MSU’s research legacy 2017

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University continued building its legacy as a world-class research institution throughout 2017. MSU made headlines for achievements in agriculture and forestry, computer science, engineering, and its designation as FAA’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. MSU researchers are also leading projects with local and global impact, including creating more sustainable beaches and barrier islands on the Gulf Coast. The year wrapped up with an announcement that MSU had maintained its ranking among the nation’s top 100 research institutions by the National Science Foundation, as well as its position as the Magnolia State’s highest-ranked research university. MSU was also tapped by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Demonstration Range Facility, which consists of multiple sites primarily in southern and coastal Mississippi. MSU is the state’s largest university with a Fall 2017 enrollment of 21,883 students representing all 50 states and 80-plus foreign countries. (Source: Mississippi State University 12/28/17)

U.S. Rep to get MSNG promotion

JACKSON, Miss. - Major General Janson D. Boyles, adjutant general of Mississippi, announced the promotion of Col. Trent Kelly to the rank of brigadier general. The ceremony will be held here on Jan. 20 at the Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. Kelly represents Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He will be the first sitting Mississippi congressman to also serve as a Mississippi National Guard general officer since Maj. Gen. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery. Kelly is Director of the Joint Staff at the guard HQ. The Saltillo, Miss., native has served in the state’s Army National Guard for more than 32 years as a combat engineer. (Source: Mississippi National Guard 12/15/17)

MSU alum garners 3-D print patent

When it comes to 3-D printing, spaghetti-like results can be costly. "I don't know if you've ever seen a 3-D printer malfunction, but a lot of times it can produce something that looks an awful lot like a plate of spaghetti," said Jeremy Straub, assistant computer science professor at North Dakota State University. Straub, who graduated with a master's degree in computer science from Mississippi State University in 2010, received a patent Dec. 19 for a new 3-D printing technology that would help detect and correct mistakes of 3-D printed objects. Straub was the lead inventor on UND’s research team. The team created the plan for imaging software that uses sensors in a 3-D printer to collect data during the printing process. The imagery data is compared to the design model. If discrepancies are found, it automatically stops, and the new technology assesses whether the 3-D printer can self-correct or whether there is a need for human involvement. There are numerous reasons for wanting this type of quality assurance, including a range from parts that have operational and safety implications with jet engines. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 12/27/17)

Sailors make icy-accident rescue

Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 at the Seabee base in Gulfport, Miss., helped rescue a civilian involved in a Dec. 8 car accident on an icy patch of Highway 49 in Hattiesburg. Equipment Operator 3rd Class Cristian Benton and Equipment Operator Constructionman Daniel Sellmeyer had gotten orders to deliver a fuel truck to Camp Shelby, near Hattiesburg, to refuel a convoy scheduled return to the Gulfport base. Road conditions were worsening due to freeze warnings and snow. While driving north on Highway 49, the sailors maneuvered into the median during the icy conditions to avoid a potential accident. When returning the truck back into traffic, they heard screeching tires and the sounds of a crash. A vehicle swerved into an embankment and ended up in a creek. It began to fill up with water. Benton ran into the chest-deep waters to check on driver who could not get out of the car. Benton searched for something to break a window. “I heard Sellmeyer yelling ‘Hey! Use the battery!’ It had been ejected from the car. He smashed a window and got to the driver. Sellmeyer examined the driver for any injuries. Prior to service, he was an emergency medical technician. “We got lucky. I hate to think what would have happened to this man had we not been there,” said Sellmeyer. “We were just in the right place at the right time, with the right set of skills.” (Source: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 12/15/17) The duo was each awarded with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Prez backs 2.4% & 1.9% mil/fed raises

President Donald Trump issued executive orders for a 2.4 percent pay raise for the military and a 1.9 percent pay raise for federal workers effective Jan. 1. The military raise would be the largest since 3.4 percent in 2010. In a Dec. 22 notice to lawmakers, the President announced intentions to go with the 2.4 percent military raise that was part of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed Dec. 12. Office of Management and Budget initially proposed a 2.1 percent military raise. The proposals of NDAA have yet to be funded by either appropriation committees in Congress. To avoid a government shutdown, the House and Senate passed another Continuing Resolution last week to keep spending at 2017 levels until Jan. 22, when they’ll try again to reach an overall budget agreement. Federal employee unions have argued for pay parity with the military. (Source: Military.com 12/25/17)

NASP couple makes 50-year return

Mike and Margaret Volpe made out in the middle of the Pensacola (Fla.) International Airport ticketing area on Christmas Eve like teenagers on a hot date. It wasn’t the first time for the 70 year olds. It was a celebration of when they first met on a chance encounter Christmas Eve morning in 1976. He was a young Navy officer assigned to the training carrier USS Lexington at Naval Air Station Pensacola. She was a research scientist on base at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. She was going home to Charleston, S.C., and hauling an overflow bundle of presents. He was flying home to New York state and lent her a hand. They've been together ever since. The couple returned to the Pensacola airport on Dec. 24 to revisit the start of their love story. The Volpes, who live in Virginia, have two kids and two grandkids. Their recent return to Pensacola was their first to the region 1989. (Source: Pensacola News Journal 12/24/17) NASP has been among the few sites for first-time naval aviators, many of which wind up in advanced flight training at NAS Meridian, Miss. USS Lexington was, at one time, used for NASM pilots to carrier qualify.

USM research military protective wear

Polymer science labs at the University of Southern Mississippi are doing research that could lead to enhanced protective wear for U.S. military troops. A $4.9M grant from the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has enabled the School of Polymer Science and Engineering to acquire a state-of-the-art Xeuss 2.0 Small-Angle/Wide-Angle scattering system, which enables high-performance measurements. The grant is part of a $20M, two-year collaboration between USM, Temple University, University of North Texas, and University of Southern California to develop ballistic protection applications. The funding will allow rapid design, development, measurement, testing, modeling and prototyping for strategic areas of interest determined by ARL researchers. USM is the only university in the Southeast that has a Xeuss 2.0 system, which fortifies USM’s reputation as a global leader in polymer science. Olivia D. McNair, manager of pneumatic aterials science and engineering programs, said researchers can begin to target or predict materials that will demonstrate the best performance for ballistic applications. (Source: Clarion Ledger 112/23/17)

Threats don’t take a holiday

On this Christmas morning, there are U.S. service members protecting the nation around the world. Many are traveling home for the holidays, but let’s remember there are hundreds of thousands still on duty because threats don’t take a holiday. Over all, there are about 1.3 million personnel on active duty, and 810,800 in the selected reserves – serving on all seven continents and in more than 170 countries. From its birth, the Navy has been an expeditionary force. Sailors will man their ships from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico. About 33 percent of the Navy is deployed at anytime – measuring more than 100,000 sailors and Marines afloat on Christmas - performing missions that can’t stop for holidays. Although serving around the globe, service members can take time to remember the holidays. It is the way it has been since Valley Forge in 1778. The bottom line is that the American military stands guard so the world can know - or hope for - peace. (Source: Defense Media 12/19/17) Gulf Coast Note: Regional service members deploy worldwide from the Seabees at Gulfport, Miss., to Tyndall AFB, Fla.

L-3 mod pact for $26.9M

L-3 Communications Corp. of Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $26,988,821 modification (P00240) to contract W58RGZ-10-C-0107 for a three-month period of performance for services, maintenance, repairs and support of 59 government-owned aircraft. Work will be performed in Madison with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2018. FY 2018 Army operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $26,988,821 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 12/22/17)

Exiting Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. - For three consecutive years, the U.S. Census Bureau is estimating that Mississippi’s population continues to fall - losing nearly 8,000 people to out-migration (more moving away than moving in). Overall, the Magnolia State lost about 1,300 people between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017. The population is estimated to be 2.98 million. Mississippi is the only southern state, besides West Virginia, seeing outmigration. John Green, a University of Mississippi professor who heads the school’s Center for Population Studies, says people are leaving in “search for socio-economic opportunities and well-being.” The state’s recovery from the 2008 recession has been one of the nation’s weakest. Those leaving appear to be the young and more educated, he continued. Only half of the graduates of state’s eight public universities are working in the state five years after graduation. Mississippi is one of eight states estimated to lose population. Louisiana is another. (Source: Clarion Ledger 12/21/17)

Twelve new aviators earn ‘Wings’

NAS MERIDIAN, Miss. - Twelve brand new Naval Aviators - 10 Navy and a pair of Marines - received their coveted "Wings of Gold" during a designation ceremony Dec. 21 aboard Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss. The ceremony marked the culmination of nearly two years of specialized training, which has prepared the officers for the demands of aerial combat and carrier operations, which earn each the title of "Naval Aviator" and the right to wear the coveted Navy "Wings of Gold." (Source: Meridian Star 12/21/17) The Mississippi Council of the Navy League presented the Golden Stick Award to Lt. Christopher O'Donnell during the winging ceremony. The award is earned by the aviator from each graduating class with the highest composite score.

Blue Angels seeking apps for 2019

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team is seeking motivated officer and enlisted applicants for its 2019 show season, according to NAVADMIN 298/17. Enlisted applicants will spend about five days working with the Blue Angels at a show site, home at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., or winter training facility in El Centro, Calif. After all applicants have been interviewed, the team will gather together to make final selections. The required obligated service for enlisted personnel is 36 months. Navy/Marine Corps pilots will be required to remain on active-duty for two years following completion of their assignment with the Blue Angels. Enlisted applications must be postmarked no later than May 1. Final selections will be made in June. Officer applications should be submitted no later than April 30. Final selections will be made in July. (Source: Blue Angels 12/20/17)

$2.2B T-6 contract for CAFB

JPATS Logistics Services LLC of Cape Canaveral, Fla., has been awarded a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year ordering period and a maximum value of $2,200,000,000 for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System T-6 contractor operated and maintained base supply (COMBS) services, which will provide a full spectrum of transparent supply chain management services to support safe, flyable T-6 aircraft to meet users’ daily flight schedules, consistent with Department of Defense and commercial sector best practices in procuring, producing and delivering products and services to customers. These supply chain management activities include, but are not limited to, managing supply and demand, sourcing parts, assembly, disposal, warehousing and inventory tracking, order entry and order management, distribution across all channels, and delivery to the customer. This effort is required in support of COMBS for the Air Force, Navy, and Army T-6A/B/D Texan II aircraft program. Work will be performed at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.; Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla.; Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas; Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.; and U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate, Redstone, Ala.. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2022. The award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and four offers were received. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance; operations and maintenance (Navy), and operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $10,510,542 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-18-D-6213). (Source: DoD, 12/20/17)

Internships for fed civil service

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Air Force officials are offering internships to eligible college students and recent graduates that could lead to a career path with the Air Force Civilian Service. Eligible people can take advantage of the Recent Graduates Program, Presidential Management Fellows Program, and new Premier College Intern Program. Also, the AF’s regular internship program. All are designed to promote and encourage opportunities in the federal service. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of completing a degree or earning a certificate. Veterans have up to six years after earning a degree or certificate to apply. (Source: Air Force Personnel Center 12/19/17)

Nom packages for disability award

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Air Force civilian employees and Airmen with disabilities have until April 25 to submit nomination packages for the 2018 Outstanding Defense Department Employee or Service Member with a Disability Award. The award honors individual civilian employees and service members with disabilities who supported DoD’s mission, overseas contingency operations, or activities best epitomizing the qualities and core values. A person’s DoD career is considered the performance period for the award. Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their major command for additional information regarding nomination procedures. (Source: Air Force Personnel Center 12/20/17)

NASWF top small base CNIC winner

WASHINGTON – Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., was the winner of the Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC) 2018 Installation Excellence Award in the small base category. The Navy's installation excellence award program recognizes the top three large and small installations. The awards are based on performance in accordance with the command's strategic goals and the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s criteria for the DoD-wide Commander-in-Chief Installation Excellence Awards. NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., was the top winner in the large installation category. (Source: Naval Installations Command 12/19/17) NASWF won the award under Capt. Todd A. Bahlau’s tenure as commander. Whiting held a change of command Dec. 18. Capt. Paul Bowdich is the new commanding officer. NASWF provides primary fixed-wing and helicopter training for the Navy and Marine Corps. Many pilots go on to jet training in the T-45C at NAS Meridian, Miss.

GTRA has generators for outages

The power outage that shut down Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport also slightly affected Columbus’ (Miss.) Golden Triangle Regional Airport. It also reinforced why GTRA has an extensive generator system designed to keep the airport running for days due to outages. The 11-hour outage, from Sunday into early Monday, canceled two GTRA inbound flights from Atlanta and one outbound flight to Atlanta. It impacted more than 100 passengers in both directions. Some 25 passengers spent the night either at the airport or local motel before flying out Monday. GTRA staff greeted them with cookies and refreshments. GTRA has a bank of generators capable of running most airport computers, terminal equipment and lighting, control tower and runway and taxiway lights. Generators are checked regularly. It also has some portable generators than can be moved where most needed. GTRA keeps three 500-gallon tanks of diesel on hand to fuel those generators for days. (Source: Daily Times Leader 12/19/17)

Solons may punt to avoid shutdown

UPDATE: WASHINGTON - An end-of-the-year promised federal government shutdown appears to have fizzled Dec. 20 after Republican leadership dropped demands to shore up shaky health insurance markets and Democrats appeared to abandon their adoption goal to protect younger undocumented immigrants from deportation. All of that appeared to lead the way for Congress to adopt another Continuing Resolution into January, and again punt the government funding issue down the road. (New York Times 12/21/17)

Previous: Congress has until midnight Dec. 22 to cut a deal to fund the military and the rest of the federal government before the last continuing resolution (CR) expires. Capitol Hill has been solely focused on the GOP tax reform bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) may go for another CR to fund the government through Jan. 19. The House budget bill gives the military a full year of funding, but it would be “dead on arrival” in the Senate, according to Minority Leader Chuck Shumer (D-NY). (Source: Washington Examiner 12/20/17) A government shutdown would include non-payment of military, civilian federal employees, and military and civilian retirees; and Social Security payments.

NASWF change of command

NAS WHITING FIELD, Fla. - Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., will observe a change of command Dec. 18. Capt. Paul Bowdich will accept command from outgoing commander, Capt. Todd Bahlau. Bahlau’s three-year tour included multiple honors such as the Commander Navy Installation Command and Association of Defense Communities Installation excellence awards, Chief of Naval Operation’s retention and environmental awards, and the USS Bainbridge Navy Community Service Overall Excellence Award. Bahlau’s next assignment will be with the Miami (Ohio) University Naval ROTC unit. Bowdich is no stranger to NASWF. He was commander of Helicopter Training Squadron Eight from December 2011 to April 2013. Following that tour, he reported to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He comes to NASWF from duty with the Naval Education and Training Command headquarters at NAS Pensacola. (Source: NAS Whiting Field 12/14/17) NAS Whiting Field is home to primary naval aviation. Many of the student-pilots that earn their Wings of Gold report for duty for advance aviation training at NAS Meridian, Miss.

MSU: A top 100 R&D university

STARKVILLE, Miss. - A recently released National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development Survey for FY 2016 finds Mississippi State University ranked among the nation’s top 100 research institutions; and the state’s leading research university. The recently released survey places MSU at No. 93 overall among public and private institutions in America, based on $239.4M in total R&D expenditures. It is ranked 60th among non-medical school institutions, and 64th among public institutions. (Source: MSU 12/14/17)

New O2 system for T-45Cs

WASHINGTON - The Navy will equip all of its T-45C training jets with new oxygen-level monitoring systems by February, according to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). There have been a number of physiological episodes (PEs) of pilots feeling dangerously short of oxygen while flying, which caused the Navy to ground the jets while researchers evaluated the oxygen system. The Navy has already upgraded some of its T-45C Goshawks with the CRU-123, a digital version of the current CRU-99 oxygen monitor. Wicker’s announcement Dec. 13 was the first time a target date has been disclosed. The Goshawks are used for pilot training at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss.; NAS Pensacola, Fla.; and NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. This upgrade “should help alert pilots to dangerous declines in oxygen production or pressure levels,” said Wicker in a news release outlining multiple new steps taken by the Navy to alleviate growing concerns about PEs. The Navy has grounded any T-45C that “lacks the full collection of modifications,” Wicker added. The Navy is also developing an automatic backup oxygen system scheduled for future installation across the T-45 fleet. The Navy has conducted a comprehensive review of the PE problem, but the root cause remains elusive. In October, a T-45C based out of NAS Meridian crashed in Tennessee killing both the instructor and student-pilot. It is still not known whether oxygen deprivation or contamination contributed to the crash, but has made finding a solution urgent. Additionally, pilots of F/A-18s, F/A-18E/Fs, and E/A-18Gs have also reported an increased number of PEs. The just-signed 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows the Pentagon to authorize a competition, with a prize of up to $10M, to whoever can isolate the root cause(s) of the services’ PE issues. (Source: Defense News 12/13/17)

Busy CAFB’s units keep pilots safe

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - The Air Force is known for its pilots’ ability to keep the skies safe from America’s enemies. But who keeps the pilots safe? Aircrew Flight Equipment crews throughout the AF to ensure pilots’ gear and equipment are ready at mission time. At Columbus Air Force Base, the AFE unit is one of the busiest in the service because they are also responsible for instructor pilots and student-pilots going through Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training. The AFE airmen, assigned to all of the base’s various Flying Training Squadrons (FTS), take care of 150 instructors and more than 400 students’ gear to the best of their ability, “but it’s 10 times busier than that,” said Staff Sgt. Dale Thibodeaux, the squads’ non-commissioned officer in charge. “I can’t see any other AFE units being busier than this,” he said. Each of the FTS has an AFE unit attached. All 14th Student Squadron pilots go through the 37th and 41st FTS to learn how to fly the T-6A Texan II. “Our job is to make sure when a pilot goes out the door everything is good to go,” said Senior Airman Hayden Harrison, 48th FTS AFE technician. (Source: Columbus AFB 12/12/17)

Santa arrives at CAFB via T-1A

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Santa Claus and three of his elves made an early, without his sleigh and reindeer, to Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., on Dec. 6. He arrived via an Air Force T-1A Jayhawk piloted by Capt. Christian Litscher of the 14th Operations Group Commander’s Action Group and Capt. Michael Lewis, chief programmer of the 48th Flying Training Squadron. (Source: Columbus AFB 12/08/17)

L-3: $79.3M T-1A contract

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC of Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $79,387,452 firm-fixed-price contract for contractor operated and maintained base supply of the Air Education and Training Command fleet of 178 T-1A trainer aircraft. Work will be performed at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.; Randolph AFB, Texas; Laughlin AFB, Texas; and Vance AFB, Okla. The expected completion date is June 7, 2018. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and three offers were received. FY 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,502,988 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD 12/08/17)

Gov’t shutdown temporarily averted

WASHINGTON – Both houses of Congress averted a government shutdown Dec. 7 by passing another temporary continuing resolution (CR) funding extension to keep U.S. government operational until Dec. 22. A previous CR was to expire Dec. 8. The measure passed in the House (235-193); and with little debate in the Senate (81-14). (Source: Defense News 12/07/17)

CAFB trainers duel over East Coast

Pilots assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., hosted Navy and Marine pilots for a duel in the skies above the East Coast on Dec. 1. Pilots came together for basic fighter maneuver (BFM) training to strengthen the strategic capabilities needed to win air-to-air battles. The training, which are scheduled annually, give service pilots the opportunity to test their skills against different aircraft. Participating aircraft consisted of T-38C Talons assigned to Columbus AFB, Miss. and Shaw’s F-16CMs; fifth-generation F-22 Raptors from Tyndall AFB, Fla.; F-18 Hornets form NAS Oceana, Va.; and AV-8B Harriers assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. “It gives the aircraft (pilots) the opportunity to fight other aircraft as opposed to fighting their own.” said Capt. August Derosa, instructor pilot from the 49th Fighter Training Squadron at CAFB. “It provides you with a war-time environment mentality,” said Derosa. The 49th FTS rarely has opportunities to participate in these trainings, according to Derosa, so to “come out and train against other services is a great experience, "said Derosa. The 49th FTS conducts introduction to fighter fundamentals training for more than 75 Air Force and international pilots and Weapon System Officers annually at CAFB. (Source: 20th Fighter Wing 12/06/17)

Flip-flop of MDA, DMR execs

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Executive Director Jamie Miller, who was hand-picked to rebuild trust in the agency, is leaving to join the Mississippi Development Authority, according to a media release from Gov. Phil Bryant. Miller will become deputy director for governmental affairs and chief innovation officer at MDA. Brig. Gen. Joe Spraggins, who has served as DMR’s COO since 2013, will take Miller’s place at the DMR. Miller and Spraggins will both assume their new official duties on Dec. 20. (Source: Sun Herald 12/06/17)

Agent: Detainee admits 9/11 aid

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - A Saudi Arabian – one of five detainees facing a war crimes tribunal here for allegedly aiding the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. told interrogators in 2004 that he had bought airline tickets and facilitated money transfers for seven of the 19 hijackers, a retired FBI agent testified Dec. 6. Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi spoke to interrogators over four days in January 2004 as they showed him financial and travel records collected in the investigation, admitting without remorse he helped carry out the al-Qaida plot, retired agent Abigail Perkins, told the court. Al-Hawsawi, who was living in the United Arab Emirates in the months before the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, admitted assisting the hijackers who flew airplanes into the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pa., she said. "He indicated that he was very happy to have been able to support the brothers who carried out the attack," she said. Her testimony came during the 26th pretrial hearing at the base in the case of five men held at “Gitmo” for their alleged roles in the attack. The five face charges that could result in the death penalty if convicted. The case has been bogged down in pretrial litigation since their May 2012 arraignment. Defense attorneys were expected to cross-examine Perkins and another agent on Dec. 7. (Source: The Associated Press 12/06/17)

L-3 awarded T-1A mod pact

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $10,253,906 firm-fixed-price modification (P00168) to a previously awarded contract (FA8106-09-C-0001) for logistics support of the T-1A aircraft. Services include contractor-operated maintained supply, over and above, on-equipment maintenance, data and field service representatives. Work will be performed at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss; Vance AFB, Okla.; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas; and Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Completion date is expected as of March 31, 2018. FY 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $10,253,906 are being obligated at time of award. Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD 12/06/17)

GC toxic military sites

According to a new report from ProPublica, a non-profit news gathering group, multiple Gulf Coast current and former military bases contain toxic hazards from chemical spills, unexploded ordnance and other issues that date back as far as 100 years. The report, based on data from the Defense Department's Defense Environmental Restoration Program, documents toxic hazards at military sites across the U.S. Researchers found 215 hazardous locations in Florida with ties to military operations. In Northwest Florida, there were 68 hazardous sites at Naval Air Station Pensacola; additional sites (and numbers) were found at Saufley Field (8); Naval Technical Training Center Corry Station (5); and Fort Pickens all in the Pensacola area; and NAS Whiting Field (49). Eglin AFB, the largest military installation, has 185 hazardous sites; and Hurlburt Field (42). Some of the report's findings date back more than a century, according to Mike Spaits, spokesman for Eglin AFB. (Source: Pensacola News Journal 12/05/17) Other “high risk” areas along the Gulf Coast, included in DOD’s environment restoration program, are Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss.; Van Dorn Army Training Camp in Centerville, Miss.; and Tyndall AFB, Fla.

U.S. productivity up 3%

American workers’ productivity went up 3 percent in the third quarter (July-September). It was the best showing in three years, while labor costs fell a second straight quarter. The increase in productivity was double that of the second quarter; and both quarters were significantly higher than the scant 0.1 percent rise in the first three months. Labor costs fell 0.2 percent. The second quarter had a 1.2 percent decline. Last week, the government reported GDP (gross domestic product) grew at an annual rate of 3.3 percent in the third period following a 3.1 percent rise in the second. It was the first back-to-back GDP gains of 3 percent or more since 2014. Economists are hopeful that the upturn in productivity may be a sign that living standards are improving after a prolonged period of weakness. (Source: The AP 12/06/17)

Fed shutdown may threaten pay

WASHINGTON – While Congress flirts with another potential government shutdown, chances are growing for a disruption to military-civilian pay and programs this week. Federal funding is slated to run out Nov. 8 unless lawmakers strike a deal to keep the government’s lights on or face the prospect of a shutdown. Democrat leadership has said there won’t be a funding plan until there’s a deal on the Child Health Insurance Program and immigration. The federal government has been operating off short-term continuing resolutions that were last approved in September. There hasn’t been a full budget since before the Obama Administration. A 16-day shutdown in October 2013 caused a rash of military programs to stop, including pay for military and civilian personnel, and base services and commissaries. Also, death gratuity payments to 30 Gold Star families were disrupted. (Source: Stars And Stripes 12/06/17)

Navy to air new brand for big game

“Forged by the Sea” – the Navy’s new recruiting tagline – is being unveiled Nov. 9 in a commercial scheduled to air during the second quarter of the annual Army-Navy football game on CBS-TV. The idea behind the new tagline is part of a larger branding effort – called “Sea to Stars”, which showcases a variety of Navy platforms, such as a submarine, aircraft carrier, Littoral Combat Ship, an unmanned aerial vehicle and special operations sailors. The annual Army-Navy game will be the only college football game on television Saturday, a tradition started by CBS in 2009. The first two commercials seek to change how potential recruits view Navy careers. The full ad campaign rollout is slated to start in early 2018, with the addition of print and online advertising. Two more television commercials are planned for release in March, according to the Navy. (Source: USNI News 12/05/17)

MSU earns military-friendly gold

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State University earned Victory Media’s 2018 ‘Military Friendly Schools’ gold medal for its veteran-oriented campus culture. The recognition highlights some of the more powerful and effective veteran-centered programs at more than 800 post-secondary Military Friendly Schools across America. Criteria for inclusion were based on commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable benefits for military service members, veterans and their families. “(W)e are pushing ahead with even more innovative programs that help our student-veterans achieve their education and career goals,” said MSU President Mark Keenum. There are some 650 veterans and service members attending MSU. The number goes up significantly to more than 2,600 when it includes dependents. (Source: Mississippi State University 12/04/17)

Ellisville jet engine coatings plant

GE Aviation and Praxair Inc. have opened a new facility in Ellisville, Miss., for its PG Technologies business, which specializes in advanced coatings enabling jet engines to withstand higher temperatures and stresses. PGT is a joint venture between Praxair Surface Technolies, Inc. and GE Aviation, which focuses on development, support, and application of specialized coatings tailored for GEA's current/future engine platforms. PGT is headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind. The 300,000 square foot facility is expected to employ at least 250 workers to meet demand for GE’s latest generation of jet engines, such as the GE9X and the CFM LEAP - a 50/50 joint venture between GEA and Safran of France. (Source: Aerospace Manufacturing & Design 12/05/17)

L-3: $37.6M mod T-45 contract

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $37,606,934 not-to-exceed modification (P00022) to a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011). This modification provides for additional organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering services to support and maintain approximately 200 Navy T-45 Goshawk aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment to support flight and test and evaluation operations. In addition, this modification provides for equipment, tools, direct material, and indirect material in support of Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment. Work will be performed at Naval Air Stations Kingsville, Texas (45.7%), Meridian, Miss. (41.7%); Pensacola, Fla. (10.1%), and Patuxent River, Md. (2.5%) It is expected to be completed in September 2018. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders as issued. Naval Air Warfare Center Training System Division of Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD 12/04/17)

CAP extends support for CAFB

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Seventy-six years ago, the Civil Air Patrol found was founded by administrative order from the Office of Civilian Defense. It initially played a crucial role in helping protect the homeland during WWII. These days, CAP is the Air Force’s official auxiliary force. Since, Dec. 1, 1941, CAP has evolved from protecting the U.S. from German U-boats to providing for search and rescue missions, emergency services, and guiding the next generation of young aviators. “We’re necessary and we’re becoming more necessary,” said CAP Capt. Jason Linscott, commander of Mississippi Wing’s Golden Triangle Composite Squadron. Linscott is a former Navy E-6 Mercury pilot. Currently, he’s a T-6A Texan II simulator instructor for the 14th Flying Training Wing’s student squadron at CAFB. The CAP squadron does more than providing SAR and emergency services, he says, they play a big role in supporting CAFB’s flying missions. (Source: 14th Flying Training Wing 12/01/17)

Thunderbirds' boss relieved

The Air Force’s Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron commander, Lt. Col. Jason Heard, was relieved of duty Nov. 29, according to an Air Combat Command media release. Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB, Nev., relieved Heard of command due to a loss of confidence in his leadership. The Thunderbirds’ 2017 air show season was recently completed. Heard's firing comes after two accidents involving Thunderbird aircraft in the last two years, including a flyover of the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation on June 2, 2016. President Barack Obama was present at the event. The aircraft, valued at $29M, was destroyed. (Source: Military.com 11/29/17) Central Mississippi Note: The Thunderbirds are scheduled to fly an air show April 21-22 at Columbus (Miss.) AFB. For the 2017 season, the team flew in back-to-back weekends along the Gulf Coast at Lake Charles, La., and Tyndall AFB, Fla.

VR for new Navy flight trainers

ORLANDO, Fla. - Naval Air Systems Command is looking to leverage virtual reality (VR) technology to build flight simulation trainers for the T-45 Goshawk, TH-57 helicopter, and F/A-18 Super Hornet that are deployable and make better use of real flights. The Naval Aviation Training Systems program office is developing those new trainers, according to Chris Foster, program office for aviation warfare training development. His comments were part of a Nov. 28, panel discussion here at the 2017 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference. Two TH-57 part-task trainers (PTTs) will be aimed at making trainees more comfortable before their first low-level familiarization flights. Low-level flights for beginning TH-57 students “are quite overwhelming," Foster said. The design is to put students through a few VR familiarization flights on a desktop trainer to improve performance before they take a first low-level flight in the TH-57. The T-45 systems will also have two PTTs utilizing VR to render the trainer improved fidelity and cutting down on the high-life cycle of current T-45 dome simulators. The PTTs will use an actual operation T-45 flight trainer where the trainee sits while outfitted with VR goggles. In addition to the new flight trainers, VR could also play a key role in new immersive mishap awareness training, managed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Training System Division’s battle laboratory in collaboration with the program office and the Pensacola-based Naval Survival Training Institute. (Source: Naval Air Systems Command 11/30/17) Central Mississippi Note: NAS Meridian, Miss., is among three air stations that fly the T-45C Goshawk. NAS Whiting Field, Fla., trains TH-57 helicopter pilots.

EEG technology research on PEs

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Navy Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI) is host to scientific research using new technology that may potentially become an early-warning signal to military pilots experiencing in-flight physiologic events (PE) such as hypoxia. Hypoxia is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues in the body that can result in oxygen deprivation causing confusion and rapid heart rates. Navy pilots in the T-45C trainer and F/A-18 Super Hornets have reported PE episodes as a result of oxygen deprivation. NAMI's latest project is one of several efforts to assist in the mitigation PEs. Capt. G. Merrill Rice, senior medical officer at Naval Aviation Schools Command, who coordinates NAMI research, is working with new Electroencephalogram (EEG) technology for use in hypoxia detection. He began the project in September, partnering with a team from the University of West Florida, Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), and Naval Aerospace Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio. The collaboration has put forth a protocol to evaluate newer EEG technologies to see if “we can monitor the pilot's brainwaves while in extreme environments," said Rice. NAMI is a Pensacola-based detachment of the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center (NMOTC). (Source: NMOTC 11/30/17) Central Mississippi Note: T-45C pilots that have experienced PEs include Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss.; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Pensacola.