Crude production down, demand up

Domestic crude oil production sharply decreased over three consecutive months while demand and gasoline prices have remained high, according to data from the federal Energy Information Administration. U.S. oil production decreased to about 11.3M barrels/day in February, down 3.9 percent from the 11.8M produced in November, EIA indicated April 29. But, from Nov. 1-Feb. 28, pump prices went up 6.4 percent from $3.39 a gallon to $3.61. “I was a little bit shocked,” Dan Kish, a senior fellow at the Institute for Energy Research, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “It’s a reflection of the fact that the investment climate is awful,” he added. In the same period of 2201, production declined 1.8 percent and between November 2019-February 2020 it dropped only 1.1 percent, according to data. Between November 2020-February 2021, the period when President Joe Biden replaced former President Trump, production dropped a whopping 12.1 percent. Meanwhile, administration officials have suggested that producers are drilling at a “historic” rate and don’t need further leases. In addition, the administration did not appeal a ruling canceling a November O&G lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s been slow formulating a 5-year offshore leasing plan to replace the current one that expires in June. Much of the oil production declines (Nov.-Feb.) were due to lower offshore output levels, according to the EIA. Crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico dropped 9.8 percent in that period. (Source: Daily Caller 04/29/22) Biden Admin Says Oil Production Is At Historic Levels. But There’s One Problem (msn.com)

Avoiding ocean mass extinction

Earth has endured at least five global extinction events since the first signs of life. It may be on the edge of another in the oceans, according to a Princeton research study published April 27 in the journal Science. If climate change continues unabated, marine life could suffer extinction, the likes that has not occurred in hundreds of millions of years, according to researchers Justin Penn and Curtis Deutsch. The researchers evaluated two hypothetical future warming scenarios, one mild and one severe. The extreme scenario - ocean warming by up to 5 degrees Celsius - would trigger a mass extinction within the next 300 years. The event could rival the “Great Dying” at the end of the Permian Period 250M years ago, in which some 90 percent of ocean life is believed to have perished. These outcomes could be avoided, the researchers emphasized. If the world acts quickly on climate change and keeps warming below 2 degrees Celsius, it could reduce extinction risks by at least 70 percent. (Source: Science 04/28/22) Avoiding ocean mass extinction from climate warming (science.org)

101-year-old MS vet gets promotion

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. - Retired Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Adams Jr., a 101-year-old Pass Christian Air Force veteran, has finally been promoted to the rank of major. He served in the military for 25 years – in WWII, Korea and Vietnam – and retired in 1966. He was on the verge of promotion when he left the AF when he retired and had petitioned officials in hopes of getting that new, albeit honorary, rank. After many years, Adams can add a new accolade to his resume. Col. Stuart Rubio, commander of 403rd Wing at Keesler AFB, was on hand for the ceremonial promotion. “You can see the joy on his face, and we had a number of folks who came here who wanted to honor him,” Rubio told WLOX. “Clearly, he has a great effect on a large number of people. For them to be able to be here and see that work and that service means a lot to his country, it’s really important.” In Adams’ honor, the Pass Christian’s fire and police departments sounded sirens in his neighborhood. In addition, the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented Adams with a handmade quilt to acknowledge his service. (Source: WLOX 04/29/22) The 403rd Wing is a unit assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command at Keesler AFB, Military veteran receives new rank at 101-years-old (wdam.com)

Adranos-Mississippi set to grow

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Adranos Inc., the Indiana and Florida-based startup that manufactures next-generation solid rocket motors has announced a $20M Series A funding round with participation from Impala Asset Management LLC and several other entities, including Explorer1 Fund, Elevate Ventures, and Specific Impulse Capital. Impala Asset Management is an investment management firm that manages about $1.5B that invests in global cyclical equities. This round brings the total capital raised by the company to date to over $25M. Adranos manufactures solid rocket motor propulsion systems for hypersonic boosters, tactical missiles, space launch vehicles, and other platforms. The company’s motors feature its proprietary aluminum-lithium alloy fuel called ALITEC that significantly increases the range, payload performance, and speed of defense and space systems. Adranos completed its tactical motor test campaign at its 450-acre, coastal Mississippi facility. Acquired in late 2020, the Mississippi Rocket Complex in McHenry serves as Adranos’s primary manufacturing site with the capacity to mix, cast, and produce more than one thousand tactical missile-sized rocket motors per year. The site is also equipped with static test infrastructure, energetic storage facilities, and R&D labs. With the investment, Adranos will grow its teams in Indiana and Mississippi and ramp up its production capacity. Adranos will also design, test, and manufacture solid rocket propulsion systems for its customers in defense and commercial space. (Source: Adranos 04/25/22) PRESS: Adranos Closes $20 Million Series A Round - Media Post - Adranos, Inc. (WLOX 04/29/22) Adranos set to lift-off with rocket engine production in Stone County (wdam.com)

Gulfport firm's $9M Navy pact

United States Marine Inc. (USMI), Gulfport, Miss., is awarded a $9,424,173 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract N00024-16-D-2215 to establish fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 pricing for 9-meter Multi-Use Explosive Ordnance Disposal EOD Response Craft (MERC) and associated support efforts related to the construction and delivery for engineering and industrial effort and provisioned items orders. Work will be performed in Gulfport and boats are expected to be completed by December 2024. No funding will be obligated at the time of award. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 04/28/22)

DoD regional contracts April 29

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $204,725,645 fixed-price-incentive contract for production of High Mobility Artillery Rock Systems M142 launchers and support requirements. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Dallas, Texas; Archbald, Pennsylvania; Jackson, Mississippi; Camden, Arkansas; York, Pennsylvania; Palm Bay, Florida; Brownsboro, Alabama; Boca Raton, Florida; Whippany, New Jersey; and Clearwater, Florida, with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2025. Fiscal 2022 missile procurement, Army funds and Department of Defense Public Enterprise funds in the amount of $81,303,650 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. 

Olin Winchester LLC, Oxford, Mississippi, was awarded a $51,828,706 modification (P00010) to contract W52P1J-21-C-0016 to manufacture 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50 caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Oxford, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2023. Fiscal 2021 and 2022 procurement of ammunition, Army funds in the amount of $51,828,706 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. 

EMC Inc., Grenada, Mississippi (W912HY-22-D-0001); TerraSond Limited, Palmer, Alaska (W912HY-22-D-0002); eTRAC Inc., San Rafael, California (W912HY-22-D-0003); McKim & Creed Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (W912HY-22-D-0004); and T. Baker Smith LLC, Houma, Louisiana (W912HY-22-D-0005), will compete for each order of the $13,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect and engineering hydrographic surveying and mapping services. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2027. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/29/22)

CG search for overboard crewman

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is searching for a 31-year-old Vietnamese crewman overboard from the bulk carrier vessel Shandong Fu Xin on April 28 about 97 miles SE of the Southwest Pass channel in Louisiana. The Coast Guard received a radio call at 6:35 p.m. on VHF-FM channel 16 from the vessel stating the crewman failed to show for watch. The crew was unable to find the man aboard. The CG issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a CG Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, a CG Air Training Center Mobile, Ala., HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane, and a CG Station Venice, La., response boat crew. (Source: Coast Guard 04/28/22)

Eaton workers picket ahead of talks

JACKSON, Miss. - Dozens of Eaton Aerospace workers picketed through the streets of Jackson on April 28 ahead of labor negotiations with the company set for May. They accused the company of trying to cut back on benefits and wages and making it mandatory to work overtime. Eaton says it wants to sit down with union representatives to work out a new contract that’s suitable for all sides. “We are on point and will stay on point until they treat us fairly and give us what we need,” said protestor Michael Epps. He claims Eaton is trying to reduce health insurance and pensions. Separately, the National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint alleging Eaton violated nine different parts of the labor act. The trial begins June 20. A negative outcome will force Eaton to pay almost $200,000 in back pay to workers. Eaton responded to WLBT-TV questions: “We are aware that union employees are picketing in an effort to gain visibility and the attention … in advance of upcoming negotiations,” a company spokesperson said. “However, we believe that the only way to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome … is to sit down with the union and have transparent dialogue to negotiate a new contract. We remain available and willing to do that.” (Source: WLBT 04/28/22) Workers at Eaton Aerospace protest ahead of contract negotiations (wlbt.com)

Petal HS gains nat'l & state honors

PETAL, Miss. - Petal High School has gained national and state recognition for education performances. per rankings published from the U.S News and World Report's 2022 Best High Schools in the nation. Petal School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Dillon says the high school is ranked No.1 in the Pine Belt, No. 3 in Mississippi and is among the top 10 percent nationally. (Source: WADM 04/27/22) Petal High School achieves national and state recognition (wdam.com)

Prez to visit Ala. weapons facility

WASHINGTON, DC - President Joe Biden will travel to Alabama on May 3 to visit a Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT) facility in Troy, Ala., that manufactures weapons being provided to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, the White House said April 27. The White House has pledged around $3.7B in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion on Feb. 24. U.S. and its European allies have provided Ukraine with drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and Javelin missiles. Lockheed Martin is the No. 1 U.S. weapons-maker. The conflict has boosted demand for missile defense systems, according to the company, which developed and produces the Javelin anti-tank missiles together with Raytheon Technologies. (Source: Reuters 04/25/22) Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey tweeted about the missiles being made in Alabama after a photo of the weapons with “Troy, AL” written on them went viral on social media, reported WIAT-TV in Birmingham. She eventually wrote that she wants “the last thing Putin ever reads to be ‘Made in Alabama.” (WIAT 04/27/22)

Launcher's 3D rocket engine test

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Launcher’s 3D printed E-2 liquid rocket engine successfully demonstrated nominal thrust, pressure, and oxidizer/fuel mixture ratio for the first time in a test April 21 at NASA Stennis Space Center.  E-2 is a closed cycle 3D printed, high-performance liquid rocket engine in development for the Launcher Light launch vehicle, which has an inaugural launch scheduled for 2024. A single E-2 engine will boost Launcher Light to low Earth orbit with 150kg of payload. As a next step, Launcher will test again in early May. (Source: Launcher Space, 3Dprintingmedia, 04/25/22)

Balfour mistreating mil.families

An new investigation, by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee, alleges Balfour Beatty, one of the nation's largest privately-operated military housing companies, has placed the health and safety of military families at risk - after the housing company pleaded guilty in December to committing fraud against the United States from 2013-19. The new report alleges "ongoing mistreatment" of US service members and families and mismanagement by Balfour. The report uncovered what the subcommittee officials describe as systemic issues and patterns across the country at military housing units operated by Balfour. The firm serves about 150,000 residents across 43,000 on-base homes at dozens of Army, Navy and Air Force bases in 26 states [including NAS Meridian and NCBC Gulfport], according to the report. The inquiry focused on two bases, Fort Gordon, Ga., and Sheppard AFB, Texas.  The report details examples of "disregard of safety concerns and environmental hazards that put military families at risk." A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said the company was "disappointed" in the report, which contains "multiple inaccuracies and mischaracterizations," and that the company tried to correct them before the report was released on April 26. On Tuesday, Balfour executives are answering questions about the report during a Senate hearing that will include testimony from military families affected. (Source: CNN 04/26/22) Senate report details 'ongoing mistreatment' of service members and their families living in privatized military housing - CNNPolitics

DoD regional contracts April 26

Swiftships LLC, Morgan City, Louisiana, is awarded a $22,109,346 firm-fixed-price contract action for six 28-meter Coastal Patrol Craft material production kits, Zodiac Rigid Inflatable Boats, Forward Looking Infrared Systems, personal computer packages, associated contractor engineering technical services, and provisioned item orders. This contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $26,357,027. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Egypt. Work will be performed in Morgan City, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by November 2023. If all options are exercised, work will continue through November 2023. Fiscal 2022 Foreign Military Financing Egypt funds in the amount of $22,109,346 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(4) — International Agreement. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

Mississippi Limestone Corp., Friars Point, Mississippi, was awarded a $13,500,140 firm-fixed-price contract to manufacture articulated concrete mattress casting at Richardson Landing in Drummonds, Tennessee. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Drummonds, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of April 25, 2024. Fiscal 2022 Mississippi River and Tributaries funds in the amount of $13,500,140 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/26/22)

CAFB 'Alley Cats" top AETC squad

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - The "Alley Cats" of the 48th Flying Training Squadron was named the Air Education and Training Command's Top Operations Squadron. “Being the top operations squadron of AETC is no small feat," said Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, commander of the 19th Air Force. "Every day you’re making aviators we can be proud of.” The 48th FTS is responsible for training pilots in the T-1A Jayhawk. After training at Columbus AFB, students transition to their next bases to train on the assigned tanker aircraft. In FY 2021, the 48th FTS flew over 7,500 sorties, which equals to more than 17,400 flight hours. (Source: CAFB 04/22/22)

Happy 210th birthday Louisiana

 The United States acquired the area of Louisiana from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase, although the area east of the Mississippi River and north of Lake Pontchartrain and the southwestern boundary were disputed with Spain until 1812. Orleans Territory, which included the greater part of Louisiana, was organized on March 26, 1804. (The Louisiana Territory, organized on March 3, 1805, did not include any of the present-day state of Louisiana; the Louisiana Territory was the portion of the Louisiana Purchase that was north of the 33rd parallel, which is the current northern boundary of the state of Louisiana.) Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812, as the 18th state, with generally the same boundary as the present state. (Source: US Census 04/25/22) Louisiana 210th Anniversary of Statehood (1812): April 30, 2022 (census.gov)

HII $20M mod pact for LCS

Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $20,172,978 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-4 313 to exercise options for the accomplishment of the planning yard services for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) in-service ships. Work will be performed in Hampton, Virginia (17%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (77%); San Diego, California (3%); and Jacksonville, Florida (3%), and is expected to be completed by April 2023. Fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $981,964 (5%); and fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $19,191,014 (95%) 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 04/25/22)

Vertex solutions to traffic jams

The Mississippi-based Vertex Company, which offers integrated solutions for defense and commercial customers worldwide, is helping cities around the world ease traffic congestion. Its “all-electronic tolling” provides solutions that help toll roads move smoothly and allows urban centers to apply “congestion pricing” to limit the number of cars on the road during rush hour. Electronic tolling replaces cash-taking booths, which can slow traffic to a standstill by these physical transactions. Electronics systems have a roadside sensor collecting data. A computer turns input into a transaction-specific vehicles and a customer service center that bills customers. Vertex consistently tests new ways to make the system better. An area in Massachusetts can support high-speed tests, but the team finds operational tests work best for validating new tech. A new Optical Detection Intelligent Network (ODIN) sensor has taken Vertex’s innovation to a new level by consolidating multiple devices into a single camera. Vertex’s Transportation, Technology and Tolling Solutions team is looking at how to apply the technology to adjacent markets such as border security, ports of entry, and even looking skyward for its next challenge. The firm has filed a patent on airspace tolling, says Jay Farmer, Technology Director for the team. “It could apply to drone corridors (and) flying cars,” he claimed. “We are not sure what the future looks like in practice, but we are ready for it.” The tolling team is part of a larger focus at The Vertex Company on solutions that touch different modes of transportation. (Source: Vertex 04/25/22) Media - The Vertex Company (vtxco.com)

Cook to lead MSMS public school

 JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Board of Education has chosen Donald Cook to be the executive director of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) residential public high school. The school provides an accelerated curriculum for high school juniors and seniors. Cook was a member of the school’s first graduating class in 1990. He begins June 1 at the school, which is located on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Smith has been an educator in high schools and cat the college level. He has designed a curriculum framework for Advanced Placement physics and created online science courses and labs. (Source: The AP 04/24/22)

Air quality sensor installed at USM

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A new sensor was recently installed here at the University of Southern Mississippi to allow Hattiesburg-area residents help check air quality. USM says it is one of three in Mississippi to install a PurpleAir sensor as part of an initiative with NASA Langley (Va.), led by the University of Toledo. The other Mississippi sites are in the NE and on the Gulf Coast. Several states, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and South Carolina, also have PurpleAir sensor sites. (Source: The AP 04/24/22)

Fitts named VP of contracts at HII

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced April 25 that Stephen Fitts has been promoted to VP of contracts and pricing here at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division. Fitts succeeds Eric Crooker who assumed a new role in March as VP of infrastructure and sustainability. Fitts will have responsibility for contracts, estimating and pricing, and export/import licensing and compliance for the Ingalls shipyard, and will report to Keith Munn, Ingalls’ VP of business management and CFO. Fitts began his career at HII in 2013 and has served as senior counsel for the Ingalls Shipbuilding. Since 2018, Fitts served as director of contract administration, where he supported the growth of Ingalls' historic backlog of contracts, including the negotiation of several amphibious and Coast Guard ships and numerous guided missile destroyer awards. Fitts holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Alabama. (Source: HII 04/25/22)

MSU joins ASSURE drone research

Mississippi State University has been selected, along with six other universities, for funding grants as part of the System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) program. The grants focus on the areas of electromagnetic compatibility, UAS (unmanned aircraft system or drones) detect and avoid classifications, and cybersecurity oversight – have been awarded to seven US universities. A total of 15 grants, valued at $18.3M, have been awarded to date as part of the ASSURE program for the FY 2022. The other universities include the University of North Dakota, University of Kansas, Drexel University, Ohio State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Oregon State University. The research on drone electromagnetic compatibility will assess the risks and identify drone design vulnerabilities as well as the material and procedural mitigations. It would also propose guidance for safer electromagnetic compatibility with emitted and static fields. (Source: Drone DJ 04/19/22) FAA grants $4.4 million to seven universities for drone safety research (dronedj.com)

GEA-BAE to manage NASA's EPFD

BAE Systems has been selected by GE Aviation to provide energy management solutions for the recently announced hybrid electric technology demonstrator program. As part of the NASA research project, BAE Systems will design, test, and supply energy management components for electric aircraft in the megawatt power class. NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project aims to progress hybrid electric flight technologies for commercial aviation. The project includes ground and flight-test demonstrations to be conducted over the next five years at GEA's facility at Endicott. NY, facility. Plans are to conduct ground and flight tests of a megawatt (MW) class hybrid electric propulsion system by the mid-2020s. Hybrid electric technology will be flight-tested with a modified Saab 340B testbed and GE’s CT7-9B turboprop engine. Mississippi Note: General Electric (GE) Aviation has a facility in Ellisville, Miss, that produces advanced composite components for jet engines and systems. (AeroSpace Manufacturing 04/22/22) BAE and GE Aviation partner on NASA electric aircraft demonstrator - Aerospace Manufacturing (aero-mag.com)

MS part of Rural Partners Network

GREENWOOD, Miss. – The White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) hosted a roundtable discussion with mayors, business councils, and community stakeholders in the Delta on April 20 to announce a Rural Partners Network pilot program aimed at connecting rural communities with resources. The network will provide a local point person to help access resources from 13 government agencies, including funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The agencies will have designated staff to focus on rural issues and responsible for assisting locals and improving collaboration. Mississippi was selected as one of five states - Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky and New Mexico - for the pilot program with an emphasis on Delta communities. At the roundtable discussion, multiple officials brought up concerns regarding water and sewer and affordable housing as extensions of economic development projects. (Source: Mississippi Today 04/20/22) Rural Partners Network helps provide federal resources - Mississippi Today

$500K grant to LSU roboticists

The National Science Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to two LSU engineering professors working to improve the vision of underwater robots. Jinwei Ye, an adjunct faculty member in the Division of Computer Science and Engineering, and Corina Barbalata, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, were awarded the 3-year grant. The project will benefit the oil and gas industry, which can use robots to inspect underwater pipelines; the military for sensing technology for submarines; and researchers studying sea life and coral reefs. The most challenging part of developing an underwater imaging system is low visibility waters. LSU officials are designing smart light sources that work along with cameras to "dodge" scattering particles in water. (Source: NOLA.com 04/24/22)

Southern Strike exercise underway

GULFPORT, Miss. - The Mississippi National Guard is hosting the 11th annual Southern Strike tactical level training exercise beginning April 21. The training exercise will take place at multiple sites across the region through May 3. The National Guard Bureau funded event will feature state-of-the-art joint and coalition training at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC). About 2,000 service members from active, guard and reserve components of the military are participating in the combat training exercise from 20 states. Southern Strike is designed for conventional operations, counter insurgency, close air support, search and rescue, non-combatant evacuation, and maritime special operations events. Army and Air Force fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft will be in the skies above Mississippi, Alabama and Florida during the exercise. The training will take place until May 3 at other state sites including Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Camp McCain in Grenada, Naval Air Station Meridian, and Port Bienville in Pearlington. Other locations include Avon Park in Florida and Fort Morgan in Alabama. (Source: WLOX/CRTC Gulfport 04/20/22) Southern Strike (af.mil) 

Apollo 16 - April 21, 1972

Navy/Marine history: April 21, 1972

Navy Capt. John W. Young, commander of Apollo 16, is the ninth man to walk on the moon. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Thomas K. Mattingly II is the command module pilot for the 11-day, 1-hour and 51-minute mission where 213 pounds of lunar material is collected.

Gulf Coast Note:  In May 1953, Young received orders to flight school at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Young first flew the SNJ-5 Texan in flight school and was then selected for helicopter training. He flew the HTL-5 and HUP-2 helicopters and completed helicopter training in January 1954. Young returned to flying the SNJ-5, and advanced to fly the T-28 Trojan, F6F Hellcat, and the F9F Panther. He graduated from flight school and received his aviator wings in December 1954.

LA marsh restoration underway

Construction recently began on nearly 1,200 acres of the Upper Barataria marsh creation project. NOAA is the lead on behalf of the Deepwater Horizon Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group. It is NOAA’s largest habitat restoration effort to date. The project will build on previous efforts to restore wetlands in Louisiana. The project was approved by the Deepwatert trustees group in the Phase 2 Restoration Plan 3.3: Large-Scale Barataria Marsh Creation: Upper Barataria Component to restore habitats impacted by the 2010 oil spill. It is underway through the partnership of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), who leads Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan. Additionally, the project will provide more than 140 construction-related jobs, further enhancing habitat restoration’s economic benefits in the region. Learn more about the Upper Barataria marsh creation project at Louisiana's latest Gulf Spill Restoration news update >> (Source: Deepwater Hozizon NRDA 04/20/22) 

DoD regional contract April 20

Raytheon Co., Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, is awarded a $482,714,279 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-only, and firm-fixed-price contract for DDG 1000 Class Combat System activation, sustainment and modernization support for Mission Systems and Total Ship Computing Environment infrastructure (TSCEi) hardware/equipment, in addition to non-recurring engineering services supporting combat system installation, integration, development, testing, correction, maintenance, and modernization of Zumwalt-class Mission Systems and Mission System equipment. This contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $1,675,745,280. Work will be performed in Tewksbury, Massachusetts (37%); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (37%); San Diego (22%); Nashua, New Hampshire (2%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (1%); and Fort Wayne, Indiana (1%), and is expected to be completed by April 2023. If all options are exercised, work will continue through April 2027. Fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,100,000 (34%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,000,000 (26%); fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of  $3,209,388 (22%); fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,610,000 (17%); and fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $216,000 (1%) will be obligated at time of award, of which $3,425,388 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) — only one responsible source, and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/22/22) 

Seabee springs into action

Navy Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joseph McCord was standing in his kitchen waiting for a pot of "Starter Fluid" coffee to finish brewing. He packed up his belongings, and coffee mug, and started his trek from Saucier, Miss., to Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport. It was a monotonous routine down Highway 49. In the dark distance, a car’s taillights flickered and vanished. As he drove past, he noticed a faint light at the bottom of an embankment. The car was battered and flipped on its roof. McCord jumped into action. He could smell various fluids leaking, steam coming from under the hood and a bloody arm hanging out of the driver’s-side window. He worked with the driver to pull him from the wreckage. After a quick triage, McCord began providing first aid. There was "dark red arterial blood" coming from his arm. "That’s not a good sign," he said. A Mississippi Department of Transportation vehicle had pulled up and had already called 911, he said. They stayed with the driver until emergency personnel arrived. McCord, still feeling the effects of adrenaline, took swig of coffee and continued his way to work at Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27. McCord’s life slowly settled back into its routine, including planning for his entire family to relocate from Prairieville, Texas, to Coastal Mississippi. (Source: NCBC Gulfport 04/19/22) (6) Facebook

Seabee Day at NCBC Gulfport

After five years, Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Miss., is opening the gates to the public for Seabee Day 2022 on April 23 - and it's free. The event coincides with the 80th birthday of the Navy Seabees, as well as the 80th anniversary of the opening of NCBC. Seabee Day will feature military displays and demonstrations, free kids' area, food, craft, and military emblematic vendors, and live music by Voodoo Gumbo and Six String Andrew. Guests without base access can park for free at Milner Stadium (1403 38th Ave.) and bused to the event. (Source: NCBC Gulfport 04/19/22 https://www.facebook.com/mwrgulfport/

Silver Ships delivers RIB to NOAA

Silver Ships, Theodore, Ala., recently delivered a customized Ambar series 28 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The vessel is a custom-built Ambar six-meter (AM600), designed to be operated from NOAA oceangoing ships - at just under 28-feet with a 22-inch draft. Ambar series vessels, part of the RIB family, were originally designed to meet the demands of North Sea rescue boats. The original hybrid air-and-foam collar has proven to be popular and gives the Ambar series "incredible" stability, making the boats virtually unsinkable, according to Silver Ships. The vessel is projected to be part of summer's deployments. The vessel is a key element in collecting research on specific marine life including sea turtles and whales. (Source: Work Boat 04/20/22) Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat Manufacturer - Silver Ships Ambar RHIBs

Conrad to build two CoE tugs

Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, La., announced it has been awarded a contract by the Army Corps of Engineers for the design and construction of two CELRE Detroit ice-class tugboats. The vessels will provide mobilization of various pieces of floating equipment on the St. Mary’s River, upper great lakes, and the Soo Harbor, Mich., as well as breaking ice up to 12inches thick and performing ice scraping operations at the St. Mary’s Falls Canal. “Conrad has a long history with the Army Corps of Engineers, and we have built several vessels currently in service around the country,” Conrad Shipyard CEO Johnny Conrad said in a statement. “We are proud to provide the Army Corps with two more top quality vessels to service its Detroit District.” (Source: Work Boat 04/219/22)

Eaton to report 1Q earnings May 3

DUBLIN, Ireland - The Eaton power management company (ETN) will announce first quarter 2022 earnings on May 3 before the opening of the New York Stock Exchange. The company will host a conference call at 10 a.m. Central time to discuss first quarter 2022 earnings results with securities analysts and institutional investors. The conference call will be available through a live webcast that can be accessed via the Eaton First Quarter 2022 Earnings Results link on Eaton’s home page, which is www.eaton.com. The call replay and news release will also be available at the same link. (Eaton 04/18/22) Mississippi Note: Eaton operates an aviation repair center in Jackson, Miss., and LED lighting fixtures, including Ephesus, Invue Arbor and McGraw-Edison Galleon products, that are manufactured at Eaton’s facility in Vicksburg.

DoL slaps MS seafood processor

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $11,000 for 45 workers after an investigation found that Magnolia Processing, a Tunica, Miss.-based seafood processor, violated federal wage laws. The H-2A program is intended to provide employers with workers needed to operate their businesses for a temporary time period when workers are needed. It "prohibits employers from discriminating against U.S. workers and paying them less than H-2A workers,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Audrey Hall in Jackson, Miss. Magnolia Processing’s "failure to comply with requirements of the H-2A program denied workers their full wages and led to costly penalties for the employer. This investigation emphasizes the department’s commitment to using all our enforcement tools to protect the rights of all people - both domestic and visa workers - who work in this essential industry,” Hall added. (Source: Dept. of Labor 04/19/22) US Department of Labor recovers $11K for 45 workers after investigation finds Tunica seafood processor violated federal wage laws | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)  

GTRA upgrades TSA check-ins

COLUMBUS, Miss. - The Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTRA) has upgraded its screening of passengers’ process that includes advanced imaging technology. The new system will screen for metallic and non-metallic threats including weapons and explosives. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) technology will make security stronger and check-in easier, according to GTRA Executive Director Mike Hainsey. Passengers will no longer have to take off items of clothing – belts, shoes and jackets. The equipment can detect explosives and bottled liquids. (Source: WVTA 04/18/22)

LCS top officers investigated

A Navy investigation substantiated sexual harassment, maltreatment and hostile work environment allegations against Cmdr. Phillip Lundberg, the former XO of LCS Omaha (LCS 12), but it also found that the ship’s one-time commanding officer, Cmdr. Richard Zamberlan, failed to rein in his XO. While both officers were investigated in connection to their time commanding the training ship, they were actually commanding the LCS Montgomery (LCS 8) as part of a hull swap when the Navy announced their firing on Dec. 30. (Source: Navy Times 04/19/22) Gulf Coast Note: USS Omaha and USS Montgomery are Independence-class LCS built by Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. The ship was assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. How an executive officer’s misconduct — and a commander who failed to correct him — got them both fired (navytimes.com) 

Navy plan: Decom two Austal LCS

The Navy’s FY 2023 long-range shipbuilding plan in three years proposes three procurement schemes and forecasts the service decommissioning two Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships in the coming years, according to the document obtained by USNI News. The 30-year plan indicates the Navy decommissioning USS Jackson (LCS-6) and USS Montgomery (LCS-8) in FY-24. Jackson entered the fleet in 2015. Montgomery was commissioned in 2016. Both ships were built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. The Navy also wants to continue decommissioning its aging Ticonderoga-class cruiser fleet in FY-24. Under the proposal, the Navy would decommission the entire cruiser fleet by the end of FY-27, including the ones that are currently in the cruiser modernization program. In a departure from recent years, the 30-year blueprint includes three alternatives for ship procurement. (Source: USNI News 04/19/22) NOTE: Nine Freedom-class LCS built at Marinette (Wis.) Marine are also to be decommissioned. Taiwan is considering acquiring some or all of the LCS, Deputy Defense Minister Alex Poe said and reported by The Defense Post. New Navy Long Range Shipbuilding Plan Calls for Decommissioning More Cruisers, Littoral Combat Ships - USNI News

Trump tour coming to north MS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former President Donald Trump’s American Freedom Tour’s website indicates it will be in “Northern Mississippi, outside of Memphis” on June 18. No specific location was announced. Several Mississippi cities border Memphis, including Southaven. The tour postponed its event in Birmingham “due to unforeseen circumstances.” The north Mississippi event will feature conservatives, including the former president, Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle - a TV news personality who served as advisor to the president - and Sheriff Mark Lamb of Pinal County, Ariz., according to the website. (Source: WVTA 04/19/22)

Hinds: 'Cart before the horse'?

Hinds County, Miss., received $22.5M in federal COVID-19 relief money in 2021. All but $3M has already been spent. At April 18’s county board meeting, County Administrator Kenneth Wayne Jones said the board should be careful about spending more of those federal American Rescue Plan Act monies. Much of the money has been used for road, bridge and pavement projects. Nearly 30 infrastructure projects that proposed at Monday’s meeting, between about $6,000 and $200,000 in ARPA funds, were on the day’s agenda - most were approved. The federal monies were designed to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact on individuals, businesses and local and state governments. The Hinds County Board of Supervisors approved $7M in ARPA funds for two projects: Renovation of a building on State Street (for county office space) and an economic development plan. Before voting, Ward 1 Supervisor Robert Graham and Ward 2 Supervisor David Archie asked for the board to have further discussion about the projects. "Nobody had brought this through the process," Archie said via the Clarion Ledger. "Hinds County can't continue to go down this road ... just throwing million and millions of dollars out there." The board voted 4-1 to use the $3M in federal funds to renovate the building. Archie wondered out loud as to where the idea came from and whether there would be other costs once it’s renovated. "You don't put the cart before the horse," he said. The county is expecting another $22.5M in May. All state and local recovery funds must be allocated by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. (Source: Clarion Ledger 04/19/22) Hinds County cautioned about spending remaining federal relief funds (clarionledger.com)

La. chlorine leak quickly controlled

A Dow Hydrocarbons compressor caught fire and leaked liquid chlorine on the evening of April 18 inside the Plaquemine, La., chemical complex. Parish officials closed roads and ordered residents to shelter in place for several hours until the fire and leak could be controlled. Some low concentration levels of the gaseous chemical escaped the site along a bend in the Mississippi River, The Advocat reported. Chlorine remains in a liquid state at very cold temperatures. It pooled onto the ground after the compressor failed and began to turn into a gas. Chlorine is dangerous in gas form. In a fire, chlorine can explode. Area residents were told, just before 9 p.m., to stay inside, turn off air conditioners, and close all doors and windows. Internal fire crews extinguished the fire in less than 90 minutes, according to parish and state timelines. Chlorine gas leaks are among several worst-case risks surrounding Louisiana’s petrochemical industry. The Dow site straddles Iberville and West Baton Rouge parishes. Dow is one of Louisiana's largest petrochemical facilities. Olin took over Dow's chlorine, caustic and ethylene dichloride units in 2015. (Source: The Advocate 04/18/22) Chlorine leak at Olin that prompted shelter order in Plaquemine came after compressor fire: DEQ | News | theadvocate.com

Carpenter's to add 3rd MS site

Carpenter Pole and Piling is expanding its Mississippi operations, with a nearly $3.57M investment, by locating a pole mill in Waynesboro. It will be its third facility in the state and create 15 jobs. “(T)he company has been hard at work providing quality wood products to its consumers,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in utility poles for power companies and foundation and marine pilings for new construction. It has treating plants in Wiggins and Picayune. The new Wayne County mill also will specialize in utility poles and piling production. The company choose Waynesboro due to the “access to the Southern Yellow Pine timber, Fant Carpenter, the company’s procurement manager. The Mississippi Development Authority, Dixie Electric Power Association and Cooperative Energy’s local electric distribution are providing assistance for the project. Carpenter Pole and Piling expects to begin operations in Waynesboro at the end of August, and fill the new jobs within a year following construction. (Source: Y’all Politics 04/19/22)

DoD regional contract April 18

Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $49,391,633 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for various technical support elements required for the management and operation of five high-performance computing centers. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Vicksburg, Mississippi; John C. Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of April 17, 2023. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $1,753,551 were obligated at the time of the award.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/18/22) 

$8M for pair of Natchez projects

Mississippi’s lawmakers have provided $8M for two projects in Natchez: At Historic Jefferson College and at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. At HJC, part of the funds will go to develop a Historic Preservation Field School, working in cooperation with Mississippi State University and Tulane University. The Field School will offer hands-on training on things like brick repointing, stucco repair and window restoration. The types of restoration work needed in places like Natchez and New Orleans. The other part of the project is creating a Natchez history center. The restoration of historic buildings at Jefferson College is under way. At the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, plans are to build a new interpretive center and pavilion. The project is in the process selection of finding an architect and exhibit firm. There will be public meetings about the project. (Source: Magnolia State Live 04/17/22) Funds for new Historic Preservation Field School approved by Mississippi legislators - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live

NOLA Navy Week begins

NEW ORLEANS - NOLA Navy Week is April 18-22. New Orleans welcomes Arleigh-Burke-class destroyers USS Farragut and USS Lassen, and French Naval Vessel La Combattante. The ships are slated to arrive starting at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 18. (Source: New Orleans 04/17/22) NOLA Navy Week (neworleans.com) 

Also, the Coast Guard cutter Daniel Tarr is scheduled to host an open house for public visitations and tours during New Orleans Navy Week 2022 from April 19-21 at the Julia Street Wharf. Coast Guard members will be participating in various NOLA Navy Week 2022 community outreach events. CGC Daniel Tarr is homeported in Galveston, Texas, with a crew of 24. The cutter features advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment. Its primary missions include living marine resources, search and rescue and other law enforcement missions. WHEN: 1-5 p.m., Tuesday, and 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. (Source: Coast Guard 0418/22)

Cain to lead LMOGA's strategy

Ashley Cain was promoted to director of public and government affairs by the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association. Cain will help lead LMOGA’s public and government affairs strategy to represent and promote the oil and natural gas industries through engagement, communications and advocacy with the state and local officials, and the public. Cain has worked for the association for over 11 years, while recently serving as public affairs manager. She is a graduate of LSU. (Source: NOLA.com 04/17/22)

Oyster prices up 35% since 2021

BILOXI, Miss. - Looking for seafood this weekend, there’s a chance you may be disappointed because of a shortage of supply and increased demand. Gulf Coast suppliers are working to keep them on restaurant menus. Seafood business owner Sean Desporte knows that oysters have become a hot commodity, causing some seafood places to no longer sell them. Some Louisiana restaurants have removed them off their menu” because of shortages, he claimed, where the problem can be traced to the Bonnet Carre Spillway's freshwater lurching into oyster beds. Prices are up, especially in Louisiana. Oysters sold for $60 a gallon before Hurricane Ida. They are selling for about $100 a gallon today. In Gulfport, Coast Foods is loading up on "mini sacks" of oysters that average about 40 pounds, said Coast Foods President Mark McQueen, and are averaging up to 1,800 per week. "(W)e’re looking at six to eight months before the industry can kind of recover." Since 2021, the cost of sack oysters has increased about 35 percent. (Source: WLOX 04/15/22) 

HII-Pascagoula $41M mod pact

 Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $41,680,732 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2312 to exercise options for accomplishment of follow yard services for the DDG 51 Class destroyer program. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (98%); Washington, D.C. (1%); and Bath, Maine (1%), and is expected to be completed by April 2023. Fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) (SCN) funds in the amount of $3,747,563 (18%); fiscal 2017 SCN funds in the amount of $2,182,007 (10%); fiscal 2018 SCN funds in the amount of $14,647,996 (71%); and fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) funds in the amount of $118,071 (1%) will be obligated at time of award. The RDT&E funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

Southern Contracting LLC,* Newbern, Tennessee, was awarded a $24,625,470 firm-fixed-price contract for the demolition of an existing concrete floodwall, roadway, sidewalks and storm drainage utilities, along with the construction of new floodwall and an over-the-levee access ramp in Caruthersville, Missouri. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Newbern, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2025. Fiscal 2022 civil construction funds in the amount of $24,625,470 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis, Tennessee, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 04/15/22)

Denning takes reins at CGS NOLA

NEW ORLEANS - Capt. Kelly Denning relieved Capt. Will Watson during a change-of-command ceremony for Coast Guard Sector New Orleans (CGS NOLA) on April 14. Rear Adm. Richard Timme, commander, Coast Guard Eighth District, presided over the ceremony. Denning earned her commission in 1998 and was designated a command duty officer in 2002. She was formerly the Deputy Commander at CGS New Orleans. Watson assumed command of Sector New Orleans in May 2020 and his next assignment is at Coast Guard HQ as Executive Assistant to the Vice Commandant. (Source: Coast guard 04/14/22) DVIDS - Images - PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard Sector New Orleans holds change of command ceremony [Image 2 of 5] (dvidshub.net)

CG medevacs swimmer to Mobile

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medevaced a Dauphin Island, Ala., swimmer to Ascension Providence Hospital in Mobile in critical condition on April 13. CG Sector Mobile received a 911 notification at 4:18 p.m. of three swimmers caught in a rip current off DI beach. The CG diverted an Aviation Training Center MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew from a training mission to assist. The swimmers managed to swim back to shore to awaiting Dauphin Island Police and emergency medical services personnel before the aircrew arrived. The aircrew medevaced one swimmer and transferred two EMS personnel to the Mobile hospital. The swimmer was last reported to be in critical condition. The CG urges the public to be cautious of rip currents by heeding posted beach flags and warning signs. (Source: Coast Guard 04/14/22)

Gotta be American to vote in MS

Governor Tate Reeves announced April 14 that he is signing House Bill 1510, legislation that strengthens the integrity of Mississippi elections by ensuring only American citizens can vote in the state’s elections. HB 1510 takes the extra step of verifying voter registrations, thus offering greater accountability and bolstering trust in the effective operation of state elections. (Source: SuperTalk Mississippi 04/14/22) Reeves signs legislation ensuring only American citizens can vote in Mississippi - SuperTalk Mississippi

Unemployment down in MS

Unemployment rates were lower in March in 37 states and stable in 13 others and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. All 50 states and the District had jobless rate decreases from 2021. The national unemployment rate, 3.6 percent, declined by 0.2 percentage point over the month and was 2.4 points lower than March 2021. Statistics are from two monthly programs: The civilian labor force and unemployment data are modeled based largely on a survey of households. Nebraska and Utah had the lowest jobless rates in March, 2.0 percent each. The next lowest rates were in Indiana, 2.2 percent, and Montana, 2.3 percent. The rates in these four states set new series lows, as did the rates in the eight states, including Mississippi at 4.2 percent. The District of Columbia had the highest unemployment rate, 6.0 percent. (Bureau of Labor Statistics 04/14/22) State Employment and Unemployment Summary - 2022 M03 Results (bls.gov)