Latest census news: MS #37

The U.S. Census Bureau reported May 10 that there have been 86.6M household responses to the 2020 national census for an average of 58.6 percent of the nation. Gulf Coast regional states and their percentage of response and where they stand among the 50 states and DC: #30 Alabama (56.7%); #32 Florida (56.2%); #37 Mississippi (54.1%); and T-41 Louisiana (53%). Mississippi rankings by city: #1 Madison (73%); #7 Ocean Springs (68%); #20 Tupelo (62.3%); #50 West Point (57.4%); #53 Columbus (56.8%); #83 Jackson (53.7%); #108 Meridian (50.8%); and #125 Starkville (49.3%). (Source: U.S. Census 05/10/20) https://public.tableau.com/profile/us.census.bureau?utm_campaign=20200508msc20s1ccallnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/vizhome/2020CensusSelf-ResponseRankings/RankingsDashboard.

Loh promoted to direct ANG

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper announced May 11 that the president has made the following nomination: Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael A. Loh for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as director of the Air National Guard at the National Guard Bureau in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Loh is currently serving as adjutant general of the Colorado National Guard in Centennial, Colo. (Source: DoD 05/11/20) Gulf Coast Note: ANG units in Mississippi include the 172nd Airlift Wing at Jackson and the 186th Air Refueling Wing at Meridian. In Louisiana, the 159th Fighter Wing at Belle Chasse. In Alabama, the 187th Fighter Wing at Montgomery and the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Birmingham. in Florida, the 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville.

Pentagon production boom hirings

While American unemployment recently reached its highest since the Great Depression, amid the coronavirus pandemic, some large U.S. defense firms are hiring thousands. Companies are interviewing potential candidates through video conferencing and other technology trying to fill positions on national security projects that the Defense Department wants to keep on schedule. DoD is spending large sums on missiles, satellites, and nuclear weapons’ fuels in a production boom in an attempt to fight off commercial aerospace’s downturn. (Source: Defense One 05/08/20) https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/05/us-defense-firms-hiring-thousands-amid-record-unemployment/165270/

Gulf Coast’s EPA brownfield grants

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced May 8 that the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) will receive $800,000 as a Brownfields revolving loan fund grant. The funding is part of $65.6M given nationwide to assess and clean up contaminated properties under the agency’s Brownfields Program. “LDEQ’s Brownfield programs have a history of success throughout the state,” said Region 6 Administrator Ken McQueen. Revolving loan fund grants are to assist communities to invest in abandoned and damaged properties and return them to productive use. LDEQ will target areas of Shreveport Common, historic riverfronts of Monroe, West Monroe, Ouachita and small communities like Arabi. Nationally, EPA announced the selection of 155 grants for communities and tribes totaling over $65.6M in funding of Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grant Programs. The funds will aid under-served and economically disadvantaged communities in assessing and cleaning up abandoned industrial and commercial properties. A brownfield is a property for which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. (Source: EPA 05/08/20) Other Gulf Coast regional recipients: Louisiana – Alexandria $300K; Mississippi – Canton $300K, Three Rivers Planning and Development District Inc., New Albany, Pontotoc, and Tupelo $600K, Vicksburg $300K, and West Point Consolidated School District in Cedar Bluff $264K. Alabama – Bessemer $300K, Mobile $300K, and Dothan $297K. (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-selects-louisiana-dept-environmental-quality-800000-brownfields-revolving-loan-fund

Regional Navy bases & HURREX

NORFOLK, Va. - All Navy commands within Navy Region Southeast will be participating in Hurricane Exercise/Citadel Gale 2020 (HURREX/CG 20), which is scheduled to begin May 11-15 despite the current COVID-19 environment. Co-hosted by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command, the annual hurricane preparedness/disaster response and recovery exercise is conducted prior to the onset of hurricane season (June 1) to prepare staffs and crews for potential impacts on infrastructure and fleet operations. HURREX/CG 20 simulates a storm system that will develop and intensify to hurricane strength near the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast. During the week-long training, commands review procedures for current Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness, which include plans for sortie of ships, aircraft evacuation, personnel accountability, and operating during mission essential staffing. Through this a simulated learning environment, commands are able to evaluate readiness and correct local processes as necessary. There will be no ship movements associated with HURREX/CG 20. However, fleet units will execute muster procedures and shore-based heavy weather responses such as heavy mooring ships of every class and heavy weather tie-downs of each aircraft type. (Source: U.S. Fleet Forces/CNIC 05/08/20) SE regional Navy commands to participate
include NAS Meridian and Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport in Mississippi; NAS/JRB New Orleans; NAS Pensacola, Corry Station, NAS Whiting Field, and NSA Panama City in Florida.

https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112895

Prez: Multiple flag nominations

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper announced May 6 that the President has made the following nominations: Adm. Robert P. Burke for reappointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa. * Vice Adm. William K. Lescher for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as vice chief of naval operations. * Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for war-fighting development. * Rear Adm. Eugene H. Black III for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Sixth Fleet. * Rear Adm. Randy B. Crites for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources. * Rear Adm. Yancy B. Lindsey for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C. * Rear Adm. Kenneth R. Whitesell for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Naval Air Forces; and commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego. * Reserve Rear Adm. John B. Mustin for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as chief of Navy Reserve, Washington, D.C. (Source: DoD 05/06/20)

Virtual 'VE Day' commemoration

The Department of Defense will broadcast a virtual 'Victory in Europe Day' commemoration at 9:30 a.m. (CDT) on May 8. The program will broadcast on Defense.gov, Facebook, and Twitter. It will also broadcast on the Smithsonian Channel at 7 p.m. The program will include remarks by Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Miley, ABC’s Robin Roberts, NBC’s Tom Brokaw, and Comedian Jay Leno. This will continue the department's contribution to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of WWII. (Source: DoD 05/07/20)

CAFB: Aerospace med physician

Columbus AFB, Miss., is taking applications for an Aerospace Medicine Physician to provide health care to beneficiaries assigned to the Flight Medicine Clinic, including but not limited to continuing, comprehensive health maintenance and medical care. Maintain a program of comprehensive health, to include preventive medicine, behavioral sciences, and community health. May become the primary care manager for a panel of patients. As a PCM, the flight medicine provider will be the primary person responsible for the management of the health and wellness of his/her assigned patients. (Source: USA Job Central 05/2020) https://www.usajobcentral.com/jobs/job/ED2F4F290FA10EEE601F04F534EFD25D

EDA accepting apps for CARES+

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced May 7 that the department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications from eligible grantees for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) supplemental funds (EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance) intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. “President Trump is working tirelessly to make sure Americans stay safe during this crisis and that our economy is loaded to spring back when this global scourge recedes,” said Ross. The recovery assistance is designed to provide a wide-range of financial assistance to communities and regions impacted by the pandemic. On March 27, President Donald J. Trump signed the $2T CARES Act into law. CARES provides EDA with $1.5B of which $1.467B is available for grant making. The remaining funds are to cover salaries and expenses and oversight activities. The Secretary’s announcement comes as EDA has published an Addendum to its FY 2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (FY20 PWEAA NOFO) making the funds available. (Source: Department of Commerce 05/07/20) https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2020/05/us-department-commerce-announces-availability-15-billion-cares-act.

CAFB to fly salute over Miss.

COLUMBUS, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base is gearing up to send a special message to healthcare workers over North and East Mississippi on May 8. A T-6, T-1, and T-38 aircraft, flown at the base for advanced jet training, will take to the skies, according to base commander, Col. Samantha Weeks. “The Department of Defense came up with it,” she told WCBI-TV. “We just want to recognize and thank all of our healthcare workers for their relentless efforts to make sure that we can care for our population as we fight this virus.” Weeks called the event an opportunity “to say thank you” as well as to showcase its mission and “heritage.” The event will start over the skies over Tupelo, and make their way to Amory, Aberdeen, West Point, Starkville, and finish off over Baptist Memorial Golden Triangle hospital in Columbus. (Source: WCBI-TV 05/06/20)

MSU joins JROTC-CS project

About 545,000 high students who participate in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs in America don’t have access to advanced placement computer science classes, but a new public-private partnership, which includes Mississippi State University, is working to bridge the gap. MSU’s Department of Computer Science & Engineering has joined with computing non-profit CSforAll, AFJROTC HQ, and dozens of companies/organizations to launch JROTC-CS, a new program aimed at creating a scalable educational model for increasing computing education at the high school level. MSU is the only university currently involved in the program. The program will consist of activities and mentoring, including participation in CyberPatriot, an advanced placement class in computer science principles, a summer Cyber Academy, and links to cybersecurity professionals during the senior year through internships and other touchpoints. More than half of the 545,000 cadets are minority students; and 40 percent are female. CSforALL is providing leadership for the project with additional Consortium Members. More information is available on the CSforAll website. (Source MSU 05/05/20)

Hurricane Hunters buzz Ingalls

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Ingalls' shipbuilders watched and cheered May 5 as the "Hurricane Hunters" of Keesler Air Force Base’s 403rd Wing flew over Huntington Ingalls Industries’ shipyard and the under-construction Tripoli (LHA 7) to thank the essential workforce continuing to build the nation’s fleet during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Hercs for Heroes” flyby featured a WC-130J Super Hercules from the wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters. “We salute our shipbuilders as they continue their work in support of our critical mission,” Ingalls President Brian Cuccias said. “Our workforce has shown great strength and determination despite our recent challenges, and they are more prepared and resilient than ever before.” A video and photo accompanying this release are available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/hurricane-hunters-fly-over-ingalls-shipbuilding.

‘Spirit of Service nom packages

WASHINGTON - For the 20th consecutive year, the American Legion will award the Spirit of Service to an enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Although the American Legion National Convention is cancelled this year because of the pandemic, the organization will still honor a winner from each branch. Legion leadership wants to ensure these outstanding service members are still recognized for their service. Packages for nominations are now being accepted and must be submitted by June 1. (Source: Navy Office of Community Outreach 05/05/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112811

Vertex teams for AFSOC's Bronco II

Leidos (LDOS), a Fortune® 500 science and technology business, announced May 4 that a teaming agreement with Paramount Group USA and Vertex Aerospace of Mississippi in order to pursue a new contract to deliver the Bronco II, a new purpose-built, multi-mission aircraft to support the U.S. Special Operations Command's Armed Overwatch program. This relationship, with Leidos as the prime contractor and Paramount and Vertex as primary teammates, will combine decades of experience integrating, manufacturing, and delivering cutting-edge airborne solutions to the war-fighter. Bronco II is a rugged, affordable, and sustainable multi-mission aircraft that will be manufactured in Crestview, Fla. The Leidos offering is built to meet the specific needs of USSOC. (www.bronco-usa.com) "Our collaboration with Vertex and Leidos will present best of capabilities for what will undoubtedly be a critical program to enable the U.S Air Force Special Operations Command – HQ'd at Hurlburt Field, Fla. - to deal effectively with the challenges and rigors of modern-day asymmetrical warfare," said Steve Griessel, CEO of the Texas-based Paramount Group USA. "We are proud to team with Leidos and Paramount, as we share a commitment to deliver affordable state-of-the-art capabilities to combat the challenges posed by modern, multi-domain operations," said Ed Boyington, Vertex Aerospace CEO/President. "With a long track record of delivering excellence to our customers, we look forward to producing and supporting the purpose-built Bronco II aircraft and weapons system as a transformational tool for our war-fighters." (Source: CityBizList 05/04/20) https://dc.citybizlist.com/article/608759/leidos-paramount-usa-and-vertex-aerospace-team-up. Vertex Aerospace offers a global capability and complete solution for aftermarket aerospace services for government and commercial customers. The company's international presence and vast range of services has distinguished itself from competitors for more than 45 years. The Madison, Miss.-based company operates in over 100 locations worldwide and is proud to have a 50 percent veteran employee rate. Information about Vertex can be found at vtxaero.com.

Blue Angels to salute NOLA May 6

NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and New Orleans on May 6. "America Strong is about showing how much we, as a nation, count on our frontline responders and that we have their back just like they have had ours," said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader. A formation of six F/A-18C/D Hornets will conduct the flyovers as a collaborative salute to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Flyovers in Dallas/Fort Worth will start at 11:00 a.m. (CDT). Houston's flyover will start at 12:30 p.m. (CDT). Flyovers in New Orleans will start at 1:45 p.m. (CDT) and last roughly 20 minutes. (Source: Blue Angels 05/04/20)

Muted homecoming for Comfort

Ship homecomings are a family event that generally pack the end of a pier waving signs and waiting for a loved ones to come ashore. The Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort sidled up to Pier 12 at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., early May 2nd to no fanfare. Families were relegated to their cars to maintain social distancing, but many of the 1,200 sailors returning may not even be going directly home after disembarking. NAS Meridian, Miss., base clinic Hospital Corpsman Chad Nelson was among those sailors serving aboard the hospital ship in NYC. Comfort arrived early Saturday morning after spending Friday moored outside f the Hampton Roads Harbor while the ship was disinfected and the crew tested for the virus. “We saw everything that (NYC hospitals) saw,” Capt. Patrick Amersbach, commander of Comfort’s medical personnel, told the Virginian-Pilot. “We were the busiest ICU in the Department of Defense over the past month.” The ship treated 182 patients. Twenty-five were on ventilators and cases with multiple organ failures, necessitating a great deal of one-on-one care from the medical staff, Amersbach said. Every sailor leaving the ship will spend the next 14 days under quarantine, said Capt. Joseph O’Brien, mission commander of Task Force New York. Some can abide by those guidelines at home, others will be housed in barracks or hotel by the Navy. After those 14 days, they will be tested again. Instead of eager families waiting, a caravan of white buses was lined up at the end of the pier to cart crew members to quarantine quarters. “It’s different, yeah, but everything’s different,” O’Brien said. (Virginian-Pilot 05/03/20) 

https://www.pilotonline.com/coronavirus/vp-nw-coronavirus-norfolk-navy-comfort-homecoming-20200503-wah7bblrq5baxgt6fdlsu5qzg4-story.html

AFSOC: Operational training restart

After about five months, the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla., has reinstated parachute, dive and mountaineering training for its operators. AFSOC spokesperson Maj. Amanda Reeves said on May 1 that all units can now resume the training, halted in the wake of two special tactics airmen deaths last fall. "AFSOC has now recertified all of its units to conduct parachute, diving, and mountaineering operations," Reeves told Military.com in an email. "Due to operational sensitivities surrounding AFSOC's capabilities and readiness status, we cannot provide an exact number of units affected by the recertification process." Reeves said that experts from across the AF and U.S. Special Operations Command assessed training operations at each AFSOC unit. Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, AFSOC commander, then approved each recertification in concert with unit leaders and the AFSOC director of operations. AFSOC ordered the suspension in December to allow officials to inspect associated equipment and review safety procedures. The move followed the deaths of Tech. Sgt. Peter Kraines, a pararescueman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field; and Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff, a Special Tactics combat controller with 23rd Special Tactics Squadron within the 24th Special Operations Wing, both located at Hurlburt Field. (Source: Military.com 05/01/20) Lt. Gen. Slife has been head of AFSOC since last June. He initially trained in aviation at the Army's Fort Rucker, Ala.; served as Director of Operations at the 20th SOS, and commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing both at Hurlburt Field. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/05/01/months-after-deadly-accidents-afsoc-resumes-parachute-dive-training.html.

Space Foundation webinar May 6

The Space Foundation will host a live webinar at 10 a.m. (CDT) on May 6 entitled “America’s Space Force: Building the Future Today.” The event will feature Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond, and include opening comments from retired Rear Adm. Tom Zelibor, CEO of the Space Foundation. The non-profit is partnering with the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Space Force to present the event, which “will cover the current state of the Space Force, operational priorities over the next year, and views on a number of pertinent issues,” and include a Q&A, according to the event’s webpage. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. You may also submit advance questions via Twitter by using the #AskSpaceForce hashtag. (Source: AF Magazine 05/04/20)

B-52 drops access panel over NOLA

A B-52 assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., lost an access panel during a May 1 flyover of New Orleans to honor individuals on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus. A hand-sized panel from the Stratofortress became dislodged over the city limits and landed on private property, says wing spokesperson 2nd Lt. Aileen Lauer. It was recovered by AF personnel in partnership with local authorities. No one was injured, but a safety investigation is planned, she said. The New Orleans flyover was one of two undertaken by the Barksdale BUFFs, and F-15 Strike Eagles assigned to the 159th Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, on May 1. The other flyover was performed over Baton Rouge. (Source: AF Magazine –05/01/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/barksdale-b-52-loses-panel-during-new-orleans-flyover/

Enlisted Space Force opportunities

Enlisted Airmen who sign up for the Space Force can expect to see a broader range of career opportunities in the Air Force, according to the service’s senior enlisted adviser Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman. Enlisted personnel could take on multiple specialties over the course of their career, he told AF Magazine, making OJT more important. About 6,000 enlisted space professionals are assigned to Space Force: Cyber personnel may get more unique career paths than enlisted space operators, he said. Enlisted Airmen who work in space systems operations, operations intelligence, geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, fusion analysis, targeting analysis, cyberspace support, and client systems are allowed to volunteer for the Space Force through May 31. (Source: Air Force Magazine 05/02/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/space-force-mulls-new-opportunities-for-enlisted-airmen/