Beckman takes helm of ERDC HQ

VICKSBURG, Miss. - Army Colonel Ivan P. Beckman has taken command of the U.S. Army’s Engineer Research and Development Center from Col. Bryan Green during a change of command ceremony July 27 at ERDC headquarters in Vicksburg. Green, who retires Dec. 31, had served as ERDC commander since September 2015. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Beckman was the state inspector general for the Mississippi National Guard. Beckman has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, a master’s in engineering from University of Missouri Rolla, and a master’s of strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He has been a licensed professional engineer in Missouri since 1995, and is presently pursuing a doctorate in engineering from Mississippi State University. As ERDC commander, he will be responsible for site management and planning of ERDC installations, and the overseeing of installation operations command of ERDC support elements. (Source: Vicksburg Post 07/30/18

Ex-Lott advisor takes reins at VA

WASHINGTON - Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie was sworn in July 30. He takes the reins of a department undergoing extensive changes and with key positions unfilled. A longtime Washington insider, Wilkie has worked for decades at the Pentagon and in the defense contracting industry. He brings to the VA an expectation of being able to manage the second-largest department in the federal government. While awaiting confirmation, the VA was led by Peter O'Rourke, whose new role at the VA has not yet been defined. The Senate confirmed Wiklie on an 86-9 vote (Source: Wall Street Journal 07/30/18) Gulf Coast Note: Wilkie is the son of an Army artillery commander; and an officer in the Air Force Reserve assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff. Before the AF, he served in the Naval Reserve with the Joint Forces Intelligence Command, Naval Special Warfare Group Two, and the Office of Naval Intelligence. He has more than 20 years of federal service, including as Counsel and Advisor on International Security Affairs to former Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.)

Twins winged at NAS Meridian

NAS MERIDIAN, Miss. - Identical twin brothers completed almost two years of training July 27 in the T-45C "Goshawk" with Training Squadron Seven (VT-7) at Naval Air Station Meridian. Marine aviators 1st Lt. Andrea "Andy" Occhipinti and brother Capt. Matteo Occhipinti were joined by four others for the “Wings of Gold” pinning ceremony. Born in Italy, the Occhipintis moved to America at age six. At 16, the brothers visited a recruiting center to start thinking of military careers. Though both were commissioned at different times, both earned their wings together. The time has come for them to separate again. “Andy” will go to Miramar, Calif., to fly F-18 Hornets; and Matteo goes to Beaufort, S.C. F-35Bs. "We've completed a milestone and now it's time to see the world," Matteo said. NASM is home to Training Air Wing One which has two squadron's VT-7 and VT-9 that train on average 80 aviators annually.(Source: NAS Meridian 07/30/18)

Med health management for CAFB

Titan Facility Services of Gilbert, Ariz., has been awarded a $9,394,235 firm-fixed price contract for Healthcare Aseptic Management Services. The contract provides for medical aseptic housekeeping, waste management, and linen management. These services constitute the enterprise-level Healthcare Aseptic Management Services requirement of the Air Force Medical Service as directed by the Healthcare Aseptic Management Services Requirement Approval Document. Work will be performed at Columbus and Keesler AFBs, Miss.; Eglin and Tyndall AFBs and Hurlburt Field in Florida; and other bases in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, and South Carolina. The awards include a transition period from Aug. 16, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2018, funded with FY 2018 operations and maintenance (O&M) funds. A base-year period plus four one-year-option periods will follow the transition period from Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2023. The base period will be funded incrementally using FY 2019 O&M funds. This award is the result of a competitive, small business set-aside acquisition. Air Force Installation Contracting Agency of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 07/30/18)

Carothers awarded $11.3M pact

Carothers Construction Inc. of Oxford, Miss., is awarded $11,355,975 for firm-fixed-price task order N6945018F0878 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-14-D-1266) to restore airfield lighting system and electrical infrastructure at Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The work includes replacing all airfield lighting and cabling, upgrading the existing precision approach lighting system on the south end of runway and some electrical infrastructure upgrades within the airfield electrical vault. Also included in this project are some airfield signage and some runway overrun reconstruction. The contractor shall provide the labor, supervision, engineering materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to perform all work described in the request for proposal. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, and is expected to be completed by July 2019. FY 2018 Navy operations and maintenance contract funds in the amount of $11,355,975 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast of Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 07/30/18)

Raytheon-Forest gets 35% of pact

Raytheon Co. of Goleta, Calif., is awarded a not-to-exceed $34,603,209 undefinitized contract action to provide for non-recurring production start-up and non-recurring engineering for the F/A-18 CD-108B/ALE-50(V) Control, Dispenser, Decoy, Countermeasures Integrated Multi-Platform Launch Controller (IMPLC) Lot 13 full-rate production for the government of Kuwait, including the procurement of 38 IMPLCs. In addition, this contract provides for the induction and repair of IMPLC assets, in support of the Navy. Work will be performed in Goleta (50%); Forest, Miss. (35%); and Andover, Mass. (15%), and is expected to be completed in March 2021. FY 2018 Navy aircraft procurement; and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $12,558,940 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). This contract combines purchase for the Navy ($2,567,000; 7.5%); and the government of Kuwait ($32,036,209; 92.5%) under the FMS program. Naval Air Systems Command of Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 07/30/18)

Machine shop super job with Eaton

Eaton’s Systems Division of its Aerospace Group has an opening for a Manufacturing Supervisor in the Machine Shop. This position is based in Jackson, Miss. This is a third shift position (11:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.). The facility has about 500 employees and is a leader in the design, development, manufacture and delivery of aerospace hydraulic components, systems and services to the global aftermarket and Original Equipment Manufacturer markets. The Manufacturing Supervisor of the Machine Shop manages and leads a team of hourly employees responsible for machining complex components for hydraulic pumps, motors, and motor pumps. (Source: LinkedIn 07/26/18)

Meridian, GTRA: Top 4 airports

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Meridian Regional Airport is having its best ridership year in nearly 10 years. With two flights a day to two hubs, MRA has the fourth highest number of passengers among the seven commercial airports across Mississippi. Over the first six months of 2018, MRA’s passenger numbers were “up a little better than 1 percent over the first six months of last year," says Tom Williams, president of Meridian Regional Airport, or about 120 passengers. “I think that's a tribute to the customer service that our great employees give in the terminal building, and to SkyWest's good relationship with American Airlines." During January through June, more than 19,000 passengers used MRA. The top three airports were Jackson, Gulfport, and the Golden Triangle Regional (GTRA) in Columbus. (Source: WTOK 07/27/18)

Ammo work for Oxford, Miss.

Olin Corp.’s Winchester Division of East Alton, Ill., was awarded a $7,027,819 modification (P00031) to contract W52P1J-16-C-0003 for .50 caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Oxford, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2020. FY 2018 Army funds in the amount of $7,027,819 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command of Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., is the contracting activity. (DoD 07/27/18)

AF tests flight respiratory monitoring

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Air Force researchers rely on innovative technology to deliver advanced respiratory monitoring to lower risks of in-flight breathing issues, and to protect the health and performance of the aircrew. Those researchers, with the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, are working with the UK-based private company Cobham to develop VigilOX, an advanced sensor system designed for continuous in-flight measurement of aircrew breathing. Having the sensor system integrated into the Advanced Flow Engineering (AFE) system allows us to really understand the pilot’s breathing patterns, energy demands, pulmonary function, and if the pilot is potentially exposed to anything that could degrade performance during combat,” said Dr. David Burch, research biomedical engineer and the medical technology solutions team leader with the 711th HPW. The measures gives the AF a better insight on a pilot’s respiratory patterns and how well life support systems are functioning. Having been tested on the T-6A, T-45C, F-18, and F-15 aircrafts, the VigilOX sensor system shows potential promise in improving monitoring capabilities and keeping aircrew safe. The device is currently undergoing tests at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. (Source: AF Surgeon General 07/26/18 ) Gulf Coast Note: The AF and Navy have had issues with psychological episodes related to oxygen in several different aircraft, including the T-45C that is flown out of NAS Meridian, Miss.

Vertex seeks CAFB scheduler

Vertex Aerospace LLC has been providing International Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Solutions since moving its headquarters to Madison, Miss., in 1989. Currently, the company is seeking a scheduler to plan and schedule the use and maintenance of aircraft, engines, AGE, and associated equipment. The scheduler establishes maintenance and operations flying schedules adequate to support operational requirements and maintenance needs. The position is at Columbus, AFB, Miss. (Source: Mississippi Job Network 07/2018)

QA Inspector at CAFB Miss.

JPATS Logistics Services (JLS) provides Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) under the Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS) services for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) T-6A/B/D program ("T-6 Program"). The firm is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector at Columbus AFB, Miss. JLS’ capabilities combine relevant experience in scope, magnitude, and complexity to accomplish superior CLS services to the customer. JLS offers proven industry best practices to provide the government the most efficient and cost-effective solution to the JPATS COMBS requirements. The main function of the QA Inspector is to perform inspections on all types of parts to ensure conformity FAA and customer approved drawings and specifications. This is a non-exempt, full time, hourly position. (Source: Disabled Person 07/26/18)

AHI seeks senior project manager

Airbus Helicopters Inc.'s Commercial Programs Department is responsible for acquisition, completion, maintenance, repair and delivery of aircraft to its North American and global customers. AHI’s goal is to create and sustain a reliable customer buying experience in order to drive customer loyalty. AHI is seeking a Senior Project Manager for its Columbus, Miss., operation to make best-in-class efforts to establish, implement and monitor activities associated with aircraft completion, maintenance and repair in accordance with AHI’s commercial management procedure. The manager will coordinate all involved departments; establish, monitor and revise schedules and budgets; track and manage changes; support the writing of contracts and manage their execution; and to assess and manage risks. (Source: Indeed 07/2018)

Charges dismissed vs ICDC exec

A former executive of the Itawamba County Development Council, and his wife, no longer face criminal charges after a May agreement to pay their former employer more than $30,000. The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported July 20 that embezzlement charges against Harvey and Sandy Clements, currently of Saltillo, Miss., had been dismissed in May. The couple agreed to pay the ICDC some $29,948, plus $1,400 in legal fees. Harvey Clements had been the ICDC’s acting executive director, while Sandy Clements was an administrative assistant. Both were indicted in 2015 on felony embezzlement charges alleging they stole money in late 2014. Itawamba County hired Three Rivers Planning and Development District to handle economic development after Clements left the post. (Source: Daily Journal 07/20/18)

DAV to host job fair in NOLA

The New Orleans Disabled Veterans Association (DAV) will be hosting a job fair at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 2. Among some of the exhibitors will be Archer Daniels Midland Company, DOT / FAA, Military Sealift Command, New Orleans Police Department, and Northrop Grumman. (Source: Recruit Military 07/2018)

Lowndes port gets $466K grant

The Lowndes County Port Authority in Columbus, Miss., has received a $466,317 grant from Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to expand its West Bank Port. The project, which will cost more than $476,000, will add a 250-foot crane rail extension that allows operators to off-load two barges at the same time and increasing the capacity of raw materials to be off-loaded and taken to Indiana-based Steel Dynamics Inc.’s Columbus facility, according to the Port Authority. The remaining $10,000 will be funded by the LCPA. At the start, the port will increase current tonnage by about 20 percent, which could eventually lead to doubling the amount of tonnage coming through the port annually, according to Will Sanders, director for the Port Authority. The extension project stands to increase the port's profits since it is paid by tonnage, according to Sanders, but he would not disclose to The Dispatch the total annual tonnage numbers. Online, MDOT documents indicate just short of 1 million tons passed through the port in 2012. The new extension is tentatively scheduled to begin this fall. It will take about 12 months to complete. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 07/23/18)

Deployed dad surprises daughter

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. – Abbey Carter, a new West Lauderdale High School student got a big surprise at band camp July 23 when her deployed-father, Command Master Chief Jonas Carter, who had at sea since April and not due back until late fall, showed up unexpectantly when his ship, USS Harry Truman, returned home earlier than anticipated. For his efforts, the master chief got an enormous hug from an emotional Abbey. The whole class cheered. The surprise was kept under wraps by family and WLHS Band Director David McKinney. "Abbey’s a new student to us this year so (her classmates) are very excited about her. They actually didn't know until he walked in so it was pretty cool," he says. (Source: WTOK 07/23/18)

Thunderbirds add new pilots, doc

The Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team announced July 20 its selection of four new pilots and a medical doctor to the team for the 2019 season. Next season will be the team’s 66th. In March-April 2019, the team will have two performances along the Gulf Coast on March 30-31 at Tyndall AFB, Fla. and April 13-14 over Biloxi, Miss. Lt. Col. John Caldwell, 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron Commander Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., will be Thunderbird No. 1, the squadron’s Commander and Leader. As the two-fold duty title implies, his responsibilities will include commanding a force of more than 120 enlisted personnel and 11 commissioned officers assigned to the Thunderbirds, along with leading all demonstration flights. In 2012, then-Maj. Caldwell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions as the pilot of an F-16 in response to several attacks on American and allied forces by the enemy while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. (Source: Air Combat Command 07/20-18)

Associate manufacturing planner

Multi-Functional Manufacturing Planner Associate Manager position will be responsible for PC management functions within Lockheed-Martin’s Meridian, Miss., facility. Position may require providing recommended modifications to operating policies or procedures to support continuous improvement. Responsibilities include ensuring that projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Position requires frequent contact with internal personnel, industry peers, customers at various management levels concerning operations and scheduling of specific phases of projects. Successful candidate will conduct briefings and participate in technical and non-technical meetings. Successful candidate will function as an adviser to other functional departments and external customers regarding tasks, projects, and operations, typically procurement or commodity related but will include assembly and production operations as well. Position requires active involvement in daily operations in a high volume, fast paced, environment demanding hands-on participation to meet critical schedules or resolve complex problems. Successful candidate will be expected to achieve results, meeting company goals and objectives. Position requires management and leadership of skilled, experienced, professional personnel along with entry level subordinate positions requiring mentoring and training as well as represented personnel. (Source: Lockheed Martin 07/18)

15 Miss. airports get $6M in grants

WASHINGTON – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport improvement grants, in the amount of $6.32M, were announced July 18 for 15 Mississippi airports. The grants are for infrastructure construction support, safety improvements and equipment acquisition, according to U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi. The grants are funded through the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and federal appropriations. Northern Mississippi airports included $1M for the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, for existing terminal expansion and safety equipment acquisition; Meridian Airport Authority: $1M for improvements to Key Field; Tishomingo County Airport: $237,920 for drainage improvements, land acquisition to extend runway protection zone, and building obstruction removal; Calhoun County Airport: $224,235 for apron and taxiway rehabilitation; Monroe County Airport: $198,000 for installation of a new vertical/visual guidance system; Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport: $94,500 for updates to the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan; and Booneville-Baldwyn Airport: $76,500 for updates to the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan. (Source: Daily Journal 07/18/18)