MS Army Reserve Center pact: $10M

Trans4Fed LLC of Purvis, Miss., was awarded a $10,303,548 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Army Reserve Center. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Starkville, Miss., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 military construction, Army Reserve funds in the amount of $10,303,548 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/30/19)

MSU mod UAS pact: $12.5M

Mississippi State University was awarded a $12,599,999 modification (P00002) to contract W909MY-19-C-C002 for Persistent Collaborative Situational Awareness to the Warfighter: High-Performance, Low-Acoustic Signature Unmanned Aircraft System Operations - Phase II. Work will be performed at MSU, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2020. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $4,954,799 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: 09/30/19)

Grenada firm pact: $240M

EMC Inc. of Grenada, Miss., was awarded a $240,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for land survey architect-engineer. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD (09/30/19)

MS firm's Tyndall pact: $7M

MOWA-Barlovento of Gautier, Miss., has been awarded a $7,058,125 firm-fixed-price contract to repair and update the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Building 837, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 10, 2020. This award is the result of the Regional Engineering and Construction indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract and four offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funding in the amount of $7,058,125 are being obligated at the time of award. The 325th Contracting Squadron of Tyndall AFBis the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/30/19)

Vertex T-45 mod contract: $40M

Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is awarded a $40,277,158 modification (P00039) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, labor hour indefinite-delivery, requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011). This modification opens up the ordering period to provide organizational, intermediate, and depot-level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support. The effort involves providing services in support of the T-45 Pilot Production Recovery effort, equipment, tools, direct material, and indirect material required to support and maintain all Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment to support flight and test and evaluation operations. Work will be performed in Kingsville, Texas (53.6%); Meridian, Miss. (39.6%) and Pensacola, Fla (6.8%), and is expected to be completed in March 2022. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command of Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/30/19)

AF offering $M for disruptive tech

The Air Force is in the market for “disruptive” new science and technology capabilities, and is offering $14M for the best ideas. The service announced “Air Force Explore” as part of its "Science and Technology 2030" strategy, which wants to draw transformational ideas from across the country. The service anticipates awarding four to seven contracts, each worth $1M-to-$2M, for suggestions focused on “global persistent awareness; resilient information sharing; rapid, effective decision making; complexity, unpredictability, and mass; and speed and reach of disruption and lethality,” according to an AF media release. Submissions are due Nov. 11. Funds will be handed out by March 2020. (Source: AF Magazine 09/30/19)

Barrett vote may come Oct. 15

The U.S, Senate will likely hold a confirmation vote for Barbara Barrett, the nominee to become the Air Force’s next secretary, at 4:30 p.m. CDT on Oct. 15. The chamber will decide whether to proceed to the final tally on Oct. 16. Barrett, an aerospace executive and former diplomat, would replace Acting Secretary Matt Donovan, who took over when former USAF civilian boss Heather Wilson, who left at the end of May. While SASC passed Barrett’s nomination out of committee, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said he would oppose her confirmation and put a hold on the process until she promises to create a policy to block AF spending at Trump-owned properties. (Source: AF Magazine 09/30/19)

GC aiming to advance UAM market

NASA has launched a grand challenge aimed at accelerating electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) technology and the urban air mobility (UAM) market. For the many new entrants in the nascent UAM market, the FAA is responsible for aircraft certification, pilot licensing, operating approval and airspace integration and is a critical challenge. To streamline the interface between agencies, the FAA and NASA have formulated its UAM Grand Challenge (GC) as both a proving ground for vehicles and procedures and an environment where industry and regulators can work together to understand the requirements and develop consensus standards for the new market. “The Grand Challenge is a conduit to NASA and the FAA as one entity,” says Starr Ginn, NASA’s GC lead. The plan got a boost from the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) listing eVTOL among the Trump administration’s research and development budget priorities for FY 2021. An initial developmental testing event, GC-DT, is planned for July-November 2020 at NASA’s research center at Edwards AFB, Calif. It will be followed up by the first full event, GC-1, in May-September 2022. Further challenges are expected at yearly intervals. “We aim to always be a couple of steps ahead of industry,” says Ginn The primary goal of GC-1 is to accelerate the UAM market by collecting flight data to help the FAA develop test procedures, data requirements and compliance methods for eVTOL vehicle and pilot certification as well as operational approval. NASA wants to have agreements in place with three American-only eVTOL manufacturers by the end of December. Over successive events, the GC will move into more realistic airspace and airports. Ginn expects there will be a need for UAM test sites similar to the FAA-approved unmanned-aircraft test sites now operating. “And a lot of cities are leaning forward to offer the opportunity,” she says. (Source: Aviation Week 09/25/19) https://aviationweek.com/future-aerospace/nasa-grand-challenge-structured-advance-urban-air-market?utm_rid=CPEN1000002255725&utm_campaign=21567&utm_medium=email&elq2=6bd3219f675848b5ae13b657fde2c79d

UPDATE: States' energy scorecards

States are showing leadership on energy efficiency, but which are doing the most and the least? In a comprehensive ranking of 33 metrics in six policy areas, the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will highlight state leaders, states to watch, and emerging trends. It will look at the top states for building energy codes, appliance standards, electric vehicles, and other issues. To learn about the findings, join ACEEE and state experts for a webinar at 10 a.m. CDT on October 1. UPDATE: State efficiency scorecard released today via the 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard by the nonprofit ACEEE.

MS section of Tenn-Tom reopens

TISHOMINGO, Miss. - A lock on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in northeast Mississippi reopened Sept. 28 after an oil spill was cleaned up. The Jamie Whitten Lock near Tishomingo had been closed since Sept. 8 after the hull of a barge was pierced, releasing more than 117,000 gallons of oil. WTVA-TV reports the reopened lock faced a significant backlog of barge traffic. Crews worked to contain the oil spill inside the lock, although the waterway was closed for 4 miles. The Savage Inland Marine barge was carrying about 321,000 gallons of oil, but nearly two-thirds was safely removed. It was the second lock closure in Mississippi in 2019. (Source: WVTA 09/28/19)

Energy, tech convo in BR

TEC Next will host a two-day event Oct. 3-4 on facilitating conversations between the energy industry and technology leaders. The conference, at the Manship Theatre at Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge, will explore and highlight what’s next for the technology and energy industries as they converge to create new, collaborative solutions for smart manufacturing. The conference will feature keynote remarks from Clark Dressen, Dow’s digital operations center director, and Travis Fuller, ExxonMobil’s North America Polypropylene growth venture executive. “With great opportunity for petrochemical and refining sector growth in the Gulf Coast region, the information technology sector is a natural partner to support creative solutions in the increasingly digitized energy industry,” said ExxonMobil Public and Government Affairs Manager Stephanie Cargile. Information and registration are at tec-next.org.

Women in Construction event

The Urban League of Louisiana is holding its 2019 Women in Construction on Oct. 17 at the New Orleans Jazz Market. The event will focus on networks that support and promote women in construction across the state. Topics and networks include green building practices; myths to mitigation in risk management in construction and employment law; and financial planning and wealth building strategies. Information and registration are at https://wicc2019.eventbrite.com.

17 GOMESA projects for south MS

BILOXI, Miss. - Seventeen blue economy projects in South Mississippi will receive more than $20M in funding from the latest Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act disbursement. Gov. Phil Bryant announced the GOMESA funding Sept. 27. The designated projects include everything from water quality testing and beach re-nourishment to buying fish for the Mississippi Aquarium now under construction in Gulfport. The projects will be administered by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. GOMESA was created in 2006 by Congress and shares leasing revenues among the four Gulf oil and gas producing States of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and their coastal political subdivisions. (Source: WLOX 09/27/19) https://www.wdam.com/2019/09/27/gov-bryant-announces-million-gomesa-projects/

Tricare may cover chiropractic

Chiropractic and acupuncture services could be covered by Tricare under a new policy set to be proposed in the upcoming months. Tricare currently does not cover any chiropractic or acupuncture services for military family members. The proposal will be issued in an official regulation-change notice by early 2020, according to a document distributed to military support organizations, and obtained by Military.com. Following a mandatory public comment period, the proposal will be returned to the Defense Health Agency (DHA), where a final policy will be developed. Coverage would likely not be available to Tricare users until 2021 or early 2022, according to the document. (Source: Military.com 09/27/19) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/26/tricare-moves-toward-chiropractic-coverage.html

Global pact for NCBC Gulfport

Global Connections to Employment of Pensacola, Fla., is awarded $12,147,228 for modification (P00013) to extend the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68836-17-C-0005) to exercise Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.217-9 for option period three for full food and mess attendant services in support of Naval Air Station Pensacola and Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Eglin AFB, Fla.; and mess attendant services in support of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss. The contract includes a one-month base period, two 12-month option periods, one 11-month option period, and a six-month extension option under Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.217-8, which if all options are exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $45,737,677. Work will be performed in Pensacola (60%); Eglin (20%); and Gulfport (20%). Work is expected to be completed by August 2020. If all options on the contract are exercised, work will be completed by February 2021. Fiscal 2020 Navy operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,532,017 will be incrementally funded throughout the period of performance, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole-source procurement under the Ability One Program (Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 8.704), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command's Fleet Logistics Center at Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/27/19)

Senate passes short-term spending

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate passed a short-term funding measure - Continuing Resolution (CR) - to ward off a potential government shutdown. The measure was sent to the President only days before the end of FY 2019 at midnight on Sept. 30. The stopgap legislation that passed the House last week would keep the government open through Nov. 21 while lawmakers try to pass new annual-spending legislation for FY-20. A White House official said the President intends to sign the CR by Oct. 1, but an exact timing was unclear. The measure also extends a number of health-care programs and other expiring measures, including the National Flood Insurance Program. (Source: Wall Street Journal 09/26/19) https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-passes-short-term-spending-measure-11569518324

Nat'l Blue Ribbon schools for GC

Four Mississippi schools – three public and one private – were recognized as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Three of the four are in coastal Mississippi, and among 362 schools nationwide being recognized for academic excellence. The four schools are St. Patrick Catholic High of Biloxi, Bayou View Elementary of Gulfport, Pineville Elementary of Pass Christian, and Northshore Elementary of Brandon – 57 miles southwest of Meridian. (Source: Sun Herald 09/26/19) Among other Gulf Coast (GC) states were schools from coastal Alabama: Daphne Elementary School in Baldwin County and Eichold-Mertz Magnet School of Mobile. South Louisiana: Black Elementary of Houma, Early College Academy of Lafayette, Haynes Academy of Metairie, Parkview Baptist of Baton Rouge, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy of Avondale, St. Charles Elementary of Thibodaux, Thomas Jefferson High of Gretna. There were no NW Florida schools selected. https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/education/article235512092.html?#storylink=cpy

McCarthy confirmed Army chief

WASHINGTON – Ryan McCarthy, the man who served two times as acting secretary of the Army, was confirmed to the Army’s highest civilian post. He previously served as under secretary of the Army, but became acting secretary when Mark Esper was nominated to become the Secretary of Defense this summer. McCarthy had also served as acting secretary until Esper was confirmed in late 2017. As under secretary, he helped to spearhead disruptive reform across the service along with then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Secretary Mark Esper and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville. All four rose to power this summer. Milley became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Esper as SECDEF; and McConville as Army chief. McCarthy served in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment during the invasion of Afghanistan; was special assistant to former SECDEF Bob Gates; and worked on the House Committee on International Relations. When nominated to become under secretary in 2017, he was working as a VP at Lockheed Martin. (Source: Defense News 09/26/19) https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/09/27/mccarthy-officially-becomes-army-secretary/

LSU, Oyster Bed earn EPA awards

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Division announced Sept. 26 that Louisiana State University’s (LSU) College of the Coast & Environment as a second place Gulf Guardian winner for its EnvironMentors program that encourages interest in environmental stewardship and science careers among high school participants. Additionally, EPA awarded a second place Gulf Guardian winner to The Oyster Bed LLC of Hammond, La., for its work to promote stewardship of GoM resources and oyster shell recycling through community outreach and education. Through EnviroMentors, LSU student-volunteers mentor high schoolers on a year-long scientific research project. The program focuses on underprivileged students that are typically underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Students who complete the program increase their likelihood of graduating from high school and pursuing higher education, and their projects address real-world issues. Recent topics include effects of human impacts on plankton species, pathogens in oysters, and removing phosphorus from LSU’s University Lake. The Gulf of Mexico program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 to recognize and businesses, community groups, individuals, and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy. First, second and third place awards are given in seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental justice, partnership and bi-national efforts. (Source: EPA 09/26/19) https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-lsu-college-coast-environment-1st-place-2019-gulf-guardian-winner

Keesler aids elders displaced by fire

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - Personnel from the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron assisted in the rescue of elderly residents evacuating from a fire at Seashore Oaks Assisted Living Facility Sept. 17 in Biloxi. Staff Sgt. Christopher Carpe, 81st LRS ground transportation and equipment support NCO in charge, and Airman 1st Class Jared Hill, 81st LRS ground transportation personnel, arrived at the facility with a 44-passenger bus around 30 minutes after contact from local authorities requesting assistance. About 60 elderly residents were in need of immediate assistance. (Source: Keesler AFB 09/26/19) https://www.keesler.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1972484/escorting-evacuated-elders/

Vertex mod contract: $53M

Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., has been awarded an estimated $53,089,000 modification (P00050) to exercise the option on previously awarded contract (FA3002-14-C-0013) for support of T-1, T-6, and T-38 undergraduate pilot training. Work will be performed at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2020. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Installation Contracting Agency at Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/26/19)

L-3 mod pact for T-45 support

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is awarded a $180,418,553 modification (P00037) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011). This modification exercises an option for organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support for Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment. Support to be provided includes services, equipment, tools, direct material, and indirect material required to support and maintain all to support flight and test and evaluation operations. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas (45.7%); NAS Meridian, Miss. (41.7%); NAS Pensacola, Fla. (10.1%), and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (2.5%), and is expected to be completed in September 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Training Systems Division of Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/26/19)

LDH receives drinking water grant

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Sept. 26 a grant to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) for $1,042,627 for safe drinking water programs. EPA previously awarded LDH $242,373 for drinking water programs, bringing the total to $1,285,000 for the fiscal year. These programs ensure compliance with the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The funding will support LDH’s public water system supervision program, including developing drinking water regulations, maintaining an inventory of drinking water systems, and managing information on public water systems. The grant will also provide technical assistance to public water systems and assistance in enforcing drinking water regulations. (Source: EPA 09/26/19)

Army warns of threats at film

Soldiers and families at Fort Sill, Okla., and other military installations around the country are being made aware of a credible mass shooting threat targeting "an unknown movie theater" on Oct. 4, an Army official told Task & Purpose on Sept. 19. A memo posted on its Facebook says there has been "disturbing and very specific chatter in the dark web" regarding targeting a theater during the release of the new Joker film next week. The memo says that CID was tipped off by a Texas county sheriff's office, but the information came from the Texas Department of Public Safety's Joint Crime Information Center. The memo does not specifically target Fort Sill. Other installations around the country may follow suit. (Source: MSN 09/24/19)  The Army issued a Sept. 18 memo in response to social media posts from so-called "incels" that were uncovered by the FBI. https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/us-army-base-issues-warning-over-potential-shooting-threat-related-to-joker/ar-AAHOoWq

Blues seeking enlisted applicants

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team is seeking highly motivated enlisted applicants for its upcoming Super Hornet transition. After 33 years of flying the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft, the Blue Angels will start to accept new F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet platforms in 2020. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 15, 2019. Selection results will be available no later than November. Personnel selected will detach from their present command in June 2020 and report in July 2020. There are open E5/E6 billets within the aviation machinist’s mate, aviation electrician’s mate, aviation electronics technician and aircrew survival equipmentman ratings. The team is also accepting applications for an aviation structural mechanic senior chief petty officer with Super Hornet platform experience. All E5/E6 personnel must possess the E19A Navy Enlisted Classification. Applicants must meet the requirements listed in NAVADMIN 219/19 to be considered for duty with the Blue Angels. (Source: Blue Angels 09/25/19) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110994

Change to some AF pregnancy duty

Effective immediately, remotely piloted aircrew, missile operations duty crews and certain fully qualified pilots are authorized to perform their assigned duties with the Air Force during pregnancy without a medical waiver, according to a new AF policy announcement. The change, reflected in the Medical Standards Directory, is one of several policy adjustments made in recent months intended to remove obstacles faced by female Airmen when considering long-term service in the AF. The latest move eliminates a standardized regulation regarding pregnancy and created a policy that’s fully informed by the member’s individual situation and the advice of her professional medical team. Worldwide mobility restrictions applied to all Airmen during pregnancy remain in place. (Source: Air Force 09/23/19) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1968299/air-force-reduces-barriers-for-pregnant-aviators/

Condor's NOLA flights up in air

The future of Germany-based airline Condor, which started flights to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport three years ago, is up in the air after the collapse over the weekend of its 178-year-old parent company Thomas Cook Group. The airline was profitable despite Cook’s financial difficulties, an official said. They are seeking a short-term financial bailout from the German government so that it can keep going as an independent. The oldest travel company in the world ran out of financial road when it failed to reach a deal with its Chinese owners, Fosun International. Sept. 23 was the final day of Condor's summer-season flights between Frankfurt, Germany, and New Orleans. The flights to New Orleans began June 6 and ran on Mondays and Thursdays. (Source: NOLA.com) https://www.nola.com/news/business/article_6284be4e-de38-11e9-8d07-b3eff8c1092a.html

L3 settles alleged export violations

The U.S. Department of State has concluded an administrative settlement with L3Harris Technologies Inc. (L3Harris) of Melbourne, Fla., to resolve alleged violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), 22 U.S.C. § 2751 et seq., and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130. State and L3Harris have reached this settlement following an extensive compliance review by the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance in the Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The agreement was reached in pursuant to ITAR § 128.11 to address alleged unauthorized exports of defense articles, including technical data involving radios; providing a false statement regarding the promised payment of a commission; violating provisos, terms, and conditions of authorizations; and failing to properly manage temporary export licenses. Under terms of the 36-month Consent Agreement, L3Harris will pay a civil penalty of $13M. State suspended $6.5M of that amount on the condition that funds have or will be used for State-approved Consent Agreement remedial compliance measures. In addition, an external Special Compliance Officer will be engaged by L3Harris to oversee the Consent Agreement, which will also require the company to conduct two external audits of its compliance program during the agreement term as well as implement additional compliance measures. L3Harris voluntarily disclosed to the Department the majority of the alleged AECA and ITAR violations, which are resolved under this settlement. L3Harris acknowledged the serious nature of the alleged violations, cooperated, and instituted a number of compliance program improvements. State has determined that it is not appropriate to administratively debar L3Harris at this time. The Consent Agreement and related documents will be available for public inspection in the Public Reading Room of the Department of State and on the Penalties and Oversights Agreements section of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls’ website (Department of State 09/23/19) Gulf Coast Note: L3 Technologies – operating as L3 Harris Technologies – entered into a May 2018 definitive agreement to sell its Vertex Aerospace business in Madison, Miss., to American Industrial Partners for $540M in cash. As part of the agreement, L3 will also sell its Crestview (Fla.) Aerospace and TCS business units, which are included in the Aerospace Systems business segment. https://www.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-concludes-13-million-settlement-of-alleged-export-violations-by-l3harris-technologies-inc/

CR may delay Navy helo trainer

WASHINGTON – With the start of FY 2020 approaching next week, Congress will head into its start under another potential Continuing Resolution through Nov. 21. The House passed a CR on Sept. 19 that would fund the government through Nov. 21. The Senate has attempted to advance appropriations through four appropriations bills, but those efforts are stalled. The Defense Air Department has identified three modernization programs that will suffer under restrictions of a CR. On Sept. 20, DoD stated that a CR would “disrupt major exercises and training events, affect readiness and maintenance, curtail hiring and recruitment actions, and adversely impact contracting negotiations.” They specifically called out three modernization priorities that would be hurt, including the Advanced Navy helicopter training system. A contract to buy 32 trainers (24 Navy; 8 Marines) is scheduled to be awarded in November, but that contract, and getting the program started, would face delays. For the Navy, its next rotary-wing training helicopters contract would replace the aging TH-57 Sea Ranger fleet, which is used for initial training purposes at NAS Whiting Field, Fla. In April 2018, three contractors - Airbus, Bell and Leonardo - all brought examples of potential training helicopters to the Navy’s biggest trade show. Airbus is keeping all its options on the table. “We have a broad product range,” according to John Roth, senior director of business development for Airbus Helicopters Inc. of Columbus, Miss. (Source: Defense News 09/20/19) One of AHI’s recommendations could be the H135 light, twin-engine helicopter; another is the EC-145 helicopter that the Army now uses for its trainer, replacing its TH-67s with LUH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters already in the service’s inventory in 2014. The other two projects announced for potential delays are the long-range hypersonic weapon and the B-52 GPS interface unit replacement. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2019/09/20/these-three-weapon-systems-will-face-delays-under-a-short-cr/ UPDATE: AHI is pointing to the twin engine H135 helicopter's 5.5M hours of instrument flight rules (IFR) experience since 2000 as a key differentiator in the Navy Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS) TH-73, formerly known as TH-XX, competition to replace the service's fleet of TH-57 trainers based at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla.

$9M GA-Tupelo EMALS pact

General Atomics of San Diego is being awarded $9,095,112 for ceiling-priced delivery order N00383-19-F-NA0F under previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-18-G-NA01) for the purchase of 39 various line items for initial spares acquisition in support of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear used on aircraft carriers. Work will be performed in Tupelo, Miss., and will be completed by November 2026. Working Navy capital funds in the amount of $6,821,334 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One firm was solicited for this non-competitive, sole-source requirement in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support of Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/20/19)

Post-disaster funding webinar

In August, the U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) published the FY 2019 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making $587M available to eligible grantees in communities impacted by presidentially-declared natural disasters in 2018, and floods and tornadoes in 2019. There will be a webinar on Sept. 26 from 2-3 p.m. (CT) on the 2019 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity. All interested parties are invited to the webinar, including local, state, regional and federal agencies, economic development districts, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, trade associations, universities, and other stakeholder groups. To register for the webinar, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NMnyRs8eR8GV09wFjBsfsA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the webinar. For more information, please visit EDA's Disaster Supplemental Funding page here. (Source: US EDA 09/19/19)

Vertex AIMD mod: $19M

Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $19,062,362 modification (P00011) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N61340-17-D-0005). This is modification exercises an option for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department support for Chief of Naval Air Training aircraft, tenant activities, and transient aircraft at these locations. Support to be provided includes intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and logistics support services, as well as tools and equipment. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (50%); Corpus Christi, Texas (45%); and Whiting Field, Fla. (5%), and is expected to be completed no later than September 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division of Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/19/19)

MSU AFROTC to celebrate 70 years

STARKVILLE, Miss. - The U.S. Air Force celebrates its 72nd birthday this year. Mississippi State University’s Air Force ROTC celebrates 70 years at the land-grant institution. The anniversary will be celebrated Nov. 16 during the annual Military Appreciation Ceremony at MSU’s home football game with the University of Alabama. (Source: MSU 09/19/19) https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2019/09/msu-air-force-rotc-celebrates-70th-anniversary-chapter-honors

AFSOC: ‘Ultimate battle plane’

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The Air Force Special Operations Command’s new AC-130J Ghostrider gunship has been "performing magnificently" in its initial combat missions in Afghanistan this summer, the Hurlburt Field, Fla.-based AFSOC commander, Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, said at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 16. It’s “the ultimate battle plane.” The Ghostrider, with internal and external weapons systems is replacing the AC-130U, which has provided close-air support for AFSOC since 1995. The AC-130J has a similar fire support system, but it can fly higher and longer, according to Slife. AFSOC started taking delivery of the Ghostrider this past spring. The aircraft began deploying to Afghanistan in the summer to replace AC-130Us on a "one-to-one basis," Slife said. (Source: Military.com 09/16/19) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/16/ghostrider-gunship-ultimate-battle-plane-afsoc-commander-says.html?spMailingID=4079585&spUserID=Mjk4MDMwMDE5MDIS1&spJobID=860795958&spReportId=ODYwNzk1OTU4S0

Pilot shortage key @ squadron level

The Air Force is “holding on” during its current pilot shortage, and although the losses have slowed, Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein isn’t ready to say it’s over. The AF has 67 different initiatives aimed at reversing pilot shortages – at one time 2,000 below requirements. These initiatives are “designed toward ensuring a flying career in the United States Air Force as rich an experience as we can possibly make it,” Goldfein said. Major steps include bonuses, removing additional duties, and efforts to increase flying time (from 16 to 20 hours per month.) The key, according to the general, is at the squadron level where leadership needs to be “courageously led,” he said. The service is investing in developing stronger leaders, and when that investment pays off Goldfein said he can say the shortage is addressed. (Source: AF Magazine 09/17/19)

DoD 'tenant bill' almost ready

The Defense Department’s Tenant Bill of Rights, for military families living in privatized base housing, is “just about ready to” be released, Acting Air Force Secretary Matt Donovan said Sept. 17 at an AF town hall meeting at AFA’s 2019 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. “We’ve been working closely with the project owners and the privatized housing managers and with Congress because they’re very interested in this as well,” he said. The AF’s plan to get Congressional backing was first reported by Reuters in February, and a draft version of the joint document was released March 6. The four service secretaries have also been meeting with project owners quarterly to “go over what we feel they should be doing in order to fulfill their obligations on their side of it,” so they can ensure that DoD provides “the appropriate oversight at the housing management offices.” Improving privatized housing is “not a one and done,” he said, but the AF will keep a focus on it to ensure the health and safety of the airmen residing on base. (Source: AF Magazine 09/18/19)

Foreign trolls targeting US. vets

Foreign “trolls” are targeting U.S. veterans through a complex network of fraudulent social media pages that mimic known service groups and brands, officials at Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) warned in a new report released Sept. 18. “Their goals are to perpetrate financial fraud, spread anti-American propaganda, manipulate the online public community spaces and sow discord by exploiting and inflaming national divisions,” the VVA analysis stated. The findings are part of a 2-year report on the influence of foreigners on the American veterans’ community. Author Kris Goldsmith, chief investigator and associate director for policy and government affairs at VVA, said the report should serve as a wake-up call for law enforcement and the public. Goldsmith first got involved in tracking the problem after discovering an unauthorized “Vietnam Vets of America” Facebook page using the VVA logo, run by a Bulgarian “troll farm”, in 2017. In some cases, the sites appear to be scams designed to peddle unauthorized merchandise, a long-standing problem within the veterans community. But others focus more on creating confusion and division. VVA is also pushing the White House to issue an executive order “to protect troops and veterans from exploitation by foreign actors and to strengthen American cybersecurity.” The full report is on the VVA website. (Source: Military Times 09/17/19) https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/09/17/overseas-trolls-targeting-veterans-on-social-media-report/

AF to learn more AFSOC skills

The head of the Air Force Special Operations Command, HQ’d at Hurlburt Field along the Florida Gulf Coast, says his organization will get closer to other parts of the service so they can wage war from more austere locations across the world, which is traditionally ‘Spec Ops’ skill-set that the Defense Department wants to adopt more broadly. “We're looking to help the rest of the Air Force learn some of the things that we've learned over the years,” Lt. Gen. James C. Slife told reporters Sept. 16 at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, “as well as to enable the rest of the Air Force in many ways.” There have been a “number of exercises” AFSOC has done with the Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Air Forces Europe commands where its C-130s and airmen refuel fighters in “forward, unimproved landing strips to generate high sortie tempo for those fighter aircraft.” The general argues that AFSOC is traditionally seen more as a U.S. Special Operations Command (based in Tampa) component rather than part of the Air Force, but that will change. (Source: AF Magazine 09/16/19) http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/September%202019/AFSOC-Aims-to-Build-Force-Wide-Expeditionary-Warfare-Skills.aspx

Deep South’s ‘big ditch’

EPES, Ala. - Almost 100 years in the making, the 234-mile man-made Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway - connecting the Tennessee River from Pickwick Lake to the Black Warrior-Tombigbee River system - was designed to fulfill the dream of growth and prosperity for the Deep South when it opened in 1985. It hasn't worked out. Delayed for decades by environmental concerns and detractors who called the Tenn-Tom project a boondoggle, the $2B shipping shortcut to the Gulf of Mexico has never come close to traffic projections used to sell it to the public. Poverty rates have increased in most of the counties it flows through in Alabama and Mississippi. There are pockets of relative prosperity near Demopolis, in west Alabama, where it has helped lure industry. Yet these days, fishermen along its banks are as likely to see cabin cruisers headed to the Florida Keys rather than tugboats pushing a string of barges. "It was the greatest thing that was going to happen. It was the thing. It was the hope," body shop owner and Epes Mayor Walter Porter said. "Now it's just a ditch." An $8M port, meant to help spur development in rural Sumter County, sits unused near the Mississippi state line. (Source: The AP 09/16/19) https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2019-09-16/2b-waterway-through-deep-south-yet-to-yield-promised-boom

Trainer to honor Tuskegee Airmen

The Boeing T-X advanced trainer will be designated the T-7A “Red Hawk,” according to Air Force Acting Secretary Matt Donovan. He made the announced Sept. 16 at AFA's 2019 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. The ‘Red Hawk’ designation evokes and honors the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, who were known as the “Red Tails,” - and the P-40 Warhawk fighter that the group flew in European combat operations. In making the announcement, Donovan was joined onstage by Tuskegee Airman Col. Charles McGee. Three other Tuskegee Airmen were in the audience. The T-7A will be the “new staple” of the AF pilot training experience, he said, and its technologies are symbolic of the service’s march toward a more sophisticated future. The first will arrive at Randolph AFB, Texas, in 2023. (Source: AF Magazine 09/16/19) http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/September%202019/Red-Hawk-T-X-Designated-T-7A-Named-for-Tuskegee-Airmen.aspx

CG rescues downed pilot

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued a single passenger of an aircraft that had gone down in the Gulf of Mexico some eight miles SE of Southwest Pass, La., late Sunday morning (Sept. 15). CG eighth district here received a distress alert from an emergency locator transmitter at 11:46 a.m. CG also received notification from the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center that a Southwest Airlines flight had relayed a mayday call from an unknown aircraft. The CG's MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station New Orleans located the male pilot man in the water and wearing a life jacket. The aircrew hoisted the man and transported him to West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero in stable condition. (Coast Guard 09/15/19)

377th joins oldest WWII vet's b’day

Leadership from NAS/JRB New Orleans’ 377th Theater Sustainment Command joined the National World War II Museum in celebrating WWII veteran Lawrence Brooks’ 110th birthday on Sept. 12. Col. Justin Swanson served as guest speaker for the event honoring Brooks on a milestone birthday and his service during WWII with the 91st Engineer Battalion. The predominantly African-American unit was highly decorated for its service in both Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. Brooks is the oldest living American WWII veteran. (Source: NAS/JRB NOLA 09/13/19) 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Today, fewer than half a million American WWII vets who served in Europe and the Pacific are still living. "CBS This Morning: Saturday" co-host Michelle Miller was with the oldest American vet Sept. 12 in New Orleans on his 110th birthday at the National WWII Museum. Hear Mr. Brooks’ oral history here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdpR__EwEGk

UPDATE: GC trio tops for AW title

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Twelve Airmen battled it out in a show of strength, grit and determination during the third annual Air Force Alpha Warrior (AW) Final Battle in Texas on Sept. 12. After racing through 32 obstacles and fitness tests, including climbing, pull-ups, gymnastic rings, running, jumping, and weight-lifting challenges, Capt. Noah Palicia from Yokota Air Base, Japan and 2nd Lt. Arielle Miller, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., posted first place finishes. Yet, the fastest three male and female finishers will represent the Air Force against Army and Navy teams in the second annual Inter-Service Alpha Warrior Battle in Selma, Texas, on Sept. 14. Among Gulf Coast participants to compete Sept. 14 is 2nd Lt. Michelle Strickland of Columbus AFB, Miss.; and Staff Sgt. Seth Golloway of Hurlburt Field, Fla. The event was an opportunity to showcase the Air Force's "ultimate warriors" and the Airmen's commitment to total health, said Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center commander and host of the event. (Source: AFIMSC 09/12/19) UPDATE: On Sept. 14, the AF won its second straight Alpha Warrior Inter-Service Championship. The competition saw the three, six-person teams tackling more than 30 obstacles at the Alpha Warrior Proving Ground, the same place where just two days earlier they competed in service-specific competitions to earn a spot in the inter-service finals. There were a trio of Gulf Coast winners: The AF’s top female competitor was 2nd Lt. Michelle Strickland, 25 minutes, 5 seconds, from Columbus AFB, Miss. Staff Sgt. Seth Golloway from Hurlburt Field, Fla., was among the top male winners. Mikala Hawkins of Corry Station, Fla., was among the top three Navy female team members.

HAV, Vertex airship MOU for DoD

MADISON, Miss. - Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd of the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding in London Sept. 10 with Vertex Aerospace, headquartered in Madison, Miss., to deliver missionized Airlander 10 aircraft to the U.S. Defense Department. The two companies will partner to provide joint proposals to DoD for fully configured Airlander 10 airship. Vertex's Aircraft Integration & Sustainment division in Crestview, Fla., will work with Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) to missionize the revolutionary aircraft. Airlander 10 is a helium airship with auxiliary wing and tail surfaces that flies using both aerostatic and aerodynamic lift and is powered by four diesel engine-driven ducted propellers. (Source PR Newswire 09/10/19) https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vertex-aerospace-partners-hybrid-air-163600778.html

SD family $2M mil.housing award

In a decision that may have nation-wide consequences for private defense-contracted base-housing management companies, a jury awarded more than $2M to a Marine Corps family that sued their privatized military housing landlords over mold, maintenance and health-related issues in their Marine Corps Recruit Depot home in San Diego. The family of Staff Sgt. Matthew Charvat alleged that Gateway Village military housing, managed by San Diego Family Housing and Lincoln Military Property Management, had water damage and elevated moisture levels that caused microbes and mold to grow, making them sick, according to their complaint. It also indicated that the home "lacked effective waterproofing and weather protection," had deteriorating drywall, roof defects and rot, water damage and "visible microbial growth on the interior building components." As a result, the Charvats, and children, suffered a range of illnesses while living there about a year. Following a nearly month-long trial, the jury awarded the family $2M, according to 10News in San Diego. The award is the largest to a military family related to military housing issues, which came to light last year and made known to Congress. In 2016, another Marine Corps family received $350,000 in a similar lawsuit involving mold in a Norfolk, Va., home managed by Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities, a subsidiary of Lincoln Military Housing. LHM plans to fight the ruling, according to Military.com, and called the ruling "unjust." Previous tenants reported no mold problems on the property, and the Charvats "certified there was no mold when they moved in," according to LHM. The management company alleges the Charvats vacated the property because they wanted to move into "the suburbs and a different school district." They never cited "mold or illness as a reason for moving until they hired a lawyer," LHM's statement charged. (Source: Military.com 09/12/19) Gulf Coast Note: Balfour Beatty manages housing at NAS Meridian and NCBC Gulfport; and Hunt properties manage housing at Keesler and Columbus AFBs. The closest base to the Gulf region operated by LMH is Marine Corps Logistics Base at Albany, Ga.  

Greenwood firm: $30M NASM pact

The Johnson-McAdams Firm of Greenwood, Miss., is awarded a $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for professional architectural and engineering services in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility (AOR). A $33,339 initial task order is awarded to prepare an engineering study of Building 361, detailing required repairs to the interior non-load bearing concrete masonry unit walls at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss. Work for this task order is expected to be completed January 2020. All work on this contract will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations in the NAVFAC Southeast AOR. The work to be performed provides for professional architectural and engineering services for preparation of design-bid-build documents (100% plans and specifications) and design-build request for proposals. Services may also include field investigation and facility damage assessments after hurricanes or other storm events. Specific duties include architectural programming, geotechnical investigation, surveying, cost estimating, DD Form 1391 preparation and other preliminary project documentation. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion August 2024. FY 2019 Navy operation and maintenance contract funds for $33,339 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by O&M, Navy, and Navy military construction. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 26 proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast of Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/12/19)

Gulf range moratorium to Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill by a 248-180 vote establishing a permanent moratorium on oil and gas exploration in a swath of the eastern Gulf of Mexico that would include the 120,000 square miles Eglin (AFB, Fla.) Gulf Test and Training Range. Under current law, the moratorium against O&G exploration was to expire in mid-2022. The bill, passed Sept. 11, now heads to the Senate for consideration. The Gulf Text and Training Range is overseen by Eglin’s 96th Test Wing, and used by all of the military. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who represents NW Florida, and Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), who represents the Tyndall AFB area, were two of only 22 Republicans who voted in favor of the bill; 174 Republicans were opposed. The bill got 222 affirmative Democrat votes. Five Democrats and one Independent voted against it. (Source: NW Florida Daily News 09/11/19) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20190911/house-oks-permanent-oil-moratorium-in-part-of-gulf

Court rules VA owes vet$

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims ruled Sept. 8 that the Department of Veterans Affairs must reimburse hundreds of thousands of veterans who have filed or will file claims between 2016 and 2025 for emergency medical care at non-VA facilities. Plaintiffs lawyers claimed, based on past VA estimates, the cost of reimbursements could be between $1.8B and $6.5B. The court ruled that the VA has been wrongfully denying reimbursement to veterans seeking non-VA emergency care; and struck down an internal VA regulation that blocked those payments. "All of this is unacceptable," the ruling read, which ordered the VA secretary to "readjudicate these reimbursement claims." The VA told NBC News in a statement that it was "aware of this decision and *is) reviewing it.” (Source: NBC News 09/10/19) https://www.nbcnews.com/news/veterans/court-rules-va-must-pay-veterans-emergency-room-care-decision-n1052131/

NASM flips switch to solar farm

With a flip of a switch, Naval Air Station Meridian celebrated the completion of a 6-megawatt solar farm on base Sept. 10. The 38-acre farm consists of about 51,000 solar panels. The project is a partnership between the Navy, Tennessee Valley Authority, East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMPA) and the Silicon Ranch, which will own and operate the project. The first two phases will supply power to the TVA. The third and largest phase will provide energy to Mississippi Power. NAS Meridian is EMEPA's biggest industrial customer. Capt. Brian Horstman, NASM commander, said the ranch will serve as a back-up energy source for the base, and allow the base to support the community by sending some of the energy produced to neighbors. Once functioning, it ranch could stabilize the local grid and supply energy to 15,000 homes regularly, he said. "Everybody wins out of this deal.” The operational, the solar facility will replace 80 percent of the capacity of NASM's electric system. (Source: Meridian Star 09/10/19) https://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/nas-meridian-flips-the-switch-on-solar-energy-farm/article_da25d929-6cf3-5027-961f-b76e79ace4de.html

Ala. NJROTC first out of the box

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. - Navy cadets from Robertsdale and Elberta high schools were put through the paces Sept. 5 as part of a “Pass and Review by NJROTC Area 8 commander Merlin Ladner. Ladner conducts inspections at all 50 schools in Area 8 every two years, but in that in-between year there’s another review, which was conducted in February by Cmdr. Chad Smith, commanding officer of the Information Warfare Training Command at Corry Station in Pensacola, Fla. For the latest inspection, RHS cadets “volunteered to be the first unit to be inspected,” Ladner said, “which I think speaks volumes about the confidence of this program.” Cadets are reviewed on overall general appearance, which includes personal hygiene and uniform appearance. The inspection included all 191 cadets, including 41 from Elberta High School. Twenty-one cadets were presented medals for Best Uniform Inspection. The second platoon was honored for the Most Outstanding Inspection. Among the unit’s accomplishments for the 2018-19 school year, it ranked eighth overall among the area’s 49 member schools, which included over 5,000 cadets from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle. (Source: Gulf Coast News Today 09/10/19) In Mississippi, there are NJROTC units in Gauthier, Greenwood, Meridian, and Vicksburg to name but a few. 

http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/stories/area-8-commander-conducts-pass-and-review-with-rhs-njrotc-cadets,82706

Ford preps for T-45 carrier landing

 The Navy and Marine Corps will be able to train their newest pilots aboard the newest aircraft carrier when Naval Air Systems Command integrates the T-45C Goshawk trainer with the USS Gerald R. Ford’s carrier arresting system. The Navy is evaluating how the General Atomics-built Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) operates with Goshawks and expects the trainers to be ready to join USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) flight operations in 2020. In August, T-45Cs completed 60 arrested landings at the Runway Arrested Landing Site (RALS) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The Goshawk likely will complete another 145 arrested landings at the RALS site. AAG and the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) are new technologies aboard Ford-class carriers that are intended to save the Navy money and improve lethality. Navy officials expect the two systems will increase sortie generation by 25 to 30 percent over the current sortie rate aboard Nimitz-class carriers. The two new systems are also smarter than those they replace, tailoring the amount of force they use to launch and catch airplanes based on the aircraft type, therefore eliminating excess pressure on the airframes and reducing damage to the aircraft over their service life. When the Navy generates a Goshawk Aircraft Recovery Bulletin, Goshawks will be authorized to land on the newest aircraft carrier. Getting the T-45C approved to land on Ford is an essential step for the Navy and Marine Corps. As Ford-class ships join the fleet, new pilots will need to complete their training onboard these carriers. The next phase of CVN-78 flight operations is presently slated for early 2020, which will include the T-45C and other aircraft. (Source: USNI News 09/10/19) Gulf Coast Note: GA began testing of a full-scale power train of EMALS I 2008 at its Tupelo, Miss., assembly plant. This test program was designed to reduce technical risks, demonstrate EMALS system performance and meet contract specification requirements. Advanced jet pilots fly the T-45C from NAS Meridian, Miss. https://news.usni.org/2019/09/10/t-45c-goshawk-trainers-on-track-to-qualify-for-landing-on-ford-class-carriers

AHI delivers first EC145e to Metro

Shreveport, La.-based Metro Aviation has accepted the first Airbus EC145e helicopter produced at the manufacturer’s Columbus, Miss., It’s the first of 25 ships that Metro ordered in 2018. Metro was the first customer of the EC145e when it was introduced in 2015. It has now been approval for IFR with either one or two pilots, as has an EFIS suite and full stability augmentation systems. Metro worked with Genesys Aerosystems to build the avionics package specially configured for air-medical and “utility” operations. The Airbus Helicopters Inc. Columbus plant has been in operation since 2004. It builds UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the Army and is the final assembly location for the H125 helicopter. (Source: AV Web 09/10/19) https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/airbus-delivers-first-us-made-ec145e/

3D rocketry factory hiring

Hancock County, Miss., will soon become home to a 3D printing rocket factory. In a few years, the rocket company Relativity says it plans to have manufacturing operations up and running at Stennis Space Center. The company is now hiring to find the right men and women to make it all a reality. (Source: WLOX 09/10/19) https://www.wlox.com/2019/09/10/relativity-continues-expand-hancock-county-hiring-positions/

CAFB duo march to 9/11 memorial

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Two Airmen from Columbus Air Force Base will begin a 100-mile marching journey with an American flag beginning the morning of Sept. 10 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and will travel through the day arriving at the 9/11 memorial in New York City on Sept. 11. Maj. Jonathan Leetch, T-6 instructor pilot with the 41st Flying Training Squadron, and Capt. Matthew Carpenter, graduation officer with the 14th Student Squadron of the 14th Flying Training Wing, are managing the setup of this year’s march which is in its seventh iteration. For Leetch, it’s his fifth year being involved; and it’s year two for Carpenter. The goal of the group is to bring awareness to remembering the victims of 9/11, while also fund-raising for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in NYC. Last year, the group raised $10,500. All proceeds help to preserve the memorial and museum. “We’ve forgotten what it feels like to all come under attack and to all pull together” Leetch said. (Source: Columbus AFB 09/09/19) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1955531/columbus-afb-airmen-to-march-100-miles-to-ground-zero-in-honor-of-911/

SASC sets confirmation hearings

WASHINGTON - The White House officially sent to the Senate on Sept. 10 the nomination of Barbara Barrett to be the next Secretary of the Air Force. Trump announced May 21 that he intended to nominate Barrett, but the vetting process was not completed until August, when Congress was in recess. Barrett was spotted in the Pentagon recently and received unclassified briefings as preparation for her confirmation hearing. Sources told SpaceNews that Barrett was briefed on space issues, including the potential reorganization of the AF if Congress authorizes the establishment of a space service under the Air Force. The Senate Armed Services Committee scheduled a joint confirmation hearing on Sept. 12 for Barrett and for Ryan McCarthy, Army secretary nominee. McCarthy would fill the post vacated by Mark Esper, now secretary of defense. (Source: Space News 09/09/19) https://spacenews.com/white-house-sends-air-force-secretary-pick-barretts-nomination-to-the-senate/

ECSC gets $45M CAFB contract

ECSC of Columbus, Miss., has been awarded a $45,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Columbus Air Force Base paving and civil works. This contract provides for repair and construction of asphalt and concrete pavements including sub-base and base course, installation of associated utilities, drainage structures, sidewalks, curb and gutters, rubber removal and painting of runways, taxiways, and aprons, and turf. Work will be performed at CAFB and Auxiliary Field at Shuqualak, Miss., and is expected to be complete by Aug. 31, 2026. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $621,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The 14th Contracting Squadron at Columbus AFB is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/09/19)

9/11 commemoration at NASP

PENSACOLA, Fla. - NAS Pensacola will hold a commemoration in remembrance of (9/11) on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. in the National Naval Aviation Museum. NASP Commanding Officer, Capt. Timothy Kinsella Jr., will speak at the event; and there will be a special tribute from Chief Petty Officer Class 126. The ceremony will include the traditional "Two-Bell Ceremony," and the playing of "Taps" by the NASP Honor Guard. The public is invited to attend. (Source: WEAR 09/06/19)

VA Biloxi violates policies

BILOXI, Miss. - Federal inspectors found that the VA hospital in Biloxi, Miss., was in violation of several policies, according to a report filed last week by the VA's Office's Inspector General office, which said the Biloxi hospital hired a thoracic surgeon in 2013 who lacked proper credentials. The 53-page report says leaders made the hire despite being aware of licensure and malpractice issues. The surgeon resigned in December 2017, but Biloxi VA leadership did not follow procedures, such as notifying external reporting agencies. The federal review additionally found several physician files lacked evaluations needed to grant privileges. VA Acting Public Affairs Officer Cindy Dorfner says the facility has made improvements and the Gulf Coast VA Health Care System has taken action on all 18 of the OIG's recommendations, according to The Associated Press. Those recommendations were not mentioned in The AP story.

WW2 POW returned home

JACKSON, Miss. - The remains of a WWII soldier have been returned home to Mississippi, nearly 77 years after he died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines. Army Pfc. Harvey Andrew Nichols was a native of the small town of Braxton, near Jackson. He was taken prisoner in December 1941 when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. The Mississippi National Guard says Nichols survived the Bataan Death March to a prison camp. According to camp records, Nichols died of malaria and malnutrition on Nov. 19, 1942. He was 27. His remains were identified by DNA testing, and were returned to Mississippi on Sept. 5. A funeral is Sept. 7 in Braxton. He was one of 16 children. Ten of them served in the military during WWII, according to The Associated Press.

DoD bidders: Cyber-secure certs

Businesses intending to bid on Defense Department contracts will have to get certified as cybersecure before they can be awarded the work starting in 2020, according to Katie Arrington, chief information security officer for the assistant defense secretary for acquisition. Arrington told the Billington Cybersecurity Summit in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 5, that the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework (CMMC) is out in draft form for public comment. It would start appearing as a requirement in pre-solicitation acquisition documents like RFIs in June 2020. "In the fall, we will start putting it into (actual bid solicitation documents) RFPs," she said. (Source: AF Magazine 09/05/19) http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/September%202019/DOD-Contractors-Will-Need-Cyber-Certification-Beginning-Next-Summer.aspx

AF, Army noms' Sept. 12 hearings

The Senate Armed Services Committee has scheduled a Sept. 12 hearing to consider Barbara Barrett’s and Ryan McCarthy's expected nominations to become Secretary of the Air Force and Army respectively, according to SASC's website. In May, President Trump announced his intent to nominate Barrett but has not yet formally done so. (Source: AF Magazine 09/06/19)

Sister-generals make Army history

Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi have obtained the rank of general in the Army. It’s a first in Army history that two sisters have done it, USA TODAY reported. Women account for more than 16 percent of the military’s active-duty force, and make up 69 of the 417 generals and admirals. The 244-year-old Army first allowed women into the ranks in 1901 with the establishment of the Army Nursing Corps. Before that, women served unofficially. Barrett joined the Army to largely pay for school and attended the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at Tufts University. Now a two-star general, she leads the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, which manages and defends the Army's information networks. Lodi attended Rutgers University’s ROTC program, received her commission in the medical services corps and planned to be a civilian dietitian. But she stayed beyond her 10-year plan of service. She excelled in the Medical Service Corps and is now the deputy chief of staff for operations in the office of the Army's surgeon general. (Source: The Hill 09/05/19) https://thehill.com/policy/defense/460127-two-sisters-become-generals-in-first-for-army

Ex-Duke b’baller turns Army Ranger

As a seven-foot basketball player, Marshall Plumlee's responsibilities on the court was to protect the rim. Now, he'll be protecting the country. Plumlee, who won a national title at Duke in 2015 and spent parts of two seasons in the NBA, graduated from Army Ranger School on Aug. 30 at Fort Benning, Ga. While at Duke, he was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. His college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, is a West Point graduate who served in the Army, too. When Plumlee signed with the New York Knicks for the 2016-17 season, he also enlisted in the New York National Guard. He played eight games with the Milwaukee Bucks the following year. Ranger school involves three phrases (Benning, mountain, swamp) and involves intense training, tactics and leadership skills for 62 days. (Source: USA TODAY 09/05/19) Gulf Coast Note: Camp Rudder, located on the Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., range serves as home of the third and final phase of Ranger School training before graduation.

KAFB delivers post-Dorian supplies

Airmen from the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Keesler AFB, Miss., palletized emergency medical equipment, blankets, litters and beds on Sept. 4 and then drove more than 10 hours to MacDill AFB, Fla., as part of the relief efforts following Hurricane Dorian. The 81st LRS worked with the 6th LRS at MacDill to get the equipment shipped through ground transportation instead of through airlift therefore saving delivery time to get the life-saving equipment to those in need. (Source: Keesler AFB 09/05/19)

Minimal GC projects for wall

WASHINGTON - The Defense Department plans to divert funds, from military construction projects in nearly half the 50 states, three territories and 19 countries, to the southwestern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico as part of President Trump's signature campaign promise. Nearly every facet of military life, expect base housing, will be affected by the transfer of $3.6B in congressionally appropriated funds detailed by the Pentagon on Sept. 3.The cuts involve projects such as rifle ranges, aircraft simulators, hangars, port repairs and a cyberoperations center in Virginia. The biggest impacts will be in Puerto Rico, Guam, New York and New Mexico. The funds are to be taken from 127 projects across the globe for 11 projects in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas that includes new construction and fencing replacement. (Source: NY Times 09/04/19) Gulf Coast Note: Projects across the Gulf Coast states include the Anniston, Ala., Army Depot's weapons maintenance building ($5,200); Tyndall AFB, Fla.'s fire/crash rescue station ($17,000); NAS/JRB New Orleans' NORTHCOM construction of alert apron and alert facilities ($40,500); and a small arms range ($8,000) at Allen C. Thompson Field near Jackson, Miss. https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/04/2002178837/-1/-1/1/MIL-CONSTRUCTION-NECESSARY-TO-SUPPORT-THE-USE-OF-ARMED-FORCES-IN-ADDRESSING-THE-NATIONAL-EMERGENCYOSD009322-19-FOD-FINAL.PDF

Ensigns complete Air Force’s PTN

SAN ANTONIO - The first two student naval aviators graduated from the Air Force’s Pilot Training Next (PTN) program at Randolph Air Force Base (AFB) on Aug. 29. The PTN program is a course of instruction designed to train military pilots in a shorter period of time, at reduced cost, and with a higher level of proficiency in emerging technologies. The program individualizes training, adjusting to each student pilot’s strengths. It integrates virtual reality (VR), advanced biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive training devices (ITD) with traditional methods of learning. “The most appealing part of this program is we step away from the … one-size-fits-all training that has to be done on a certain timeline,” said Det. 24 Commander Lt. Col. Ryan Riley. “With PTN we have been able to focus more on competencies” and have been able to “tailor the training” to the individual. Navy instructors selected Ensigns Charles Hills and Seth Murphy-Sweet for the PTN program in lieu of the standard Navy Primary Flight Training phase. This joint training effort is a step toward integrating emerging technologies into the Navy’s flight training curriculum. Hill and Murphy-Sweet will move onward to the advanced stage of flight training at Training Air Wing 2 at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. (Source: CNATRA 09/04/19) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110770&utm_source=phplist3409&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=Headlines

First AF female to earn Ranger tab

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - The Army first began accepting Airmen into its Ranger school in 1955. Almost 300 Airmen have earned that Army Ranger tab. This week, Air Force 1st Lt. Chelsey Hibsch joined those ranks and became the first AF female to earn that tab. She pinned it on at the Army’s Ranger school graduation at Fort Benning, Ga. The Army Ranger Course is one of the Army’s toughest leadership courses, with a concentration on small-unit tactics and combat leadership. About 50 percent of those attending the Ranger School actually graduate. There are three phases to Ranger training: A Fort Benning phased basic on developing platoon-level leadership; mountain phase; and “swamp” phase at Fort Rudder onboard the Eglin AFB, Fla., range. Hibsch will take her leadership training as an acting flight commander with the 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron at of Travis AFB, Calif., which provided support to Tyndall AFB, Fla., after Hurricane Michael last October. Her previous assignment was with the 374th Security Forces Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan. She led PACAF’s 2018 Defender Challenge Team to six event trophies and the overall Defender Challenge Championship. (Source: JB San Antonio-Lackland 09/03/19) https://www.afimsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1948812/female-airman-earns-a-ranger-tab/

Kicking ‘one-use’ plastic habit

Jim and Woody Walker own the OK Bicycle Shop and Liquid Lounge eateries in downtown Mobile, Ala., where they serve fares of gourmet Mexican cuisine and sushi. The brothers consider themselves environmentally conscious; and began this year to make strides by ordering paper straws instead of plastic - like it or not. “It’s amazing the kickback we’ve gotten from straws," Jim Walker told Alabama Public Radio. Environmentalism is one thing. Economics is a different animal. A “to-go” container made of Styrofoam cost less than 1-cent before the duo replaced it with paper ones at a cost of 98 cents each. Mississippi State University and the federal government seem ready to help. “We just want people to make whatever changes they can, no matter how small they seem, every time that we skip the plastic, we make a difference,” said Elizabeth Engelbretsen, a public interest landscape designer with MSU’s design studio, and works with its Plastic Free Gulf Coast initiative. MSU is teaming with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to hand out Marine Debris Prevention Grants. Plastic Free Gulf Coast decides who gets the money - about $14,000 in total. One business in each of the five Gulf States gets one. The Walkers were a good fit for Alabama. At the Mockingbird Cafe in Bay St. Louis, Miss., the grant helped owners wean themselves off of single-use plastics over seven months without raising prices to its customers. “We’re helping them make up the overage until we can figure out how they’re going to do this long term,” says Engelbretsen. Plastic Free Gulf Coast can’t yet tackle major issues, but the single-use of plastics is a positive start. The Marine Debris Prevention Grant is one local application of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance’s expansive Gulf Star program. (Source: Alabama Public Radio 09/03/19) https://www.apr.org/post/kicking-one-use-plastic-habit-mobile

FNG staging for Dorian aftermath

SEBRING, Fla. - About 4,400 personnel from Florida National Guard units have been activated, primarily from the south and western parts of the state, in preparation to respond to east coast-affected areas hit by Hurricane Dorian. Among those units are soldiers from Bravo Company of the 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion that has been deployed from Pensacola to Jacksonville in anticipation of response missions. FNG’s Helicopter Search & Rescue Team has been on standby in Miami, with eight different types of aircraft, prepared to provide search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. A Brigade Engineer Battalion unit is stationed at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce for SAR missions. (Source: Highland News-Sun 09/04/19)

Flying into the eye of storms

Most all the information you’ve heard about Hurricane Dorian, as it slowly meanders along the east coast of Florida, wouldn’t be possible without the work of the Hurricane Hunters, a group of about 100 Air Force reservists who fly straight into the eyes of storms. “We are it. We are the only operational unit in the world that does this,” said Lt. Col. Sean Cross. “Flying into a hurricane is very dangerous. Ships avoid it, everybody avoids it, everybody evacuates. And here we are in the 150,000-pound aircraft,” he affirmed. There are only 10 WC-130J’s in the world that can do this job and they’re all at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. (Source: WWL 09/03/19) https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/biloxi-based-hurricane-hunters-keep-the-world-informed-about-hurricane-dorian/ar-AAGLcDH?ocid=spartandhp

Maxwell staging for Dorian

MAXWELL AFB, Alabama - Maxwell AFB has opened as an Incident Support Base in advance of Hurricane Dorian at the request of the Department of Homeland Security through U.S. Northern Command on Aug. 29. Personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency arrived at the central Alabama base to begin preparations for receiving trailers of food, water and other necessary supplies FEMA may use after the hurricane passes. “As we have for the last several hurricane seasons, Team 4-2 and Maxwell Air Force Base are ready to support whole-of-government efforts to provide Americans emergency relief,” said Col. Patrick Carley, 42nd Air Base Wing commander. “While we don’t know what will happen when Dorian makes landfall, we can be ready to provide assistance.” In addition, Maxwell received helicopters from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., that evacuated in advance of the storm. “Maxwell is a prime location to provide emergency relief support and a safe haven location during severe weather,” Carley said. “With increased activity and equipment on base, I ask that people stay away from the work sites out of safety concerns.” (Source: Air University 09/03/19) As of Sept. 3, Patrick AFB, Fla., entered Hurricane Condition, or HURCON, 1, which indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive in the area of Patrick and Cape Canaveral within 12 hours. Joint Base Charleston, S.C., entered HURCON 2 Sept. 3. Shaw AFB, S.C., entered HURCON 3 Sept. 2. Moody AFB, Ga., declared HURCON 4 Aug. 29, and began preparations to relocate aircraft for the incoming storm. https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110767

Start-up earns VR pact for AF

Baton Rouge, La., software development startup King Crow Studios (KCS) was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant for virtual reality (VR) training software for the Air Force. The $50,000 phase one grant is for the company to begin creating VR prototypes for the AF's training program. The business was founded in 2015 by Cody Louviere to initially build video games. This year, it was also selected to assist with VR training tools for ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge plant. KCS plans to compete for phase two funding of the AF contract, which could be worth up to $1.5M. (Source: The Advocate 08/30/19)