Hololab debuts future bases

TYNDALL AFB, Fla. - The Digital Twin Hololab went live at Tyndall Air Force Base on March 17 to showcase the base in a digital model as part of Installation of the Future efforts. The digital base will allow cutting-edge planning concepts and innovative technologies to be integrated and enable numerous capabilities for war-fighters throughout the Air Force. The Digital Twin is a near life-like, virtual representation of the physical world. It's a place where Airmen can interact with the model using virtual reality goggles or computer screen. The Hololab demonstrates how these concepts and technologies have been incorporated to help create a more resilient, efficient and sustainable installation. The model itself is tied to the overall $4.9B rebuild schedule, enabling views of the installation at any given point in time. (Source: Air Force: 03/20/22) Tyndall AFB’s Hololab debuts virtual gateway to Installation of the Future > Air Force > Article Display

New port proposal for Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The City of Vicksburg and Warren County have initiated eminent domain proceedings seeking to acquire 28 parcels from six owners for a new port. The Vicksburg Post reported the proposed inland South Port is expected to be built off U.S. 61 South along the Mississippi River, south of Entergy’s Baxter Wilson power plant. The parcels total 1,034 acres with a proposed value of $830,000. The city’s Board of Aldermen and county’s Board of Supervisors passed a joint resolution in December to allow them to go to Warren County Court to get the property through eminent domain. Vicksburg-Warren Economic Development President/CEO Pablo Diaz says the properties would provide a levee and flood control measures. The property owners have accepted the proposal, according to Diaz. (Source: WJTV 03/19/22)

MS plant may land on Superfund

Twelve contaminated sites will get a boost toward cleanup after EPA announced the sites for its National Priorities List, a special designation under the Superfund program that oversees areas that pose significant threats to health and the environment. EPA uses that list as its basis for prioritizing both Superfund spending and additional enforcement options. Among the 12 sites is a 3.7-mile stretch of the Lower Neponset River in the Boston area. Other sites named to the list are in states including Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia, as well as a federal site in Oregon. In addition to the 12 sites formally added, five others are being proposed as candidates for the designation. Their addition is contingent on the outcome of a 60-day comment period. Among the five is the former Hercules chemical plant in the City of Hattiesburg. (Source: E&E News 03/17/22) EPA slates 12 new Superfund sites for cleanup - E&E News (eenews.net)

MSU aircraft to join 'Wings' show

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory will be displaying three of its aircraft, as well as an unmanned aircraft system, on March 26-27 at the Wings Over Columbus Air Show. Gates open at Columbus AFB at 10 a.m. The noon-time air show features the AF’s Thunderbirds The event is free and open to the public. “We’re looking forward to visiting with air show attendees," said Tom Brooks, director of the Raspet flight lab. “While many know us for our unmanned aviation research, we have a long history in experimental aviation, and our manned airplanes play key roles today in our unmanned research.” The Raspet aircraft: A Boeing Stearman PT-17, the centerpiece of Raspet’s manned aircraft fleet, which was used by the Army Air Corps from 1941-1943 as a trainer for WWII pilots; A Cessna L319, a one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft originally built for the Marine Corps as a forward observer aircraft, and which is used by Raspet as a chase airplane during its unmanned aircraft research; and a Grumman AA5B Tiger, the first prototype built of the Grumman American Tigers, which is used by Raspet as a training aircraft for its flight crew. (Source: MSU 03/18/22) Multiple MSU aircraft highlighted at Wings Over Columbus Air Show | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)

AIA: Autonomous aircraft growth

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and Avascent* released a report detailing with the breakthrough growth in the autonomous aircraft market, which is anticipated to reach nearly $325B over the next 20 years. The “Continuing to Think Bigger: Autonomous Aircraft and the Transformation in Aviation” report explores the next steps for aviation and a potential to transformation of daily life while expanding America’s leadership in global aviation. Since their first “Think Bigger” report, investments in autonomous aircraft have skyrocketed. This latest report finds autonomous aircraft are projected to directly lead to almost 100K jobs by 2040. Spending on autonomous aircraft is poised for dramatic growth and expected to total about $325B from 2022-40 and expand at a nearly 25 percent compound annual growth rate. The report identifies three key policy recommendations:

#Build a comprehensive national policy and regulatory map that prioritizes U.S. leadership in aviation;

#Invest in key infrastructure and technology development areas; and 

#Develop performance-based regulations that facilitate innovation while ensuring safety and security. (Source: AIA 03/16/22) [* Avascent is a management consulting firm - with offices in NYC and Washington DC - specializing in serving senior executives in the defense, aerospace, healthcare, homeland security, logistics, technical services and infrastructure sectors.] AIA, Avascent Report: Autonomous Aircraft Market to Reach $325 Billion by 2040 | Aerospace Industries Association (aia-aerospace.org)

$50K JEDA grant for Ellisville site

JONES COUNTY, Miss. - The Jones County Economic Development Authority (JEDA) is receiving "Cooperative Competes" grant of $50,000 grant to finish construction at the Interstate 59 South Industrial Site in Ellisville. The 400-plus acre site is being developed with the goal of bringing in new or expanding industrial businesses. The grant was awarded by Cooperative Energy and Dixie Electric Power Association. (Source: WDAM 03/16/22) Jones Co. EDA receives $50K grant (wdam.com)

CAFB: 'Ready Eagle' med exercise

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - After a week of preparation, the 14th Medical Group at Columbus Air Force Base began a “Ready Eagle” exercise March 11 that was aimed to strengthen the readiness of AF medics in hostile situations. There were more than 80 medics participating in "Ready Eagle" from the 14th MDG. Among the simulated training involved a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) attack and medical responses. Booz Allen Hamilton, a business contracted through the AF’s Medical Readiness Agency, led the training exercise. “One of the things we started off with was telling the Medical Group to expect the unexpected during the exercise,” said Matthew Schilling, BAH project leader. The exercise included emergency medical treatment, tactical combat casualty care, patient decontamination, patient tracking, resource tracking, and bioenvironmental. Base clinic personnel don't deal with trauma on a daily basis, said Lt. Col. Kenneth Rosenblum, 14th MDG Healthcare Operations Squadron commander. “We have a dual role" of providing care to beneficiaries and supporting the base during disasters. On top of that, MDG frequently deploys medics globally and these "types of exercises give them the skills necessary for operations downrange,” he said. (Source: CAFB 03/16/22) 14th MDG enhances readiness through Ready Eagle Exercise > Columbus Air Force Base > Article Display (af.mil)

Mobile airport project decisions

MOBILE, Ala. - The Mobile County Commission will decide March 28 whether to dedicate up to $30M for a new international airport project in downtown Mobile. The vote will occur ahead of a Mobile Airport Authority meeting April 6, in which authority members are set to rename the airport, according to MAA's President Chris Curry. This comes in the wake of $162M in federal money dedicated to the $252M airport terminal project at the Mobile Aeroplex, WSW of downtown Mobile. (Source: aldotcom, 03/16/22) The Mobile Regional Airport in west Mobile is the current commercial airport.

MSU awarded $1.5M for VR training

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University was awarded $1.49M to infuse virtual reality (VR) career exploration and job training into the education-to-workforce pipeline in Clay, Kemper, Lowndes, Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties, The award, from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), is part of a recent $21M package supporting 21 projects serving 211 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. It targets federal resources to areas affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations and coal-related supply chain industries. Additional support is to be provided by East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) and the Mississippi Department of Education. Under the project, MSU’s Research and Curriculum Unit will partner with TRANSFRVR, an education software company, to enhance career and technical education (CTE) infrastructure in Appalachian Mississippi. VR simulations will introduce students to career pathways. TRANSFRVR will deliver the training through VR to middle and high school students enrolled in Cyber Foundations and CTE courses in six school districts: West Point Consolidated, Kemper County, Columbus Municipal, Lowndes County, Noxubee County and Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated; and CTE students at EMCC, which will house VR labs at Communiversity on its Columbus and Scooba campuses. (Source: MSU 03/17/22) Mississippi State University receives $1.49 million from Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)

Gulfport officer nominated for flag

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that the president has made the following flag officer nomination.

Capt. David H. Duttlinger for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half).  Duttlinger is currently serving as commodore, Seventh Naval Construction Regiment, aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi. (Source: DoD 03/16/22)

DST approved, House/Prez's turn

WASHINGTON - The Senate unanimously approved a measure on March 15 that would make daylight saving time (DST) permanent across the United States next year. The bill, named the Sunshine Protection Act, would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year. But it still needs House approval and the president's signature to become law. (Source: The AP 03/15/22) Senate approves bill to make daylight saving time permanent (msn.com)

Dow up 600 points; Oil prices fall

Dow jumps nearly 600 points. U.S. stocks close sharply higher as oil prices fall with Fed decision ahead. (Source: Market Watch 03/15/22) Dow jumps nearly 600 points, U.S. stocks close sharply higher as oil prices fall with Fed decision ahead (msn.com)

$18.9M YRBM pact for Conrad

Conrad Shipyard LLC, Morgan City, Louisiana, is awarded an $18,988,990 firm-fixed-price contract for the detail design and construction of the Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing (YRBM) craft. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $142,906,420. Work will be performed in Amelia, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by November 2023. If all options are exercised, work will continue through December 2025. Fiscal 2021 appropriation account shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $18,899,485 will be obligated at time of award. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.sam.gov website, with six offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/15/22)

Blues on IMAX; Miss. 'Devotion'

The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron will star in a new documentary produced by Hollywood director J.J. Abrams. "The Blue Angels," which promises to chronicle a year in the life of the team, is set to be released in IMAX theaters in late 2023. It will mark the first time the newest version of F-A/18 Blue Angels jets will have been filmed in IMAX. Abrams is the only person to make the "Star Trek"/"Star Wars" crossover as director. The film will be directed and edited by Paul Crowder, who co-directed and edited "Once in a Lifetime," the documentary about the New York Cosmos pro soccer team in the 1970s. Actor Glen Powell, a military movie enthusiast, has signed on to produce. "I made two naval aviation films back-to-back" and learned firsthand what it takes to be the best of the best," he said in a press release. Powell will appear as “Hangman” in "Top Gun: Maverick."

Mississippi Note: Powell will also play Naval aviator Captain Tom Hudner in "Devotion," a Korean War movie based on the real-life friendship between Hudner and Hattiesburg, Miss., native Ensign Jesse Brown – the first Black naval viator. Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to rescue Brown after his plane was shot down and crashed landed on a mountain top near the Chosin Reservoir. (Source: Military Times 03/14/22) Blue Angels Will Star in Documentary from 'Star Wars' Director | Military.com

Is rose off bloom for Ingalls?

WASHINGTON - Over the past three years, the Navy’s long-term shipbuilding plan laid out a stable path for Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Miss. The Navy planned to buy two or three Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyers annually, splitting the work with Ingalls Bath (Maine) Iron Works. The service was also set to purchase San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks well into the future - one per year. While the next America-class amphibious assault ship would be stretched over a longer-than-ideal construction time, the Navy eventually would buy one every 3-to-4 years. And though the Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutter program was coming to an end, there were several options for the Navy to replace that work. But since those three years, the Navy has tightened its budget belt and requirements, making the future look far less rosy for HII-Pascagoula. (Source: Defense News 03/14/22) As US Navy rethinks its fleet, Ingalls Shipbuilding faces uncertain future (defensenews.com) 

Sen. lifeline for postpartum benes

For two consecutive years, Mississippi’s House leadership killed an extension of postpartum Medicaid benefits, likely guaranteeing many low-income people to lose health insurance benefits 60 days after giving birth. The Mississippi Senate passed a bill on a 46-5 vote to extend coverage to 12 months. The House had to concur, but instead it died - a victim of politics. The after 60 day postpartum months are the most dangerous. Cutting off care ends diagnostic and treatment interventions. In 2021, the benefit died in a political turf war over a Medicaid Tech Bill, ripped from the legislation at the last minute. In 2022, the bill perished with the assistance of Rep. Joey Hood (R-Ackerman), chairman of the House Medicaid Committee, and Speaker Philip Gunn, (R-Clinton). Gunn told The Associated Press that his decision to kill the bill came from a fear of an appearance of “Medicaid expansion.” He has publicly opposed to Medicaid expansion. Gunn is the current board member of the American Legislative Exchange Council. ALEC is a staunch opponent of Medicaid expansion. Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven), chairman of the Senate Medicaid committee, has highlighted that the bill would not have grown the number of Mississippians eligible for Medicaid, but merely extended the length of time for new mothers to access benefits. Between 2013-16, Mississippi’s pregnancy-related maternal mortality rate was 1.9 times higher than the U.S.  - 86% of pregnancy-related deaths occurred postpartum, including 37% after 6 weeks, the Mississippi State Department of Health has reported. The bill would have taken aim at an area of racial disparity where Black mothers are three times more likely to die from causes related to pregnancy than whites. Given the margin of support the bill had among Republicans in the Senate, it’s unlikely it would have perished in the House without Gunn and Hood’s opposition. (Source: Jackson Free Press 03/13/22) House Political Games Kill Medicaid Extension For New Mothers in Mississippi | Jackson Free Press | Jackson,

UPDATE: The Senate is ready to throw the legislation another lifeline. Mississippi could renew push to extend Medicaid for new moms - WXXV News 25 (wxxv25.com)

Hub City's awards of historical merit

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - VISITHattiesburg and the historic Eureka School were recipients of the Award of Merit from the Mississippi Historical Society for its outstanding contributions to the preservation and interpretation of local history. The VISIT Hattiesburg award was highlighting the Freedom Summer Trail - a 16-stop driving tour that showcases the role Hattiesburg played in the civil rights movement. The Eureka School in Hattiesburg was designated as a Mississippi landmark in 2005 and serves as a focal point of history and heritage for African Americans in the community. When it opened in 1921, it was one of only two brick high schools for African Americans in the state. Home - Eureka School Museum (hattiesburgeureka.com)  (Source: WDAM 03/14/22)

Opinion: Ukraine ag fuel crucial

OPINION PIECE - TIME magazine

Europe’s breadbasket farmers, and delivery truck companies, in the Ukraine are out of diesel fuel. Two weeks into the Russian assault supply chains are disrupted and critical shortages of fuel is pushing Ukraine’s agricultural sector toward collapse. If it does not secure diesel soon, Europe could face massive price spikes for agricultural commodities and challenging food shortages. Russia is scaring off diesel deliveries Black Sea ports while Ukraine is having to divert some of its fuel to the military. To be clear, Ukraine’s diesel shortage is not due to sanctions on Russian oil and gas. It will not improve by more sanctions. Ukrainian agricultural fuel suppliers are ready to make a deal through European rival traders. Numerous rivals have joined to increase their purchasing power and have logistics prepared for diesel deliveries to Polish or Romanian ports. Suppliers elsewhere in Europe or Americas could also deliver for Ukraine. Or … foreign governments could supply Ukraine with diesel. NATO could tap its Support and Procurement Organization (NSPO) network of 50,000-plus contracting firms to help. The U.S. could release some of its 1M barrels of diesel at its Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Other countries also keep some diesel in reserve, but specific numbers of stockpiled refined petroleum products versus crude oil are hard to come by. Getting Ukraine diesel for the agricultural sector should be a priority for other countries and the U.S. Food prices are already at global record highs - wheat in particular. If Ukraine’s farmers miss this planting season food prices will rise enough to trigger global hunger to vulnerable populations and even more than the 8 percent inflation on U.S. consumers. (Source: TIME Opinion by Suriya Jayanti 03/15/22) Ukraine’s Growing Fuel Crisis Will Cause Global Hunger and Worsen Inflation (msn.com)

Opinion writer’s background: Jayanti, born in Los Angeles in November 1982, is an American diplomat at the U.S. Department of State who served as the Energy Unit Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, from 2018-202d. She is considered an international energy legal and policy expert on Eastern Europe. Her geopolitical focus is on energy and strategic energy policy. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Ms. Jayanti served in the U.S. Diplomatic Corps for almost a decade, with tours in Kuwait, the Bahamas, Iraq, Ukraine and Washington. Before joining the Foreign Service, Jayanti worked as a freelance reporter for the Daily Star in Beirut, Lebanon.

HII delivers LPD 28 to Navy

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), the 12th San Antonio class-amphibious transport dock ship, from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls (HII) in south Mississippi on March 11. Delivery represents the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. Prior to delivery, the ship successfully conducted a series of at-sea and pier-side trials to demonstrate its material and operational readiness. (Sources: US Navy 03/11/22)

Decision time for STB on Amtrak

The federal Surface Transportation Board is getting close to making a decision on whether the Gulf Coast gets its Amtrak route back - from Mobile, Ala., to Mississippi and on to New Orleans and back. The STB issued an order March 11 spelling out questions it wants Amtrak, and freight rail companies, to address at an April 4 evidentiary hearing. Following the latest set of hearings, the board is expected to make a final decision. CSX Transportation has been at odds with Amtrak over the proposed train route for years. Amtrak once traveled along the Gulf Coast but never returned after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Last year, Amtrak filed a petition with the STB to operate the route along the freight-owned railways after failing to reach agreements with freight companies. Alabama leadership and Port of Mobile largely sided with CSX. Mississippi leaders said Amtrak’s return to the Gulf Coast has been delayed too long. The hearings will be held virtually on April 4-5 with the option of extending to April 7-8 if needed. The board’s decision will likely set a precedent for other passenger train access cases across the country. (Mississippi Today 03/14/22) Gulf Coast Amtrak route closer to learning its fate - Mississippi Today