CG presents DFC to Lt. Bukata

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lt. Gregory Bukata at the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 31. Bukata was involved in the Coast Guard response during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, where he was instrumental in the rescue of 108 people. The Distinguished Flying Cross is America’s oldest military aviation award. It is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in a manner that is distinctive and not routine. (Source: Coast Guard 01/31/20)

US, Airbus SE resolve violations

The U.S. Department of State reached an administrative agreement with Airbus SE (Europe) to resolve the alleged civil 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. The Department of State and Airbus SE 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. (Source: State Department 01/31/20) https://www.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-concludes-10-million-settlement-of-alleged-export-violations-by-airbus-se/

Wrong fasteners on 100s of F-35s

Hundreds of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters may have the wrong fasteners - titanium instead of Inconel – installed in “critical areas” of the stealthy, fifth-generation jet, according to the results of a Defense Contract Management Agency report. The jets’ builder, Lockheed Martin, says the problem may not need to be fixed. Inconel is a nickel and chromium alloy that is to be used in locations where greater strength and corrosion resistance are required, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office. Titanium bolts are used in areas where its strength and lightness help reduce weight. Titanium, however, has a lower shear strength than Inconel. Both types of fasteners are called “eddie bolts” and appear similar except for a numbered stamped. Titanium bolts cost around $5 each. Inconel parts cost about $20. The JPO’s Jan. 9 conclusion was that “no aircraft operating restrictions or inspections are necessary at this time.” The JPO will release a fleet guidance report after the completion of a Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) analysis being performed by Lockheed. Incorrect bolts were also found at the Italian F-35 assembly facility, but not the one in Japan. Lockheed plans to submit its report to the DCMA and JPO in February. (Source: AF Magazine 01/30/20) Add a 25mm mounted gun - with "unacceptable accuracy" to the problems of Lockheed Martin F-35 program, including more than 800 software flaws. The 25mm gun on Air Force (F-35A) variant had “unacceptable” accuracy in hitting ground targets and is mounted in housing that’s cracking, according to DoD test and evaluation office. (Source: Bloomberg 01/30/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/lockheed-potentially-mixed-up-structural-fasteners-in-most-f-35s/

Reception for International students

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity's (NETSAFA) International Training Center (NITC) held a welcome reception Jan. 29 for international students onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. The reception hosted 38 international military students from 28 countries whom are currently attending professional military education or specialty training courses through NITC. "The reception served as a fantastic opportunity for the NETSAFA staff to meet and get to know some of the students that they directly or indirectly support,” said Cmdr. William Gibson, NITC officer in charge. The reception benefited staff and the students in getting "comfortable with their fellow counterparts and U.S. instructors," he said. “This is my second time in the United States,” said Chadian Air Force Lt. Ahmat Moustapha Ali, who is a student in NITC’s Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) course. MPT&E is a five-week course designed to provide attendees with an overview of methodology used by the U.S. military to recruit, train, detail, retain and eventually retire officers and enlisted personnel. MPT&E attendees often visit other commands outside the Pensacola area. The reception included 15 representatives from the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council, a non-partisan organization whose mission is to create and encourage collaboration between community stakeholders. International students in attendance represented: Botswana, Chad, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia. NETSAFA is the Navy's agent for international education and training that coordinates training support to international governments and international organizations via NETC. (Source: Naval Education and Training Command 01/30/20)

Geocent $56M support project

Geocent LLC of Metairie, La. (N66001-20-D-3417); M.C. Dean Inc., Tysons, Virginia (N66001-20-D-3418); McKean Defense Group LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (N66001-20-D-3419); Parsons Government Services Inc., Pasadena, California (N66001-20-D-3420); Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia (N66001-20-D-3421); Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N66001-20-D-3422); Systems Technology Forum Ltd., Fredericksburg, Virginia (N66001-20-D-3423); Valkyrie Enterprises Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N66001-20-D-3424); and VT Milcom Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N66001-20-D-3425), are each awarded a $56,339,692 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award contract with cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price and cost (no fee) pricing. Support includes project management, administration, drafting, technical integration, testing, maintenance, engineering, logistics, facilities and security for software and hardware of new and existing command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and networks. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes two three-year option periods, which, if exercised, would bring the overall potential value of this contract to an estimated $249,033,405. Work will be performed primarily in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region and Navy Region Southwest including Hawaii, Guam, Japan, California, Nevada, Washington state, Oklahoma, South Korea, Singapore, Philippines and Australia; and outside this region in Bahrain, Djibouti and Italy. Work will be performed outside the continental U.S. (50%); and inside the continental U.S. (50%) on a full-time basis. The period of performance of the base award is from Jan. 29, 2020, through Jan. 28, 2022. If all options were exercised, the period of performance would extend through Jan. 28, 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using operations and maintenance (Navy); and other funding, which may include working capital funds (DoD); Department of Homeland Security funds; and research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds. This contract was competitively procured via a request for proposal (N66001-19-R-0001) which was published on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Naval Information Warfare Command e-Commerce Central website. Eighteen offers were received and nine were selected for award. The Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 01/29/20)

AHI fleet achieves 100M flight hours

Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s CEO Bruno Even announced Jan. 28 at the Heli-Expo 2020 in California that the company’s installed fleet has achieved 100M flight hours, a record 2019 for new bookings due largely to strong military orders, and certification "within the next few weeks” of the new intermediate twin H160. Shell Aircraft would be one of the first operators of the H160 and fly it to support its offshore energy operations. Also, AHI announced details on product enhancements related to its ubiquitous turbine. (Source: AINOnline 01/28/20) https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-28/celebrating-100m-flight-hours-airbus-raking-orders

Metro Aviation orders 12 AHI helos

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Louisiana-based Metro Aviation has ordered an additional 12 new EC145e helicopters from Airbus, announced today at the Heli Expo trade show in Anaheim, California. This deal brings Metro Aviation’s total number of EC145e helicopters ordered to 43. Metro Aviation operates air medical helicopters and airplanes for healthcare providers and is a global leader for multi-mission helicopter customizations. Metro was the first customer for the EC145e when Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) launched the simplified, lower weight variant in 2015. In 2019, AHI delivered the first EC145e locally produced at its industrial facility in Columbus, Miss., where the remaining EC145e aircraft for Metro will also be produced. (Source: Airbus Helicopters 01/29/20) The Shreveport, La., based Metro Aviation currently operates more than 140 aircraft for more than 35 programs in more than 22 states, including D.C. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/metro-aviation-signs-order-for-12-additional-ec145e-helicopters.html

AGW available on AHI’s H135s

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) announced a new Alternate Gross Weight (AGW) is now available on its latest version of the H135 family of helicopters. H135 helicopters, with the new alternate gross weight, benefit from 265 pounds of increased take-off weight and useful load. This increase can also be used to extend the range by up to 75 nautical miles or 40 extra minutes under standard conditions. The new AGW will be certified by EASA and FAA in 2020 and can be retrofitted on all H135s with Helionix. More than 1,300 helicopters of the H135 family are in operation around the world with more than 5M flight hours. More than 300 customers in 60 countries use an H35 family of helicopters for missions that include Emergency Medical Services, law enforcement, corporate transport, offshore wind, and military training. (Source: Airbus Helicopters 01/30/20) Central Mississippi Note: AHI builds the H135 at its Columbus, Miss., facility. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/airbus-helicopters-boosts-capabilities-of-its-h135-helicopters-through-new-alternate-gross-weight.html

EPA pollution prevention grants

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking grant applications from states and federally-recognized tribes to promote pollution prevention (P2) in businesses across the country. Through these grants, the agency hopes states and tribes, along with colleges, universities and intertribal consortia, will develop and provide information, training and tools to businesses to help them reduce costs and the use of water, energy and other natural resources. EPA anticipates awarding around $9.38M in total federal pollution prevention grant funding over a two-year funding cycle. Individual grant awards could be in the range of $40,000-$500,000 for the two-year funding period or between $20,000-$250,000 funded per year. Grant applications should focus on at least one of the following P2 priority areas, also referred to as National Emphasis Areas (NEAs) that support several of the Agency’s Smart Sectors: Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing; Chemical Manufacturing, Processing and Formulation; Automotive Manufacturing and Maintenance; Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and Maintenance; and Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication. EPA’s national P2 Program will host two informational webinars for potential applicants and interested stakeholders. The first webinar will be held on Feb. 19, from 1-2 p.m. CDT. (Source: EPA 01/29/20) To register, please go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8522288642270023693.

Women's Fishing 101 workshops

BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LWFF) are teaming up to present two Women’s Fishing 101 Workshops on April 18 and April 25. The workshops are open to women over the age of 18 who are looking to learn the basics of fishing and utilizing Louisiana’s aquatic resources. LDWF biologists and aquatic volunteers will train 30 women per event in fish handling, fishing equipment, basic fishing skills, cleaning, storing, and cooking fish. Fifteen participants will be randomly selected from each course and get the chance to apply their newly learned skills on an overnight weekend fishing trip under the direction of LDWF biologists and volunteer instructors. Interested women can click HERE to register. Dates: April 18 - LDWF Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge; Weekend Fishing Trip: May 29-31; April 25 – LDWF Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge; Weekend Fishing Trip: July 31-Aug 2. Registration for both workshops are Feb. 3 through March 6. (Source: La. Wildlife & Fisheries 01/29/20) www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/43283\

No 'simple answers’ for SUPT grads

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - The Air Force successfully graduated 22 professional military pilots Jan. 24 from the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) Class of 20-06/07 at Columbus Air Force Base, where the mission is to train future pilots. Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, spoke to the class about the skills. code of ethics and core values involved with being a military pilot. “We face hard problems that don’t have simple answers, and that is why we are looking for Airmen who will stay with the problem until it is worked out,” Holmes said. Each new pilot will be departing to their respective bases to fly F-16s, C-17 Globemaster III, F-35As, and KC-135 Stratotankers. Some were also assigned to be a First Assignment Instructor Pilot tasked with training future SUPT classes at CAFB. (Source: Columbus AFB 01/28/20) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2067952/acc-commander-to-pilot-graduates-your-country-needs-you-the-air-force-needs-you/

Halftime in MDA director search

A national search to find a new leader for the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is somewhere around halftime. Gov. Tate Reeves says the ideal candidate should be “tenacious” and “focus virtually every minute on bringing better and higher paying jobs to our state." Reeves didn't offer a timeline, but the process of doing interviews and discussing ideas with the MDA team "wasn't in the first quarter, but not in the fourth quarter either." Glenn McCullough Jr., the outgoing MDA director is stepping down at the end of January. Reeves also said he was looking to possibly restructuring the MDA staff. (Source: Daily Journal 01/28/20) https://www.djournal.com/news/reeves-looking-for-someone-tenacious-as-next-mda-director/article_738cba7f-30df-5869-8210-22fbdf459aae.html.

U.S. State Dept.’s ACE noms sought

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs is soliciting public input for recommendations for this year’s Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Now in its 21st year, the ACE honors U.S. companies demonstrating leadership in their overseas operations, specifically recognizing U.S. firms that uphold the highest standards of responsible business conduct and whose operational practices and decision-making exemplify American values and international best practices. Recommendations are due to embassies and consulates by March 6. Source: U.S. State Department 01/29/20) https://www.state.gov/call-for-recommendations-2020-secretary-of-states-award-for-corporate-excellence/

Space command HQ hiring

Federal employees, former feds, military veterans and family members of feds or military members serving overseas that may be interested in working for the military’s newest, space-focused branch now have opportunities. The Air Force posted several civilian positions on the federal hiring website to draw talent specifically for the Space Force HQ. The positions start at the GS-12 level, and up. Some of the positions are reserved for current federal employees working for the Air Force. (Source: Federal Times 01/28/20) https://www.federaltimes.com/management/hr/2020/01/27/want-to-work-for-space-force-civilian-positions-are-now-hiring/

AHI lands dual helo orders

ANAHEIM, Calif - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has placed an order for three H135 helicopters, marking the first-ever partnership between the U.S. space program and Airbus Helicopters Inc. The order was announced here Jan. 28 at the Airbus booth at the Heli Expo Trade show. The H135s will be operated out of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a variety of missions, including rocket launches, security, emergency medical services, and passenger transport. Two of the helicopters are scheduled for delivery later this summer, with a third planned for early 2021. Additionally, and in another media release from AHI, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) will enhance its patrol and surveillance capabilities with the addition of 16 new Airbus H125 helicopters. The new aircraft will enable AMO to achieve its mission of protecting the nation’s borders, helping combat drug smuggling, and performing life-saving search and rescue missions. Over the past 30 years, Airbus has delivered more than 100 helicopters, both H125 family and H120, to CBP. Deliveries of the new H125s will begin later this year. AHI builds the H125 at its facility in Columbus, Miss., where a workforce also produces the UH-72A Lakota for the Army. (Source: Airbus Helicopters 01/28/20) https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/nasa-places-order-for-three-airbus-h135-helicopters.html

Navy anti-terror exercies in Feb.

All Navy bases in the U.S. will take part in the scheduled Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain (CS/SC) 2020 exercise that will be over a two-week period from Feb. 3-14. CS/SC 2020 is an annual anti-terrorism and force protection (ATFP) exercise. Citadel Shield is run by Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC), and will take place in week one. US Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) will run Solid Curtain in week two. During CS/SC 2020, Navy security forces will undergo realistic scenarios – possibly from internal threats - aimed at maintaining a high level of readiness. The significance of the exercises is highlighted by real-world events, such as the shootings at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Naval Shipyard. Personnel are required to register for the AtHoc wide-area alert network so they are aware of force protection conditions and other emergency, environmental, or exercise-related impacts on the area. The AtHoc WAAN system provides Navy installations with an effective mass warning notification system during a crisis to warn affected sailors and civilians who live and work on Navy installations. The focus of the exercises is on staggered entry and exit times for personnel working on installations to limit traffic at entry control points. (Expect delays at entry and exit points of all Gulf Coast Regional naval installations.) (Source: Naval Technology 01/23/20) https://www.naval-technology.com/news/us-naval-installations-cs-sc-2020/

Tupelo firm expanding into AI

TUPELO, Miss. - The Tupelo-based sensor and signal processing company, Hyperion Technology Group, has expanded into artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning research (ML) and applications with a new division called Eos AI Science. It is based in Dayton, Ohio. The division’s focus will be elite AI research and development to create new possibilities for the company’s customers’ sensing missions, according to Hyperion Technology Group CEO Geoff Carter. With custom AI algorithms, the firm can “add critical capabilities like object classification, the determination of intent, and unveiling complex threats,” he said. Eos AI Science is led by national expert Dr. Jeffrey Clark, a pioneer in applying AI and ML to defense and intelligence missions. Clark invented deep-learning techniques for classifying electronic warfare signals and building AI algorithms that emulate the speed and processing capacity of the human brain. The division is “well-positioned to serve customers and small business partners at and near Wright Patterson Air Force Base.” Additionally, Hyperion is moving into an expanded facility on Commerce Street in Tupelo, where it hopes to add at least another 20 employees. HTG provides custom electronic systems, such as embedded systems, signal processing, intelligent power and control systems to government and industry consumers around the world. (Source: Daily Journal 01/28/20) https://www.djournal.com/news/business/tupelo-based-hyperion-technology-expanding-into-ai/article_7af4dea3-9334-5c87-80b8-1ff1d027e673.html.

NCBC housing manager an Aussie

Steven Chadwick, the new facilities manager for Balfour Beatty Communities’ privatized family housing at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Miss., has garnered a great deal of experience through his service with the Australian Navy. Years later he followed it up with earning degrees in Construction Management and Construction Economics from the University of Southern Australia. Quality military housing has been a sore spot for privatized housing throughout the country; drew the ire of Congress and has been in the media spotlight since families addressed the lawmakers last year. Chadwick got his first exposure to maintenance-, construction- and facilities-related career fields when he decided to join the Royal Australian Navy at age 16. He served eight years with the Aussie navy and reserves performing maintenance on various ships’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, water filtration, and other mechanical equipment. He also had the opportunity to volunteer to assist with housing unit inspections. After leaving the service, Chadwick became interested in the management side of the construction industry, and decided to get those two degrees. He worked as a project manager for several companies on Australian and U.S. military construction projects before deciding to travel to the U.S. in 2012. He decided to stay, and eventually marrying, and moved to Florida. He began working in housing maintenance for several resorts and was promoted to supervisory and managing roles before moving to the Gulf Coast to BBC’s facilities manager post at Gulfport in May 2019. Chadwick deals with contractors and performing quality control to ensure repairs are up to the standards required by BBC and the Navy. “I really enjoy it … the interaction with the tenants and just helping people out and seeing a finished product that’s of good quality,” he said. BBC services 477 homes on NCBC Gulfport, in addition to the 60 homes in Northpoint Preserve and the 24 homes in Slidell, La., which are occupied by Navy military members working at the John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss. (Source: NCBC Gulfport 01/28/29) https://www.facebook.com/notes/naval-construction-battalion-center-gulfport/facilities-manager-focuses-on-quality-control-in-career-of-choice/10157980357914655/

1st in AF to install blown fiber

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - The 85th Engineering Installation Squadron completed the first blown fiber installation for fiber optic cables in the Air Force on Jan. 14 at Keesler Air Force Base. The fiber optic cable installation was improved using an air compressor that repels the fiber through micro-tubing, setting a pipe that allows the fiber to go from one end of a run to the other. The glass cable works the same way as the fiber optic cable currently used on base, the difference is “it installs way faster and it cuts down the time of getting it to the testing portion and getting it ready for use,” said Staff Sgt. Colton Gallegos, 85th EIS cable and antenna supervisor. The 85th EIS demonstrated how effective the new version of installation was by installing 1,600 feet of fiber in less than six minutes, and can cut down installation from up to 10 days to about three. “This process can triple the customer load the 85th EIS has, providing the mission capability much quicker,” Antonio Matheu, 81st Communications Squadron plans and programs, said. (Source: 81st Training Wing 01/28/20)

Tyndall APEs paving way for AF

TYNDALL AFB, Fla. - It takes about 2.2B square feet of pavement to launch an Air Force. In 2019, a team of airfield engineers from at Tyndall AFB set a blistering pace to ensure that pavement was able to support aircraft worldwide - flying more than 1.2M hours. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Airfield Pavement Evaluation (APE) team set the milestone while supporting global flight operations, but also responded to three natural disasters, including the 2018 Hurricane Michael that slammed the Panama City base. The APE team evaluates and ensures the viability of more than 200 airfields worldwide, looking at surface conditions to risk of foreign object damage, said Capt. Ben Johnson, APE branch chief. The team’s flexibility and surge capabilities were tested in 2018d. A week after “Cat 5” Hurricane Michael, they were on scene to make sure the Tyndall runway was structurally capable to support inbound aircraft bringing rescue supplies. Less than two months later, the team was at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after back-to-back earthquakes damaged the base. The team then deployed to Offutt AFB, Neb., where extensive flooding from the Platte River overwhelmed 30 buildings and about 3,000 feet of runway. The team was in the midst of an evaluation at Cannon AFB, N.M., when they received the evaluation request from Offutt. They arrived in less than 72 hours. “They just spent the last four months evaluating multiple airfields in the Middle East,” said Col. John Tryon, senior leader of the team. “Nobody else in the Department of Defense can provide this level of detailed, responsive airfield structural analysis for the war-fighter.” In the midst of completing evaluations at 22 installations across 10 major commands, Johnson said the team also identified opportunities to improve safety, increase operations by 25 percent and save more than 240 hours of annual maintenance by replacing outdated trucks. “This is such a great team, and these young Airmen are among the brightest CE officers and engineer assistants that we have in the Air Force,” Tryon said. (Source: Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center 01/28/20)

NETC SOY/MIOYs for 2019

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced its 2019 Sailor of the Year (SOY) and Military Instructors of the Year (MIOY) at a ceremony in Pensacola on Jan. 23. Seven finalists for SOY rose through a number of competitions to represent the top achievers in recruiting and training from a pool of more than 8,000 military members. The 2019 NETC SOY is Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Kimber N. Dominguez, from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore, Calif., where instructors produce F/A-18 Hornet naval aviation maintenance technicians. She will go forward to compete as NETC's representative in the MyNavy HR domain's SOY competition later this year. Among the NETC SOY finalists were several from the Gulf Coast Region: Navy Counselor 1st Class Jeffrey A. Bauer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group, New Orleans; Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Brittney N. Edwards, Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station, Pensacola, Fla.; Builder 1st Class Ryan J. Laney, Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport, Miss.; 2019 NETC MIOY finalists included Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Keyonnia V. Cook, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Fla.; and Chief Retail Services Specialist Seth A. Lowry, Naval Technical Training Center Meridian, Miss. (Source: NETC 01/24/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=111911&utm_source=phplist4598&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=Headlines

Update2: E-11A crew identified

An Air Force E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft crashed Jan. 27 in Afghanistan, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein confirmed. There was no official word on the status of the aircrew. The E-11A went down in a Taliban-controlled area of Ghazni Province, north of its operating base at Kandahar Airfield. The aircraft is assigned to the 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron. “There are no indications the crash was caused by enemy fire,” U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett said in a statement. “Taliban claims that additional aircraft have crashed are false.” The AF maintains four E-11s at Kandahar. The aircraft operate as “Wi-Fi in the sky,” according to one of the pilots; and was developed as an operational need after communication shortfalls during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. FOX News reported five crewmen were aboard. E-11 crews come from other airframes and fly the plane for the first time while deployed, according to a 2018 AF storyline. (Source: AF Magazine 01/27/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/e-11a-reportedly-crashes-in-afghanistan/ UPDATE: The remains of the two crew members aboard the E-11A aircraft that crashed in Afghanistan were recovered Jan. 28, a defense official confirmed. A defense official confirmed to Air Force Magazine that two only people were onboard. “The remains were found near the crash site, treated with dignity and respect by the local Afghan community, in accordance with their culture,” U.S. Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement. The aircraft’s flight data recorder was recovered. The aircraft was then destroyed. DoD will release the names and service details of those killed, once the families are informed. UPDATE2: DoD identified the two airmen killed in the Jan. 27 crash of an E-11A in Afghanistan. The crash killed Lt. Col. Paul K. Voss, 46, of Yigo, Guam, and Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf, 30, of Hudson, N.H. Voss was the operations division branch chief at HQ of the Air Combat Command at JB Langley-Eustis, Va., according to a recent Air Force release. Phaneuf was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. (Source: AF Magazine 01/29/20)

Innovative small biz funding

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Department of the Navy wants to collaborate with innovative small businesses to deliver advanced technology that will sustain and modernize existing ships, aircraft and ground vehicles. To solicit a wide variety of small business partners, the DoN Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs—both located at the Office of Naval Research (ONR)—have announced expanded funding opportunities through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). BAAs are requests for scientific or research proposals. The new BAA, titled 20.1/20.A, closes on Feb. 12. It offers more than $250 million in funding opportunities and spans 112 research topic areas where the Navy wants to focus more resources. (Source: Office of Naval Research 01/27/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=111917

Vt. Air Guard F-35 training at Eglin

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. - More than 100 members of the Vermont Air National Guard left this week for Eglin AFB, Fla., for a training event, known as Southern Lightning, to learn more about how to maintain F-35A fifth-generation jet-fighters. The guard personnel are primarily from the Maintenance and Operations Groups. "This is the first opportunity to take aircraft, equipment and personnel and practice in a new environment," said Lt. Col. Ernest Tomasi, 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. The Vermont air guard is the first guard unit in the country to receive the F-35A. The first two planes arrived in September. The full complement of 20 are scheduled to be in Vermont by this summer. (Source: The AP 01/25/20)

Sens.: Medals for NASP responders

Florida’s two U.S. Senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, have sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense and Actiing Secretary of the Navy urging the Navy and Defense Department to honor the heroes of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., shooting Dec. 6. The letter urges the Navy to bestow the Navy Distinguished Civilian Medal with Valor to the NASP police officer wounded in the line of duty and SECDEF’s office to award the Medal of Freedom to the sheriff’s deputies that responded to the incident. The letter also requests that those service members wounded in the attack receive the Purple Heart. (Source: North Escambia 01/26/20) Read the full letter here. (Editor’s note: The letter signed by both senators mistakenly identifies the deputies that responded as being from Okaloosa County when they were from Escambia County.)

Man convicted in Iran conspiracy

PENSACOLA, Fla. - A Pensacola business owner, James P. Meharg, 60, was sentenced to 40 months in prison on federal charges of conspiring to sell and export a Solar Mars 90 S core power generator to Iran, and concealing the action. Meharg is CEO/president of Turbine Resources International, LLC, located on Dog Track Road in Pensacola, was sentenced Jan. 24. The Department of Justice said Meharg conspired with people in the UK and Iran to export a large turbine and parts to an Iranian recipient – a violation of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and federal criminal law. The U.S. Department of Justice says Meharg conspired from October 1, 2017, to June 12, 2019, to violate the Iranian embargo by attempting to "export a Solar Mars 90 S turbine core engine and parts from the United States, for delivery to an end user in Iran." DoJ evidence revealed Meharg sent an invoice for $500,000 to a conspirator in the UK and received two partial payments of $124,950 each, one of which was routed through Dubai. The monies were laundered through foreign accounts as payment for having the turbine to be sent to Iran. Law enforcement seized the turbine before its transatlantic journey to the end-user in Iran. (Source: WEAR 01/24/20) TRI has been in the gas turbine industry for 15 years. It is clear, according to the TRI website, that the oil and gas industry has a requirement for a privately owned company that provides competitively priced power generation solutions. TRI has taken on that challenge and is competing successfully with the multi-nationals. TRI specializes in Solar and Centaur gas producer overhauls, bidding projects worldwide, customer liaison, package refurbishments, repair parts, and field work. https://weartv.com/news/local/pensacola-man-who-shipped-equipment-to-iran-sentenced-to-40-months-in-prison

AFWERX: Hub for bases of future

AFWERX, the Air Force’s technology innovation hub, wants to help bring the “base of the future” to life as its flagship effort in 2020. At its core is Tyndall AFB, Fla., which was largely destroyed by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The AF has seized an opportunity to modernize the installation with wireless connectivity on the flightline, multipurpose facilities for aircraft maintenance to family time, and sensors that track a building’s health, and more. The timeline is tight: The NW Florida base wants to begin hosting F-35s within three years. Rebuilding Tyndall is slated to cost about $5B – almost 200 percent of the AF’s entire annual yearly military construction budget. Base modernization isn’t new, but Tyndall, costly backlog in maintenance projects, and a National Defense Strategy that charges a new approach to installations are adding that urgency. AFWERX is taking on that challenge. It’s trying to grow the AF’s ties with small businesses, cultivate new technology, and speed up the timelines to get unique products to the field. The “base of the future” concept will focus of its 2020 Fusion event. … And it doesn’t just include Tyndall, but bases everywhere. Any installation can take its own steps toward becoming better equipped for the 21st century. (Source: AF Magazine 01/24/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/afwerx-sets-sights-on-base-of-the-future/

Wings Over Columbus is coming

Wings Over Columbus Air Show, April 25-26.

https://www.facebook.com/events/331912820787902/

SECDEF walks fine line at NASP

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Six weeks after a Saudi military-trainee killed three sailors that since been termed a terrorist attack by the U.S. Attorney General, the community around Naval Air Station Pensacola, including 140 Saudi students still on base, is trying to adjust to normal life. During a visit to the base Jan. 22, Defense Secretary Mark Esper attempted to walk a careful line by expressing support and understanding for those impacted, while pushing for international military training for ally-partners. Speaking with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Esper said the U.S. is “safer when we have allies and partners,” something DeSantis, who previously said Saudi Arabia will “owe a debt”. DeSantis said at the “same time ... we cannot be bringing people over here who want to do things like this with our country. So, the fact (that DoD) is) taking action on this is very, very significant, and hopefully we get the ducks in the row on that going forward.” Capt. Tim Kinsella Jr., NASP commanding officer, said the community reaction for the remaining Saudi students has been largely positive, and that "people here recognize that (the Saudis) are victims here as well… these are young kids. Now, they feel there is extra scrutiny on them, just because they come from a different place.” He also acknowledged “natural apprehension” among those living on base, saying he and his leadership team have conducted 25 town hall meetings, since the Dec. 6 attack by a Saudi officer that killed three sailors, to hear local concerns and try to address them. On the plane heading down from Washington, Esper also pushed back at the idea that Saudi students should only be allowed to train in their home country: “Right now, that’s not under active consideration.” After the Dec. 6 shooting by the Saudi flight officer trainee at Pensacola, killing three service members and wounding eight others, the Defense Department ordered a security review to sweep not only international students, but to look for holes in a host of security regulations. In a Jan. 17 memo, Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist ordered that non-classroom training can resume once the military services have met certain conditions, including implementing a prohibition on the possession – on/off military property - of privately owned firearms and ammunition by international military students and families. The services must ensure all international students are under continuous monitoring for potentially disqualifying behavior, which is intended to allow U.S. officials to pick up on signs of radicalization or problematic behavior that may not have been recognized when the student entered the training program. As part of Esper’s visit, he met with a number of first responders, including MA3 David Link Jr., part of the base security forces team. Link said his life has returned to normal, but the community is still in shock. "But for the following days … it was heartbreaking, for the three … that didn’t get to go home to see their families.” (Source: Military Times 01/22/20) The Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Activity, HQ’d in Pensacola, is the Navy's agent for international education and training. NETSAFA coordinates training support to international governments and international organizations. As a field activity of the Naval Education and Training Command, also HQ’d in Pensacola, the unit serves as a focal point for all security assistance training program issues, coordination and advice within the Navy. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/01/23/espers-balancing-act-in-pensacola-showing-support-after-shooting-while-encouraging-training-foreign-allies/

ISS capsule named for astronaut

The first African-American selected as an astronaut is being remembered with the naming of a space station cargo capsule set to launch during February, Black History Month. The 13th Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft has been christened for the late Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., who in 1967 was chosen for the Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program. The "S.S. Robert H. Lawrence" is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station atop a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Va., on Feb. 9. (Source: Northrop Grumman 01/22/20) http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-012220a-northrop-grumman-ng13-robert-lawrence.html

AF must adjust to carry out NDS

The Air Force is not structured to carry out the National Defense Strategy (NDS). To deter a major war, it must add stealth aircraft, expand unmanned systems, accelerate development of new technology, and operate from a wide range of locations globally, according to a report from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). The AF is only sized to fight one war, according to the study, “Five Priorities for the Air Force’s Future Combat Air Force,” which was released Jan. 22. The 75-page report builds on a previous CSBA study evaluating the AF’s “The Force We Need” construct, and offered five recommendations to “close the gap” between what AF has and what the 2018 NDS demands of it. … (Source: AF Magazine 01/22/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/csba-usaf-must-get-bigger-stealthier-faster-and-more-spread-out/

MSU leading way across state

STARKVILLE, Miss. - As Mississippi State University begins a new decade of teaching, research and service, on Jan. 22, university leaders highlighted MSU’s growing impact across the state, and globally, at its spring general faculty meeting. MSU President Mark E. Keenum noted some of the university’s success from 2019 included new records for student enrollment, and research and development expenditures. MSU remains the top college of choice for Mississippi high school graduates, according to Keenum, noting the long-term value of producing more college graduates. Keenum also updated several ongoing capital improvement projects. The MSU-Starkville Oktibbeha School District Partnership School is nearing completion and will begin serving all sixth and seventh grade students in August. Another project includes the new Richard A. Rula Engineering and Science Complex. MSU Interim VP for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan noted the impact of MSU’s research enterprise, with researchers working to solve critical issues and developing technology that leads to new economic opportunities. The latest data from the National Science Foundation shows MSU spent $244 M in research development expenditures across FY 2018, accounting for more than half of the total of all other Mississippi universities. MSU, an NSF top 100 research university, maintained its strong national leadership in agricultural and social sciences, ranking 11th and 12th in the U.S., respectively. (Source: MSU 01/22/20) Three of MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering disciplines are rated in the top 50, with aerospace and mechanical engineering both ranking 34th and industrial engineering ranking 38th. https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2020/01/msu-leaders-highlight-universitys-impact-accomplishments

Miss. CCs' economy impact

A report commissioned by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges was released Jan. 21 showing the multi-billion dollar economic impact those 15 colleges have across the state. The study was commissioned to demonstrate how the community college (CC) system makes significant contributions to the state’s economy, supporting communities across the state’s 82 counties. Each year, an average of 8,876 graduates find jobs in Mississippi and support an additional 6,421 indirect jobs. The economic activity created by those 15,297 total jobs generates an estimated $509 million in wages and salaries, resulting in an estimated $73 million in state and local tax revenue and $1.2 billion contributed to Mississippi’s annual GDP. The top five study programs are liberal arts and sciences, health professions (registered nurses, licensed nurse practitioners and other technicians), business, management and marketing, advanced manufacturing and mechanic and repair technology. (Source: Daily Journal 01/21/20) https://msbusiness.com/2020/01/mississippis-community-colleges-have-multi-billion-dollar-impact-on-state-economy-report-shows/

Northrop expanding Iuka facility

Aerospace and defense giant Northrop Grumman Corp. is expanding its Iuka, Miss., production facility and investing $8.3M for infrastructure and a new warehouse that will create 40 jobs immediately. Northrop Grumman has more than 200 employees at its 320,000-square-foot Iuka facility that produces large composite aerospace structures for its Antares, Pegasus and Minotaur launch vehicles and United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles. Among other work, the company recently started production of composite structures for its new OmegA mid-to-large launch vehicle. The Mississippi Development Authority is providing a $600,000 grant for infrastructure improvements and the construction of a warehouse. (Source: MDA 01/21/20) https://msbusiness.com/2020/01/northrop-grumman-investing-8-3m-adding-40-jobs-in-iuka/

SECDEF press conference at NASP

Secretary of Defense (Dr.) Mark T. Esper embarks Jan. 22 to visit Naval Air Station Pensacola and the U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Fla. At NASP, SECDEF will visit with first responders involved in the Dec. 6 shooting, where three U.S. service members were killed. (Source: DoD 01/21/20) UPDATE: SECDEF Esper discussed the vetting changes being put into place for foreign students during a press conference Jan. 22 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. It's Esper's first visit to the base since the deadly Dec. 6 terrorist shooting. Esper said the vetting changes will be far more apprehensive. "It'll look at every aspect of their background, it'll look at social media," Esper said. "And it will also involve continuous monitoring once they're here in the United States." ... and it want only involve Saudi military students. (Source: WEAR 01/22/20) https://weartv.com/news/nas-pensacola-shooting/us-defense-secretary-mark-esper-visiting-nas-pensacola-today

Next Up

Names of first responders on scene during NAS Pensacola shooting

 

EDA updates CEDS guidelines

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Jan. 21 that it has updated its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) Content Guidelines to help communities across America maximize their ability to attract investment to Opportunity Zones. The new recommendations outline how communities can further promote the economic attractiveness of their region. EDA’s CEDS is a regionally-owned, collaborative planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. It also serves as a vehicle for local governments, institutes of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation about what efforts could drive economic development in the region. To better position themselves for investment through Opportunity Zones, communities need to have a strong economic development plan in place that can send a signal to the private sector that the area has established a clear vision for the future, identified its important assets and challenges, and engaged key stakeholders. For more about EDA’s CEDS planning process and to access the new CEDS content guidelines, visit: www.eda.gov/CEDS.

‘Heart of gold’ to GC veterans

Seventeen-year-old Shayla Pierson, a Long Beach, Miss., High School senior spearheaded an effort and donated 100 gift bags to the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System’s (GCVHCS) Homeless Program on Dec. 18 at the Biloxi VA Medical Center. “Everyone who is homeless once had a home,” Pierson said. “They had family who loved them. Just because things happen doesn’t mean these people don’t have worth. Sometimes a person just needs to know someone cares and values their worth.” Pierson began collecting toiletries during a three-month project. In addition, at LBHS’ Family Career Community Leaders of America club, she asked other students to join in. As a result, donations of socks, personal grooming items and snacks filled more than 100 bags. “Shayla has a heart of gold,” said GCVHCS Homeless Program Manager Jodie Picciano-Swanson. She is the granddaughter of Korean War veteran and Gulfport, Miss., resident Paul Upton. (Source: Veterans Administration 01/20/20) The GCVHCS Homeless Program serves an estimated 875 homeless vet in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. The Biloxi Medical Center, along with the Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Eglin, and Panama City, Fla., VA clinics, are all part of the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System.