Madison explosion victim has died

Six people were injured in an oil tank explosion during the morning hours of July 29 at an oil well storage facility in Flora, Miss. “Two were transported by helicopter and four by ambulances,” said Minor Norman Madison County fire coordinator. The two transported by air ambulance were seriously injured, he said. The fire call came about 7:50 a.m. Upon arrival, responders learned a fiberglass oil tank - with a capacity to hold about 33,000 gallons - had exploded during maintenance. One of those oil tanks exploded, creating a fire bomb," he was quoted. Three of the injured were transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and three others to Merit Health Central where the burn center is located. The property is operated by W.S. Red Hancock Inc. in Bentonia. Occupational Health and Safety Administration had officers on scene Friday afternoon. First responders came from Flora, Madison County, Gluckstadt, Kearney Park and the City of Madison. The scene was under control by around 9 a.m. (Source: Clarion Ledger 07/29/22) Mississippi Gulf Coast: Bacteria that causes melioidosis found (clarionledger.com) 

UPDATE: Aug. 5

Madison explosion victim has died

PINE BELT, Miss. - Madison County Coroner Alex Breeland confirmed that one of the six people injured during the explosion in Madison County has died. Breeland confirmed Luke Perry Walker passed away earlier this week from his injuries. According to the Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh, Walker, 25, of Bay Springs, died on Thursday at Merritt Health Central in Jackson. He was born in Laurel. (Source: WDAM 08/04/22)

Regional aerospace/aviation jobs

Procurement Specialist II (T-45) - Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss. 

Position: The Vertex Company is currently seeking a highly qualified Procurement Specialist 2 to join our Supply Chain Department in Madison, Mississippi. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing proposals for long-term agreements, creating Basic Order Agreements (BOAs), new Scope of Work (SOW) sourcing, 9-tab folder development in accordance with Compliance, and negotiating part and component costs with supplier agreements, delivery and terms, and conditions. Procurement Specialist II (T-45) - Madison, MS Job in Madison, MS at Vertex Aerospace (ziprecruiter.com)

 * Aerospace mechanical Engineer T 45 job at Vertex in Madison Miss. Aerospace mechanical Engineer T 45 Ms job at Vertex in Madison Mississippi (avjobs.com)

CG probing oil spill near Kenner

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard responded to a discharge of oil from a tanker ship on July 29 on the Lower Mississippi River near Kenner, La. CG Sector New Orleans was notified about 6 p.m. that the vessel Hafnia Rhine discharged oil during a fueling operation with the barge Ama Anchorage at mile marker 115. The CG dispatched pollution responders to the scene. The Hafnia Rhine crew secured the oil discharge, but CG investigators estimated up to 2,100 gallons entered the water and contaminated as many as 60 barges in the area. The National Response Corporation and Environmental Safety and Health Consulting Services were hired as oil spill removers. Some 2,700 feet of containment boom and 3,320 feet of sorbent boom was placed around the affected area including the contaminated vessels and have utilized the use of sorbents to recover oil product. There have been no reports of impact to wildlife. The cause remains under investigation. (Source: CG 07/30/22)

MSU-Meridian to celebrate 50 years

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Mississippi State University’s Meridian campus will be celebrating its "golden" anniversary (50 years) as a campus on August 17. MSU-Meridian’s Head of Campus, Dr. Terry Dale Cruse, says there have been more than 20,000 students come through the school, which has granted more than 7,500 degrees. After 50 years, enrollment at MSU-Meridian is at an all-time high. (Source: MSU 07/29/22) MSU-Meridian celebrates 50 years of contributions to the region | Meridian - Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)

HII, Bollinger, Austal DoD contracts

* Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $13,071,106 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6319 for continued studies of a large unmanned surface vessel. This contract modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract modification to $ 15,071,106. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. If all options are exercised, work will continue through September 2024. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $149,998 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

* RC Construction Co., Inc., Greenwood, Mississippi, is awarded a $41,447,725 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new rifle range at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. The work to be performed provides for construction of new rifle range and range support buildings. Work will be performed in Port Royal, South Carolina, and is expected to be completed by April 2025. The maximum dollar value, including the base plus five options is $41,447,725. Fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020 military construction (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $41,447,725 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Government Point of Entry contract opportunities on beta.sam.gov website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. 

* Bollinger Shipyards Lockport LLC, Lockport, Louisiana, is awarded a $9,428,770 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6316 for continued studies of a large unmanned surface vessel. This contract modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract modification to $13,958,770. Work will be performed in Lockport, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. If all options are exercised, work will continue through September 2024. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $149,933 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

* Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $9,115,310 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6315 for continued studies of a large unmanned surface vessel. This contract modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract modification to $13,285,309. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. If all options are exercised, work will continue through September, 2024. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $149,878 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

* CAE USA Inc., Tampa, Florida (N6134022D1001); BGI-Aero Simulation Inc. (ASI) JV LLC, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (N6134022D1002); Valiant Global Defense Services Inc., San Diego, California (N6134022D1003); Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (N6134022D1004); Fidelity Technologies Corp., Reading, Pennsylvania (N6134022D1005); FlightSafety Defense Corp., Denver, Colorado (N6134022D1006); LB&B Associates Inc., Columbia, Maryland (N6134022D1007); Engineering Support Personnel Inc.,* Orlando, Florida (N6134022D2001); and LTSS JV,* Minot, North Dakota (N6134022D2002), are awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with the estimated aggregate ceiling of $1,310,000,000. The contract provides sustainment services and training requirements in support of fielded training systems to include, training simulator contractor operation and maintenance services and contractor instructional services, with minor training simulator modifications, training simulator relocations, training systems management, in-service engineering office support, spares/product support, and other related support services performed ancillary to contractor operation and maintenance services and contractor instructional services for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division. Companies have an opportunity to compete for individual orders. Percentages for work performed at each location is unknown until award of task orders under this contract, however, work will be performed at Navy installations in Mayport, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; Whidbey Island, Washington; Key West, Florida; Fallon, Nevada; Pensacola, Florida; Lakehurst, New Jersey; New Orleans, Louisiana; Ft. Worth, Texas; Naval Submarine Base New London Groton, Connecticut; and U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed in August 2027. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal, seven offers were received, as well as, as a small business set aside request for proposal; two offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 07/29/22)

Hospital ship readies to deploy

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Defense Department plans to deploy its East Coast hospital ship USNS Comfort to the U.S. Southern Command region during the fall. The hospital ship will conduct medical assistance in support of regional partners. At each port visit, USNS Comfort typically provides medical assistance to thousands of people. USNS Comfort last visited the region in 2019, prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided medical care in 12 Central and South American countries, and the Caribbean. The Navy is procuring medical versions of the south Alabama-based Austal USA-built expeditionary fast transport ship to provide medical care for military operations and humanitarian care and disaster relief. (Source: Seapower 07/28/22) Hospital Ship USNS Comfort to Deploy to Southern Command Region  - Seapower (seapowermagazine.org)

Regional Note: Personnel assigned to the hospital ship typically come from East and Gulf Coast Navy medical commands. On previous tours, personnel from medical commands in NW Florida, Mississippi and New Orleans have served in USNS Comfort.

T-45 defective part being replaced

The Navy and Marine Corps are planning to replace a potentially defective part used in pilot ejection in some aircraft like Super Hornets and T-45C training aircraft and grounding some planes as part of the process. The Navy was notified of a potential defect on the cartridge actuated devices (CAD) in some fixed-wing aircraft by the vendor, Martin Baker. The service said it used “validated radiography procedures” to scan on-hand inventory to verify replacement CAD parts were made correctly before starting to send them out to the fleet. The service said the CADs specifically “initiate a series of automatic functions when aircrew pull the ejection handle to safely egress the aircraft and deploy the aircrews’ parachute.” Navy Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) spokesperson Marcia Hart told Defense Daily that the CAD issue was discovered after removal of an injection sea during routine maintenance. The Navy emphasized that only CAD-equipped aircraft within a “limited range of lot numbers” are affected, but this includes the Boeing [BA] F/A-18B/C/D Hornets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, T-45C Goshawks and Northrop Grumman [NOC] F-5 Tiger II trainers. (Source: Defense Daily 07/28/22) Mississippi Note: Some flight students at NAS Meridian, Miss., fly the T-45 Goshawk.  Navy IDs Potentially Defective Ejection Part, Grounds Planes (defensedaily.com)

JetBlue to acquire Spirit Airlines

JetBlue will acquire Spirit Airlines under a definitive merger agreement approved by the companies’ respective boards on July 28, hours after Spirit announced it had terminated a previous agreement with Frontier Airlines. The $3.8B deal will create the fifth-largest carrier in the U.S., resulting in a fleet consisting of 458 aircraft and an order book of more than 300 Airbus A220 and A320neo aircraft. The companies expect to conclude the regulatory process and close the transaction no later than the first half of 2024. (Source: AIN Online 07/28/22) Spirit Airlines Agrees To Merge with JetBlue | Air Transport News: Aviation International News (ainonline.com)

Deadly bacteria found on MS coast

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that a deadly bacteria has been found in environmental samples on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The discovery of the bacteria is the first in the United States. According to a CDC press release, a person on the coast was diagnosed with melioidosis in 2020, a rare disease caused by a bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei. A second person living in close geographic proximity was diagnosed with the disease in 2022. The cases prompted state health officials and the CDC to take samples and test household products, soil and water in and around both patients’ homes, with permission. The bacteria was found in samples of soil and standing water. (Source: Clarion Ledger 07/27/22) Mississippi Gulf Coast: Bacteria that causes melioidosis found (hattiesburgamerican.com)

Hornbeck's $8.7M Navy pact

Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, Louisiana, was awarded an $8,766,200 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220522C3102) for the operation and crewing of one Jones Act-qualified, U.S.-flagged vessel to support the Navy’s submarine fleet operational and rescue requirements. This contract includes one 182-day base period, one 182-day option period, and one 120-day option period, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $19,336,200. The vessel, HOS Rosebud, will provide support for Navy operations in the Atlantic Ocean. Working capital funds (Transportation) in the amount of $8,766,200 are obligated for fiscal 2022, and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the System for Award Management website, and one offer was received. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (DoD 07/20/22)

Regional shipyards' fed grants

Mobile, Ala.-based Blakeley BoatWorks is among 24 recipients of $19.6M in disbursed grants to small shipyards in 19 states by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Blakeley BoatWorks, part of the Mobile-based Cooper Group of Companies, will receive $722,460 “to support the purchase of major components of metal working equipment consisting of welding machines and a variety of material handling equipment.” The funds are intended to “help awardees modernize, increase productivity, and expand local employment opportunities while competing in the global marketplace.” Among Gulf Coast shipyards receiving grants include ST Engineering's Halter Marine and Offshore Inc. in Pascagoula, Miss., which received $1,154,670 to support the purchase of a “green” blast and paint booth, and Patti Marine Enterprises in Pensacola, Fla., which received $1.2M to construct an 800-ton drydock; and Turn Services, LLC, of New Orleans, will receive $988,742 in funding to add a 60-ton pedestal crane to their shipyard facility.  A full list of recipients can be found at www.maritime.dot.gov. (Source: Maritime Administration 07/22/22) Maritime Administration Awards Nearly $20 Million in Funding to Strengthen U.S. Shipyard Economic Competitiveness | MARAD (dot.gov)

Gulfport to turn 124 years old

The City of Gulfport, Miss., will be 124 years old on July 28. It is the second largest city in Mississippi. It was incorporated on July 28, 1898. The city was founded by William H. Hardy,^[9] who was president of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad (G&SIRR) that connected inland lumber mills to the coast. He was joined by Joseph T. Jones, who later took over the G&SIRR, dredged the harbor in Gulfport, and opened the shipping channel to the sea. In 1902, the harbor was completed and the Port of Gulfport became a working seaport. (Source: Wikipedia) Gulfport, Mississippi - Wikipedia

Olson new exec at LSU trng center

James Olson has been named executive director of LSU’s Stephenson National Center for Security Research and Training in Baton Rouge. Olson spent 24 years in the Navy, where he worked on submarine, aviation and space programs. He retired in 2006 with the rank of captain. Most recently he was executive director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado. He has a bachelor's in physics from the University of North Texas and dual master's degrees in meteorology and physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. The Stephenson National Center for Security Research and Training (SNCSRT) is currently a leader in providing training on anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism techniques, safety and security and emergency preparedness projects initiated by state and federal law enforcement agencies. (Source: NOLA.com 07/24/22)

Environ justice curriculum team

A group of Tulane University professors, advocates and educators are teaming up to design an environmental justice curriculum for the state's K-12 students, made possible by a $1.2M National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Gulf Research Program grant. The project will draw from the archives of the non-profit Louisiana Environmental Action Network and will be free and available for teachers across the world. The specifics of the curriculum have yet to be developed. (Source: NOLA.com 07/24/22) Tulane gets $1.2 million grant to create environmental justice curriculum for K-12 schools | Education | nola.com

Regional aero/aviation job post

Eaton's Fuel and Motion Control Systems Division of the Aerospace Group is currently seeking a Team Leader - Final Operations to join its team in the Jackson, Miss., office. Team Leader- Final Operations in Jackson, Mississippi | Eaton

Austal delivers LCS 32 to Navy

MOBILE, Ala. - Austal USA delivered the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) to the Navy on July 21. LCS 32 is the 16th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) delivered by the shipbuilder. The ship’s pre-commissioning will prepare the LCS for fleet introduction. “Delivering the future USS Santa Barbara is a proud moment for Austal USA,” remarked Rusty Murdaugh, president of Austal USA. The company is currently constructing three LCS - the recently launched future USS Augusta (LCS 34); final assembly on the future USS Kingsville (LCS 36) and modules are under construction for the future USS Pierre (LCS 38). Austal USA is also constructing the Navy Expeditionary Fast Transports and began construction on a Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (T-ATS) last week.  Austal is also under contract for the U.S. Navy Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium and up to 11 Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard. (Source: Austal USA 07/22/22)

Ala., Miss., La. unemployment lows

Unemployment rates were lower in June in 10 states and the District of Columbia. It was higher in two states and stable in 38, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. All 50 states and DC had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier. The national unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent but was 2.3 percentage points lower than in June 2021. Minnesota had the lowest jobless rate in June, 1.8 percent, closely followed by Nebraska, 1.9 percent. The next lowest rates were in New Hampshire and Utah, 2.0 The rates in Minnesota and New Hampshire set new series lows, as did the rates in Alabama (2.6 percent), Louisiana (3.8 percent) and Mississippi (3.8 percent). (Source: Bureau of Labor 07/22/22) State Employment and Unemployment Summary - 2022 M06 Results (bls.gov)

St. Martin, La., lake drawdown

Based on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recommendation, the St. Martin Parish government has scheduled a drawdown for Henderson Lake in St. Martin Parish to manage aquatic vegetation and enhance fisheries habitat. The southern control structure gates will open Aug. 1. The lake will dewater at a rate of 2-to-4 inches a day until it reaches three feet below pool stage. The drawdown gates are scheduled to be closed on Nov. 1 at which time the lake will be allowed to refill. Houseboat owners are encouraged to take necessary precautions as soon as possible. During the drawdown, boaters will be able to access the lake from the private ramps along the southern levee. Boaters should use caution as numerous obstructions will be exposed. In addition to the control of the aquatic vegetation, the drawdown will benefit the lake’s fish population. The dewatering will also improve the spawning habitat by promoting the decomposition and potential drying of organic materials such as leaf litter and submerged vegetation. Herbicide applications will continue during the drawdown period. The Henderson Lake Waterbody Management Plan can be viewed at: www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish/inland-waterbody-management-plans.

Navy DDG(X) team-build contract

The push to develop the Navy’s next-generation destroyer may involve teamwork between General Dynamics' Bath (Maine) Iron Works and HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., if the Navy and the Senate Armed Services Committee have their way. Instead of competing for the primary contract to build DDG(X), the Navy wants the two shipyards to take a page from the teaming agreement between General Dynamics' Electric Boat (Conn.) and HII’s Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding in the design and construct of the Columbia-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine, officials told USNI News. The SASC released its FY 2023 authorization bill on July 17, which has language directing the Navy to pursue the teaming agreement for DDG(X) - without naming either shipyard. But the Navy wants the arrangement for those two shipyards, USNI News understands. (Source: USNI News 07/21/22) Senate, Navy Pushing for Bath Iron Works, Ingalls DDG(X) Destroyer Team Up - USNI News 

DoD contract 07/22/22 

Navy DDG(X) team-build contract

Bath (Maine) Iron Works (BIW) and Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., are being awarded cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price contracts for shipbuilder engineering and design analysis in order to produce design products in support of the Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG(X)) preliminary design and contract design. The specific contract award amounts for these requirements is considered source-selection sensitive information (see 41 U.S. Code 2101, et seq., Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101 and FAR 3.104) and will not be made public at this time. BIW work will be performed in Bath/Brunswick, Maine (99%); and Washington, D.C. (1%), and is expected to be completed by July 2023. Ingalls' work will be performed in Pascagoula (84%); Avondale, La. (12%); and Newport News, Va. (4%), and is expected to be completed by July 2023. If all options are exercised, work will continue through July 2028 for each respective contract. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be obligated at time of award for each contract, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were not competitively procured and are awarded without full and open competition per 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(3), Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Development, or Research Capability; or Expert Services. Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/22/22)

HII-Pascagoula media release HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded DDG(X) Design Engineering Contract - Huntington Ingalls Industries

La. native may be first Black 4-star

After more than 35 years in the Marine Corps., Shreveport, La., native Lt. Gen. Michael Langley is set to be the first Black general to achieve one of the branch's highest rankings. The Senate Armed Services Committee on July 6 held a confirmation hearing for Langley, who's nominated to be the Commander of US Africa Command, which oversees the nation's military presence in Africa. If the Senate confirms him, he will be the Marines' first Black 4-star general. In the Marines' 246-year history, 73 White men have reached the four-star ranking. "It is a great honor to be the President's nominee to lead US AFRICOM," Langley said at Thursday's confirmation hearing. "I'm grateful to the trust and confidence extended by him." Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and has been in service with the Marine Corps since 1985. The son of a US Air force veteran who served for 25 years, Langley has commanded at every level and served in multiple continents, being deployed to countries like Japan and Afghanistan over the course of his career. (Source: CNN 07/22/22) Michael Langley: US Senate expected to confirm Marines' first Black four-star general in 246 years - CNNPolitics

Supply chain slows air industry

FARNBOROUGH, England - The global air industry is in the midst of a post-pandemic rebound, but supply chain problems have left suppliers and manufacturers scrambling to source raw materials and small electronic components to keep production moving. From multi-nationals to family-run businesses, few have been spared the impact of shortages or delays. As a result, this week's Farnborough Airshow has been more about the factory floor than the usual shop window for new orders. "We are keeping our head above water, keeping the flow happening, but the gymnastics required to make that happen are as difficult now as they have ever been," Stephen Timm, president of industry giant Collins Aerospace, told Reuters. At the other end of the spectrum, where suppliers lack the clout of a Collins or Honeywell, things are even more uncertain. "At the moment it's extremely challenging because of the lack of raw materials," said Paul Wingfield, business development manager at Stokenchurch, England-based Aircraft Materials, which supplies alloys including aluminum, nickel, magnesium, titanium and nickel for the industry. Not only are the mills that his firm works with having trouble finding raw materials, but distributors are wary of holding onto inventory when there is a risk of recession. "Nobody knows what the economy is going to do, so nobody's willing to invest in stock at the moment," Wingfield said. Shortages of electronics components mean some will not be delivered for over a year. "We're getting terrible, terrible lead times on some parts," Lawrence said. Supply chain problems come at a time when the industry is eager to build ever more planes. Airbus (AIR.PA) wants to raise A320 production rates (at its Mobile, Ala., facility) to 75 single-aisle aircraft monthly over the next three years, from 50 now. But delays in engine supplies have held back aircraft deliveries. (Source: Reuters 07/21/22) Analysis: Supply chain snags threaten to slow air industry take-off | Reuters

Regional aero/aviation job post

Lead Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist

Airbus Helicopters Inc. Columbus, Miss.

Position: Mentor, guide, and instruct technicians in the performance of dynamic tasks in maintenance, cleaning, inspection, rework and assembly of manufactured parts and assemblies. The lead is also responsible for the planning, documenting, and tracking completed work and execution, and meeting of all scheduled maintenance, unscheduled maintenance, and operational checks during modification and maintenance, or on training and C&C equipment. Lead Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist - Columbus, Mississippi, USA Job Opening - Airbus Helicopters, Inc Jobs (applicantpro.com)

Master Boat building 4th tug for Bay

Master Boat Builders of Coden, Ala., will build a fourth tugboat for Bay Houston Towing Co. Master Boat currently has three under construction of a different design for Bay Houston Towing. “Bay Houston has an incredible reputation as one of the top tugboat operators in the entire country and we are thrilled to continue working with them on a fourth tugboat,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We are humbled that Bay Houston has recognized the top quality of our employees and is seeking to continue working together to continue enhancing their impressive fleet of tugboats.” The tug will be 98-feet long and produce a bollard pull of over 52 metric tons. (Source: Work Boat 07/21/22)  

Aviation Exteriors to expand ops

The New Iberia, La.-based Aviation Exteriors, which specializes in painting commercial aircraft, said it will spend $2.5M to expand services to include aircraft maintenance and conversion services, a move that will create 100 new jobs. The new jobs will have an average salary of nearly $57,000, plus benefits, according to Louisiana Economic Development. The company has 83 employees. Aviation Exteriors will develop a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Acadiana Regional Airport near New Iberia with extensive tooling and equipment so it can offer the new services. Work has started on the expansion, but a completion date has not been released. (Source: The Advocate 07/21/22) New Iberia aviation company plans $2.5 million expansion, will create 100 jobs | Business | theadvocate.com

Gulf O&G revenue cap may be lifted

Louisiana could receive an additional $1.9B in revenue from Gulf of Mexico oil and gas and a separate share of revenue from Gulf wind energy operations under the federal 'Reinvesting In Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems Act' that was unanimously approved July 21 by the U.S. Senate's Energy and Natural Resource Committee. The approval clears the way for it to be considered by the full Senate. The legislation was authored by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.). The bill would lift a present $500M annual cap on O&G revenue shared with other Gulf states. Altogether, the Gulf states could receive $4.4B more in offshore revenue over the next decade if the cap is dropped, according to estimates of O&G prices in the years ahead and provided by University of Louisiana at Lafayette economist Stephen Barnes. The bill would also provide a 37.5% share of federal revenue from offshore wind facilities located in federal waters of those states, with amounts divvied up based on how close the facilities are to state borders. Another 12.5% of the wind funds would go to the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund, which funds projects aimed at understanding and using ocean and coastal resources and infrastructure. According to officials in Cassidy’s office, the consideration of the bill July 21 was the result of an agreement between Gulf Coast and other senators with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WVa.), who chairs the committee. The legislation comes as the Biden administration has prioritized using the Gulf to produce wind energy. On July 20, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, announced it has identified two possible locations for wind generation projects in the Gulf - One about 56 nautical miles off of the coast of Lake Charles; and a second, 24 miles off Galveston, Texas. (Source: NOLA.com 07/20/22) Louisiana could see $1.9B from Gulf oil, additional money from wind, under Senate bill | Environment | nola.com

Envio group plans to sue Ala Power

The environmental group Mobile Baykeeper has filed a notice of intent to sue Alabama Power over its plans to leave coal ash in unlined lagoons on the banks of the Mobile River. The power company is moving forward with plans to close a 597-acre coal ash pond in Mobile County, containing more than 21M tons of coal ash, by dewatering the pond, shoveling the ash into a smaller area farther from the banks of the river, and covering the material with a synthetic liner to keep rainwater out. Alabama Power said it could not comment specifically on the notice of intent to sue. “As a matter of practice, we do not comment on potential legal matters,” Alabama Power spokesman Anthony Cook said by email Wednesday. Mobile Baykeeper said it plans to file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the company. (Source: AL.com 07/20/22) Mobile Baykeeper challenges Alabama Power plan to keep coal ash in ‘America’s Amazon’ - al.com

CG medevacs oil platform worker

 NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medevaced an oil platform worker July 20 about 20 miles SE of Southwest Pass, Louisiana. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received notification at 11:38 p.m. in the evening of July 19 from the oil platform West Delta Block 73 AD of a 49-year-old male experiencing severe abdominal pain. The CG launched of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and hoisted the individual and transferring him to University Medical Center in New Orleans. The worker was last reported to be in stable condition. (Coast Guard 07/20/22 video) DVIDS - Video - Coast Guard medevacs oil platform worker near Southwest Pass, Louisiana (dvidshub.net)

Gulf Coast VA hiring fair etc

The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is hosting a hiring fair for Registered Nurses and Medical Support Assistants on July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the VA Hospital at 400 Veterans Avenue in Biloxi, Miss. (Source: VA Biloxi) Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System Job Fair Tickets, Sat, Jul 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite 

Additionally, the VA health system is s searching for BE/BC Psychiatrists to join their healthcare team. The physician will manage scheduled and unscheduled patients in a clinic setting. BE/BC Psychiatrists - Gulf coast VA Healthcare System in Biloxi, MS in Biloxi, MS for The Gulf coast VA Healthcare System (globalhealth.org)

Gulf Coast delivers to Navy

WASHINGTON - The Navy’s newest amphibious transport dock ship - the future USS Fort Lauderdale - is transporting the Navy’s newest LCACs to their new homeport, highlighting the significant capabilities being delivered to the Navy from Gulf Coast commands and business. Ship to Shore Connector, Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 103 and 104, received a lift in Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) on July 16 as it left Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Missi., to Fort Lauderdale where it will be commissioned. The new LPD worked with Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 as LCACs 103 and 104 entered the well deck. LCA Cs will remain in the LPD as it transits to its homeport in Norfolk, Va., after commissioning. LCAC s103 and 104, delivered to the Navy by Textron Systems of New Orleans in December 2021 and June 2022 respectively, have been at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Fla., receiving post-delivery upgrades and participating in test and trials. Once the craft are in Norfolk, they will proceed to ACU 4 in Little Creek, Va., where they will join LCAC 101 and 102 to continue post-delivery trials and fleet introduction. LCACs/SSCs are used primarily to transport vehicles, heavy equipment, and supplies from amphibs to the beach. (Source: Seapower 07/19/22) Ship to Shore Connector LCACs Get Lift of Opportunity Aboard Future USS Fort Lauderdale  - Seapower (seapowermagazine.org)

Miss. may be hydrogen AC test site

Rolls-Royce has become the latest engine manufacturer to launch trials of liquid hydrogen combustion and plans tests using several of its current powerplants in a project that could culminate in flights of a hydrogen-fueled Pearl 15 business jet engine. As an initial step, ground runs of an AE 2100 turboshaft fueled by liquid hydrogen will begin this year in the UK. This early phase will provide a good indication of hydrogen combustion and give clues about other areas RR needs to work on, according to Alan Newby, director aerospace technology and future programs. Previous research suggests modifications of the fuel injector to allow the engine to run on hydrogen, rather than a redesign of the whole combustion chamber. AE 2100 tests will be followed by ground runs of a Pearl 15 business jet engine conversion. That will be in two phases: (1) RR will demonstrate the hydrogen system can be separated from other non-combustion functions. (2) Afterwards, RR will run the engine on hydrogen. Several locations are under consideration for this part of the program, including Rolls-Royce’s test site at NASA’s Stennis Space facility in Mississippi. (Source: Flight Global 07/18/22) Rolls-Royce unveils hydrogen test programme using AE 2100 and Pearl 15 engines | News | Flight Global

Conrad's $34.8M mod contract

Conrad Shipyard LLC, Morgan City, Louisiana, is awarded a $34,872,992 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-2253) for the detail design and construction of two additional Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing craft. Work will be performed in Amelia, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. Fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $34,872,992 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 07/18/22)

A real air combat 'Maverick'

Movies have long served the Navy as effective tools in recruiting and training. The premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick," the sequel film, coincides with the 80th anniversary of significant WWII aviation battles. Midway was one landmark naval engagements in history during which a real life "Maverick" changed the face of air-to-air combat. Gulf Coast Note: Thach earned his Wings of Gold at NAS Pensacola,  Fla. (Source: Pensacola News Journal 07/17/33) WWII naval aviator changed air to air combat in Midway | John S. Thach (pnj.com)

Blue Angels name 1st woman pilot

 For the first time in its 76-year history, the Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team will have a woman flying as part of its six-jet team. A woman pilot has been selected to join the team for a historic 2023 air-show season, a source with direct knowledge confirmed to The War Zone, who is withholding her identify until an official announcement. Lt. Chelsea M. Dietlin, the Blue Angels spokesperson, did not deny a woman had been selected, but noted: "Women have been flying the Super Hornet in the Navy for over 30 years." (Source: The Drive 07/17/22) Gulf Coast Note: The Blue Angels' airshow season home is NAS Pensacola, Fla.  First Woman Blue Angels Jet Demonstration Pilot Selected | The Drive 

UPDATE

LT Amanda Lee names first Blue Angels' demo team pilot

The Navy has selected a female fighter pilot to join the Blue Angels' elite flight demonstration team for the first time in the squadron's 76-year history. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee, who is stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., will start intensive training this fall to pilot one of the six F/A-18 Super Hornets. Lee is currently on the flight demonstration team at Strike Fighter Squadron 106, "The Gladiators". Lee was one of six new team members announced July 18. Other members include a flight surgeon, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot and an aviation maintenance officer to "replace outgoing team members," according to the Blue Angels statement. Lee was an enlisted aviation electronics technician before joining a seaman-to-admiral commissioning program. She is not the squadron's first female pilot. Marine Maj. Katie Cook, with the Blue Angels in 2015, was the squadron's KC-130 "Fat Albert" logistics aircraft pilot. (Source: UPI 07/18/22) Navy's Blue Angels name first female fighter jet pilot - UPI.com

USMC history today: John Glenn

This Day in Navy and Marine Corps History: July, 18, 1957 – Marine Maj. John Glenn set a transcontinental speed record when he flew a jet from California to New York in 3 hours, 23 minutes and 8 seconds. (Source: US Navy 07/18/2)

Aviation/aero regional job post

Lead Aircraft Technician – Electrical (H125 FAL) at Airbus Helicopters Inc. in Columbus, Miss. Lead Aircraft Technician - Electrical (H125 FAL) Jobs in Columbus, MS - Airbus Helicopters, Inc (flyingcareer.info)

MS 'eating Alabama's (solar) lunch'

Alabama and Mississippi have come to the fork in the road - taking different directions as it relates to rooftop solar panels. Mississippi enacted a new set of rules to incentivize solar, including rebates for low- and middle-income customers and incentives for schools that choose to install rooftop solar. Alabama’s Public Service Commission, meanwhile, is going to federal court to defend a fee charged to solar customers by Alabama Power. That fee adds $27.05 a month to customers with a 5kw rooftop solar array, offsetting savings from solar panels. Solar advocates say Alabama is being left behind by other Southern states - Mississippi, Georgia and Florida - in terms of rooftop solar installations. “These new rules will make Mississippi open to business to clean energy technology developers ... and help boost ... cost-saving benefits of solar energy,” Mississippi PSC Commissioner Brent Bailey said. Alabama Power says the fee is necessary to cover the costs of having electricity available to solar customers when their panels aren’t producing power. Alabama ranked 49th in the country in residential solar in 2021, with fewer rooftop installations than Alaska. Mississippi ranked 48th, but the new incentives may see the state climb up the rankings. Daniel Tait, COO of Energy Alabama and a critic of the Alabama Power solar fee, said the rules put Alabama at a disadvantage for solar business development. "Mississippi is eating Alabama’s lunch.” Alabama’s rules show governmental protectionism to the "clear detriment of regular folks," he concluded. (Source: AL.com 07/16/22) Mississippi opts to encourage solar panels, as Alabama fights to keep solar fee - al.com

Board to vote on SRHS sale

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Additional news should come in regard to the fate of the Singing River Health System when the Jackson County Board of Supervisors holds a vote July 18 on whether or not the health system will be sold. (Source: WLOX 07/15/22) Singing River Health System’s fate to be determined next week (wlox.com) 

Previously, on June 1: Post: Edit (blogger.com) 

16 minority-owned biz grants

GULFPORT, Miss. - Sixteen small, minority-owned businesses each received Shine a Light Grant worth $1,000 apiece via the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber Foundation in partnership with Mississippi Power. “Small business in general drives the economy," said Mississippi Power Foundation executive Steve Dick, "but helping minority, small businesses that may not be able to have the availability of capital. Anything we can do to help those businesses to help raise all the businesses up that we can to improve the economy on the coast.” (Source: WLOX 07/15/22) Minority-owned businesses receive more than $16,000 in grant funding (wlox.com)

IEC enviro firm adds Columbus

Ingram Equipment Company (IEC), an industry-leading environmental, waste management, and commercial equipment company, is once again expanding in early September by adding the company's fifth location, in Columbus, Miss. The new service center will be housed within the Golden Triangle Waste Services Property and fully staffed with multiple mechanics, full-time parts representative, and fully stocked parts department to support customers in the Magnolia state. Family owned and operated since 1979, IEC is the environmental, waste-management, and commercial equipment dealer for fourteen industry leading manufacturing partners in Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle. (Source: Clarion Ledger 07/07/22) Ingram Equipment Company to open first Mississippi location (clarionledger.com)

MVSU 1st HBCU w/ prison program

In the fall, people incarcerated at two Mississippi prisons will get the opportunity to work toward a 4-year-degree through a new Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) program. The initiative, dubbed the Prison Educational Partnership Program (PEPP), is associated with the Second Chance Pell Experiment - a Barack Obama initiative in 2015 - that aims to “encourage participation in college and other postsecondary education” among people who are behind bars. The Itta Bena, Miss, college’s initiative brings the state’s total number of prison college programs to seven, though MVSU is the first Mississippi HBCU on this list. (Source: Yahoo 07/15/22) Mississippi Valley State University Becomes First HBCU To Offer Prison College Program In The State (yahoo.com)

Coding training for programmers

 COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Mississippi Coding Academies' Golden Triangle campus celebrated the graduation of their 2021-22 class of coders. on July 15. The 11-month tuition-free program teaches students programming skills to create a website, app or even a video game from scratch. “There are always going to be positions opening up for coders, programmers, developers,” says coding instructor Jessika Hayes. This graduating class is first for Hayes on the Columbus campus of East Mississippi Community College. According to code.org, the average salary for coders in Mississippi is $72,039. The course starts with the basics and ends with students exposed to a variety of programming languages. yes says. “The backend is what’s happening behind the scenes. What happens when you click that button? What happens to your username when you enter it into a text box?” Hayes learned under Andrew Stamps, now the director of the coding academy campus in Biloxi. “We’ve transformed lives that hopefully can maybe change some of the views of this region of our country,” Stamps says. “You know, ‘Hey, this is a place where I never thought I could find this kind of talent.'” The Mississippi Coding Academies program is designed to be an easily accessible and non-traditional path to becoming a software professional, especially for those from lower-income people. Accepting applications to next class. (Source: WCBI 07/15/22) Mississippi Coding Academies training up  programmers and software developers in the Golden Triangle (wcbi.com)  Mississippi. “The vision was to have this type of training for this area, this type of education opportunity. for citizens,” says EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks. 0ing applications for its next session. , com