New, returning AUVSI board

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has announced its newest and returning members of its board of directors who provide representation across the domains of unmanned systems, air, ground, and water. AUVSI announced June 4 that there will be new members joining the board of directors for a three-year term. Among those include Craig Perciavalle of Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., and Bobby Sturgell of Collins Aerospace. Among the directors that will continue service on the board is Thomas Reynolds of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Mark Gordon of Stratom will continue to serve as board chair. Other board members who will maintain their positions on the board’s executive committee are Executive Vice-Chair Virginia Young from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, and Treasurer Bill Irby from L3Harris . Dallas Brooks from Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University will continue to serve on the executive committee as immediate past chair. (Source: DroneDJ 06/05/20) https://dronedj.com/2020/06/05/new-members-announced-auvsi-board-of-directors/

First female commander at 1st SOW

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Col. Jocelyn J. Schermerhorn will accept command from Brig. Gen. (Select) Michael E. Conley as the first female commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at a virtual change of command June 8. Conley will continue to lead as the Vice Commander of the Space Operations Command at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Schermerhorn previously served as the Vice Commander of the 11th Wing, which functions as the host wing to Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility in Maryland, accommodating five wings, two HQs, and over 60,000 Airmen and families. No stranger to the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt, she also serves as a master navigator with over 3,500 flight hours. The event will be live at 9 a.m. CDT via Hurlburt’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HurlburtFieldOfficial/. (Source: 1st SOW 06/05/20)

'Hurricane Hunters' inside TS

Tropical storm and storm surge watches are expected for much of the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Cristobal is likely to strengthen before the weekend. Advisories could be issued as early as Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The slow-moving storm is bringing heavy rains to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with “deadly flooding” and mudslides. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of coastal Louisiana and Mississippi, and could extend as far east as the Big Bend of Florida. (Source: Sun Herald 06/04/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/weather-news/article243265581.html?#storylink=cpy The Air Force Reserve ‘Hurricane Hunters’ squadron – 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron - released video June 3 from inside Tropical Storm Cristobal as it moved north over the Mexican coast. The National Hurricane Center said that the storm was expected to turn towards the east and northeast. (Keesler AFB 06/03/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/weather-news/article243263376.html

Pierce nom for 1st AF Northern

Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper announced June 4 that the president has nominated Air Force Maj. Gen. Kirk S. Pierce for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and with assignment as commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Pierce is currently serving as deputy director of the Air National Guard at the Pentagon. (Source: DoD 06/04/20)

AHI rises above ashes of pandemic

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s Columbus, Miss., facility remains on schedule to meet its helicopter production requirements, Romain Trapp, president of Airbus Helicopters and head of the company's North American Region. He fully expects Columbus' AHI plant to produce 16 Airbus H-125 helicopters for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The agreement, announced in late January, specifies that deliveries start later this year. These helicopters will be equipped with infrared detection systems, thermal imaging cameras, night-vision goggles, hoist capabilities and loud speakers. About 75 percent of Airbus’ work in North America is done at four plants in the U.S. The work is in support of critical missions, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, infrastructure companies, and key governmental and military customers such as the Army, National Guard, CBP and the Coast Guard," said Trapp. Columbus AHI typically produces up to 80 aircraft a year, but Trapp said the demand to produce H-125's has created the need for several dozen more jobs at the Golden Triangle plant. (Source: The Dispatch 06/02/20) https://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=81524

400 MNG troops deploy to DC

The State of Mississippi announced June 3 that 400 members of the Mississippi National Guard have been sent to Washington, D.C., to provide support for local law enforcement as they face continuing protests over the death of George Floyd. Floyd died in police custody after a Minneapolis police officer held a knee to Floyd’s neck area for several minutes while as Floyd cried for help. The incident has sparked protests, some violent, across the country. The MNG soldiers are reportedly part of a larger group of guardsmen from several states being deployed to D.C. (Source: Magnolia State Live 06/03/20) The MNG troops will go as Task Force Magnolia to provide military and strategic support to law enforcement and to provide a safe and secure environment in the District.

Updated Census 2020 numbers

The national response rate to the 2020 Census is more than 89.6M households - 60.6 percent of all U.S.-counted households. Minnesota continues to lead with the largest percentage of state households at 70.3 percent. Among the four Gulf Coast states, Alabama is No. 31 with 58.6 percent of households; Florida No. 32 with 58.0 percent; Mississippi remains No. 37 with 55.8 percent; and Louisiana is No. 43 with 54.8 percent of households reporting to date. Mississippi’s Madison and DeSoto counties are tops in the Magnolia State with 67.3 percent reporting [Lowndes 60.2%; Lauderdale 54.8%; Oktibbeha 49.0%; Wilkinson 24.8%]. (Source: Census Bureau 06/02/20) https://public.tableau.com/profile/us.census.bureau?utm_campaign=20200602msc20s1ccallnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/vizhome/2020CensusSelf-ResponseRankings/RankingsDashboard.

Ala.-built A220's maiden flight

MOBILE, Ala. - The first Airbus A220 built here in the U.S. has completed its maiden flight June 2. Painted in the livery of Delta Air Lines, the news was posted on the Airbus Mobile Facebook page. Airbus began building this jetliner partly on the A320 line in Mobile, and partly at new facilities for the A220. Airbus began assembling A220s at the Mobile Aeroplex last year. The Airbus campus has been building A320 series jetliners since 2015. Airbus purchased majority ownership of the A220 programme, formerly known as CSeries, in 2018 from Bombardier, and opened a second assembly site in Mobile. Airbus also produces A220s in Quebec, Canada. Airbus also recently started producing the first A220 for JetBlue in the new A220 assembly line. (Sources: Facebook, FlightGlobal, 06/02/20) Previous

ATC Mobile change of command

MOBILE, Ala. - Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile held a change of command ceremony on June 2. During the ceremony, Capt. Christopher J. Hulser assumed command from outgoing commanding officer, Capt. William E. Sasser Jr. Hulser reported from Coast Guard HQ in Washington D.C., where he served as acting director of military personnel. Sasser has served as the commanding officer of ATC Mobile since 2017. Sasser retired after 34 years of faithful service. The virtual ceremony was broadcasted via Facebook livestream. (Source: Coast Guard 06/02/20)

Bounds to head ACI at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi native Christopher Bounds, a polymer scientist with extensive training and experience in business, marketing, leadership and innovation, has been selected as the new director of Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute. Bounds will lead the unit, which is part of MSU’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, the nation’s leading academic research institute dedicated exclusively to the advancement of unmanned aircraft systems. ACI conducts research and evaluations of composite materials, with a focus on stronger, lighter and more damage-resistant structures for aviation and other commercial applications. Bounds joins MSU from the Albemarle Corp., HQ'd in Charlotte, N.C., where he served in positions of increasing technical and leadership responsibility. Bounds has directed research teams and labs at multiple academic institutions, including Louisiana State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. A native of Newton, Miss., he holds both a doctorate in polymer chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from LSU, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from USM. (Source: Mississippi State University 06/02/20) https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2020/06/business-and-innovation-leader-named-director-msu-advanced-composites

Demo-2 returns home

The rocket that launched SpaceX's first-ever crewed mission has returned to terra firma. (Source: Space.com 06/03/20) https://www.space.com/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-returns-shore-after-astronaut-launch.html?utm_source=notification

Victim advocate job at NAS/JRRB

SAPR (Victim Advocate) position is open through June 4 at NAS/JRB Belle Chasse, La. The primary purpose of the position is to serve as the initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault and to work closely with the installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout their care process. It is open  to the public. http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/569434500

New NETC, outgoing CNATRA

The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations have selected: 

* Rear Adm. (lower half) Peter A. Garvin for promotion to rear admiral. He will be assigned as commander of the Naval Education and Training Command headquarters in Pensacola, Fla. Garvin is currently assigned as Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group in Norfolk, Va. In July, Garvin will relieve Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad as the 20th commander of NETC.

* Rear Adm. (lower half) Daniel W. Dwyer for promotion to rear admiral. He will be assigned as director, plans and policy at the U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Md. Dwyer is currently serving Chief of Naval Air Training in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Source: DoD 06/02/20)

Blues practicing for 2020 re-start

The Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team have been in the skies over Pensacola, Fla., for five-to-seven days a week recently, practicing maneuvers as if a portion of the team's 2020 schedule may be salvaged. The schedule is tentatively scheduled to kick off with the Pensacola Beach Air Show on July 11. Both the Blue Angels and Santa Rosa Island Authority, which hosts the air show, have the power to turn it off. The plan for 40 some-odd days out, is that it’s still a go – including a July 10 dress rehearsal. Both events are, of course, vulnerable to being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, the Blues’ Executive Officer Cmdr. Todd Royles said his pilots and team continue to prepare as if the show must go on. (Source: PNJ 06/01/20) The homecoming and concluding-season airshow, which is generally held in early November, is slated for Oct. 16-17 at NAS Pensacola. https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2020/06/01/blue-angels-ready-pensacola-beach-air-show-if-covid-19-permits/5282287002/

F-22s upgraded for great power war

Newly integrated Air Force F-22 Raptor weapons are now operationally upgraded, after years of preparation, to bring expanded air-to-air and air-to-ground attack technology to the fifth-generation fighter. The software upgrade program is intended to prepare the Raptor for a great-power war. The upgrade is called Increment 3.2B, and includes AIM-120D and AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and brings improved surface strike technology. The software upgrades are now ready for war. The “Air Combat Command authorized the release and fielding of the F-22 Update 6 Operational Flight Program for incorporation into Increment 3.2B,” a statement from F-22 manufacturer Lockheed Martin read. In preparation, AF weapons developers have been testing the 3.2 upgrades with specific “fire-off” exercises at Eglin, Nellis, Hill, and Tyndall Air Force bases’ test ranges. (Source: Fox News 06/01/20/20) https://www.foxnews.com/tech/f-22-weapons-operational-ready-for-war

Keesler LRS tops in AF community

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - The 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron has been selected as the Air Force’s Non-Flying Logistics Readiness Squadron of the Year. This award recognizes the best in logistics community for outstanding contributions to the AF mission. The 81st LRS has had a busy year supporting the 81st Training Wing, 403rd Reserve Wing, local community, and the Defense Department. Over 2019, the 81st LRS moved 2,300 students and 6,000 aircraft parts worth $15Mn. The 81st LRS offers the AF’s only student-centered personal property office, which is a one-stop shop serving more than 1,400 students throughout the year. They also successfully executed 178 deployment taskings for 338 Airmen in support of five combatant commanders and were named No. 1 in Air Education and Training Command for deployment reporting metrics. The 81st LRS supported the 403rd RW by delivering more than two million gallons of fuel enabling the ‘Hurricane Hunters’ to fly over 1,600 sorties in response to 18 named storms. (Source: Keesler AFB 05/29/20) https://www.keesler.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2202044/81st-lrs-wins-af-award/

STA-21 applications on the street

WASHINGTON - If you think you've got what it takes to be a naval officer, the annual call for applications to the 2021 Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) is on the streets. This year's board will meet in mid-September. Applications must be postmarked on or before July 1 to be considered by the board. Some leeway is being granted for additional documents to be being added later, though the July 1 deadline for initial applications is hard and fast. (Source: Naval Personnel Command 06/01/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=113132

NATRACOM names civilians of year

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM) recognized two of its members as the 2019 Civilian and Senior Civilian of the Year. Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer named Destiny Creel Civilian of the Year and Rodel Henry Senior CoY. “Civilians are the bedrock of our organization,” Dwyer said. “They are the continuity that keeps the wheels of CNATRA turning.” Creel is a student control professional at Training Air Wing 5, the central administrative location for all student-related matters during flight training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla. Henry, a quality assurance specialist at CNATRA Detachment at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., is responsible for contractor oversight in regard to quality/maintenance and overall contract compliance. (Source: CNATRA 05/29/20)

Joint test of JG II, Apache helos

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - The unmistakable sounds of helicopters blades vibrating through the air arrive well before the aircraft. Personnel with the 413th Flight Test Squadron at Duke Field, Fla., turned their eyes northward on May 19. Two “helos” were approaching. The Air Force’s newest combat search and rescue helicopter, the HH-60W Jolly Green II (JG II), lead the way down Duke’s runway, and followed by an Army AH-64 Apache combat helicopter. The two on the north Eglin AFB range completing their first flight and combined test mission together. The Apache, from Redstone Army Test Center in north Alabama, flew in for system testing with the “JG II”. “The unique configuration of the Apache gave the AF team an opportunity to test capabilities of the HH-60W in ways normally not possible here,” said Christopher Martin, 413th FLTS HH-60W Lead Test Engineer. The joint service test-effort marks another milestone in Jolly Green II's development. This year, the new helicopter has completed extreme environment, communications and defense system testing. (Source: Eglin AFB 06/01/20) https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2201473/jolly-green-ii-apache-fly-together-in-joint-test/

Recon wing airmen dead

Two Active-Duty Airmen assigned to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks AFB, N.D., are dead following an early morning shooting at the base, according to an Air Force statement. The names and ranks of the victims are being withheld, pending next of kin notification. The shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. on June 1. “Base emergency services responded to the scene, have it contained, and believe there is currently no risk to other personnel at this time,” according to the release. An investigation is underway. About 2,000 personnel are assigned to the wing, which supports the 69th Reconnaissance Group’s RQ-4 Global Hawk mission. (AF Magazine 06/01/20)