without equal," Smith said. USS Delbert D. Black is named for the first MCPON, the highest possible enlisted rank and the enlisted representative to the Chief of Naval Operations. Black was the first Navy enlisted man to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. Mrs. Ima Black, MCPON Delbert D. Black’s widow and a former sailor, will serve as the ship’s sponsor. Mrs. Black served during WWII in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). The ship was built at Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Miss., and is the 68th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer to be delivered to the Navy. (Source: DoD 09/25/20)

HGIM installing 10 battery systems

Harvey Gulf International Marine announced Sept. 24 it will install 10 battery systems on board eight of its vessels as the New Orleans-based offshore vessel owner continues its efforts to transform its fleet for greener operations. Harvey Gulf said it plans to install battery systems to convert its 310-foot liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled platform supply vessels (PSV) Harvey America, Harvey Liberty, Harvey Power and Harvey Freedom into tri-fuel vessels. Another four will be fitted onto three of the company’s 300- and 310-foot PSVs. The firm's 340-foot multipurpose support vessel (MPSV) Harvey Subsea will also be fitted with two battery systems, making it the only MPSV in the Americas that is dual fuel and battery powered. Installation of the 10 battery systems will enable Harvey Gulf to own and operate the world's largest fleet of combined dual- and tri-fueled vessels, the company said. (Source: Maritime Propulsion 09/24/20) https://www.maritimepropulsion.com/news/harvey-gulf-equip-eight-581958

Mystery find: Is it an alien egg?

A strange-looking object resembling a large, scaly egg was discovered in an Arkansas field and sparking a social media free-for-all about its origin. Photographs of the object were posted last week on a Facebook group called “Arkansas History Unearthed.” The object is reported to be more than 2-feet long and looks like some kind of turtle shell or reptile. The original poster, Drew Baledge of Fayetteville, asked online: “What, if anything could this possibly be?" Hundreds of speculations ensued: Petrified turtle, fossilized dinosaur poop, fossilized egg, an alien egg ready to hatch were among some proposed theories. Several online commenters suggested it might be an unusual geological formation called a septarian nodule, also called a dragon stone because its texture envisions how a dragon’s skin may look. McClatchy News contacted James Starnes with the Mississippi Office of Geology who confirmed that the “egg” appears to be a septarian nodule ... and a quite large one at that. “It’s a crazy looking specimen. Really unique and special,” Starnes told McClatchy News. (Source: Magnolia State 09/20/20)

4 engines for LCAC 100 contract

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is awarded an $8,606,952 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0081). This modification is for the procurement of four production marine turbine engines for the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 100 Class craft. This procurement is in support of the Ship to Shore Connector program. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, and is expected to be completed by September 2022. FY 2020 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $8,606,952 will be obligated at time of award, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity working in conjunction with the Naval Air Systems Command. (Source: DoD 09/24/20) Gulf Coast Note: Textron of Slidell, La., built the first two LCAC 100 Class craft.

Miss., La. bases 20% of $45M pact

AECOM Technical Services, Los Angeles, is awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract with a maximum amount of $45,000,000 for professional architectural and engineering services in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility (AOR). An initial task order is awarded at $6,553,567 to prepare a construction contract package to build a nuclear regional maintenance facility at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. The work to be performed provides for preparation of professional architectural and engineering services for preparation of design-bid-build documents and design-build request for proposals for various project types within the NAVFAC Southeast AOR. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by April 2022. All work on this contract will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations in the NAVFAC Southeast AOR including, but not limited to Florida (20%); Georgia (17%); South Carolina (15%); Louisiana (10%); Mississippi (10%); Texas (10%); Andros Island, Bahamas (5%); Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (5%); Tennessee (3%); Alabama (1%); Arkansas (1%); Kansas (1%); Missouri (1%); and Oklahoma (1%). It is expected to be completed by August 2025. FT 2020 Navy military construction (MILCON) design contract funds in the amount of $6,553,567 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by Navy operations and maintenance funds; and Navy MILCON.  This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 13 proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/24/20)

NASM part of $197M mod pact

 Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is awarded a $197,035,852 modification (P00004) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N61340-19-D-0004). This modification exercises an option to continue to provide intermediate and depot level maintenance, logistics and engineering support for the F405-RR-401 engine and the 096 MKII Gas Turbine Starter System. Work will be performed in Kingsville, Texas (45%); Meridian, Miss. (43%); Pensacola, Fla. (11%); and Patuxent River, Md. (1%). It is expected to be completed in September 2021. No funds will be obligated at time of award.; Funds will be obligated against individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/24/20)

IP completes 4,000 flying hours

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Working on any gloomy morning can be disconcerting, but for Lt. Col. David “Beau” Easterling Jr., 43rd Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot (IP), it was a special day. Easterling completed his 4,000th flying hour in the T-38 Talon on Sept. 23 at Columbus Air Force Base. “The 4,000th hour mark is just part of the journey as a pilot,” he said. “I think it’s kinda neat, each one of those milestones are kinda fun. It’s just what happens when you come into work every day.” (Source: 14th Flying Training Wing 09/24/20) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2359868/ip-completes-4000th-flying-hour-in-t-38-talon/

4 MS nat'l blue ribbon schools

The U.S. Department of Education recognized four Mississippi schools Sept. 24 as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The following Mississippi schools were recognized: Olive Branch's Center Hill High School; D’Iberville (Miss.) Elementary School; Madison Station (Miss.) Elementary School; and Biloxi's Popps Ferry Elementary. (Source: Magnolia State 09/24/20) https://www.magnoliastatelive.com/2020/09/24/four-mississippi-schools-recognized-as-national-blue-ribbon-schools/

Oxford, CoE sign partnership

The City of Oxford, Miss., and the Vicksburg District of the Army Corps of Engineers signed a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) on Sept. 15, which will help rehabilitate Oxford’s water distribution through the design and construction of a water supply and treatment project. The proposed work will including replacing and rehabilitating wells, pipelines, pumping stations, and treatment plants. PPA regulations state that assistance may only be provided for publicly-owned projects. The cost share for this project will be 75 percent federally funded and 25 percent non-federally funded. (Source: Oxford Eagle 09/24/20) https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2020/09/24/city-of-oxford-army-corps-of-engineers-sign-project-partnership-agreement/

The Corps, through the Sec. 592 program and the signed agreement with the city, will be allowed to provide reimbursed grant funds for the water treatment project in the amount of $1.7 million with a minimum local match by the city of 25 percent, or $567,000.

CARES funding for NE Miss.

TUPELO, Miss. - Nonprofits and food pantries in Northeast Mississippi will receive $1.6M in federal CARES Act funding. The CREATE Foundation will oversee distribution of the funds granted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Grants of up to $4,000 will be awarded to local nonprofits and food pantries. Funding will be split to provide $786,261 for nonprofits and $786,261 for food pantries. Applications for this grant program will go live Sept. 24 (today). The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will administer the program and has issued rules governing its operations. The state’s seven community foundations will divide a total of $8M in funding between qualifying entities. A list of the counties assigned to each community foundation can be found at www.mscaresgrant.com. As one of the community foundations, CREATE will be responsible for reviewing grant applications for 21 counties: Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Lowndes, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster, and Winston. Grant applications must be completed online at www.mscaresgrant.com. Applications must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. (Source: Daily Journal 09/22/20)

Vertex opens Pax River office

MADISON, Miss. -Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., a mid-level aerospace firm, announced Sept 17 it has opened a new operational site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., due to growth from several recent contract. Among some of those awards are having a prime seat on the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Full Rate Production (FRP) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) and several task orders from the Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services (CMMARS) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. Vertex also recently welcomed Leon Bacon as the new VP of Business Development for the company's Navy programs. Bacon, a military veteran, is based at the Pax River office and will provide customer liaison and oversight of naval aviation contracts. (Source: Vertex Aerospace 09/17/20) https://somd.com/news/headlines/2020/23559.php

MDEQ, LSU pollution prevention $

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Louisiana State University (LSU), University of Alabama and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality are among 42 organizations across 39 states selected to receive grant funding totaling $9.3M supporting pollution prevention across the country. These grants will fund projects that provide businesses and other facilities with information, training, and tools to help them develop and adopt cost-effective changes in production, operation, and use of materials to reduce costs and the use of water, energy, and other natural resources. This week is the 30th anniversary of the Pollution Prevention Act. “By working with businesses and industry groups to find ways to reduce pollution, LSU’s P2 team shows that protecting the environment can go hand-in-hand with economic success,” said Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. LSU’s project will expand its P2 program by partnering with major universities and local partners to support direct technical assistance to more chemical, metal, and food and beverage manufacturers to reduce pollution while enhancing business profitability. EPA anticipates individual grant projects may range from $25,000 to $498,000 once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. The work done under these grants will focus on at least one of the five P2 priority areas, also referred to as National Emphasis Areas and support several of the agency’s Smart Sectors. (Source: EPA 09/22/20) P2 and the P2 Grant Program.

TVA recognizes GTR preparedness

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) designated the Golden Triangle Region as a Rural Certified Community, which recognizes its preparedness for industrial development and investment. The GTR is the first multi-county region to receive the designation, according to a Golden Triangle Development LINK press release last week. A total of nine organizations have received the designation in the three years since TVA started the program. LINK COO Macaulay Whitaker said TVA works with the Strategic Development Group, an organization which looks at industrial sites and recommends whether the sites are ready for development. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 09/22/20) https://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=83613

CoE meetings over MS river levees

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has scheduled two virtual public meetings on its environmental assessment (EA) of a $2B plan to elevate levees and build stronger floodwalls along the Mississippi River from Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of the projects are within Louisiana around primarily New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The meetings will be streamed live on the Facebook page of the agency's New Orleans District office on Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. The Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/usacenola/. (Source: NOLA.com 09/22/20)

Mississippi vets 'Ride for 22'

 TUPELO , Miss. - While Sept. 22 may seem like  another day for most people, but it’s now one of purpose and service for Dan Johnson of Tupelo and others within the state involved with veterans’ organizations. Johnson was among a dozen Mississippi vets that participated in the inaugural 'Ride for 22' on Tuesday beginning and ending at Veterans Memorial Park. The group traveled by motorcycle from Jackson to Birmingham, Ala., and to Tupelo on Interstate 22. The event seeks to raise awareness to the number of active duty members of the military, reservists, national guardsmen and veterans who die from suicide. The date itself is symbolic. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and around 22 people connected with the military die from suicide daily. While Johnson is a veteran, educating people about those statistics among military members is also something personal A few years ago, Johnson’s son, Justin, died from suicide after serving two tours in the military. “I then became involved in trying to understand what was going on in the military about military suicide,” Johnson said. (Source: Daily Journal 09/22/20) https://www.djournal.com/news/local/mississippi-veterans-ride-to-raise-awareness-of-military-suicide-rates/article_1eaee32f-ebbb-50f7-b31a-8e3a7b668466.html

Auto lender to move HQ to Natchez

NATCHEZ, Miss. - Loss Prevention Services, an automobile portfolio servicing company for financial lenders, announced Sept. 21 that its company will relocate its corporate HQ to Natchez. The $2.97M investment will also create 200 jobs as a result of both organic and potential growth, local economic officials said. (Source: Natchez Democrat 09/21/20) https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2020/09/21/loss-prevention-services-moving-to-natchez-creating-200-jobs/

La. firm's $13M bridge contract

 James Construction Group LLC, Baton Rouge, La., was awarded a $13,349,914 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct a new two-lane bridge. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of May 23, 2022. FY 2020 Army construction funds in the amount of $13,349,914 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Source: Do0D 09/22/20)

La. project grant worth $7.6M

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 21 the award of 16 grants totaling approximately $50M under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program by the Office of Economic Adjustment. These awards follow a competitive selection process culminating in Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s approval on Aug. 10, for the Office of Economic Adjustment to invite grant applications to address quality of life needs for our service members and their families. The awards derive from FY 2020 appropriated funding, and leverage an additional $45.5M in non-Federal funding for a total investment of $95.3 million for military family quality of life. Among the grantees is the Department of Economic Development, Baton Rouge, La., to undertake a $7,599,418 project in partnership with the Vernon Parish School Board to construct Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratory and learning spaces at Leesville Junior High School, Leesville High School, Pickering Elementary School, and Vernon Middle School to support military families at Fort Polk. (Source: DoD 09/21/20)

$21.7M Vertex maintenance pact

 Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss., is awarded a $21,747,155 modification (P00014) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N61340-17-D-0005). This modification exercises options to provide intermediate-level maintenance, repair and logistics support services to include labor, direct and indirect material for Chief of Naval Air Training(CNATRA) aircraft.  Additionally, this modification procures tooling and equipment required to support and maintain four aircraft intermediate maintenance departments and related support equipment. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (47%); Corpus Christi, Texas (40%); Whiting Field, Fla. (10%); and Meridian, Miss. (3%), and is expected to be completed in September 2021. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/21/20)

Chouest's MS shipyard expanding

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) says Edison Chouest Offshore’s Gulf Ship shipyard in Gulfport, Miss., is expanding to fulfill a new contract for tugboats. MDA says the  project will create more than 200 jobs and provides assistance for improvements to the launching system and waterfront area. The Sun Herald reports that the MDA grant is in an amount worth up to to $900,000. (Source: Marine MLog 09/19/20) https://www.marinelog.com/shipyards/edison-chouests-gulf-ship-shipyard-to-add-jobs/

CG rescues 9 + dog from Sally

 NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued nine people and a dog Sept. 16 near Navarre Beach, Fla. A Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley Shallow Water Response Team rescued six adults, three children and the dog, who were impacted by Hurricane Sally. Coast Guard Shallow Water Response Teams were pre-staged in areas around the potential Hurricane Sally impacted areas to  rapidly respond and conduct search and rescue operations. (Source: Coast Guard 09/16/20)

This Blog and Hurricane Sally

 Those of you who have continually come to this site, especially in the last several days (i.e. Hurricane Sally), we've not been able to post because of no electricity (etc) or connectivity. This site will be up again by Sunday. Thank you for your understanding.  

GC VA health suspends ops

BILOXI, Miss. – All Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) facilities will suspend operations through Sept. 16 due to Hurricane Sally. This includes the Biloxi (Miss.) VA Medical Center; Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola, Fla.; Mobile (Ala.) Community-based Outpatient Clinic; Eglin (Fla.) CBOC; and the Panama City Beach (Fla.) CBOC. Veterans scheduled for an appointment during this time are advised that their appointments will be rescheduled. (GCVHCS 09/15/20) https://www.wxxv25.com/2020/09/15/gulf-coast-veterans-health-care-system-facilities-suspend-operations-sept-16-due-inclement-weather/

CG pre-staging response crews

NEW ORLEANS - Coast Guard crews in the Gulf Coast region continue to monitor Hurricane Sally and are pre-staging response crews and equipment Sept. 15. Aircraft, boats and personnel are staged in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama out of the direct path of the forecast track to preserve readiness and provide immediate support for areas expected to be impacted as soon as it is safe. (Source: Coast  Guard 09/15/20) https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2a0c0be

Jackson part of CH-53K contract

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Conn., is awarded a $54,477,181 firm-fixed-price order (N00019-20-F-0256) against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This order procures 3,754 interim spare parts and provides support for the repair and maintenance of the CH-53K low rate initial production aircraft configuration. Work will be performed in Quebec, Canada (7.08%); Jupiter, Florida (6.4%); Rome, New York (4.56%); Bridgeport, West Virginia (4.26%); Jackson, Mississippi (4.19%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (3.9%); Erie, Pennsylvania (3.72%); Vergennes, Vermont (3.22%); Blacksburg, Virginia (3.17%); Springfield, New Jersey (2.97%); Hialeah, Florida (2.85%); Tucson, Arizona (2.62%); Magnolia, Arkansas (2.53%); Atlanta, Georgia (2.38%); Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2.3%); Irvine, California (2.27%); Vancouver, Washington (1.88%); Costa Mesa, California (1.84%); Huntsville, Alabama (1.75%); New Port Richey, Florida (1.75%); Salt Lake City, Utah (1.75%); Santa Clarita, California (1.65%); Naples, Florida (1.62%); St. Louis, Missouri (1.57%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (1.57%); Minden, Nebraska (1.52%); Ronkonkoma, New York (1.44%); Boylston, Massachusetts (1.23%); Newington, Connecticut (1.14%); Shelton, Connecticut (1.14%); Chalfont, Pennsylvania (1%); Sylmar, California (1%); Berlin, Connecticut (1.03%); various locations within the continental U.S. (15.96%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (0.74%), and is expected to be completed in April 2023. Fiscal 2020 Navy aircraft procurement 0funds in the amount of $54,477,181 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, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/15/20)

NTTC Lackland OIC sacked

Navy Cmdr. Robert Arias, officer in charge (OIC) of Naval Technical Training Center at Lackland, Texas, was removed from command Sept. 11 by Capt. John Ferguson, head of the Center for Security Forces. Ferguson had lost confidence in Arias' ability to lead, the Navy said. The decision was made following an investigation completed by the CSF, said Cmdr. James Stockman, a Naval Education and Training Command spokesman at its HQ aboard NAS Pensacola, Fla. Stockman declined to provide details since the matter is still "pending final decision." Arias, who declined a request for comment buy Military.com, will be temporarily assigned to NETC HQ. Cmdr. Brian Carroll, director of Center for Security Forces Learning Site at Gulfport, Miss., has assumed Arias' former duties at Lackland. (Source: Military.com 09/14 /20) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/14/navy-commander-lackland-training-center-fired-after-investigation.html

Technologies aiding NavAir trng

The Chief of Naval Air Training, the flag-command that leads initial aviation training for new pilots and naval flight officers, is incorporating new technologies into its curriculum that includes hand-held devices and full simulators to better train airmen. Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff, head of CNATRA, told a panel over the weekend at the Tailhook Association’s online symposium. Officials are instituting virtual and constructive (LVC) training, and the Navy is working to embed those into its pilot training program. Until recently, the aviation training syllabus had not gone through significant changes in decades, he noted. But now, as part of its Project Avenger initiative, the service is working to include new technologies, from virtual reality goggles pairing with mobile devices to “high-fidelity trainers” meant to simulate how an aircraft flies, into its training.  “We’re leveraging virtual goggles where we can immerse ourselves in 360-degree videos,” Westendorff said. Pilots will also be able to use “high-fidelity trainers” and the Virtual Mission Training System, which can pipe live targets into the radar onboard the T-45C trainer jet as part of the increased reliance on LVC training.(Source: USNI News 09/14/20) https://news.usni.org/2020/09/14/navy-harnessing-new-technology-to-restructure-aviation-training MISSISSIPPI NOTE: NAS Meridian, Miss., is home to jet pilot training. The T-45 Goshawk is in NASM's fleet of aircraft.