SBA funds for MS international biz

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Mississippi Development Authority $600,000 for the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to support businesses interested in international trade. The funding is "instrumental" for Mississippi businesses wanting to grow business through international trade opportunities, said MDA Deputy Director Laura Hipp. STEP funding is to be used to support export development and trade endeavors for eligible small businesses. Since 2019, STEP funds to Mississippi have assisted 200+ firms participating in state-led global business development missions, which resulted in $77M+ in actual and projected sales. MDA’s International Trade Office administers the program to aid in reducing some financial obstacles qualifying businesses may face. Mississippi companies interested in learning about STEP funding may contact MDA’s International Trade Office at (601) 359-3155 or go to mississippi.org/trade. (Vicksburg Daily News 09/23/22) State to receive grant to assist businesses interested in beginning or increasing international trade - Vicksburg Daily News (vicksburgnews.com)

Regional DoD contracts Sept. 29

Hornbeck Offshore Operators, LLC, of Covington, Louisiana, is awarded a $42,433,338 modification for the fixed-price portion of a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to exercise a one-year option period (P00103) for the operation and maintenance of four modified off-shore supply vessels USNS Arrowhead (T-AGSE 4), USNS Eagleview (T-AGSE 3), USNS Westwind (T-AGSE 2), and USNS Black Powder (T-AGSE 1) for continued service as support vessels in support of U.S. Navy operations. The contract includes a 215-day base period, nine one-year option periods and one, 150-day option period. Work for this option period will be performed at sea, worldwide, and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2023. This contract includes nine 12-month option periods and one 150-day option period, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $355,345,374. Working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $42,433,338 are obligated for fiscal 2023, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was issued on a basis of other than full and open competition in support of the statute under provisions of 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 - only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The U. S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

* ESA South Inc., * Cantonment, Florida, was awarded a $22,123,756 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a vehicle maintenance shop, storage buildings, an administrative building and military equipment parking at Camp Shelby, Miss. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 18, 2024. Fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance, Army Reserve funds in the amount of $22,123,756 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity.

* Crosby Dredging LLC, Galliano, Louisiana, was awarded a $17,901,800 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Berwick, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2023. Fiscal 2022 civil operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $17,901,800 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity.

* Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, Houston, Texas, was awarded a $12,195,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Irvington, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2023. Fiscal 2022 civil operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $12,195,000 were obligated at the time of the award.

* N-Y Associates Inc., Metairie, Louisiana, was awarded a $9,438,389 firm-fixed-price contract for construction projects in the Morganza to the Gulf of Mexico system. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (DoD 09/29/22)

Gulfport officer promoted to flag

The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations announced Sept. 29 that Captain David H. Duttlinger, has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), and assigned as deputy commander, Naval Facilities, Washington, D.C.  Duttlinger is currently serving as commodore, Seventh Naval Construction Regiment, aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. (DoD 09/29/22)

Region's electric teams go to FL-GA

Regional electric company crews in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi have departed or preparing to depart for Florida and Georgia to assist with putting the lights back on after Hurricane Ian swamped the Sunshine State. A crew of 10 people and two bucket trucks departed from Fairhope, Ala., to Gainesville on Sept. 28. Riviera Utilities in Daphne will send 16 workers on Friday to Jacksonville. Alabama Power sent 400 to Savannah, Ga., on Sept. 29. Laura Stewart, education coordinator with the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives made up of 18 entities is sending 130 electrical crewmen throughout Florida. Most utilities have prearranged mutual aid agreements to provide guidance where to send work crews following a disaster. The agreements are reciprocal. In September 2020, Gainsville crews responded to Daphne's needs following Hurricane Sally.  Riviera crews arrived in Gainesville on Wednesday before the storm. Most Alabama crews are waiting for the now-downgraded tropical storm to leave the state. More than 2.6M Floridians are without power. Fairhope Utilities is part of the 36-member organization based in Montgomery. Jonathan Hand, executive director of Electric Cities of Alabama, said there are 13 utilities assisting in recovery efforts. The other Alabama utilities include Cullman, Huntsville, Dothan, Decatur, Troy, Sheffield, Tuskegee, Andalusia, the Electric Board of Guntersville, City of Florence and Opelika Power. (AL.com 09/29/22)

Mississippi's Pine Belt citizens and power crews are readying to hit the highway to lend a hand to Florida and Georgia. Mississippi Power is gearing up to send a 00-person unit to Georgia on Sept. 30. Seventy-five are line crew personnel. (The AP 09/27/22) 

* Dixie Electric Power Association crew members from Jones County, Miss., left for Wauchula, Fla., on Sept. 29. (WDAM 09/29/22)

* Salvation Army Gulf Coast is providing personnel and volunteers to travel with the Texas Emergency Disaster Services Team to Fort Meyers and other areas in Florida. Non-perishables, water, and cleansing stations are stocked on trucks and vans going to Florida. The SAGC will have 10 canteens operating in Fort Meyers and 20 more working across the state. (WLOX 09/29/22)

Shreveport, La.-based Southwestern Electric Power sent 306 personnel -106 employees and 200 contractors - to Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian's landfall to assist Orlando utility companies in restoration efforts. (The AP 09/26/22)

Aviation/Aero regional job

Sr. HRIS Analyst - Madison, Miss. - Vertex Aerospace. The HRIS Senior Analyst is responsible for system maintenance and programming for all functional areas of HR and Payroll. Sr. HRIS Analyst - Madison, MS Job in Madison, MS at Vertex Aerospace (ziprecruiter.com) 

Shipbuilder delivers workboat to NY

Silver Ships Inc. of Theodore, Ala., announced the delivery of a multi-mission Explorer 40 Landing Craft vessel to the Suffolk County (NY) Public Works Department. The custom-built 40-foot workboat’s primary purpose is to transport heavy machinery and equipment to further support the Public Works Department. The vessel is powered by triple 250-hp Honda outboard motors and includes a Vetus 8-hp bow thruster that allows the bow to move sideways to facilitate maneuvering and docking in close quarters. “Silver Ships is committed to finding solutions that will help our customers achieve their operations and long-term goals,” Dave Hunt, head of business development at Silver Ships. (Work Boat 09/27/22)

Regional DoD contracts Sept 27

*  Koman Construction,* Anchorage, Alaska (W9126G-22-D-0046); CCI Mechanical LLC,* Crestview, Florida (W9126G-22-D-0047); Red Eagle JV,* Coweta, Oklahoma (W9126G-22-D-0048); Lemoine-Frazier JV LLC,* Lafayette, Louisiana (W9126G-22-D-0049); and Reasor-Asturian JV LLC,* Pensacola, Florida (W9126G-22-D-0050), will compete for each order of the $164,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design-build vertical construction. Bids were solicited via the internet with 26 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2027. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity.

* Mike Hooks LLC, Westlake, Louisiana, was awarded a $16,739,800 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2023. Fiscal 2022 civil operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $16,739,800 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity.

* Luhr Crosby LLC, Columbia, Illinois, was awarded a $13,468,394 firm-fixed-price contract for stone berms and blankets, and dike maintenance. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2023. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (DoD 09/27/22)

Update: 'Dart' alters asteroid orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A NASA spacecraft, named Dart, rammed headlong into an asteroid at 14,000 mph on Sept. 26 in a dress rehearsal for the day a killer rock menaces Earth. The event happed 7M miles from Earth. Scientists expected the impact to carve a crater, hurl rocks and dirt into space and alter the asteroid’s orbit. “We have impact!” Mission Control’s Elena Adams announced, jumping up and down and thrusting arms skyward. Worldwide telescopes caught the impact but Dart’s radio signal abruptly stopped. It will take as long as a couple of months to determine how much the asteroid’s path was changed. The $325M mission was the first attempt to shift the position of any natural object in space. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson reminded reporters earlier in the day via Twitter that, “No, this is not a movie plot,” in a pre-recorded video. "We’ve all seen ... 'Armageddon,' (with Bruce Willis) but the real-life stakes are high.” Dart is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. (The AP 09/27/22) NASA’s DART mission will slam into an asteroid: Live updates | AP News 

UPDATE: Dart successfully alters asteroid's orbit 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -'Dart' plowed into the harmless asteroid millions of miles away shifting its orbit, NASA said Oct. 11 in announcing the results of its save-the-world test. The space agency attempted the test Sept. 26 to see if in a potential future killer rock could be nudged away from Earth. The Dart spacecraft carved a crater into the asteroid Dimorphos hurling debris into space and creating a cometlike trail of dust and rubble over several thousand miles. It took days of telescope observations to determine how much the impact altered the orbit path of the 525-foot asteroid around its companion, a bigger space rock. Before the impact, the moonlet took 11 hours and 55 minutes to circle its parent asteroid. Scientists said the impact shortened the asteroid's orbit about 32 minutes. (The AP 10/22/22) Smashing success: NASA asteroid strike results in big nudge | News | wtva.com

Regional DoD contracts Sept. 26

* Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is awarded a $19,353,359 firm-fixed-price delivery order (N00383-22-F-UX08) under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00383-19-G-UX01 for the procurement of 129 items in support of the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system installed on the F/A-18 aircraft. All work will be performed in Forest, Mississippi. This contract contains no options and work is expected to begin October 2022 and be completed by March 2025. Annual working capital (Navy) funds in the full amount of $19,353,359 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. 

* Archer Western Construction LLC, Irving, Texas, was awarded a $55,250,465 firm-fixed-price contract for floodgate replacement. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in St. Mary, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2024. Fiscal 2010 civil construction funds in the amount of $55,250,465 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. 

* Inland Dredging Company LLC, Dyersburg, Tennessee (W912EE-22-D-0003); Crosby Dredging LLC, Galliano, Louisiana (W912EE-22-D-0004); Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC, Houston, Texas (W912EE-22-D-0005); and Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, Louisiana (W912EE-22-D-0006), will compete for each order of the $49,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 25, 2027. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. 

* AlphaNav Tech PE, Odessa, Ukraine (N68171-22-D-H009); Ben Line Agencies (S) Pte. Ltd., Southpoint, Singapore (N68171-22-D- H010); Centerra Group LLC, Herndon, Virginia (N68171-22-D-H011); Insignia Shipping Services Ltd., London, United Kingdom (N68171-22-D-H012); International Maritime & Air Services SL, Cadiz, Spain (N68171-22-D-H013); JT Square Pte. Ltd., Singapore (N68171-22-D-H014); KVG LLC, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (N68171-22-D-H015); Meridian Global Consulting LLC, Mobile, Alabama (N68171-22-D-H016); Macro Vantage Levant DMCC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (N68171-22-D-H017); Relyant Global LLC, Maryville, Tennessee (N68171-22-D-H018); and TranLogistics LLC, Miami, Florida (N68171-22-D-H019), are awarded an estimated $1,061,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract under previously awarded request for proposal N68171-20-R-0005 adding new husbanding service provider contractors to an existing 2020 global multiple award contract (GMAC) for the remaining three years within the initial GMAC. The existing GMAC included a five-year base ordering period with one five-year option with individual requirements performed under task orders when specific dates and locations are identified. The GMAC is to provide husbanding, management and integration services consisting of general charter and hire, utilities, force protection, communications, and land transportation services to support maritime forces of the Department of Defense, other U.S. government agencies, and other nations to include Navy ships, Marine Corps, Military Sealift Command (MSC), Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, NATO, and other foreign vessels participating in U.S. military or NATO exercises and missions. If the option period is exercised, the total estimated value of the contracts combined will have a ceiling value of $2,122,000,000. The ordering period of the contract is expected to be completed by October 2025; if all options are exercised, the ordering period will be completed by October 2030. The contracts will run concurrently, and work will be performed in 30 geographic regions: United Arab Emirates (14%); Philippines (10%); Djibouti (7%); Eastern U.S. and U.S. territories (6%); Southeastern Asia 2 (5%); Indian Ocean (5%); South Korea (5%); South America (5%); Singapore (4%); Western U.S. California (4%); Southeastern Asia 1 (3%); Bahrain (3%); Oman (3%); Oceania (2%); China and Russia (2%); United Kingdom/Western Europe (North Sea) (2%); Italy (2%); Eastern Europe/Black Sea (2%); Western Europe (Mediterranean) (2%); Northern Atlantic (2%); Panama (2%); North America (2%); Japan (1%); Greece (1%); Africa (1%); Middle East (1%); Central America (1%); Caribbean and Bermuda (1%); Eastern U.S. territories (1%); and Western U.S. territories (1%). Due to the fact that the specific requirements for husbanding support cannot be predicted at this time, more specific information about where the work will be performed cannot be currently provided. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $33,000 will be obligated ($3,000 on each of the 11 contracts to fund the contracts’ minimum amounts), and funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Additional funds will be obligated at the task order level with the appropriate fiscal year funding as issued by the main type commanders for each area of responsibility. Typical funding issued by each of the customers include operation and maintenance (Navy) funds and working capital (Navy) funds. The requirement was competitively procured for the award of multiple contracts with the solicitation posted on the System for Award Management website with 30 offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella, Naples Detachment, Italy, is the contracting activity. (DoD 09/26/22)

New technology chief at HII

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Global defense and technologies partner HII announced Sept. 26 that Todd Borkey has been promoted to executive VP and chief technology officer, effective immediately and reporting directly to HII President/CEO Chris Kastner. The move comes at a time of technological advancement for HII and will expand Borkey's scope, who has served as chief technology officer of HII’s Mission Technologies division. In his new role, Borkey will oversee the company’s technology strategy, including research and development, to enhance HII’s existing products and services and to develop new capabilities to drive market growth. Prior to joining HII, Borkey served as chief technology officer at Alion Science and Technology, Thales Defense and Security and DRS Defense Solutions where he was responsible for the technical roadmap and program operations, including RF communications, C5ISR solutions, remote sensors, radars, sonars, and cyber/electronic warfare products. (HII 09/26/22) HII Names Todd Borkey as Chief Technology Officer - HII

15K Pharmacies to leave Tricare

About 400,000 military families who use community pharmacies soon will have to find an alternative source for prescriptions. About 15,000 community pharmacies will leave the TRICARE retail pharmacy network on Oct. 24 affecting about 4% of the eligible population. Beneficiaries will receive a letter from Express Scripts with a list of alternative in-network pharmacies. Walgreens and CVS remain, as do many grocery store pharmacies and smaller chains. Network pharmacies also can be found using this online search tool. After Oct. 24, beneficiaries who continue to fill prescriptions at departing community pharmacies will pay the full retail price for the medication. With the departure of community pharmacies, Express Scripts reports the TRICARE retail network will continue to meet or exceed TRICARE’S pharmacy access standard of at least one pharmacy within a 15-minute drive of 90% of beneficiaries. (MOAA 09/26/22) MOAA - Nearly 15,000 Community Pharmacies Leaving TRICARE Network Next Month

New chairman @ Ducks Unlimited

Doug Schoenrock was recently elected chairman of the board of Ducks Unlimited at its national convention in New Orleans. The Huntsville, Ala., resident will serve a 2-year term. Before elected, he was DU’s 45th president and oversaw the group's record-breaking 606,000 acres conserved in FY 2021. He led DU's Presidential Lands Task Force, a committee designed to evaluate and elevate DU’s land conservation processes and capabilities. He was also influential in expanding DU’s brand and reach through such initiatives as the IMAX film “Wings Over Water” and enhancing the Wetlands America Trust brand. Schoenrock is a member of the Huntsville, Ala., Chapter, but he started his DU career in the Wolf River Chapter in Memphis. (AL.com 09/26/22) Huntsville resident plays role in protecting ‘the wild places’ - al.com

Regional groups get TA award$

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) announced Sept. 26 that 218 organizations received $27.57M in Technical Assistance (TA) awards to build capacity to provide services to low-income and underserved people and communities. The awards were made through the FY 2022 funding round of the Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI Program) and Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program). The CDFI and NACA programs provide monetary awards to invest in and build the capacity of specialized financial institutions called Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), empowering growth, achieve sustainability, and contribute to the revitalization of low-income and distressed communities nationwide. CDFIs commonly use Technical Assistance awards to analyze products and services appropriate for their markets, develop lending policies and procedures, and build lending capacity. More established CDFIs also use TA awards to provide new products, serve current markets in new ways or enhance efficiency of operations. The NACA Program specifically awards funding to CDFIs that primarily serve Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and communities. (Department of Treasury 09/26/22) CDFI Fund Announces FY 2022 CDFI Program and NACA Program Technical Assistance Awards | Community Development Financial Institutions Fund 

REGIONAL institutions in Louisiana and Mississippi receiving $125K grants: Ascencion Credit Union in Gonzales, La. (CDIF); Choctaw (Miss.) Credit Union (NACA); Commercial Capital Credit Corp. (Dekalb, Miss. CDIF); MUNA Credit Union, Meridian, Miss, (CDIF); Section 705 Credit Union, Lafayette, La. (CDFI); University of Louisiana Federal Credit Union, Lafayette, La. (CDFI); WBRT Credit Union, Port Allen, La. (CDFI).

Guv appoints trio; new IADC chair

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced three appointments on Sept. 24 including for executive director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Reeves named Lynn Posey as the new MDWFP head. Posey served in the state Senate from 1988-2007. During that time, he was Senate chairman of the Committee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for 16 years. He also served as a Public Service Commissioner from 2008-16. Posey earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Public Administration from Mississippi State University. The other two appointments were former Calhoun County state Rep. Jim Beckett of Bruce as executive director for the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Robert Morris III for District Attorney for the 17th Circuit Court District. Beckett served in the Legislature as chairman of the House Public Utilities Committee for eight years and has been a member of the National Energy Council for more than a decade.  (Clarion Ledger 09/23/22) 

Patron appointed IADC chair

David Patrón, a partner at Phelps in New Orleans, has been appointed by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) to a two-year term as chairman of the Cyber Security, Data Privacy and Technology Committee. The committee addresses laws globally affected by burgeoning technologies, increasing cybersecurity and data privacy guidelines and issues. Patrón is head of Phelps’ litigation practice. (NOLA/.com 09/25/22) 

New disease killing GoM coral

A new disease that’s killing over 90% of some coral species has made its first incursion into the seascapes covering the Gulf of Mexico’s largest and most-treasured coral sanctuary. Scientists working in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary about 100 miles off the coasts of Louisiana/Texas have spotted corals with the tell-tale white lesions associated with stony coral tissue loss disease. Although not officially diagnosed, sanctuary ecologist Michelle Johnston raced to get the word out that coral experts she’s consulted are “90% sure” the New Orleans-sized sanctuary is infected. Flower Garden Banks includes the northernmost coral reefs in the continental U.S. and one of the few places in the GoM that’s off limits to commercial fishing and oil and gas exploration. Its plentiful but fragile corals are a haven for a wide range of marine life: Manta rays, dolphins, endangered sea turtles, a variety of fish like grouper and snapper. The disease’s appearance comes at a high point for Flower Garden Banks, which grown from 56 to 160 square miles in the last year. This year marks 30 years since the sanctuary was founded in 1992. While Flower Garden Banks’ infected areas were limited to small patches, hundreds of coral colonies have begun to lose their color and is showing signs of tissue disintegration. The disease was first found in Florida. (Source: NOLA.com 09/25/22) Gulf of Mexico’s largest coral sanctuary faces an extreme threat that’s mystifying scientists | Environment | nola.com

AL opens cyber magnet school

Gov. Kay Ivey officially opened the new Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering magnet school Sept. 23 in Huntsville calling it a “testimony to (the state’s) commitment to being innovative." It is the only high school in America, she said, “focused on integrating cyber technology and engineering into the academic disciplines.” The school has 254 students: 151 commuters and 103 boarding on campus with 38% being female and 38% minority students. (AL.com 09/23/22) Alabama’s new high school for cyber technology officially open - al.com

College Success Award for MS, LA

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education announced that 46 Mississippi high schools have received the 2022 College Success Award from GreatSchools.org, the nation’s leading non-profit providing school information to parents and families. This 5th annual recognition honors public high schools that excel at preparing students to enroll and succeed in college, as determined by available data in each state. Mississippi’s recipients are among 1,742 winners from 25 states that demonstrated successful track records of graduating students who enroll in college-level course work. Mississippi leads the nation in both collecting and transparently sharing information on ow students perform after high school, which is valuable information for families, educators, and policymakers. Louisiana had 61 schools earning College Success Awards. View all recipient schools by state by visiting bit.ly/3QQORim. (Mississippi Department of Education 09/23/22)

Oxford firm's $14M Army pact

Olin Winchester LLC, Oxford, Mississippi, was awarded a $14,285,600 (P00013) to contract W52P1J-21-C-0016 for the manufacture of 7.62 mm small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Oxford, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2024. Fiscal 2022 ammunition procurement, Army funds in the amount of $14,285,600 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. (DoD 09/23/22)

Prez nominates NavPers flag

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced Sept. 23 that the President has nominated Navy Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as military deputy commander of the U.S. Southern Command, in Doral, Fla. Holsey is currently serving as commander, Navy Personnel Command; and deputy chief of naval personnel, Millington, Tennessee. (DoD 09/23/22)

Entergy, Diamond wind sign MOU

Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans and Diamond Offshore Wind, a subsidiary of Diamond Generating Corp., announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Sept. 23 regarding evaluation and potential early development of wind power generation in the Gulf of Mexico. The agreement could put Entergy into making its first step to deliver another source of clean power to customers. Work still needs to be done, according to Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president/CEO. The MOU provides a legal framework for Entergy and Diamond to work toward development of potential offshore wind demonstration projects located in Louisiana state waters and on a near-term evaluation of grid interconnection to determine size and locations. Louisiana has an opportunity to develop an offshore wind industry that could service the entire country, according to Chris Wissemann, CEO of Diamond Offshore Wind. Entergy Louisiana currently has approximately 280MW of renewable resources. Diamond is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp. (Entergy 09/23/22) Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans and Diamond Offshore Wind seek to evaluate offshore wind (entergynewsroom.com)

Jensen new Port NOLA board chair

NEW ORLEANS - The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) elected Jack C. Jensen Jr. to serve as Board Chairman on Sept. 22, succeeding Charles H. Ponstein, whose term ended this month. Also elected were Joseph F. Toomy, who will serve as Vice Chairman and Walter J. Leger Jr., who will serve as Secretary-Treasurer for the 9-month term. Jensen has decades of transportation and logistics experience and will assist Port NOLA's work to expand freight-based business throughout its 3-parish jurisdiction, according to Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President/CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission (NOPB). Jensen joined the Board in mid-2018 when he was appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards. Jensen has over 40 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply, import/export, port development and trucking industries and is a graduate of the University of New Orleans. Ponstein will continue to serve on the Board as a commissioner until his 5-year term ends in February. He will also be serving as Chairman of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission. Port NOLA and NOPB boards consist of seven unsalaried members who serve 5-year staggered terms. (Port NOLA 09/22/22) Port NOLA | Port of New Orleans Board Elects Jack C. Jensen, Jr. as…

Demo of IAA's HD camera system

PORT ST. JOE, Florida - UAV Corp’s (UMAV) wholly owned subsidiary Skyborne Technology will demonstrate an advanced HD camera sensor on board their new semi-rigid Lighter Than Air Drone SA 70-12 scheduled for flight this winter. The camera will be the “MOSP3000-HD System” developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd.’s TAMAM Division (Systems Missiles & Space Group). Skyborne has been working through IAI/TAMAM’s U.S. subsidiary Stark Aerospace Inc. “We are quite excited to have a working relationship with Stark Aerospace Inc. to explore global usage of the MOSP3000-HD system and other systems,” said Michael Lawson, CEO of Skyborne.  The HD camera sensor payload will be demonstrated for Disaster Relief aerial communication efforts under a State of Florida program through the Triumph Fund and Gulf Coast College. (UAV Corp. 09/21/22) Stark Aerospace, a Columbus, Miss., -based defense and aerospace firm, manufactures a diversified portfolio of advanced and technologically sophisticated systems and components. It is located near the GTR airport. Stark's current work includes missile systems, electro-optics and infrared (EO/IR) systems, electronics assembly, repair and overhaul, and UAV and commercial composite aerostructures. Stark Aerospace is a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. UAV CORP (UMAV) TO DEMONSTRATE ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, LTD.’S HD CAMERA SENSOR PAYLOAD ON UPCOMING TEST FLIGHTS (yahoo.com)

Students excel at MSU STEM prep

Physics students from 22 rural Mississippi high schools attended the 2022 Advanced STEM Summer Preparatory Program at Mississippi State University achieved “statistically significant” gains with mean scores more than doubling, according to independent assessments by the Center for Research and Evaluation at the University of Mississippi. Students in the summer program received immersive instruction to help them prepare to take various Advanced Placement (AP)® science courses. The Summer Program, the sixth since 2017, was the largest with more than 150 participants. (Mississippi State University 09/23/22)

Geter, Nelson newbies to MAA

JACKSON - The Mississippi Airports Association elected new board members at its annual conference this month in Starkville. Some are returning members and some new individuals have been named. MAA is a consortium of individuals and organizations interested in enhancing aviation in Mississippi. Joining the board for the first time are Mary Geter of Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and Richard Nelson of Natchez-Adams County Airport. Those re-elected are Wes Kirkpatrick of Monroe County Airport, Sam Washington of Greenville Mid-Delta Airport and Clay Williams of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Continuing board members are Nick Ardillo of Neel-Schaffer, Inc., Tommy Booth of Michael Baker International, Matt Dowell of Golden Triangle Regional Airport, Mike Forster of Louisville-Winston County Airport, Tom Heanue of Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport, Elton Jay, retired Director of MDOT Aeronautics, Matt Owens of Hesler-Noble Field in Laurel, Chanse Watson of Stennis International Airport and Tom Williams of Meridian Regional Airport. Officers for 2021-22 are President Tom Heanue, Vice President Wes Kirkpatrick, Secretary Matt Owens, Treasurer Mike Forster, Assistant Treasurer Matt Dowell and Past President Sam Washington. MAA's purpose is to promote aviation and airport interests, provide a medium for discussion by members, promote proper legislation for aviation and airports and advise and give consultation to members when requested. (Natchez Democrat 09/22/22)

DoD: Ease load for military & fams

The Defense Department laid out an array of efforts to address the needs of married service members, families and single service members. In a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," SECDEF Lloyd J. Austin III outlined those efforts in more detail. DoD has a "sacred obligation to take care of our service members and families," Austin wrote. They are the strong foundation, which is imperative to national security. The memo spells efforts across four areas deemed most critical. Those include: Securing affordable basic needs; Making moves easier; Strengthening support to families, especially for childcare; and Strengthening military spouse employment. Among service members' most basic needs are housing and food, and DoD has efforts underway to ensure service members can afford those things. (DoD 09/23/22) Austin Pledges to 'Ease the Load' for Service Members  > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News

DoD pilot program grants to LA, FL

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 23 that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation award of 19 grants totaling approximately $90M under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program. The pilot program is a competitive program for states and communities to undertake infrastructure enhancements to support military value, installation resiliency, and/or family quality of life that benefits their local installations. Among the regional grantees:

* $2,095,100 to the England Economic and Industrial Development District in support of Fort Polk, La., for the construction of a new wash rack at the Alexandria International Airport, Fort Polk’s Joint Readiness Training Center aerial point of debarkation, ensuring safer and more rapid transport of vehicles following training rotations. 

* $3,493,130 to Walton County, Florida in support of Eglin Air Force Base for the construction of a new fire station to enable wildland firefighting and faster deployment of emergency medical services. (DoD 09/23/22) Department of Defense Approves $90 Million in Grants Under Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program > U.S. Department of Defense > Release

MS shipbuilding plan gets $4.9M

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 23 that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation award of six (6) grants totaling approximately $30M under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program. The Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program makes long-term investments in critical skills, facilities, workforce development, research and development, and small business support in order to strengthen the national security innovation base. On Aug.16, Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, designated the six consortia as Defense Manufacturing Communities and invited them to submit grant applications. The awards derive from FY 2022 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $9,570,929 in non-Federal funds for a total investment of $39,314,390. Among the six grantees was the Mississippi-Shipbuilding Industry's Preparedness for National Security (MS-SHIPS), which proposes to bolster national security by modernizing Mississippi’s shipbuilding industry by enhancing sector capacity, capability, competitiveness, and resiliency. The project will create a skilled and diverse talent pipeline for the region's shipbuilding industry, accelerate adoption of Industry 4.0 manufacturing practices in the shipbuilding supply chain, and develop advanced solutions designed to enhance worker safety. Consortium members will implement regionally tailored strategies in support of each goal, ensuring partners are successful increasing broad reach and lasting impact. Tentative DMCSP Grant: $4,999,634. (DoD 09/23/22) Department of Defense Approves $30 Million in Grants Under Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program > U.S. Department of Defense > Release

DoD regional contracts Sept. 22

* ASM Affiliates Inc.,* Carlsbad, California (W91238-22-D-0013); Espinoza Cultural Services LLC,* La Jara, Colorado (W91238-22-D-0014); Far Western Anthropological Research Group Inc.,* Davis, California (W91238-22-D-0015); EAF2JV LLC,* San Antonio, Texas (W91238-22-D-0016); Gulf South Research Corp.,* Baton Rouge, Louisiana (W91238-22-D-0017); Scout-Cardno JV LLC,* Encinitas, California (W91238-22-D-0018); Solv LLC,* McLean, Virginia (W91238-22-D-0019); and Vernadero Group Inc.,* Phoenix, Arizona (W91238-22-D-0020), will compete for each order of the $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for environmental and cultural resources services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 15 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 21, 2027. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California, is the contracting activity. 

* Rogue Industries, LLC, Fort Walton Beach, Florida (FA2823-22-D-0006); Reasor Building Group LLC, Pensacola, Florida (FA2823-22-D-0007); Justin J. Reeves LLC, Houma, Louisiana (FA2823-22-D-0008); Onopa Services LLC, Sanford, Florida (FA2823-22-D-0009); Civil Works Contracting LLC, Wilmington, North Carolina (FA2823-22-D-0010); OAC Action Construction Corp., Miami, Florida (FA2823-22-D-0011); CJW Contractors Inc., Herndon, Virginia (FA2823-22-D-0012); Sousa Construction Inc., Farmersville, California (FA2823-22-D-0013); Fiber Business Solutions Group Inc., Norristown, Pennsylvania (FA2823-22-D-0014); and CMC Building Inc., Bolton, North Carolina (FA2823-22-D-0015), have been awarded a $500,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Northwest Florida Air Force Multiple Award Construction Contract which will cover construction requirements for three Air Force installations. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Tyndall AFB, Florida; and Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 19, 2027. These awards are the result of a competitive 100 percent Small Business Set Aside, and 73 offers were received. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $10,000 ($1,000 per awardee) are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin AFB, Florida, is the contracting activity. (DoD 09/22/23)

FBI collaborates with JSU students

Jackson State University and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collaborated over a 3-day visit with students as part of the Beacon Project. The initiative aims to build a broader representation of the African American community within the federal organization. Dr. Lashanda Jordan, director of the Career Services Center, lauded the FBI for creating an opportunity for JSU students. “(I)t's a wonderful partnership." There was discussion about efforts to recruit minority students, she continued, and wanting the FBI to "look more like America." The first phase of the initiative was to engage with HBCUs to drive that point, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby, and HBCU gradiate wotj a degree om business administration. Agents provided students with information about internships and the hiring process. “I thought it was very good information and received everything I needed. I’m very intrigued,” said Darian Bracey, a senior criminal justice major. (Jackson State University 09/20/22) Jackson State University and FBI foster diversity and inclusion efforts during three-day workshop | Jackson State Newsroom (jsumsnews.com) 

JSU alum Knauss fellowship finalist

Jackson State University alumnus Willis Lyons, a native of Philadelphia, Miss., was selected as a finalist in the 2023 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program, one of the most distinguished U.S. fellowships in the field of marine policy. Lyons credits his passion for marine study to the early foundation established at JSU studying biology and chemistry. His initial focus was to go to medical school, because he's "always wanted to heal those around me, whether spiritually, mentally, physically, or emotionally,” said Lyons. After attaining his undergraduate degree, Lyons pursued getting a master’s degree in environmental science from JSU, where he began to centralize his research focus on water chemistry. Tenacious in his professional pursuit to improve the conditions of vulnerable communities, Lyons continued to shape his goals in the field of environmental science. Ultimately, it led him to Florida A&M University, where his passion, knowledge and dedication afforded him a full-ride scholarship into the environmental science doctoral program. A part of Lyon’s professional impetus is the ability to establish holistic legislative policies that encompass real experiences and needs of vulnerable populations in spaces where decisions can drastically shift every aspect of their well-being. (Jackson State 09/21/22) JSU alum named Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, strives to uplift vulnerable communities | Jackson State Newsroom (jsumsnews.com) 

JSU students meet with EPA's chief

JACKSON, Miss. – A group of Jackson State University (JSU) students had the unique opportunity to get the latest news about the city of Jackson’s water crisis from the top official at the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan met with students on campus Sept. 7.  A mix of students who represented the Student Government Association, athletics and residence life attended the meeting with Ragan, the first Black man and second person of color to lead the EPA. He is the first EPA administrator to graduate from an Historically Black College and University. (Jackson State 09/21/22) EPA Administrator visits Jackson State University for student roundtable on the water crisis | Jackson State Newsroom (jsumsnews.com)

$9M+ grants for coops' broadband

Mississippi's Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley signed orders redesignating the Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) status of nine local electric cooperative subsidiaries for $9,123,901 in grants to be spent in 2023 from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”) for broadband expansion. "Whether it be telework, telemedicine, or online education, broadband accessibility will promote economic investment and enhance quality of life for countless rural Mississippians," Presley said in a statement. Presley re-certified the following electric cooperative subsidiaries: ACE Fiber by Alcorn County Electric: $550,590.48; M-Pulse Fiber by Monroe County Electric: $819,100.80; NT Spark by Natchez Trace Electric: $1,031,059.20; NE SPARC by North East Mississippi Electric: $1,265,233.80; Prentiss Connect by Prentiss County Electric: $680,315.04; TVI Fiber by Tallahatchie Valley Electric: $2,017,380.80; TEPA Connect by Tippah Electric: $676,635; Tombigbee Fiber by Tombigbee Electric: $985,510.20; and Tishomingo Connect by Tishomingo County Electric: $1,098,076.200. (WTVA 09/22/22) More than $9M in federal funding to help with broadband expansion in north Mississippi | News | wtva.com

AF poster series covering 75 yrs

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - The Air Force is releasing a commemorative 75th Anniversary poster series highlighting this year's theme, "Innovate, Accelerate, Thrive … the Air Force at 75." The collection spans decades showcasing major Air Force events and accomplishments reached on the battlefield while overcoming social and economic obstacles. The series also commemorates historical figures who persevered and paved a pathway for future Airmen and revolutionary triumphs in America's defense against past and present adversaries. The official U.S. Air Force 75th Anniversary poster series and more can be found by visiting the Air Force Posters page.  (Secretary of the Air Force 09/21/22) The Air Force releases commemorative 75th Anniversary poster series > Air Force > Article Display (af.mil)

MVSU, Alcorn Fulbright leaders

Mississippi Valley and Alcorn State universities in Mississippi are two of 19 schools to be named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader for 2022. For the third year in a row, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes selected HBCUs' engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Alcorn President Felecia M. Nave praised the program for allowing the University an opportunity to use its resources to fuel innovation among students and faculty. The Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program exposes students and communities to languages/cultural experiences first-hand. At least five MVSU faculty members have been Fulbright Teaching and Research Scholars in various countries. MVSU was selected to host a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence from India - Dr. Vandana Saxena - to teach and pursue research in the Department of Education during the 2022-23 academic year. She is an Education, Diversity, and Inclusion expert at the University of Delhi. (Mississippi Valley State University 09/19/22) MVSU is Named HBCU Institutional Leader by the Fulbright Program | Mississippi Valley State University For more information on the Fulbright Program, visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright

East MS vet park event Sept. 27

The East Mississippi Veterans Foundation will hold a ribbon cutting and dedication event Sept. 27 as Phase 1 of the East Mississippi Veterans Memorial Park nears completion in Meridian. The park was divided into four phases including a static aircraft display, wall of remembrance, freedom walkway and armed forces plaza. Phase 1 was completed earlier this year with the arrival of an RF-4C Phantom II previously flown at the 186th Air National Guard Unit at Key Field from 1979-91. EMSVF President Jeff Summerlin located the jet in an aviation boneyard in Tucson, Ariz., and worked to raise funds to bring it home. Tuesday’s event, which begins at 1 p.m., will serve as both dedication for the aircraft display and ribbon cutting for the veterans' memorial park, Summerlin said. (Meridian Star 09/22/22) Veterans memorial dedication set for Tuesday | Local News | meridianstar.com For more information about the East Mississippi Veterans Memorial Park or how to get involved, visit emsvf.org.

Tracking Invest 98L

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI - Tracking the tropics. Invest 98L is not a threat to the Gulf Coast for at least five days. Beyond that, it’s too early to tell how much of a threat it will become and what regions may be impacted. Invest 98L is in the southeastern Caribbean Sea with a high chance of becoming a tropical storm. Forecast models show the system moving into the Gulf by mid-week. It’s still too early to know the track or strength it could become.  Mississippi coast's next weather pattern calls for dry-and-high pressure to protect the coast from tropical impacts. A cold front could steer the system away. This is not set in stone. Keep a close eye on this system daily. (WLOX 09/22/22) Post: Edit (blogger.com)

CoE requests input on SEA #583a

NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' New Orleans District is requesting public comments for preparations of the Humble Canal Gate Site and initial levee preload in Terrebonne Parish, La. The comment period began on Sept. 21 and concludes on Oct. 6. A draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) #583a - “Mississippi River and Tributaries Morganza to the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana (MRT-MTG) Mitigation for the Humble Canal Gate Site Preparation and Initial Levee Preload, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana" - is available for public review and comment. The document provides an assessment of potential impacts of these actions that includes mitigation of fresh marsh and brackish marsh in the Deltaic Plain that would be incurred by construction of the MRT-MTG Humble Canal gate site preload levee. The project is to prepare the site for a floodgate at Humble Canal as a feature of the MRT-MTG project that will provide hurricane and storm damage risk reduction for the communities in the vicinity of Houma. Comments should be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Planning and Environment Division South New Orleans Environmental Branch, CEMVNPDS-C, 7400 Leake Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118. Comments and questions may also be provided by e-mail to mvnenvironmental@usace.army.mil. The report and supporting information are available online at https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/NEPA-Compliance-Documents/Project-Pages/Mississippi-River-and-Tributaries/ (USACE New Orleans 09/21/22) Corps seeks public comments on proposed construction of Humble Canal Preload Levee > New Orleans District > News Releases (army.mil)

GEA's new brand: GE Aerospace

GE Aviation announced its new brand names for its three planned future companies: GE HealthCare, GE Vernova and GE Aerospace. H. Lawrence Culp Jr., Chairman/CEO said he was "thrilled to be a part of this storied aviation franchise that is becoming GE Aerospace. The new brand maintains a strong standing in the industry and keeps the globally recognized GE monogram as a badge of safety, quality, and trust, he said in a website post. The move from “aviation” to “aerospace” was deliberate. GE Aerospace will maintain the brand’s strong standing in the aviation sector and also sets forth a "confident vision to compete and advance in the field of aerospace and defense in the future. The new name does not change its purpose: "We invent the future of flight, lift people up and bring them home safely - that's the company's "North Sta," he continued. (GE Aerospace 09/2022) Home | GE Aviation | GE Aviation

Rocket Lab selects Stennis

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Rocket Lab USA (RKLB), a leading launch and space systems company, revealed Sept. 21 it has selected NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi as the location of its engine test facility for its reusable rocket, Neutron. The Archimedes Test Complex will be located within the larger A Test Complex at Stennis across a 1M square foot area for 10 years, with another 10-year option. The Archimedes complex will include exclusive use/development of NASA infrastructure and the A-3 Test Stand to develop and test Neutron’s reusable engines. Rocket Lab has also secured a capital investment incentive from the Mississippi Development Authority to further develop facilities/infrastructure at Stennis for Neutron. Neutron is Rocket Lab’s reusable rocket in development. Rocket Lab Founder/CEO Peter Beck says: "Before rockets flew to the Moon, they first had to go through Mississippi ... (and as RKLB's rocket begins to) reshape space access once again, Stennis is a fitting location." Rocket Lab expects to begin construction at Stennis Space Center quickly. (Business Wire 09/21/22) Rocket Lab Selects NASA Stennis Space Center for Neutron Engine Test Facility (yahoo.com)

Pekoske returns as TSA boss

Business aviation welcomed backed David Pekoske as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The U.S. Senate voted 77-18 on Dept. 22 to reconfirm Pekoske. He first was TSA head in August 2017 and had served two stints as senior official performing the duties of deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from April to November 2019. He served 33 years in the Coast Guard and was a vice commandant. (AINonline 09/19/22) Pekoske Return To TSA Draws Industry Praise | Business Aviation News: Aviation International News (ainonline.com) 

Airbus MS financial analyst job

Financial Analyst – Business Controlling at Airbus in Columbus, Miss. Financial Analyst - Business Controlling Jobs in Columbus, MS at Airbus (findflyingjobs.com) 

Regional DoD contract Sept. 21

Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is awarded a $15,303,566 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001922F2543) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0007).  This order provides for depot-level repair capability for the government of Kuwait’s inventory of AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar weapon replaceable assemblies. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California (65%); and Forest, Mississippi (35%), and is expected to be completed in February 2023. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $15,303,566 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (DoD 09/21/22)

Vaccine refusal may hit 14K ANG

The Army National Guard could discharge up to 14,000 troops over the next two years for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, service leaders told Stars and Stripes on Sept. 20. Those numbers include individuals who have applied for medical or religious waivers to the vaccine, which is required by the Pentagon even after President Biden declared the pandemic “over,” Anson Smith, deputy chief of the Army National Guard Strength Maintenance Division, told Stars and Stripes. Nearly 10,000 National Guard troops have declined to receive the vaccine, according to DoD and are in limbo until the Army gives permission for the Guard to issue discharges. Smith estimated the Guard could separate as many as 9,000 troops in FY 2023, which begins Oct. 1 and an additional 5,000 the inn FY-24. Only seven ANG members have obtained permanent medical vaccine waivers, according to DoD. The Guard has rejected 42 applications for religious waivers and has not granted a single one. (Daily Caller 09/21/22) National Guard Prepares To Lose 14,000 Troops Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate (msn.com)

Artemis 1 springs another leak

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA’s moon rocket - Artemis 1 - sprouted a new fuel leak Sept. 21 engineers tested the plumbing ahead of another launch attempt as early as next week. The day-long demonstration had barely begun when hazardous hydrogen fuel began escaping again, despite new seals and repairs. Engineers halted the flow and warmed the lines in hopes of plugging the leak and proceeded with the test. The leak continued. Wednesday’s results will determine whether the rocket is ready for its first test flight with an unmanned crew to orbit the Moon. Hydrogen leaks spoiled the first two launch attempts. (The AP 09/21/22) NASA tries fueling moon rocket in test, but leak reoccurs (wlox.com)

Lake Borgne boaters/dog rescued

NEW ORLEANS - A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew rescued two boaters and a dog from their capsized vessel Sept. 19 on Lake Borgne near Slidell, La. The CG was notified by dispatchers from the St. Bernard Police Department that a family member of one of the boaters received a distressed text requesting CG assistance. The aircrew observed an overturned 21-foot boat with two persons and a dog on the hull. The Jayhawk aircrew hoisted one boater into the helicopter. A rescue swimmer stayed in the water until a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries boatcrew arrived and took the other person and dog aboard. Both crews transferred the boaters back to Hopedale Marina to awaiting emergency medical services personnel. The boaters were last reported in stable condition. (Source: Coast Guard 09/19/22)