Stennis slated for new hot burn

NASA was to begin a new series of hot fire testing Dec. 14 at Stennis Space Center, Miss., on Dec. 14 to support production of future RS-25 engines to help power the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. The 500-second hot fire test was live-streamed on NASA Stennis Space Center Facebook and YouTube. (Stennis 12/13/22) NASA Begins New RS-25 Engine Testing for Future Artemis Missions | NASA

Aurora awarded + funds for X-plane

Boeing's Aurora Flight Sciences has been awarded Phases 2 and 3 of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program. This latest award funds Phase 2 (detailed engineering design to create a full-scale version of Aurora’s X-plane candidate) for CRANE. The award also includes an option to build and fly the aircraft in Phase 3. Aurora’s X-plane candidate uses active flow control for flight control at tactical speeds and performance enhancement across the flight envelope. The experimental aircraft's configuration provides AFC testing for multiple wing sweeps using nozzle arrays located at the upper surface of each wing. The aircraft is configured to be a modular testbed with replaceable outboard wings and swappable AFC effectors. By expanding testing capabilities, the program advances its goal to provide confidence for future aircraft requirements, both military and commercial. Previously, Aurora completed phases 0 and 1 of DARPA’s CRANE program. In Phase 2, Aurora has begun detailed engineering design of its full-scale, 30-foott wingspan, 7,000 pounds gross weight, uncrewed X-plane. In phase 3, Aurora would build the X-plane at its facilities in Virginia, West Virginia and Mississippi. (Aurora 12/12/22) Aurora's Columbus, Miss., advanced manufacturing facility - located at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport - has more than 20,000 sf of space and technologies such as automated fiber placement. Latest Award Moves Aurora’s CRANE X-Plane Closer to Flight - Aurora Flight Sciences

USMC commandant visits Ingalls

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted Gen. David H. Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps, on Dec. 13. Berger met with Ingalls leadership and toured the shipyard and the amphibious ships Bougainville (LHA 8) and Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) under construction. Ingalls is the sole builder of the entire San Antonio class of ships and has delivered 12 to the Navy. Three are under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30) the first Flight II LPD and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). The shipyard is also building large-deck amphibious ships for the Navy and Marine Corps (15 Tarawa class, LHA 1-5; Wasp class, LHD 1-8; and most recently America class, LHA 6 and LHA 7). “It’s always a good day when you get to see amphibious warships being built,” said Gen. Berger. Amphibs are "critical for the Marine Corps’ ability to modernize for a potential near-peer fight while we still perform our daily crisis response missions around the globe. We need amphibs for all our missions.” Ingalls has designed, built and maintained amphibs, destroyers and cutters for the Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard for nearly 85 years. (HII 12/13/22) HII Hosts Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David H. Berger at Ingalls Shipbuilding - HII

Fed raises rate 7th time in '22

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by a half-point on Dec. 14 reinforcing its inflation fight for the seventh time this year and signaling more to come. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell made it clear that higher rates are still needed to fully tame the worst inflation bout of the US economy in 40 years. (Related: Stocks stumble after Fed hikes rates, signals more to come) The central bank boosted its rate range of 4.25% to 4.5%, the highest level in 15 years. The latest move will increase costs to many consumer and business loans. Policymakers forecast a short-term rate will reach up to 5% to 5.25% by the end of the year suggesting it's about to raise its rate an additional three-quarters of a point and leave it there through 2023. (The AP 12/14/22) Fed raises key rate by half-point and signals more to come | AP News

MS power companies' outage links

PINE BELT, Miss. - The threat of severe weather is making its way across Mississippi on Dec. 14 and may see some residents without power. Power companies are recording outages on their websites. Attached are links to outage maps for each company. (WDAM 12/14/22) LIST: Power outage maps as Wednesday storm system moves through the Pine Belt (wdam.com) 

New Iberia, La., hit by tornado: Photos and video: Tornado causes injuries and damage to hospital; another rain storm coming at 4 p.m. | Local News Stories | thedailyiberian.com 

NOLA, Aribi, La., also hit by tornodos: New Orleans area sees tornado strike Arabi for second time (wdsu.com)

GC-built ships retrieve Orion craft

SAN DIEGO - Amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) and USS Montgomery (LCS 8) - both built on the Gulf Coast - helped retrieve the Artemis I Orion spacecraft on Dec. 11 in coordination with multiple organizations. NASA chose to use the Navy surface ships due to their adaptable capabilities. Portland began early morning efforts to recover the Orion capsule with the launch of four small boats and two combat rudder raiding craft. The small crafts located the capsule and rigged lines to the capsule to move toward the ship. Montgomery was responsible for providing security in the area and a back-up for small boats. Artemis I was the first integrated test of NASA’s deep space exploration systems that demonstrated the capability of orbiting the Moon and returning home with an unmanned crew. Portland and Montgomery are assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group Three. (ESG 3 12/11/22) Gulf Coast Note: USS Portland was built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. USS Montgomery was built at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala.

Fusion news update

 DOE live: Fusion news WATCH LIVE: Energy Department announces major breakthrough in fusion energy research | PBS NewsHour 

Video followup: Energy Secretary Granholm News Conference on Fusion Energy Breakthrough | C-SPAN.org ... It's a "bfd," as Prez Biden would say.

RB Weeks dredge delivery in '23

Weeks Marine’s newest trailing suction hopper dredge, the R.B. Weeks, was launched by Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Panama City, Fla, this summer. It is being outfitted and will have sea trials in early 2023. WM anticipates delivery in 2023. R.B. Weeks is named in honor of Richard B. Weeks, a co-founder of Weeks Marine who was married to Magdalen Weeks, the namesake of the sister vessel, Magdalen. Magdalen was delivered by ESG in 2017. The vessel includes an electrical power, propulsion, and dredge machinery package by Royal IHC, GE Tier IV engines, along with several accommodation and crew comfort upgrades. R.B. Weeks and her sister vessel will be involved in various dredging activities, primarily aiding the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. (12/09/22) Weeks Marine has facilities in Bourg and Covington, La.

MSU's Coach Leach passes away

Mississippi State University Head Football Coach Michael Charles “Mike” Leach, 61, passed away Monday night Dec. 12 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson following complications from a heart condition. (MSU announcement 12/13/22) MSU Bulldog family, college football community mourns the death of Coach Mike Leach | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)

Clarion Ledger: Mike Leach dies at 61. Mississippi State coach suffered heart attack (clarionledger.com)Mike Leach dies at 61. Mississippi State coach suffered heart attack (clarionledger.com)

US Grant amendment in '23 DoD bill

Tucked away in an amendment to the FY 2023 U.S. defense authorization bill - yet to be approved by the Senate - is an instance of congressional bipartisanship to President Ulysses S. Grant. If approved, the measure would posthumously promote Grant to the rank of General of the Armies of the U.S., making him only the third person – with John J. Pershing and George Washington - to be awarded the nation’s highest military honor. Anne Marshall, Executive Director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, believes the promotion would be more than symbolic. It would highlight the overlooked legacy of Grant, a man who fought to end the last vestiges of slavery. During the war, Grant administered the enlistment of African American men into United States Colored Troops units during the Vicksburg campaign. The Grant Presidential Library is located in Mississippi, a Deep South state he once conquered. (The Conversation 12/11/22) Marshall, an associate professor in the Mississippi State University's Department of History, is executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Association and the U.S. Grant Presidential Library. Both are housed in the university’s Mitchell Memorial Library and curate the 18th president’s papers, while preserving a vast array of artifacts and memorabilia. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's pending promotion sheds new light on his overlooked fight for equal rights after the Civil War (theconversation.com)

Artemis I special for Stennis

Engineers at Stennis Space Center, Miss., react to successful Artemis I mission. It was a special moment for those who prepared Artemis for launch. (WLOX 12/12/22) Engineers at Stennis Space Center react to successful Artemis I mission (wdam.com)

DOE: Major fusion breakthrough

WASHINGTON - Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is set to announce a “major scientific breakthrough” on the morning of Dec. 13 in a decades-long quest to harness fusion, the energy that powers the sun and stars. Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore (Calif.) National Laboratory has produced more energy in a fusion reaction than was used to ignite it, something called net energy gain, according to two people, speaking on condition of anonymity, but familiar with the research. Granholm is scheduled to appear alongside Livermore researchers at Tuesday morning event in Washington. (The AP 12/12/22)

Stennis ATC tower accolade

KILN, Miss. – Stennis International Airport's (HSA) air traffic control tower was recognized as the 2021 Facility of the Year by Robinson Aviation Inc. RVA of Oklahoma City, Okla., provides air traffic control tower services at 103 airports in the SE and southern U.S. for the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the federal contract. Stennis was selected because of the excellent services they provide, positive feedback from pilot and airport management and community spirit displayed after Hurricane Ida. The location of Stennis Airport, its runway length, and airfield navigational equipment results is in a high demand for flight training. Stennis Tower provides ATC services to Navy and Air Force units flying high-performance jets, multi-engine and single engine aircraft and helicopters, including T-1/T-6/T-38/T-45/F-18/C-130/C-17/B-206/H-60. They also serve Guard units and NASA, as well as serving civilian flight training. (Hancock County Port 12/09/22) Stennis air traffic control tower named facility of the year | Hancock County News and Events (portairspace.com)

Austal begins submarine work

MOBILE, Ala. - Austal USA has begun production here in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) of Connecticut in support the Navy’s recapitalization of the nuclear submarine fleet. Leveraging Austal USA’s lean manufacturing techniques and modern steel production facilities, a focus factory approach is being used to expand production capacity of the submarine industrial base. As part of the partnership, Austal USA is constructing and outfitting Command and Control Systems Modules (CCSM) and Electronic Deck Modules (EDM) for the Virginia- and Columbia-class sub programs. (Austal USA 12/09/22) Austal USA commences submarine work | Austal: Corporate

OSVs not ready for wind game; 29GWs

While the maritime industry gears up to find a niche in the offshore wind industry, several Louisiana-based energy section offshore service vessel (OSV) firms aren’t ready to take the plunge ... because profits aren’t there. “This is an opportunity, but it’s just in the infancy level,” J. Peter Laborde Jr., managing member of Laborde Marine Management of New Orleans, told a Marine Finance Forum organized by Marine Money on Nov. 30. "(T)he numbers aren’t working ... (it's) a real deterrent ... because we can’t afford to make a mistake,” he said. Laborde would like to see a 25% return on investment, but seeing a lot lower and that would be difficult to attract capital. Quintin Kneen, president and CEO of Tidewater of NOLA, a global OSV operator, says he'd be “glad to play" if the economics were there. Todd Hornbeck, chairman, president and CEO of Hornbeck Offshore Services of Covington, said its whole fleet can get into offshore wind." We can convert," but the market has to show it can pay. No profit, no interest. He suggested contract liability "must be shared" more as “supply chain operations continue to endorse all the risk." Aaron Smith, president of Offshore Marine Service Association of NOLA, told WorkBoat his people want to be involved but U.S. OSVs "can't compete" with foreign-flagged vessels that can operate at a lower price. Under the Jones Act, U.S. vessels must be crewed by U.S. mariners. Foreign vessels are not. The industry is pushing Congress to apply the Jones Act and other regs more strictly to the offshore wind industry. “It would be difficult" to invest and compete "with vessels that play by other rules,” he said. (Work Boat 12/02/22)

RELATED STORYLINE

Offshore Wind Forum details ambitious challenges of next 29 GWs 

With less than one gigawatt (GW) of U.S. offshore wind energy committed with two projects in operation and two others under construction, the Biden administration's goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030 seems ambitious. Hitting this “30 by 30” goal would require the installation of multiple turbines every week starting in 2023. What will enabling technology at this scale actually look like? How will developments related to financing and the workforce affect what’s possible? These topics and others were explored Nov. 30 at the American Bureau of Shipping's third annual Offshore Wind Forum held in New Orleans. (Work Boat 12/12/22) Offshore Wind Forum details how to address the challenges of the next 29 GWs | WorkBoat

Denault elected to HII's board

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - HII announced Dec. 9 that current executive chair and former CEO of Entergy Corp. Leo Denault was elected to HII’s board of directors. Denault has 40 years of experience in the power industry. He also served 18 years at Cinergy Corporation (now known as Duke Energy) culminating as VP. As Entergy's CEO, Denault led the transformation of the company into one of the nation’s cleanest energy firms. Denault currently serves on the boards of directors of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Edison Electric Institute, Institute of Nuclear Power Operators and the World Association of Nuclear Operators Atlanta Centre. Denault received a Bachelor of Science Degree in economics/accounting from Ball State University and Master of Business Administration in finance from Indiana University. (HII 12/09/22)

CG medevacs oil-rig worker

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medevaced a 60-year-old-male worker Dec. 12 from an oil rig 189 miles south of Port Fourchon, La. The CG got a call from Bristol Search and Rescue Services to medevac a worker experiencing stroke-like symptoms on an oil rig.  The CG launched an Air Station New Orleans MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew and an Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew. The helicopter aircrew landed on the oil rig and transferred the worker to awaiting emergency services personnel at New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport. The worker was last reported to be in stable condition. (Coast Guard 12/12/22)

AF posts RIF for EWAA pact

The Air Force is seeking industry input as it plans to conduct another on-ramp process for a potential 10-year, $46B contract vehicle for weapons, digital and model-based systems engineering (Agile processes) open systems architecture and enterprise analytics. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center’s at Eglin AFB, Fla., wants information on capabilities to rapidly build novel weapons technologies, use innovative ideas and characterize new system concepts and technologies that offer disruptive and revolutionary capabilities to the service as part of the Eglin Wide Agile Acquisition Contract On-Ramp II (EWAAC), according to an RFI published Dec. 8. Responses to the RFI are due Dec. 15. Eglin will use the info to expand its knowledge base of potential rapid response capabilities related to all phases and areas of weapons system development, including weapons concepts, concept development and demonstration and systems procurement to meet future and existing weapons systems requirements. EWAAC customers include AFLCMC/EB divisions, Special Operations Command Detachment 1, Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Nuclear Warfare Center. In September 2021, the AF awarded 55 vendors spots on the EWAAC multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Two months later, the service sought proposals for the contract vehicle’s first on-ramp process. (Gov
ConWire 12/12/22) Air Force Issues RFI for Eglin Wide Agile Acquisition Contract On-Ramp II - GovCon Wire

Boeing, NASA close SLS deal

Boeing (BA) and NASA closed on a $3.2B contract for the production of core and upper stages to power Space Launch System (SLS) rockets to support future lunar exploration missions. BA will use the funds to manufacture up to 10 SLS core stages for Artemis III and IV, obtain critical and long-lead items for the core stages for Artemis V and VI and produce up to eight exploration upper stages for Artemis V and VI, the agency said Dec. 10.  The deal covers the provision of tooling and related support and engineering services in support of the deep space exploration program. Boeing will perform some core stage assembly and outfitting activities for the Artemis III rocket and succeeding rockets at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., and work with NASA on all core stage manufacturing activities at Michoud Assembly Facility in East New Orleans. NASA launched SLS along with Lockheed Martin‘s Orion spacecraft Nov. 16 for the Artemis I flight test and completed the 25.5 day uncrewed mission to the moon on Dec. 11. (GovConWire 12/12/22) 

NASA's Pegasus barge is currently utilized by the Space Shuttle Program to transport external tanks over 900 miles of inland and open ocean waterways from the Michoud Assembly Facility to the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, on a regional note, Stennis Space Center, Miss., provided upgrades to a critical system needed to test RS-25 engines that powered the new SLS rocket on Artemis missions to the Moon. NASA, Boeing Finalize $3.2B Deal to Continue Space Launch System Manufacturing Work - GovCon Wire

LINK CEO: Gotta up our game

The deal to secure the $2.5B Aluminum Dynamics development in November gave the Golden Triangle Development LINK and Lowndes County, Miss., a victory ... and challenge: LINK Chief Executive Officer Joe Max Higgins made comments regarding the future of economic development in the Golden Triangle at the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon Dec. 9. The only certainty, according to Higgins, is that The LINK will need more land before saddling its next horse. The county has several hundred acres available. Higgins said future economic projects will "probably going to have to up our game" on ambulance, fire protection and some of the services out there to support that military-industrial complex. There's work that has to be done and "it’s not negotiable.”  Higgins also plans to work with MSU to further develop steel and aluminum research.

Chamber award winners

During the luncheon ceremony, the Chamber presented eight awards to members who showed outstanding service in volunteer work, business success and chamber ambassador work. The Volunteer of The Year awards: Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science teacher Julie Heintz; and First Bank Columbus Market President Russell Young; Gabriel Smith, of Kidz-n-Play, won Small Business of the Year; Dutch Group earned Medium Business of the Year; and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle won Large Business. (Commercial Dispatch 12/09/22)

Amtrak returns in '23; few details

Amtrak will return to the Gulf Coast next year, but details haven't been disclosed regarding November’s settlement in a case before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. An Amtrak official disclosed Dec. 9 that a pending settlement will enable Amtrak to start in again in 2023 with service connecting New Orleans to Mobile route with four stops in Mississippi. “We have an agreement in place," said Marc Magliari, spokesman with Amtrak, who declined to disclose details. The unknowns are wrapped up in a confidentiality agreement that prohibit parties from disclosing much about the settlement. Among the unanswered questions include the exact start date, costs needed to restart service, ticket fares, investments and concessions various entities agreed upon. “Unfortunately, we all signed (those) agreement” not to spill the beans, said Knox Ross, chairman of the Southern Rail Commission. “This is a big deal (and) all parties are reasonably happy with the solution." (AL.com 12/09/22)

DoD regional contract 12/09

Accenture Federal Services, Arlington, Virginia (FA868423DB018); Ad hoc Research Associates, Havre De Grace, Maryland (FA868423DB019); Aegis Aerospace Inc., Houston, Texas (FA868423DB020); Aero Simulation, Tampa, Florida (FA868423DB021); Alion Science and Technology Corp., McLean, Virginia, which is now part of HII (FA868423DB022); American Systems, Chantilly, Virginia (FA868423DB023); ANSYS, Exton, Pennsylvania (FA868423DB024); Apogee Engineering, LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado (FA868423DB025); Applied Information Sciences, Orlando, Florida (FA868423DB026); Applied Research Solutions Inc., Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB027); Applied Visual Technology Inc., Orlando, Florida (FA868423DB028); Assured Information Security Inc., Rome, New York (FA868423DB029); Aviation Training Consulting LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (FA868423DB030); BGI LLC, Akron, Ohio (FA868423DB031); NuWave Solutions LLC, McLean, Virginia (FA868423DB032); Black Sage Technologies Inc., Boise, Idaho (FA868423DB033); Boecore, LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado (FA868423DB034); The Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Missouri (FA868423DB035); Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Chantilly, Virginia (FA868423DB036); CAE USA Inc., Arlington, Texas (FA868423DB037); Capability Analysis & Measurement Organization LLC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (FA868423DB038); Carley Corp., Orlando, Florida (FA868423DB039); Clear Creek Applied Technologies Inc., Fairborn, Ohio (FA868423DB040); Cole Engineering Services Inc., Melbourne, Florida (FA868423DB041); CFD Research Corp., Huntsville, Alabama (FA868423DB042); CIYIS LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (FA868423DB043); CORASCloud Inc., Chantilly, Virginia (FA868423DB044); CymSTAR LLC, Dallas, Texas (FA868423DB045); deciBel Research Inc., Madison, Alabama (FA868423DB046); Dell Federal Systems LP, Irving, Texas (FA868423DB047); Dignitas Technologies LLC, Orlando, Florida (FA868423DB048); Discovery Machine Inc., Williamsport, Pennsylvania (FA868423DB049); Dynepic Inc., Reno, NV (FA868423DB050); Equinox Innovative Systems, Inc., Columbia, Maryland (FA868423DB051); Engineering Research and Consulting Inc., Madison, Alabama (FA868423DB052); Expansis Group LLC, Andover, Massachusetts (FA868423DB053); Expeditionary Engineering Inc., San Diego, California (FA868423DB054); FAAC Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan (FA868423DB055); Falconry Training Solutions JV, Lakewood, Colorado (FA868423DB056); ASES LLC, doing business as Field Aerospace, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (FA868423DB057); FlightSafety International Defense, Englewood, Colorado (FA868423DB058); Fusion Constructive LLC, Austin, Texas (FA868423DB059); Hill Technical Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama (FA868423DB060); Hyperion Technology Group Inc., Tupelo, Mississippi (FA868423DB061); Infinity Labs LLC, Beavercreek Township, Ohio (FA868423DB063); Infoscitec Corp., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (FA868423DB064); Intrinsic Enterprises Inc., Bellevue, Washington (FA868423DB065); Roundarch Isobar Inc., Chicago, Illinois (FA868423DB066); JANUS Research Group LLC, Smyrna, Georgia (FA868423DB067); KIHOMAC Inc., Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB068); KPMG LLP, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (FA868423DB069); Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB070); Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas (FA868423DB071); MAK Technologies Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts (FA868423DB072); Maxar Mission Solutions Inc., Herndon, Virginia (FA868423DB073); MetroStar Systems Inc., Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB074); n-ask Inc., Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB076); Nexagen Networks Inc., Old Bridge, New Jersey (FA868423DB077); NextGen Federal Systems LLC, Rocket Center, West Virginia (FA868423DB078); Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., McLean, Virginia (FA868423DB079); Omni Fed LLC, Gainesville, Virginia (FA868423DB080); Parry Labs LLC, Alexandria, Virginia (FA868423DB081); Parsons Government Services Inc., Centreville, Virginia (FA868423DB082); Peerless Technologies Corp., Fairborn, Ohio (FA868423DB083); PeopleTec Inc., Madison, Alabama (FA868423DB084); Phoenix Defense Ventures LLC, Luke AFB, Arizona (FA868423DB085); Picture Clean Consulting LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada (FA868423DB086); PLEXSYS Interface Products, Bellevue, Washington (FA868423DB087); ProActive Technologies Inc., Oviedo, Florida (FA868423DB088); Rackner Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland (FA868423DB089); Radiance Technologies Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (FA868423DB090); RAFT LLC, Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB091); Raytheon Co., Woburn, Massachusetts (FA868423DB092); Real-Time Innovations Inc., Campbell, California (FA868423DB093); Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa (FA868423DB094); Sabel Systems Technology Solutions LLC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (FA868423DB095); Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB096); SNA Software LLC, Orlando, Florida (FA868423DB097); Soar Technology Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan (FA868423DB098); Specialty Systems Inc., Toms River, Virgnia (FA868423DB099); Systems & Technology Research LLC, Woburn, Massachusetts (FA868423DB100); Systems Planning and Analysis, Chantilly, Virginia (FA868423DB101); Tangram Flex Inc., Dayton, Ohio (FA868423DB102); TDMK Digital, Reston, Virginia (FA868423DB103); Troy7 Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (FA868423DB104); Unity Technologies, San Francisco, California (FA868423DB105); Vertex, Madison, Mississippi (FA868423DB106); XL Scientific LLC, Albuquerque, New Mexico (FA868423DB107); Virtualistics Inc, Pasadena, California (FA868423DB108); WingBrace LLC, Boston, Massachusetts (FA868423DB109); Yotta Navigation Corp., Campbell, California (FA868423DB110); and Zel Technologies LLC, Hampton, Virginia (FA868423DB111), have each been awarded an up-to $900,000,000 ceiling, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the development of innovative approaches that bring multi-domain systems capabilities, the characterization of new technologies and systems through studies, recurrent demonstration and rapid development to enable rapid prototyping, and test and capability transition. The location of work performance will be determined at the contract direct order level and is expected to be completed December 2032. These awards are the result of full and open competition, and 94 responses were received. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to each contractor. Air Force Life Cycle Management, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (DoD 12/09/22) 

'Tripledemic ' pushing MS hospitals

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Mississippi State Department of Health says flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases - referred to as a "tripledemic" - are pushing hospitals to the brink. With the holidays weeks away. and families preparing to gather, the Magnolia State is bracing itself for brunt of the flu season. “We’ve had an early start to our influenza season," said Mississippi State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. Flu activity has been increasing for weeks. Many states are seeing this tripledemic - Tennessee being No. 1 for flu cases. Mississippi's health system is again seeing a strain ICU beds. There are 65 ICUs beds statewide. Level 1&2 hospitals - large referral hospitals - are down to 27, according to state Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney. “That’s 27 beds ... for everything.”  It’s important to get that flu shot, he said. Beyond the flu shot, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu can reduce the severity of illness and shorten the duration. (WREG 12/07/22)

Pearl survivor visits NCBC sailors

GULFPORT, Miss. - On Dec. 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) Naval Base was surprise- attacked by Japanese aircraft bringing America into WWII in the Pacific. On the 81st anniversary of the attacks, Pearl Harbor survivor 104-year-old Frank Emond traveled from Pensacola, Fla., to visit with service members at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport. He reflected on his experiences during the attack, where he was on deck of the USS Pennsylvania's just before morning colors. The former sailor-musician's message was to always be prepared to respond and persevere through difficult times. “It’s not a time to look at the damage or start to worry about what the problems are, but you need to start thinking of how to fix things up so it will be together again,” Emond said. Emond doesn’t know any other Pearl Harbor survivors still living, but it motivates him to continue speaking out. The young sailors on based lined up to meet Emond saying they were inspired by his story. NCBC Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Powell led the ceremony honoring Emond. “To be able to connect our 18,19, 20-year-olds with somebody who was their age 80 years ago on that faithful day is special,” Powell said. (WLOX 12/07/22) Following Pearl Harbor, Emond went on to a long career as a Medical Service Cortps officer in the Navy and served as a Red Cross volunteer for more than a decade at Naval Hospital Pensacola.

Happy 80th to 377th TSC

Happy 80th Anniversary to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command at NAS/JRB New Orleans delivering cutting edge logistics around the world, and providing trained, ready units and people to support overseas operations and other global requirements! Can do - Anytime, Anywhere!

Stennis flashback: 50 yrs ago today

 Fifty years ago today (Dec, 7) NASA launched Apollo 17 to the Moon marking the final flight of the ambitious space program that sent the first humans to the lunar surface about three years earlier. It also helped close the opening chapter in the storied history of Stennis Space Center, Miss., the nation’s largest propulsion test site that continues to test systems and engines to help NASA explore the universe for the benefit of all. As it had for each of the previous eight Apollo missions, Stennis teams tested both the first and second Saturn V stages that launched the Apollo 17 astronauts – Cmdr. Eugene Cernan, command module pilot Ron Evans, and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt – in 1972. It was the only night launch of the Apollo Program. (Stennis 12/07/22) Stennis Flashback: Stennis Sets the Stage for Historic Apollo Mission | NASA

 

NL honors Meridian personnel

The Mississippi Council of the Navy League honored Meridian Sailors, Marines and Instructor Pilots of the Year at their annual meeting. President Roger Burke presented awards to HM2 Shawnte J. Bryant, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Sailor of the Year; AC1 Christopher Schmidt, NAS Meridian Senior Sailor of the Year; RSC Sulficio A. Anza Jr., Naval Technical Training Center Meridian Senior Instructor of the Year; Sgt Natalie Camarena, Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One Instructor of the Year; LT Keith Barth, Training Squadron 7 Navy Instructor Pilot of the Year; Capt. Drake McBreairty, Training Squadron 7 Marine Instructor Pilot of the Year; Capt. Jared Shaker, Training Squadron 9 Marine Instructor Pilot of the Year; and LT Adam Pang, Training Squadron 9 Navy Instructor Pilot of the Year. Not pictured are YN1 Shayla Johnson, Navy Reserve Center Meridian TAR Sailor of the Year; and AM1 Jeremy Crowsey, Navy Reserve Center Meridian SELRES Sailor of the Year. (NAS Meridian 12/06/22)

La. tribe awarded $5M grant

The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana was awarded $5M as part of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs’ efforts to assist tribes severely affected by climate-related environmental threats. The tribe under threat from flooding, storms and rising seas will receive a federal grant aimed at helping Native American communities adapt to climate change or move to safer ground. (NOLA.com 12/06/22) Louisiana tribe gets $5 million to prep for climate change | Environment | nola.com 

4 La. restoration projects $8.8M

Four SE Louisiana coastal restoration project grants totaling $8.8M, were among dozens nationwide announced Dec. 6 by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and NOAA, to protect communities from flooding and intensifying storms. A total of 88 grants were announced for entities in 29 states and U.S. territories amounting to over $136M. In Louisiana, local matching monies will increase the funding to $9.3M. The National Coastal Resilience Fund grants were announced on the sidelines of the national Restore America’s Estuaries Coastal and Estuarine Summit in New Orleans.

Among the Louisiana projects is a plan by Ducks Unlimited to build about 80 acres of marsh habitat in zig-zag terraces in open water in the eastern Barataria Basin in Plaquemines Parish.  

*The Grand Isle Independent Levee District will use its $614,000 grant to conduct preliminary design work to add sediment to 371 acres of marsh on the restored Fifi Island. 

*The New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish will share a grant that will fund preliminary design work for restoring the Bayou Bienvenue/Central Wetlands Unit. 

In addition to the Louisiana projects, a $6.5M grant was announced for Mississippi State University, plus $861,100 from local sponsors, to build a 2.5-mile stretch of living shoreline in Back Bay shorelines of Keesler Air Force Base, which will include segmented breakwaters to help reduce flood and storm surge risks. Keesler, MSU shoreline project receives $6.48 million > Air Education and Training Command > Article Display (af.mil)

(Climate Coalition 12/06/22) 4 grants given for coastal restoration – Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition (gnoicc.org)