Communiversity’s 1st exec director

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) announced Oct. 29 it had hired Courtney Taylor as its first executive director for the $42M Communiversity. Communiversity is a collaboration among EMCC, Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Development Authority focusing on the advance manufacturing skills required by local industries. Taylor “brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position," EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks said. "She understands the integral role community colleges play as intermediaries between local communities, economic developers and area industries." Taylor has served in higher education for the past 13 years, most recently as the regional director of workforce and economic development for the Alabama Community College System. Prior to that, she served as the director of the Workforce Solutions department at Calhoun Community College where she managed open-enrollment programs and customized training for local industry. She is a past assistant director at Troy University's Center for International Business and Economic Development. The Magnolia Springs, Ala., native holds a bachelors degree from the University of West Alabama, a master’s degree from Troy University and has an earned Ph.D in Human Capital Development at University of Southern Mississippi. In her current role, Taylor works with Alabama's 24 community colleges to develop and align workforce programs to ensure they are current, relevant and meet industry needs. The Magnolia Springs, Ala., native holds a bachelors degree from the University of West Alabama, a master’s degree from Troy University and earned her Ph.D in Human Capital Development at University of Southern Mississippi. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 10/30/19) https://cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=76985

La. funds for aging water systems

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is assisting Louisiana with the availability of $33,937,000 in funds to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The funding will help rebuild aging water infrastructure, create local jobs and provide cleaner water. “We are committed to investing in projects that will boost local economies and improve water systems,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. “These funds help cities rehabilitate critical drinking water infrastructure and emphasize public health programs.” The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) play an integral role in EPA’s efforts to help communities replace or upgrade aging or inadequate drinking water and wastewater infrastructure through low-interest loans. (Source: EPA 10/31/19) https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-helps-improve-aging-water-systems-over-339-million-water-infrastructure-projects

Navy CR planning looks 'dismal'

The Navy is planning for the possibility of a one-year continuing resolution (CR) while the U.S. Senate remains stalled in its appropriations process. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer, speaking to reporters at a Heritage Foundation breakfast Oct. 30, said the sea-service has planned for the current stopgap CR in effect through Nov. 21, and is evaluating what a potential full-year CR may look like. "All of them are dismal," he said. CRs restrict the Defense Department's budget to the previous fiscal year levels and precludes the services from spending money on new programs. In September, DoD said the current CR would interrupt several programs, including the Navy's Advanced Helicopter Training System that was tentatively scheduled to be awarded in the first quarter of FY 2020. Navy also intended to purchase its first future frigate FFG(X), in FY-20, with a design and construction contract expected in July, according to the its FY-20 budget books. Last month, the Senate failed to pass a minibus spending package due to disagreements over the Trump administration's push to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Source: Inside Defense 10/30/19) https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/navy-planning-one-year-cr

1st AF's Radliff nom to BG

Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper announced Oct. 31 that the president has nominated Air Force Brig. Gen. Bryan P. Radliff for appointment to the rank of major general. Radliff is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the commander at the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and commander of the 1st  Air Force (Air Forces Northern) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. (Source: DoD 1031/19)

8 mil.families file suit against Hunt

Citing familiar scenarios, ranging from houses overrun by cockroaches to mold-blackened walls, eight military families filed a lawsuit Oct. 29 against a privatized housing company alleging fraud in connection with homes that were uninhabitable. The complaint was filed in federal court in San Antonio, Texas, alleging that Hunt Military Communities failed to properly maintain houses at Randolph Air Force Base and Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, and “subjecting tenant service members and their families to atrocious conditions, including pervasive mold and other airborne toxins.” It alleges the company was aware of the condition of the houses, but misled the families by leasing houses that were uninhabitable and not safe for human occupancy. The families are from the Army, Air Force and Navy. The defendants are AETC II Privatized Housing; AETC II Property Managers; and Hunt Military Communities. Officials with Hunt denied the allegations in a statement provided to Military Times. Among the families was Army Capt. Jonathan Kline and his wife, Sarah, and their three children. The Klines are now at West Point, NY, where they’ve had similar issues with their house, owned by Balfour Beatty. They were displaced while mold remediation was taking place, from June 10 to Oct. 28, and were in the process of moving back into their home during Oct. 29’s interview. (Source: Military Times 10/29/19) https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2019/10/29/cockroaches-mold-raw-sewage-8-military-families-sue-privatized-housing-company/

Grades are in for U.S. military

WASHINGTON - America’s investments in military readiness apparently are paying off, especially for the Army. But its armed forces would be stretched dangerously thin if they participate in more than one large war at the same time, according to the Heritage Foundation’s “2020 Index of U.S. Military Strength.” The think tank’s annual review of the past year’s defense policy issues assesses the global operating environment and U.S. military strength. It ranks all topics on a five-tiered scale. This year’s index is the rosiest of the six Heritage Foundation’s assessments. Defense News was given an exclusive interview with Dakota Wood, a senior research fellow at the think tank who edited the 500-page report. The full document was released Oct. 30. (Source: Defense News 10/30/19) https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2019/10/30/the-grades-are-in-for-americas-military-strength/

A&D innovative study challenges

Is the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry being sufficiently innovative? Either way, how does one measure innovation. Aviation Week and KPMG partnered to launch a project to ascertain the health of the industry’s innovation capability, and how it can drive customer decision-making and compete with others for talent. Rather than develop a very subjective ranking system, the project assessed the strength of innovation in industry, where the most important investments in research and development (R&D) are being made and the rate of investment. Overall, the industry is healthy, but is it meeting customer needs and being sufficiently innovative. The U.S. industry posted revenues of $929.5B in 2018, up 4 percent. Exports totaling $170.5B contributed $89.5B to the U.S. trade surplus. The research showed there is no shortage of product/ process advances being developed. But is it being innovative-sufficient? There are signs customer aren’t fully satisfied with the pace of development of new products/processes. Commercial airlines are pressured to reduce carbon emissions faster than the established 1-1.5 percent yearly average. The Air Force has set up an office to create a new design process that enables advanced aircraft to be developed within five-year cycles. External pressures and internal moves may be signs industry needs to do more and quickly. “For more than 50 years, higher, farther and faster has been the mantra of R&D in aviation and defense,” the authors say. “But this mantra of higher, farther and faster does not reflect the new focus of innovation - a shift to include processes as well as products and the melding of the digital and physical worlds. The new emerging mantra could be: Better, quicker, cheaper and smarter.” (Aviation Week 10/24/19) https://aviationweek.com/future-aerospace/aviation-weekkpmg-innovation-study-highlights-challenges-facing-ad?utm_rid=CPEN1000002255725&utm_campaign=21917&utm_medium=email&elq2=cc4557ef01de420a9c55f37754aa69b2

FL superfund site partially removed

PENSACOLA, Fla. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Oct. 29 that in FY 2019 the agency deleted all or part of 27 sites from Superfund’s National Priorities List (NPL) including Escambia Wood - Pensacola Superfund Site in Northwest Florida. This marks the largest number of deletions in a single year since FY 2001. Escambia Wood was one of 15 partial deletions. “Our renewed focus on the Superfund program is reaching directly into the heart of communities,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “We celebrate this significant milestone that EPA and our partners are making to clean up contaminated property and return the land to productive use,” EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker said. EPA deletes sites or parts of sites from the NPL when no further cleanup is required to protect human health or the environment. The agency’s FY-19 deletions include 12 full sites and parts of 15 more. Escambia Wood was the only site among Gulf Coast states. (Source: EPA 10/29/19) The Escambia Wood is a 31-acre site of the former Escambia Wood Treating Company, which manufactured treated wood products from 1942-82; and 70 additional acres of former neighborhoods nearby. Escambia County plans to redevelop the site as Midtown Commerce Park. EPA placed the site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List (NPL) in 1994 because of contaminated groundwater and soil. Soil contamination has been addressed and does not currently threaten people living and working near the site. Groundwater contamination does not currently threaten people because drinking water is supplied by a public water supply. The groundwater cleanup will begin once funding is available, according to the EPA website. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-partial-deletion-escambia-wood-pensacola-superfund-site-pensacola-florida

JASSMs used on IS hideout

American aircraft fired heavy ordnance, including multiple Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), to destroy the Islamic State (IS) group leader’s hideout in Syria – only four miles from Turkey - that has resulted in his death, the Pentagon said Oct. 28. U.S. forces later retrieved a plethora of intelligence and took two fighters into custody, JCS Gen. Mark Milley announced from the Pentagon. He did not specify which aircraft were used to conduct the strikes. It was the second time JASSMs have been used in Syria. In April 2018, B-1 bombers launched 19 at the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons production facilities. (Source: AF Magazine 0/28/19) Gulf Coast Notes: The AF’s Armament Directorate primarily operates at Eglin (Fla.), Hill (Ariz.) and Robins (Ga.) Air Force Bases. The directorate designs, develops, produces, fields, and sustains a family of air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions for U.S. and partner nations. These high-priority, multi-billion dollar systems provide direct and long range attack capabilities. Among some of the programs managed is the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Small Diameter Bomb I & II, and Massive Ordnance Penetrator. On Oct. 25, 2011, a pair of B-1 bombers from Louisiana employed two JASSM as part of the AF's air-to-ground Weapon System Evaluation Program (Combat Hammer). The goal of that earlier exercise, managed by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was to evaluate the effectiveness, maintainability, suitability, and accuracy of precision guided munitions and other advanced air to ground weapons. JASSM is a 2,000-pound conventional, precision, standoff missile with a lethal penetrator/blast fragmentation warhead and using state-of-the-art infrared seeker and anti-jam global positioning satellite-aided technology to find a target. A single B-1B can carry 24 JASSMs. [Four B-1B Lancers that deployed to Saudi Arabia Oct. 24 have already returned home to Ellsworth AFB, S.D. The unannounced, short-term deployment was the first time Lancers were sent to the Middle East since returning from a combat deployment in March.]
http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/October%202019/JASSMs-Used-to-Level-Baghdadis-Compound-in-Syria.aspx

Vertex aircraft structures mechanic

MADISON, Miss. - Vertex Aerospace is redefining the mid-level aerospace market with the agility of rapid deployment capability and customized quality. Its international presence and vast range of services distinguish the firm from competitors. VA offers customers a variety of global aerospace support, including Systems Integration Fabrication Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply Engineering Training Support Maintenance Modification Repair and Overhaul and all levels of Maintenance for UAVs helicopters and airplanes. Vertex Aerospace is always seeking to hire Aircraft Structures Mechanics for a wide variety of assignments. These positions range from CONUS to OCONUS locations in support of clients. (Source: Avjobs.com 10/28/19) https://www.avjobs.com/jobs/public.asp?Company=Vertex+Aerospace&g=413A2347-9AB1-4AA2-8243-9594CF421990&t=Aircraft+Structures+Mechanic+Vertex+Aerospace&l=Madison%2BMS

NAVSAFECEN award for PE efforts

NORFOLK, Va. - Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) and members of the Navy and Marine Corps Physiological Event Rapid Response Teams (PERRT) were recognized Oct. 14 with a team achievement award from the SAFE Association for their collaborative efforts to decrease physiological events (PEs). SAFE Association, a non-profit organization that facilitates a common ground for safety-minded professionals. The award highlights the front-line efforts by PERRT to identify potential contributory and causal factors to help determine the root causes of unexplained PEs. NAVSAFECEN supports the team’s efforts by providing feedback to the fleet in its role as the Navy/Marine Corps’ safety advocate in providing evidence to frontline combatants against future PEs, according to Cmdr. Corey Littel, NAVSAFECEN Aeromedical Division. The teams’ efforts contributed “significantly to a decrease in PEs by 25 percent between 2018 and 2019,” he said. PEs happen when pilots and aircrew experience loss in performance due to an aircraft or aircrew systems’ malfunction during flight. Physiological events are the No. 1 safety concern for Commander Naval Air Forces, according to the award nomination. (Source: CNAF 10/28/19) Gulf Coast Note: Pilot-trainees at NAS Meridian, Miss., and NAS Pensacola, Fla., also experienced PEs with the T-45C jet trainer.

Keesler med learns fate in early '20

Keesler (AFB) Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss., could learn its fate in January. The hospital is one of the five largest in the Air Force, and why some veterans say they retire to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. KMC was among the first one-third the military’s medical centers (17 in all) to be reviewed this summer to determine whether they’re right-sized, services/staff cuts are needed, or if some should close. AF spokesman Tony Joiner told the Sun Herald that he doesn’t anticipate KMC to out-right close. “There is a possibility that Keesler Medical Center could lose some services and personnel,” he said, based on the outcome of a Section 703 review of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. Even then, it could take three-to-five years before reductions start, he said. The Section 703 review-report was scheduled to reach Congress on Oct. 31. The report hasn’t been completed, and is tentatively scheduled for submission to Congress in December or January. At that time, the report will also be released to the public. Congress has 90 days to comment back to DoD before ultimately making the decision to carry out those recommended changes. (Source: Sun Herald 10/27/19) https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/military/article236653153.html?#storylink=cpy

AF ‘Pitch Day’ for speedy biz ideas

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Air Force will host the first-ever Hypersonics Pitch Day on Nov. 7 in Niceville, Fla., at the Doolittle Institute. AF “pitch days” are designed to do business at the speed of ideas by inspiring and accelerating start-ups' and small businesses’ creativity toward answering national security challenges. Eglin’s Armament Directorate and Air Force Research Laboratory will host. A selection of winning companies from the AFWERX 19.2 Open Innovation Small Business Innovation Research call will pitch ideas. Those selections are based on how their technology contributes to cracking one of the many challenges associated with hypersonic flight, and fashioning propulsion systems able to power a weapon at Mach 5-plus. Companies also will have a shot at a same-day AF contract valued at up to $750,000. Winning companies will also receive same-day initial payments via government credit to jump-start their work. The invited companies will present to AF experts. Fielding hypersonic weapons is a top priority for AF war-fighters. Hypersonic Pitch Day will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required at this link. For more information about U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research follow this link. (Source: Eglin AFB 10/28/19) https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1998622/air-force-hosts-hypersonics-pitch-day/

AF plans more A-29s for AFSOC

The Air Force plans to buy four to six AT-6 and A-29 aircraft and split them between the Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command. AFSOC is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla. On Oct. 24 the AF released its final request for proposals (FRPs) that show it plans to purchase two or three light-attack aircraft each from Textron Aviation (AT-6), and the Sierra Nevada Corp.-Embraer (A-29). The AF expects to issue a contract for the A-29 by end of this year, and in early 2020 for the AT-6s. The A-29s will go to Hurlburt Field for use in creating an instructor pilot program for those who advise partner-nations on air warfare. The program will help meet “increased partner-nation requests for light-attack assistance,” according to the AF. AT-6s will go to Nellis AFB, Nev., where ACC will use it for testing and development of “operational tactics and standards for exportable, tactical networks that improve interoperability with international partners,” an Oct. 24 AF media release stated. (Source: AF Magazine 10/25/19) http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/October%202019/Air-Force-Releases-Light-Attack-RFP-for-Small-Numbers-of-AT-6s-A-29s.aspx

Giant salvinia reappears in MS bay

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. - The highly invasive Giant salvinia plant that reservoir officials hoped had been eradicated reappeared in Pelahatchie Bay, some 15 miles NE of Jackson, officials announced Oct. 25. The Giant salvinia was first found in the bay in 2018 and the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District has been fighting with it ever since. There were no live salvinia plants found since May, PRVWSD officials said. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and Mississippi State University use various techniques, including flamethrowers, to kill the plant. “Raising the lake back to normal levels this week did exactly what it was designed to do, help us determine if any salvinia remained in the bay by exposing it,” PRVWSD General Manager John Sigman said. “Unfortunately, we did not get the answer we were hoping for. On the first day of the assessment, salvinia was found in one area and we began steps to handle it.” The infested area was sprayed. Nearly 3,000 feet of additional boom were added to increase containment. The PRVWSD board held an emergency meeting Oct. 25 and made a decision to close some areas of the bay to boating. (Source: WAPT 10/26/19) Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a floating fern from southern Brazil, is currently one of the more problematic aquatic plants. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl. Additionally, it blocks out sunlight and decreases oxygen concentrations to the detriment of fish and other aquatic animals. https://www.wapt.com/article/dreaded-giant-salvinia-reappears-at-reservoir/29590020

US suspends Cuba airflights

The U.S. Department of Transportation has suspended, until further notice, scheduled air service between the United States and nine (9) Cuban international airports - other than Havana’s Jose Marti International – on Oct. 25 to prevent the Cuban regime from profiting from American air travelers. U.S. air carriers have 45 days to discontinue all scheduled air service between the United States and those nine airports in Cuba. In line with the President’s foreign policy toward Cuba, this action prevents revenue from reaching the Cuban regime that has been used to finance its ongoing repression of Cubans and support of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. In suspending flights, at the request of the U.S. State Department, it is designed to impede the Cuban regime from gaining access to hard U.S. currency from travelers staying in its state-controlled resorts and attractions, and contributing to the Cuban regime’s coffers, according to a State Department media note of Oct. 25. The U.S. continues to hold Cuba accountable for its repression of the Cuban people, and its interference in Venezuela that includes “its unconscionable support of the illegitimate Maduro regime,” the note continued. “The human rights situation in Cuba remains abysmal, with state authorities harassing and arbitrarily jailing activists, dissidents, artists, and others questioning regime authority with impunity.” Despite widespread worldwide condemnation, Maduro “continues to undermine his country’s institutions and subvert the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination,” the media note continued. Empowered by Cuba, Maduro has “created a humanitarian disaster that destabilizes the region.” (Source: State Department media note 10/25/19) Gulf Coast Note: New Orleans has flights to three of the nine Cuban airports. https://www.state.gov/united-states-restricts-scheduled-air-service-to-cuban-airports/

Vet earns Congressional Gold Medal

Mississippi veteran Vonzia J. Rigsby, 98, became a Marine when blacks and whites were segregated in the early-to-mid years of the 1940s.He was among many black Marines who served in WWII as Montford Point (Miss.) Marines. His service to his country was recognized Oct. 22 with a presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal at Naval Air Station Meridian. (Source: Meridian Star 10/23/19) https://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/montford-point-marine-vonzia-rigsby-honored-with-congressional-gold-medal/article_b2b5758c-7b82-508d-a2af-76d8d21091c4.html

Ala. firm garners OBO pacts

The U.S. Department of State has awarded design-build contracts for new U.S. embassies and consulates that will provide secure, sustainable, and resilient platforms for U.S. diplomacy around the world. B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Ala., has been awarded design-build contracts for the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia; U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca, Morocco; U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai, Thailand; and the U.S. Consulate General in Merida, Mexico. Since the start of the state’s Capital Security Construction Program in 1999, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 162 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 51 projects in design or under construction. (Source: U.S. State Department 10/25/19) B.L. Halter has had its hands in on multiple Gulf Coast projects: The 21,200-square-foot Troop Medical Clinic at Eglin AFB, Fla., that serves the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group. The design-build of a 55,420-square-foot Group Support Battalion (GSB) and a 81,650-square-foot Group Support Troop Battalion (GSTB) for the 7th SFG Complex at Eglin AFB; a Dual Bay Hangar expansion for Airbus-Mobile, Ala., designed to support completing work on A320 and A220 commercial aircraft. The Lafayette, La., VA outpatient health clinic; and Gulf LNG at Pascagoula, Miss., to name but a few.

No tariffs on Airbus USA-AHI

American Airlines and Spirit Airlines executives said on Thursday that they are working with Airbus to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on European-made aircraft. That includes having more planes delivered from its aircraft plant in Mobile, Ala. Planes built there are not subject to a 10 percent tariff announced by Washington in the wake of the recent World Trade Organization ruling. American, one of the largest customers of the A320 series, expects 21 deliveries over the next two years, with nine already scheduled out of Airbus’ plant in Mobile. Spirit, which became the first U.S. airline to pick European planes following the tariff with a provisional order for 100 Airbus A320neo-family jets, said it was hoping for a resolution over time. Spirit’s remaining Airbus deliveries for 2019 and nine firm orders for 2020 will come from Mobile, while two are due from Hamburg and the remainder are undetermined. (Source: Reuters, 10/24/19) Previous. Airbus Helicopters Inc. of Columbus, Miss., is also not subject to the 10 percent tariff. AHI builds, among others, UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Astronaut presentation at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State’s Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College and the Office of Prestigious External Scholarships are welcoming Astronaut Fred Gregory to the Starkville campus for a special presentation Oct. 29 from 3:30-5 p.m. in Griffis Hall. NASA’s first African-American deputy administrator will discuss his leadership within NASA, as well as its Space Shuttle program. His talk is free and open to the public. Gregory, also a former test pilot, manager of flight safety programs and launch support operations, will present the prestigious $10,000 Astronaut Scholarship to a pair of MSU students. (Source: MSU 10/24/19) See previous storyline: https://goldentriangleregion.blogspot.com/2019/10/msu-duo-earn-astronaut-awards.html

Rep: Promised pay raise at risk

The 3.1 percent pay raise promised military personnel and retired civil service workers may be at risk of political turmoil over the FY 2020 defense budget, and impeachment inquiries, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said Oct. 23. Various military specialty pays may also have to be approved in the now-stalled defense authorization legislation and by several appropriations committees. The pay raise and other vital defense programs will remain at FY-19 fiscal 2019 funding levels unless Congress passes an FY-20 budget by a Nov. 21 deadline, he said. "We have to pass it. Nothing is safe until we pass it," he said of a range of initiatives, including pay raises. (Source: Military.com 10/23/19) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/10/23/military-pay-raise-risk-budget-impasse-key-lawmaker-says.html

Military aviation safety concerns

A team of retired generals and other top military aviation experts is traveling the world to check in with aviation units throughout the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as their Reserve and National Guard components, on a mission to help the Defense Department solve some of its glaring issues with the readiness of its aircraft and aircrews. As the death toll from helicopter and plane crashes hit a six-year high in 2018, Congress responded by ordering a top-to-bottom review of aircraft mishaps from 2013 to 2018, charging the National Commission on Military Aviation Safety to investigate, crunch numbers and come back with some answers. In the past few months, NCMAS chairman retired Army Gen. Dick Cody, commissioners have made 70 site visits around the country. The feedback collected from pilots and maintainers on the ground will be compared and contrasted with a trove of information they’re collecting from the services on their Class A, B and C mishaps. Think-tank studies have largely focused on Class A’s, due to their costliness. Cody said the commission plans to dig into all categories, with particular attention to C’s. Despite mishaps, the commission has a laundry list of issue it wants to investigate: Pilot retention; training pipelines; operational tempo and how it wears on aircraft maintenance and crews; physiological events, which have plagued training/fighter jet communities (including T-45 pilots and NAS Meridian); and budgets and continuing resolutions, and how they affect maintenance capacity and flight hours. Service members can anonymously submit their own tips on the commission’s website. The commission’s report is technically due in March, but they’ve asked for an eight-month extension. (Source: Millitary Times 10/21/19) https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/10/21/this-commission-wants-to-hear-your-uncensored-concerns-about-military-aviation-safety/

$475K EPA grant for Louisiana

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) a grant of $476,539 to support underground storage tank programs. The funds will help detect and prevent leaks from these tanks, which typically hold petroleum or hazardous substances. “Detecting and preventing leaks from underground storage tanks is hard work, but it pays off because it protects our aquifers and drinking water sources,” said Region 6 administrator Ken McQueen. “LDEQ remains a strong partner in keeping Louisiana’s water resources safe from storage tank pollution.” The grant supports LDEQ’s underground storage tank program in detecting and preventing leaks and carrying out related enforcement activities. The program encourages proper tank operation and maintenance and ensures owners and operators monitor their underground storage tanks and comply with regulations. The grant also helps LDEQ develop its underground storage tank program to operate in lieu of the federal program. An underground storage tank system (UST) is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. The greatest potential hazard from a leaking UST is that the petroleum or other hazardous substance can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. A leaking UST can present other health and environmental risks, including the potential for fire and explosion. (Source: EPA 10/23/19)

Boeing partners with Vertex Aero

Boeing aerospace announced Oct. 22 a partnership with Madison, Miss.-based Vertex Aerospace to provide Beechcraft airplane customers a new flat-fee, 21-day door-to-door solution for landing gear overhaul services through its BA’s Aviall global distribution system. “By partnering with companies like Vertex, our Aviall operation can efficiently bring overhaul services directly to the customer, allowing their aircraft to be fully operational, anywhere across the globe,” said William Ampofo, VP of business general aviation at Boeing Global Services. This new capability will expand beyond Beechcraft landing gear, providing customers with quick door-to-door shipping, maintenance and ship back for parts across a variety of business and general aviation aircraft on flat-fee pricing. “Partnering with Boeing’s Aviall team for an advanced distribution system strengthens our ability to provide quality services to customers when they need it, wherever they need it,” said Ed Boyington, president and CEO of Vertex Aerospace. Vertex Aerospace offers worldwide capability and solutions in aftermarket aerospace services for government and commercial customers. The company has been in business for more than 44 years. The Mississippi-based firm operates in 100-plus locations worldwide. Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security and global services. (Source: St.L.com 10/22/19) https://www.stl.news/boeing-partners-with-vertex-aerospace-to-provide-landing-gear-overhaul-service-to-global-customers/297614/

First ‘RS’ class receives certs

NAS MERIDIAN, Miss. - The first Retail Services Specialist (RS) “A” school class received course completion certificates after graduating from Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Meridian on Oct. 9. The Navy changed the rating name from ship’s serviceman, which the Navy established in 1943 to manage and operate all shipboard retail and service activities, to retail services specialist. The change directly translates the skills and expertise of the work performed by the Sailors in the rating to work performed in the civilian sector and better representing the functions performed by Sailors within the rating. Rating modernization continues to redefine career fields and professional development opportunities. With the progression from the original four specialty ratings (barber, laundryman, cobbler and tailor) to ship’s serviceman, the rating name change is in keeping with the Navy tradition of defining the occupation. The four-week RS “A” School trains Sailors for their first tour as an RS in the fleet. Topics include the entry-level tasks associated with performing duties as a ship's store retail operator and a shipboard laundry operator. Over 2,400 Sailors work in the RS rating. (Source: NAS Meridian 10/21/19)

Tupelo plans for Trump event

TUPELO, Miss. - President Donald Trump’s campaign website officially announced the president will host a rally at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the BancorpSouth Arena to campaign for Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves ahead of the state’s election for governor. Several city officials confirmed to the Daily Journal that the Trump campaign and Secret Service have been in communication with the Tupelo Police and Fire departments, and the regional airport. (Source: Daily News 10/20/19) https://www.djournal.com/news/president-donald-trump-officially-coming-to-tupelo-for-campaign-rally/article_5462fedf-b128-5735-a36c-0111fbfaae91.html

NSA’s PWC officer named MEOY

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast announced Oct. 1 its selections for the 2020 Military and Civilian Engineer of the Year awards. Lt. Cmdr. Christopher McDowell, public works officer for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City, Fla., was selected as the Military Engineer of the Year (MEOY), and Michael Hermanson, NAVFAC Southeast project manager was selected as the Civilian Engineer of the Year. As NSAPC’s Public Works Officer, McDowell efficiently led his team in the safe, timely and quality execution of $35M in construction and $41M of maintenance support to the base, tenant commands and their missions. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City damaging or destroying 200 of 368 NSA facilities totaling $186M in damages. McDowell flawlessly balanced and afforded his team the opportunity to address their personal emergencies while returning the base to full mission capability. NAVFAC Headquarters selects a civilian and military engineer of the year from the award winners of each regional NAVFAC command. These two individuals are then nominated as the NAVFAC candidates for the prestigious National Society of Professional Engineers Federal Engineer of the Year award. (Source: NAVFAC SE 10/21/19) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=111194

Sailor returned home after 78 years

Nearly 78 years after being killed at Pearl Harbor on Dec.7, 1941, the body of a Bessemer, Ala., sailor was returned home. The remains of Navy Mess Attendant 1st Class Johnnie Cornelius Laurie, 25 at the time of his death, was flown by the Navy to the Birmingham airport last Thursday. On Friday, his body was to be escorted from a Bessemer funeral home to the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, where he will be buried. Saturday would have been the seaman’s 103rd birthday. (Source: AL.com 10/20/19) Montevallo is 112 miles ESE of Columbus, Miss. https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/10/remains-of-navy-veteran-killed-in-pearl-harbor-back-in-alabama.html

US using banned security cameras

Thousands of Chinese-made surveillance cameras remain in use at U.S. military installations and other government sites after purchases of those devices, having been banned by Congress in 2018, highlight hurdles in replacing costly national security equipment. More than 2,700 of the cameras are in operation across the federal government, according to Forescout, a security-technology firm that detects network equipment under contract with the government. The total numbers are likely higher. Congress prohibited federal agencies from buying equipment made by several Chinese firms, including Dahua Technology, a privately-owned Chinese surveillance-equipment maker. The legislation was driven by concerns that using the equipment on military bases, police departments and embassies posed security vulnerabilities. The legislation also directed agencies not to renew contracts involving use of these cameras, but doesn’t require removal of already-installed cameras. Security researchers have raised concerns about vulnerabilities in these Chinese cameras. A Maryland-based cybersecurity company found some Dahua cameras could allow intruders access to the video feeds. Dahua released updated firmware, but ReFirm’s co-founder Terry Dunlap said a different backdoor appeared in the new firmware version. (Source: Wall Street Journal 10/20/19) https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-government-still-uses-suspect-chinese-cameras-11571486400

Mississippi: ‘The State of Graphene’

The Graphene Innovation & Research Conference, previously held in Nashville and Austin, will convene in Jackson, Miss., Nov. 19-20, at the Westin Hotel. The conference, entitled “Mississippi The State Of Graphene,” will include leading scientists, scholars and industry leaders from around the world. They will share research, innovation, and trends in the field of graphene. Graphene is the thinnest known material and is 200 times stronger than steel. Scientists call it a disruptive technology that is a “game changer.” While the advanced material is only scratching the surface, its potential is for enhancing existing products and inspire new ones. It has already had an impact in many industries ranging from sporting goods to aerospace. (Source: Hotty Toddy 10/21/19) https://hottytoddy.com/2019/10/21/mississippi-the-state-of-graphene-conference-to-be-held-in-jackson/

CoA: No jurisdiction in crash suit

A divided Indiana Court of Appeals (CoA) panel ruled for three aerospace defendants in a negligence case brought by victims of a fatal helicopter crash that took place March 30, 2015, in Saucier, Miss. The court found that Indiana had no personal jurisdiction in the matter. Following the helicopter crash that killed two passengers and severely injured one, Colleen Ricks, Cynthia Cobb, and Brendan Mullen sued Cadorath Aerospace Lafayette, Cadorath Aerospace, and H-S Tool & Parts. At the time of the crash, the helicopter’s Rolls-Royce Model 250 engine allegedly failed. All three defendants had previously entered into an Authorized Repair Facility agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop repair processes and off-manual repairs at these facilities. The accident victims claimed the defendants performed negligent repair work in the outer combustion case of the engine sometime after an overhaul that took place years before. The court had denied Cadorath and H-S Tool’s motions to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction. In an appeal, the defendants argued insufficient minimum contacts between the Cadorath, H-S Tool, and the state of Indiana to establish specific personal jurisdiction. The divided Indiana CoA agreed Oct. 17 by dismissing the case. The court’s majority noted that no repairs took place in Indiana. Cadorath conducts its services at a repair facility in Broussard, La., and is organized under the laws of Louisiana. Cadorath and H-S Tool and Canadian companies. The court ruled Indiana “does not have personal jurisdiction over this matter,” Judge John Baker wrote. In a minority opinion, Judge James Kirsch dissented: Both companies consented to jurisdiction because they are Rolls-Royce Authorized Repair Facilities. “Those agreements stated that all suits relating to the agreements shall be brought and tried in Marion County, Indiana,” Kirsch wrote. [Rolls Royce-Indianapolis, Ind., businesses include Defense, LibertyWorks, Civil Small & Medium Engines, and Marine and Helicopters. Cynthia Cobb was executrix of the estate of Steven Cobb, who died in the helicopter accident. They were from Mississippi.] Source: Indiana Lawyer 10/18/19) https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/divided-coa-dismisses-negligence-suit-in-fatal-helicopter-crash

MSU duo earn Astronaut awards

A pair of Mississippi State and Louisiana State University engineering students are in elite company as recipients of the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship. MSU senior biomedical engineering major Mary Catherine Beard of Lufkin, Texas, and senior mechanical engineering major Jacob Easley of Starkville are among 52 students nationwide named to the 2019 Astronaut Scholar Class by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. MSU and LSU were two of only 14 schools to have multiple winners this year. LSU recipients were Gabrielle Langlois in Environmental Engineering and Sarah Dunn in Industrial Engineering. Another Gulf Coast state recipient was Brady Unzicker of Auburn (Ala.) University in Physics. (Source: MSU 10/16/19) https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2019/10/msu-engineering-students-earn-prestigious-astronaut-scholarship

Ex-Hurlburt airman advisor to CJCS

For the first time, an airman will serve as the top enlisted service advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. CMSgt. Ramon “CZ” Colon-Lopez was named to become the next senior enlisted advisor to General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., replacing current SEAC, Army Sgt. Maj. John Troxell. Colon-Lopez is currently SEL for U.S. Africa Command. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright announced the decision Oct. 16 on Twitter. Colon-Lopez previously served as the senior enlisted advisor to the AF’s assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs, before moving to AFRICOM. He also served as the command chief for the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Colon-Lopez is a pararescueman and earned the Bronze Star with Valor and Combat Action Medal for a 2004 mission in Afghanistan, where he took part in an operation to capture a drug kingpin who financed terrorism in the country. The Pentagon has not announced Troxell’s next move or when the change of command will take place. (Source: Air Force Magazine 10/16/19) www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/October%202019/In-First-Airman-Tapped-as-Pentagons-Top-Enlisted-Service-Member.aspx.

Barrett confirmed as AF Sec'y

The U.S. Senate voted 85-7 to confirm Barbara Barrett as the Air Force’s new secretary, about five months since the service’s last permanent secretary left the post. (Source: AF Magazine 10/16/19) http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/October%202019/Senate-Confirms-Barrett-as-Next-Air-Force-Secretary.aspx

T-45 pilot gets emergency training

A student naval aviator got some major mid-air emergency landing training last week when the engine of a Navy T-45C Goshawk failed and caught fire. The pilot and instructor from Training Squadron 21 at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, were 30 minutes into an hour-long training flight when indicator lights alerted to them of an engine fire. Earlier, and after landing about 50 miles northeast at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Orange Grove, the pilots took off again as part of the out-and-in training. The T-45C was between 15,000 and 16,000 feet when the engine failed, according to Lt. Michelle Tucker, a spokesperson with the Chief of Naval Air Training. After a successful restart, they got "momentary indications of an engine fire," she said, and “immediately executed emergency landing procedures per their training and landed safely at NALF Orange Grove." No one was injured, but the incident remains under investigation. It was reported by the Naval Safety Center and was classified as a Class-A aviation accident, which means the aircraft suffered at least $2M in damages. The Goshawk is expected to return to service, but at what point remains uncertain, she continued. The engine failure and fire was the second Navy Class A aviation mishap for FY 2002, which started Oct. 1. (Source: Military.com 10/15/19) Gulf Coast Note: NAS Meridian, Miss., pilots also train in the T-45C Goshawk https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/10/15/student-naval-pilot-was-flying-15

Hurlburt TS dies in training accident

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Air Force Tech. Sgt. Peter Kraines, 33, a 24th Special Operations Wing special tactics pararescueman assigned to Hurlburt Field, died from injuries sustained in a training incident while performing mountain rescue techniques in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 8. The incident is currently under investigation. “This is a tragic loss to the special tactics community,” said Col. Matthew Allen, 24th SOW commander. “We are grateful for the support from our community and our (Air Force Special Operations Command) teammates. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this time.” Kraines was a military static-line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver and certified as an emergency medical technician. As a special tactics pararescueman, Kraines was specially trained and equipped for immediate deployment into combat operations to conduct combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations. (Source: 24th SOW 10/10/19) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1986350/special-tactics-airman-killed-in-training-incident/

Prez to award MoH to ACDU MSgt

On Oct. 30, President Donald J. Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Army Master Sergeant Matthew O. Williams for conspicuous gallantry on April 6, 2008, while serving as a member of Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3336 with Special Operations Task Force-33. Then-Sgt. Williams exposed himself to insurgent fire while rescuing and evacuating wounded members of his team. Master Sergeant Williams of Boerne, Texas, is still serving in the Army and assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C. The event will be held at the White House. (White House 10/11/19) https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-award-medal-honor-9/

MS native, ex-POW passes away

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - U.S. Navy pilot Byron Fuller, who later rose to the rank of Rear Admiral before retiring, spent about six years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam. Upon release from the Hoa Lo prison camp (Hanoi Hilton) in 1973, he strode across the tarmac at NAS Jacksonville with his wife and four children. He briefly addressed the crowd: "America, America, how beautiful you are ... Tonight my cup runneth over." Among his POW captees to return with him in 1973 was Rear Adm./Senator John McCann; and Gulf Coast notables Rear Adm./Senator Jeremiah Denton of Alabama; AF Brig. Gen. Bud Day, a recipient of both the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross, of Shalimar, Fla., and former CO of NAS Pensacola, Fla. Capt. J.B. McKamey – all of whom have passed away. Fuller, 91, died Oct. 4 at Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, Fla., with his family around him. Fuller was born in 1927 in Quitman, Miss., about 25 miles south of Meridian. (Source: Florida Times Union 10/09/19) https://www.stripes.com/news/us/byron-fuller-naval-aviator-who-survived-six-years-in-hanoi-hilton-and-rose-to-rear-admiral-dies-at-91-1.602447

NETPDC change of command

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Capt. Brett St. George relieved Capt. Kertreck Brooks as the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) commanding officer at a change of command ceremony Oct. 4 onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Brooks assumed command in March 2017. During his time, he led efforts at the Navy Advancement Center in transitioning Professional Military Knowledge (PMK) questions from the Navy Wide Advancement Exam (NWAE) to a separate 100 question electronic PMK Eligibility Exam (PMK-EE) for pay grades E4-E7. He also led efforts to launch Web Tuition Assistance (WebTA), which delivers unparalleled customer service to Sailors by providing greater Sailor self-service functionality. St. George assumes command of NETPDC’s 14 military and 202 civilian personnel, most of whom are assigned at Saufley Field in Pensacola. He came to NETPDC from U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colo. NETPDC's mission is to provide Navy-wide products and services that enhance and enable training, education, personnel advancement and career development. The primary elements of the command include the Navy Advancement Center, and the Voluntary Education and Resources Management Departments. Brooks will transfer to San Francisco under the Secretary of the Navy Tours with Industry (SNTWI) to serve as a Navy fellow at LinkedIn. (Source: NETPDC 10/09/19)

Forest, MS: Parts contract $11.9M

Raytheon Co. of El Segundo, Calif., is awarded an $11,954,744 firm-fixed-price delivery order (N00383-20-F-UX00) under a previously-awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-19-G-UX01) for the procurement of 101 spare part units across nine assemblies used in support of the F-18 APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar system. Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. This contract contains no options, and work is expected to be completed by December 2022. Annual Navy working capital funds in the amount of $11,413,201, and Foreign Military Sales funds (Kuwait) in the amount of $541,543 will be obligated at the time of award in the full amount of the contract, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One firm was solicited for this non-competitive requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1) with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 10/09/19) Forest, Miss., is located halfway between Jackson and Meridian, Miss.

MSU Ph.D. likely DoL nominee

President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith of Mississippi to be the Director of the Women’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor. Laurie Todd-Smith is the former Executive Director of the State Workforce Investment Board and Senior Education Policy Advisor to Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. Dr. Smith led numerous legislative efforts to help improve public education in Mississippi. She formerly served as the Executive Director of the State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC) and has led the council in developing the Family Based Unified and Integrated State Plan. Dr. Smith helped to implement the Mississippi Works award winning technology, connecting job seekers with real-time employment opportunities. She is a former elementary classroom teacher, and was also an adjunct faculty member and a researcher at Mississippi State University. Dr. Smith has a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, M.Ed. from Western New Mexico University, and B.A. from the University of Arizona. (Source: White House 10/04/19) https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-nominate-appoint-individuals-key-administration-posts-17/

FMS requests clear nearly $68B

The U.S. State Department cleared $67.9B in weapons throughout FY 2019 in an indication that America’s position in the global arms trade remains high. Those numbers are spread across 64 individual procurement requests from 28 different countries and a NATO consortium, but representing the second year in a row that the overall value of Foreign Military Sales’ (FMS) requests have slightly declined. Defense News.

LM-Meridian celebrates 50 years

Lockheed Martin workers and community leaders recently marked the 50th anniversary of the corporation’s sub-assembly plant at Meridian, Miss., which began production operations in August 1969 and initially producing the L-1011 jet airliner’s tail assembly. Since those early days, the Mississippi facility has been involved with the production of aircraft components for the JetStar, C-5 Galaxy and C-141 Starlifter ‘strategic airlifters’, P-3 Orion submarine hunters, F-22 Raptors, and the C-130J Super Hercules ‘tactical airlifter’. (Source: Machinery Market 10/05/19) https://www.machinery-market.co.uk/news/25021/Lockheed-Martins-facility-celebrates-50-years

Update: AHI escapes US tariffs

The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the U.S. can move forward with plans to impose some $7.5B in tariffs on European Union (EU) goods annually to counteract years of European loans and illegal subsidies to Airbus. Fortunately for the Gulf Coast region, major parts shipped from Europe to build Airbus jetliners in Mobile, Ala., escaped those tariffs. The WTO decision comes after a 15-year dispute over EU countries' roles in building Airbus into a global player that competes head-to-head with Boeing. But the clash isn't over. The WTO will rule in the coming months on the EU's own request to levy tariffs on the U.S. over its aid to Boeing. The United States said it would slap 10 percent tariffs on European-made Airbus planes and 25 percent duties on French wine, Scotch and Irish whiskies, and cheese from across the continent as punishment for illegal EU aircraft subsidies. The size and scope of the tariffs were reduced from a $25B list floated by Washington earlier this year that included helicopters, major aircraft components, seafood, luxury goods and other big-ticket categories that were excluded from Wednesday’s announcement. (Source: GCAC Week In Review 10/05/19) It’s not yet clear whether Airbus Helicopters Inc. of Columbus, Miss., also escaped those tariffs. http://gcacperspectives.blogspot.com/2019/10/week-in-review-922-to-105.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GulfCoastAerospaceCorridorPerspectives+%28Gulf+Coast+Aerospace+Corridor+Perspectives%29
Gulf Coast Note: After further information received, AHI-Columbus, Miss., will not be affected by these actions.

Concern letter to mil.housing’s BBC

Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment, and energy, John Henderson, raised concerns about military housing provider Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) in a Sept. 30 letter to the company, saying Tinker AFB, Okla., is suffering from newly discovered issues in on-base homes. The AF “recently discovered” an issue at Tinker caused by a flooring subcontractor failing to test for asbestos, Henderson wrote to BBC. This follows a July discovery at Tinker that BBC failed to construct firewalls as required in certain duplex housing units. All 292 units built by Balfour at Tinker need repairs, including 77 units that don’t meet fire safety code, according to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Inhofe’s (R-Okla.) office. Homes also suffer from mold, rodents, pests, radon gas, and other structural deficits, Inhofe’s office said in an Oct. 2 release. (Source: AF Magazine 10/03/19) BBC oversees 21 AF housing sites, plus Gulf Coast units at NAS Meridian and NCBC Gulfport, Miss.; NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, NSA Panama City, and Tyndall AFB, Fla. http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/October%202019/USAF-Balfour-Beatty-Must-Do-More-to-Improve-Military-Housing-at-Tinker-Others.aspx The AF is working on numerous initiatives to address the health, safety and quality concerns of service members and their families living in privatized housing. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1978142/air-force-joins-other-services-to-address-military-privatized-housing/

AHI celebrates 15 at Columbus

Airbus Helicopters Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary of activity in the United States, holding a special celebration for employees, customers, and government officials at its North American headquarters in Grand Prairie, Texas. This year also marks the company’s 35th anniversary in Canada (with its HQ in Fort Erie, Ontario), and 15 years of activity at its facility in Columbus, Miss. (Source: Vertical 10/01/19) https://www.verticalmag.com/news/airbus-helicopters-inc-celebrates-50th-anniversary/

MS mod for KAFB food services

Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services of Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $7,706,151 modification (P00012) to exercise an option on previously awarded contract FA3010-18-C-0007 for full food services. The location of performance is Keesler AFB, Miss., and the work is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,706,151 will be obligated when they become available. The 81st Contracting Squadron of Keesler AFB is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 10/03/19)

GA-Tupelo mod work 55%

General Atomics of San Diego is awarded a $12,255,842 modification (P00019) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order (0001) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-16-G-0006). This modification increases the level of effort for repair of repairables (ROR) and technical assistance. ROR includes efforts and materials required to inspect and repair or remanufacture unserviceable repairable components that are provided to the contractor as government furnished property and return the electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG) repairable items to a fully operational status. Technical assistance includes the necessary services to provide "on-call/on-site" emergency repairs. Repair services and technical assistance will also be provided for EMALS and AAG shipboard systems. Work will be performed in Tupelo, Miss. (55%); San Diego (35%); Norfolk (6%); Waltham, Mass. (2%); Philadelphia (1%); and San Leandro, Calif. (1%), and is expected to be completed in September 2020. Fiscal 2019 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds in the amount of $12,255,842 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command of Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 10/03/19)

T-1A avionics pact includes CAFB

ASES LLC, doing business as Field Aerospace, Oklahoma City, Okla., has been awarded a $21,346,897 firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00023) to previously award contract FA8106-18-C-0002 to exercise Option One for full rate production to begin for the T-1A Avionics Modification Program. This contract provides for the replacement of the avionics suite in the Air Education and Training Command fleet of 178 T-1A trainer aircraft, 16 operational flight trainers and 14 part task trainers. Work will be performed at Oklahoma City; Randolph AFB, Texas; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Vance AFB, Okla.; Columbus AFB, Miss.; and Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 14, 2025. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $9,993,753; and 2019 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $11,353,143 are being obligated at the time of the award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker ADB, Okla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 10/02/19)

MOWA $7M pact at Tyndall

MOWA-Barlovento JV A of Gautier, Miss., has been awarded a $7,058,125 firm-fixed-price contract to repair and update the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The work 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 at Tyndall AFB is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/30/19)

Milley sworn in as CJCS

Army Gen. Mark Milley became the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Sept. 30, taking over for retiring Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford. Milley, who had served as the chief of staff of the Army since 2015, was sworn in as the nation’s top uniformed officer during a rain-soaked ceremony at JB Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. During his speech, Milley pledged to continue the military’s modernization, along with showing “unwavering support” and care for troops and families. (Source: AF Magazine 10/01/19)

AHI to deliver H160M helo by 2026

COLUMBUS, Miss. – During a briefing at its Columbus, Miss.-based helicopter manufacturing facilities, Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) President Romain Trapp said the company will introduce the H160M for military markets. First delivery is expected by 2026. The commercial H160 is to receive certification by the end of 2019. AHI unveiled the commercial version of twin H160 at Heli Expo 2015. Versions are also available for offshore transportation, public services, and commercial passenger transport markets. AHI plans to reach a production rate of 30 helos annually by 2022, ramping up to 50 once it enters service with the French military as the H160M Guépard (Cheetah). Outside of the H160, AHI is delivering two UH-72A Lakota training helicopters a month from its Mississippi plant to the Army. Currently, AHI has delivered 444 Lakotas since 2006. The Army has used the UH-72A for missions including training at Fort Rucker, Ala., air medical transport, search and rescue, and Army National Guard support of Customs and Border Protection operations. In addition, the Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Md., operates five Lakotas. Source: Avionics International 09/30/19) https://www.aviationtoday.com/2019/09/29/airbus-helicopters-expects-introduce-first-military-version-h160-2025/