USFFC visits Gulfport, shipyards

Adm. Christopher W. Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, met with key leaders at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC), Naval Construction Group 2, Naval Construction Training Center, and Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Gulfport, Miss., earlier this month. He also stopped in on a visit to Huntington Ingalls Industries and Austal USA commercial shipyards as part of a regional visit to Alabama and Mississippi to understand the types of operations and training conducted in support of the USFFC mission. (Source: NCBC Gulfport 06/29/21) (3) Facebook

La. firms complete NPS vessel

TAI Engineers LLC, a New Orleans-based maritime solutions company, has finished design and construction of a new 74-foot passenger/utility vessel for the National Park Service (NPS). The all-steel vessel is named Annie Moore after the first immigrant, a 15-year-old Irish girl, who signed the Ellis Island (NY) register. Among duties of the Annie Moore is to transport national and international dignitary guests to the Statue of Liberty. The Coast Guard Sub-T inspected vessel was built jointly by TAI and its subcontractor Aluma Marine, at its facilities in Harvey, La. (Source: Work Boat 06/29/21)

Port NOLA issues LIT RfP

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RfP) for Program Management/Program Controls Services in development of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a new container facility capable of handling 2M TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually and serving the industry’s largest vessels. “This RfP represents tangible progress toward maintaining our gateway’s continued competitive advantage and building on Port NOLA’s 50-year history as Louisiana’s only international container port,” said Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of the Port. Responses to the RfP are due on July 13. It’s the second RfP that has been issued related to LIT. (Source: Port NOLA 06/29/21) Port NOLA | Port of New Orleans Progresses Toward Development of New…

Miss., Ala. at risk for Delta variant

JACKSON, Miss - Mississippi is one of five states singled out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a place where the Delta variant of COVID-19 could have the worst impact. The other states are Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Wyoming. Mississippi ‘s state Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said the reason Mississippi is vulnerable to the Delta variant is low vaccination rates. The state is seeing outbreaks of Delta occurring in elementary, middle and high school-age kids according to Dr. Byers. As of Tuesday, the department reported 78 cases of the Delta variant across the state. More than 80 percent of those cases occurred in the Jackson metro area. (Source: WTOK 06/29/21) CDC points to Mississippi as one of five places where Delta variant could have worst impact (wtok.com)

PBK-MSU to induct students

STARKVILLE, Miss. - The Gamma of Mississippi chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Society at Mississippi State University is announcing the induction of more than 100 students in 2020-21. Selected for their extraordinary academic achievement in the arts and sciences, Phi Beta Kappa inductees are among the top 10 percent of their graduating class who have completed a broad range of liberal arts and sciences coursework, including foreign language study and mathematics. (Source: MSU 06/30/21) List of students by hometown: Phi Beta Kappa chapter at MSU announces new inductees | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)

MSU nuke energy technology funds

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Faculty members within Mississippi State University’s departments of Aerospace Engineering and Geosciences are advancing nuclear energy technology with $1.6M in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) for two separate projects. Aerospace Engineering Assistant Professor Zhenhua Tian is serving as principal investigator for an $800,000 grant to develop and validate wireless, ultrasonic sensor arrays for real-time monitoring of welded dry canisters that store spent nuclear fuels. Rinat Gabitov, associate professor in the Department of Geosciences, is receiving $800,000 for a project to advance the functionality of engineered barrier systems through the addition of phosphate minerals in backfill mixtures, potentially improving the materials’ sorption/uptake of radionuclides in water breach scenarios. The grants are part of 99 advanced nuclear energy projects recently announced by the DoE. (Source: MSU 08/29/21)

FEMA funds MSU's UAS program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced about $2M in funding for Mississippi State University’s Federal Aviation Administration Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The FY 2021 funds were provided by FEMA’s Homeland Security National Training Program Continuing Training Grant2, which is intended to be used to develop training programs for the use of drones in disaster preparation and response, U.S. Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) said in a statement. Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Laboratory is the only institute in the world that is designated as the FAA’s UAS Safety Research Facility and official UAS Test Sites for both the FAA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (Source: Y’all Politics 06/29/21) Miss. State’s Unmanned Aircraft System receives FEMA funding | Mississippi Politics and News - Y'all Politics (yallpolitics.com)

Austal delivers LCS 28

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA delivered the future USS Savannah, the 14th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), to the  Navy on June 25. Savannah (LCS 28) is the seventh ship Austal has delivered to the Navy in less than two years. Austal’s production and budget efficiency has reduced overall time of construction. LCS 28 was completed in just under three years, a full 12-month improvement over earlier ships. Five LCS and two Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPFs) are currently under construction at Austal. The shipyard was recently awarded a design contract for the Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) that would be manufactured on Austal’s new steel construction serial production line. (Source: Austal USA 06/28/21)

July 4 celebrations returning

The City of Meridian’s Fourth of July Celebration will be back this weekend after a year off from the COVID pandemic, according to Laura Carmichael, the city’s Community Development Director. The celebration at Bonita Lakes Park on July 4 will feature the Ocean Springs band Unfazed. The park will open at 3:30 p.m. Unfazed's show will begin around 6:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Bonita Lakes and at Uptown Meridian. A shuttle bus will start running from the Tuesday Morning parking lot to Bonita Lakes at 5:30 p.m. (Source: Meridian Star 06/25/21) Additionally, fireworks in Gulfport, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula start at 8:45 p.m.; and Biloxi Beach at 9 .m.

Hail State ... and SEC baseball

Thg 3-game baseball finals of the College World Series starts Monday (June 28) at 6 p.m. CT (on ESPN2) between defending national champion Vanderbilt and the Mississippi State University Bulldogs. - both memembers of the SEC. Games 2 and 3 will be consecutive nights through Wendesday, if needed. Tuesday's game is at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Game 3, if needed, starts June 30 at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.

GT's Brand is Miss Mississippi

UPDATE: 

Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand was crowned Miss Mississippi during the finals of the competition June 26 in Vicksburg. Brand, a native of Meridian, won the talent portion and evening wear winner earlier in the week. Brand studied communications at the University of Alabama. She was named Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen in 2017. Her social impact initiative is promoting volunteerism in the state. First runner-up was Miss University of Southern Mississippi Vivian O'Neal; second runner-up was Miss Jones County Caidyn Crowder; third runner-up was Miss Pine Belt Macy Mitchell; and fourth runner-up was Miss Pearl of the South Rachel Shumaker. Brand will now compete in the Miss America Pageant., which is scheduled for December at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (Source: Clarion Ledger 06/27/21) Who won Miss Mississippi 2021? Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand wins (clarionledger.com) 

Earlier this week: MERIDIAN, Miss. - Three young women from Meridian are among 39 contestants that will compete for the crown of Miss Mississippi on Junne 26 in Vicksburg. Meridian native’s Holly Brand, Lexie Harper and Allie Shirley are among the contestants who hope to become the next Miss Mississippi. (Source: WTOK 06/25/21) Watch the pageant at Home - Miss Mississippi Pageant (missmisslive.com)

Oxford, Pontotoc school honors

The Oxford and Pontotoc school districts were Mississippi districts honored by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as a National Board Accomplished District. The honor recognizes school districts across the country for promoting student learning through accomplished teaching and encouraging teachers, and student learning. The program honors 79 school districts in which at least 20 percent of teachers have achieved National Board certification. (Source: Oxford Eagle 06/23/21) Oxford School District recognized by National Board's Accomplished District Program - The Oxford Eagle | The Oxford Eagle

ESG contract to La. firm for OPCs

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) of NW Florida has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Slidell, La.-based Bayou Metal Supply to provide material and labor in support of the production of the Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. ESG is the prime contractor of the program and landed this exclusive materials and labor relationship to strengthen its bid for Stage II, which will be awarded in early 2022. ESG awarded Bayou Metal Supply a 2019 contract to provide material and labor to cut and fabricate aluminum superstructure subassembly panels for earlier-built OPCs. )Source: Work Boat 06/25/21)

NG demonstrated value in '20

The National Guard demonstrated its value to America in 2020, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said June 23 at a Pentagon news conference. There were two numbers that demonstrated that value - 12 million and 21 million. Guardsmen vaccinated 12 million people against COVID-19, worked throughout the pandemic to care, feed, transport and help fellow citizens. Twenty-one million refers to the "personnel days" guardsmen served during 2020, he said, whether deployments, COVID, wildfires, civil disturbances or storms. (Source: DoD News 06/23/21) National Guard Chief Details Contributions of the Force Over Past Year > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Defense Department News 

Biloxi airport gets FAA funds

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $8B in grants to keep American airport workers employed, construction projects going and help those airports recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The funding for the grants comes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 President Biden signed into law on March 11, 2021. Among the hundreds of airports receiving funding include Gulfport-Biloxi (Miss.) International The airport is slated to receive $4.9M. Funding requires airports to continue to employ at least 90 percent of their pre-pandemic employees. (Source: Federal Aviation Administration 06/22/21) Press Release – FAA Provides $8 Billion in Airport Rescue Grants 

$8.3M HII modification pact

Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded an $8,357,473 cost-plus fixed-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-16-C-2415). This effort is to provide long lead time material procurement and management services. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by December 2022. Funding in the amount of $8,357,473 will be obligated at time of contract modification release. These contract funds in the amount of $8,357,473 will expire at the end of the fiscal 2023. Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/23/21)

CG 8th District change of command

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard’s 8th District is scheduled to conduct a change-of-command ceremony June 25 at the Port of New Orleans. Rear Adm. John P. Nadeau will transfer command of the Coast Guard 8th District to Rear Adm. Richard V. Timme. He comes to New Orleans from duty as the assistant commandant for prevention policy at Coast Guard's HQ in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for the development of national policy, standards and programs promoting marine safety, security and environmental stewardship. The 8th District commander is responsible for all Coast Guard operations spanning 26 states, including the Gulf of Mexico coastline from Florida to Mexico, the adjacent offshore waters and outer continental shelf, and the inland waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee River systems. Headquartered in New Orleans, the 8th District encompasses three major regions covering more than 11,000 miles of waterways and 179,000 square miles of  the Gulf of Mexico. During an average year the more than 7,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel of the 8th District save more than 870 lives and assist more than 4,200 people. Nadeau took command of the district in June 2019 and will retire after 32 years of service. (Source: Coast Guard 06/23/21) 

MS earns Silver Shovel econ award

The state of Mississippi has been recognized by Area Development magazine with a Silver Shovel Award in tribute to the state’s economic development successes in 2020 and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a media release from Gov. Tate Reeves’ office. “Area Development is respected publication, and for Mississippi to be honored with a Shovel Award is a “remarkable achievement,” the governor said. The Shovel Awards are presented to state economic development agencies that create a significant number of jobs through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions, and investments in new and expanded facilities. All 50 states were invited to submit their top 10 job creation and investment projects. Mississippi’s top 2020 project is Amazon’s state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Madison County, which is creating 1,000 jobs. Some additional projects were: Navistar Defense’s manufacturing and testing facility in West Point with 500 jobs, $8.7M; and Gulf Ship of Harrison County – 200 jobs, $6.7M; To view a complete list of the 2020 Shovel Award winners, visit www.areadevelopment.com/awards. (Source: South County.MS 06/23/21)

New CAFB student squadron CO

 COLUMBUS AFB Miss. - Lt. Col. Joseph McCane turned over command of the 14th Student Squadron (STUS) to Lt. Col Stanley Courtland during a change of command ceremony here on June 21. Courtland is a career pilot with experience as a KC-135 instructor pilot, commander, and maintenance officer. While assigned to Pacific Air Forces HQ in Hawaii, he led disaster relief response teams for humanitarian assistance relief efforts in Indonesia and Tinian, an island in the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The 14th STUS exercises administrative control and provides daily administrative support for approximately 700 students at CAFB, ensuring seamless continuity of support through all phases of training. During his time as commander McCane graduated 414 Air Force and 24 allied partner pilots. (Source: CAFB 06/22/21)

Austal LCS mod pact $44M

Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $44,384,296 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost-only modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-17-C-2301) to exercise an option for Littoral Combat Ship Class design services and integrated data and product model environment support. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (60%); and Pittsfield, Massachusetts (40%), and is expected to be completed by June 2022.  Fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,783,147 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/22/21)

NASA prepares for moon mission

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA is a step closer to flying back toward the moon. The space agency's megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), is coming together ahead of its planned first launch. The core stage arrived at the Kennedy Space Center, via barge on April 27 from Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, before rolling into the launch-based Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). It marks the first time all of the rocket's components were in the same place and the first time a rocket bound for deep space was in the VAB since the end of the Apollo era. This summer, the Orion spacecraft will be mated with the SLS and prepared to blast off on an uncrewed test flight around the moon as part of the Artemis 1 mission in November. If all goes well, an Artemis 2 crewed-mission could follow in 2023. NASA put the engines, which were built by Aerojet Rocketdyne, through their paces earlier this year with a pair of hot-fire tests s Stennis Space Center. (Source: Space.com 06/21/21) NASA's new moon rocket, the Space Launch System, takes shape in giant hangar | Space

GC winners in AF art contest

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - The Air Force Services Center recently announced the winners of the annual Air Force Art Contest. A team of judges evaluated each entrant’s artwork for impact, creativity, and technical criteria in adult and youth categories. More than 790 artists submitted more than 1,000 pieces of art using a variety of media. The contest winners with Gulf Coast region connections are (Adult Accomplished) First Place: Melissa Hodge Keesler AFB, Miss., “Time and Tide” acrylic painting. (Adult Novice) Third Place: Lauren Sutton, Eglin AFB, Fla., “Lil Anne” colored pencil. (Youth Ages 6-8) Second Place: Derek Reyna, Hurlburt Field, Fla., “Island Sunset” pastel painting. $500, $400 and $300 gift cards for first, second and third place, respectively. Visit here to view the winning images and the other submissions. (Source: Air Force 06/21/21) Air Force announces art contest winners > U.S. Air Force > Article Display (af.mil)

Square-dancing flash mob

Jackson, Miss., is being warned to expect a flash mob of square dancers between June 23-26. It’ll all be part of the world’s largest square dance event as the National Square Dance Convention will celebrate its 70th anniversary at the Jackson Convention Center. There will be some 2,000 participants from 46 states. The conventioneers will also take their skills across Jackson for a series of flash mobs on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with stops at the Farmer’s Market, Highland Village, Fondren District, and the Jackson Zoo. There will also be a clogging competition at the Hilton Garden on Saturday at 9 a.m. (Source: Magnolia State Live 06/21/21) Watch out for a sudden flash mob of square dancers this week, because the world's largest square dance event will be in Mississippi. - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live

Jackson part of Sikorsky pact

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $73,221,421 modification (P00008) to firm-fixed-price order N00019-21-F-0434 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This modification adds scope to procure 362 spare parts and support required for the repair and maintenance of the CH-53K low rate initial production configuration aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (35.34%); Stamford, Connecticut (8.83%); Quebec, Canada (7.22%); Seattle, Washington (4.23%); Pottsville, Pennsylvania (2.86%); Slough, United Kingdom (2.64%); Jackson, Mississippi (2.55%); Cudahy, Wisconsin (2.08%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (1.96%); Los Angeles, California (1.87%); Stratford, Canada (1.47%); Cromwell, Connecticut (1.43%); Enfield, Connecticut (1.25%); Lindenhurst, New York (1.23%); Creston, Iowa (1.15%); Grapevine, Texas (1.06%); Waltham, Massachusetts (1.06%); various locations within the continental U.S. (21.09%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (0.68%), and is expected to be completed in December 2026.  Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $73,221,421 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/21/21)

USM #3 nationally for vets

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi has earned a No. 3 national ranking for its support and service to military students. USM was rated by the Military Times resource guide in its “Best for Vets: Colleges 2021 Rankings.” USM was No. 1 in the Southeast. The University of Mississippi was ranked No. 23. Mississippi State University was ranked No. 29. USM launched its Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families in 2014 with 300 military students enrolled. Now, there are 1,700. The services are available at the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. (Source: WDAM 06/20/21) USM veterans program earns No. 3 national ranking by resource publication (wdam.com)

Commercial spacecraft to Ala.?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a plan - submitted by the Huntsville (Ala.) Madison County Airport Authority and Nevada-based Sierra Space - to land commercial space vehicles at the North Alabama airport. The airport, the largest in North Alabama and a hub for the aerospace industry, is about 15 miles west of downtown Huntsville. The spacecraft resembles a small space shuttle with upswept wings, WHNT-TV reported. The proposal would allow the spacecraft to land on an existing runway at the airport. A 2015 study by the Huntsville airport authority found the airport compatible for the so-called Dream Chaser, which Sierra Space describes as a spaceplane designed to take crew and cargo into low-Earth orbit. It would be launched from an Atlas V rocket, elsewhere. The airport and Sierra Space would need licenses before landings could occur. (Source: The AP 06/19/21) Incidentally, the Air Force recently selected the Huntsville area as the headquarters for its Space Command.

Mississippi Songwriter of Year

MERIDIAN, Miss. - The 13 finalists gathered here at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (MAX) on June 19 to compete for Boswell Media’s 2021 Mississippi Songwriter of the Year. Brandon Green of Gulfport clinched the top spot with his song “Float.” The 5th annual contest winner receives the chance to record and produce their song professionally in Muscle Shoals, Ala., and a music video recorded and edited by the Mississippi State University Department of Communications. Zach Bridges of Brandon took second place; and Emily White of Meridian placed third. (Source: WTOK 06/19/21)

WTCNO adds consultant

The World Trade Center of New Orleans has named Jason French, principal of the government and public affairs firm French Strategic Partners, as an advocacy consultant. French has more than two decades in government and public affairs. He directed government affairs in Maryland and Delaware for CSX Transportation; served as director of government affairs for BP’s Gulf of Mexico division; built the government and public affairs department for Cheniere Energy’s two multibillion-dollar LNG export projects; and was Tellurian's VP of government and public affairs. (Source: NOLA.com 06/20/21) WTCNO is the founding member of the World Trade Centers Association, a worldwide association of over 300 WTCs in nearly 100 countries. Its mission is to create jobs and wealth in Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast region, through international trade. 

It's Father's Day

According to the Library of Congress, annually in June, the nation honors fathers. The first Mother's Day was celebrated in 1914, but a holiday honoring fathers did not become official until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson declared that the third Sunday in June would be Father's Day. President Richard Nixon made this proclamation permanent in 1972. The idea for Father's Day is attributed to Sonora Dodd, who was raised by her father after her mother's death during childbirth. While listening to a sermon at church on Mother's Day, she thought about all her father had done for her and her siblings and decided fathers should have a day, too. Because Dodd's father was born in June, she encouraged churches in her area, Spokane, Wash., to honor fathers that month. The first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane in 1910. (Source: Census Bureau 06/18//21)

Tornadoes, heavy rain in Miss.

Two tornadoes (EF=0) hit two areas pf the Mississippi Gulf Coast, according to  the National Weather Service in New Orleans. Weather service crews surveyed the reported damage and determined two weak tornadoes hit Pass Christian and Long Beach. EF-0 is the weakest rating of the Enhanced Fujita Scale, and indicates a tornado with 65-85 mph gale-force winds. (Source: Sun Herald 06/19/21)

UPDATE: On Saturday, Tillmans Corner, Ala., [near Mobile] reported nearly five inches of rain; Slidell, La., reported more than nine inches, and Diamondhead, Miss., reported nearly 12 inches, the Weather Prediction Center said. Claudette also brought tornadoes to portions of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said,

Building startups' momentum

The Starkville, Miss.-based Rocketing Systems, an e-commerce software-as-a-service startup founded by recent Mississippi State University grads, has raised $685,000 in its three years by fathering components from Mississippi’s startup ecosystem. Organizations like the Mississippi State University Entrepreneurship Center, Innovate Mississippi, and others are providing the positive investment of mentorship, opportunities, and resources for state startups, according to Calvin Waddy, CEO of Rocketing Systems. While impressive, Rocketing System isn’t unique. A recent compilation of investments showed 43 Mississippi startups have raised $17.7M over the last three years, thanks to an energized entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state. Innovate Mississippi CEO Tony Jeff was excited that the Mississippi Development Authority asked IM to compile information on these startups to learn how efforts to improve the state’s high-tech entrepreneurial ecosystem have affected real companies. MDA’s goal is to build and nurture business/innovation ecosystems focusing on emerging technologies and attracting startups from outside the state. Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and the state’s five research-intensive campuses have been major players. (Source: Innovate Mississippi 06/17/21) Building Momentum: Mississippi Startups Raise over $17 Million in 3 Years (innovate.ms)

New leader for Keesler AFB

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - South Mississippi welcomed the newest commander of the 81st Training Wing, host command of Keesler Air Force Base, during a change of command June 17. Col. William H. Hunter assumed command of the 81st TRW from outgoing commander Col. Heather W. Blackwell. Hunter becomes the 48th commander to lead the installation since its activation in 1941. Hunter comes to Keesler from duty as the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group commander at Hurlburt Field, Fla. (Source: Keesler AFB 06/17/21)

Super soaker heading for Miss.

Heavy rains may be in store for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as a tropical system off the Gulf of Mexico coast begins moving northward. The rains should start to affect northern Gulf Coast on June 18. The system could bring rain totals of up to 5 inches - higher in some areas, according to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, La. In south Mississippi, rain may reach up to 10 inches in the Gulfport-Biloxi area. (Source: Magnolia State Live 06/17/21) Tropical system shaping up to be super soaker for parts of Mississippi - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live

Bollinger awarded LAW contract

Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards announced it was awarded a contract by Naval Sea Systems Command to conduct a concept study and the preliminary design of the Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship (LAW). The LAW program envisions procuring a class of 28 to 30 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2023. (Source: Work Boat 05/17/21) Other firms to conduct concept studies include Fincantieri, Austal USA, VT Halter Marine, and TAI Engineers. Bollinger awarded contract for concept study, preliminary design of Navy's Light Amphibious Warship | WorkBoat

Stark awarded $56M contract

Stark Aerospace, Columbus, Mississippi, was awarded a $56,087,580 firm-fixed-price contract for sustainment services of the Shadow Plug-In Optronic 300 series payloads in support of product manager Aerial Enhanced Radar, Optics, and Sensors.  Bids were solicited via the internet with one received.  Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 25, 2026.  U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (Source: DoD 06/17/21)

*Showa Best Glove Inc., Menlo, Georgia, has been awarded a $37,583,749 contract for capacity expansion of nitrile rubber (NBR) gloves production for Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in care of Defense Assisted Acquisition (DA2). The contract is for the procurement of all needed material in order to stand up four nitrile glove lines capable of producing 66,666,667 gloves per month within 24 months. Work will be performed in Fayette, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by June 16, 2023. Fiscal 2021 procurement funds in the amount of $37,583,749 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value (including options) of the contract is $81,284,996. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 05/17/21) Gulf Coast Note: Fayette, Alabama, is less than 50 miles ENE of Columbus, Miss.

$10.6M Austal mod contract

Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $10,605,201 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-17-C-2301) to exercise an option for littoral combat ship industrial post-delivery availability support for USS Canberra (LCS 30). Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (80%); and Pittsfield, Massachusetts (20%), and is expected to be completed by May 2022. Fiscal 2021 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds in the amount of $5,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/17/21)

Rules on mil.malpractice claims

The Pentagon is to officially publish the rules on June 16 governing how uniformed service members or their representatives can file a claim against the military for malpractice. The new regulation (replacing the Ferris Doctrine) will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. It marks a significant step in service members' or families' ability to seek recourse for malpractice. An advance look was posted online Wednesday morning. (Source: Military.com 06/16/21) Troops Can Finally File Medical Malpractice Claims Against the Military. Here's How | Military.com

Two LCS on maiden deployments

KUALA LUMPUR - Two Gulf Coast-built Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships – USS Tulsa (LCS-16) and USS Charleston (LCS-18) – are currently on their maiden deployments to the Indo-Pacific region, according to the commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. Charleston recently conducted a refueling stop in Singapore, while Tulsa was operating in the Philippine Sea. DESRON 7 is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s (C7F) area of responsibility. LCS rotational deployments to C7F provide operational commanders adaptability to support allies across the region. “There’s no better demonstration of Navy’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific than U.S. Naval operations in the region,” DESRON 7 commodore Tom Ogden said in response to a query from USNI News. (Source: USNI 06/16/21) Gulf Coast Note: Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile, Ala., builds Independence class LCS. Tulsa was christened Feb. 11 and was the 16th overall LCS delivered to the Navy. Tulsa is the sixth LCS in Austal’s 11-ship contract. Charleston was christened Aug. 26, 2020. It is the seventh of 11 LCS vessels Austal has under contract. Two LCSs, Reagan Carrier Strike Group and America ESG on Patrol in the Western Pacific - USNI News