JACKSON, Miss. - The Tougaloo College Alumni Coalition for Change is seeking the removal of the school's President, Carmen J. Walters, with an online petition on the group's website. A total of 1,418 people have signed the petition, which has a goal of collecting 1,500 signatures to advocate for a change in leadership at the private, 153-year-old historically black college in Mississippi. According to the petition, the Coalition is seeking a leadership change after "repeated failures" by the administration. Dr. Walters became the 14th president of Tougaloo in 2019. Before assuming the presidency, Dr. Walters held various executive level positions at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) for six years. Before MGCCC, she held executive level positions at Delgado Community College in New Orleans for 18 years. (Clarion Ledger 04/26/23) The Tougaloo College Alumni Coalition for Change seeks new president (clarionledger.com)
Thursday, April 27, 2023
CG suspends search for crewman
NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard suspended its search April 26 for a missing crewmember from the crew boat Mr. Fred near Port Sulphur, La. The CG searched about 220 square miles for a combined 11.5 hours. The CG got the notification around noon Wednesday and issued urgent marine information broadcast and launched two response boat crews from New Orleans and Venice, and a New Orleans-based MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to search for the crewman. “Suspending a search is a tough decision that is never taken lightly,” said Cmdr. Anna Hart, a SAR mission coordinator in New Orleans. The search involved close coordination with other agencies, including the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Marine Unit, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office Land and Marine Units and the Plaquemines Port Authority. (Coast Guard 04/26/23)
General Dynamics' 1Q revenues
reported during the first quarter of 2023, up 5.2% over last year's period, and ended the quarter with a total backlog of $89.8B - $77.1B was funded. The Reston, Va.-based defense contractor's backlog represented a 3% increase from last year’s $87.2B. Notable defense contracts the company booked during the quarter include awards of more than $1.1B to build and support Abrams tanks, Stryker combat vehicles and other armored vehicles for the Army and allies, and a potential $1.3B contract with the Army to expand 155mm artillery projectile parts production. The company also posted Q1 net earnings of $730M, diluted earnings per share of $2.64 and net cash of $1.5B from operating activities. (GovWire 04/27/23) General Dynamics Revenue Up 5.2% in Q1 2023; Phebe Novakovic Cites Strong Demand for Munitions - GovCon Wire
Regional Note: General Dynamics' Louisiana flagship is in Bossier City. There are five locations in the state, including its Information Technology business unit located at the University of New Orleans research and technology park.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Rail service partners: Vicksburg, La.
Passenger rail service for Vicksburg, Miss., took a step forward on April 25 with an interlocal agreement, between the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Warren County Board of Supervisors, to join three Louisiana cities - Monroe, Shreveport and Ruston - in seeking a grant to establish service. The Board of Supervisors has OK'd the agreement, which authorizes the city and county to each contribute $35K to participate in seeking the grant, The partnership's efforts are to bring rail service to the three Louisiana cities from the Dallas-Fort Worth, along the Interstate corridor, to Meridian. The cities are seeking a Federal Railroad Administration Federal-State Intercity Passenger Rail Program grant for the project. (MSLive.com 04/25/23) All aboard! Mississippi communities on track for new passenger train service - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live
Previously related post at Post: Edit (blogger.com)
MS has deadliest roads in America
Some states' roads are more dangerous to drive than others. Mississippi has the deadliest roads, according to a study by car subscription providers at FINN of America. The study was calculated by state populations, fatal crashes, deaths and deaths per 100,000 people in the country and by state, according to a FINN media release. Mississippi ranked first with 25 deaths per 100,000 population based on the total number of road traffic deaths in each state in 2020, according to the NHTSA. Wyoming was No. 2. Alabama was fifth. Louisiana and Tennessee tied for No. 6. (Clarion Ledger 04/25/23) Mississippi leads in the US with most dangerous roads (hattiesburgamerican.com)
Cutoff channel issue for shipping
Neptune Pass is causing problems for shipping along the Mississippi River. But coastal scientists point to its land-building potential. (NOLA.com 04/26/23) But Louisiana and the Corps of Engineers have concerns. Widening Mississippi River pass prompts action from Corps | Environment | nola.com
Background: The newly created Neptune Pass is a cutoff channel that connects the Mississippi River with Breton Sound in Louisiana. The outflow channel was actually cut by the river. Neptune Pass, which in 2016 was just 150 feet wide, is 800+ feet wide, due to high water flows and hurricane activity. The state says sediment from Neptune is already at work building new land in Quarantine Bay and filling other low spots, like the Bay Denasse.
SSC: Longest RS-25 engine hot fire
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA carried out a 720-second critical hot fire of the redesigned RS-25 engine here April 26 demonstrating the gimbaling capabilities needed to stabilize a rocket during a launch and flight into space. It was the first gimbal test of the current RS-25 engine certification series. The certification series is supporting lead engine contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne as it prepares to produce additional RS-25 engines for future Space Launch System (SLS) flights. The new production includes engines for future Artemis missions to the Moon to establish a long-term presence for scientific discovery and to prepare for human space missions to Mars. During the 12-minute hot fire, operators gimbaled the RS-25 engine using a NASA Stennis-developed system to enable pivoting of the engine, mirroring maneuvers needed during launch and flight of the rocket. The hot fire marks the longest-duration test of an RS-25 certification engine. (Stennis Space Center 04/26/23) NASA Tests Critical In-Flight Capability During RS-25 Engine Hot Fire | NASA
Note: Gimbaling is the technique of swiveling an engine a few degrees along a tight circular axis to direct engine thrust and “steer” a rocket on a proper trajectory. It also plays a vital role to ensure the rocket maintains stability during flight to space.
AF Reserve/NASCAR celebrate 75th
TALLADEGA, Ala. - Engines roared. A crowd of 170K cheered, in part to celebrate the 75th anniversaries of both NASCAR and the Air Force Reserve, on April 22 at NASCAR’s Talladega Superspeedway. “This is a special day" for the 70,000-plus Citizen Airmen of the AF Reserve and NASCAR, said Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command. “The men and women of NASCAR have a great deal in common" with the Air Force and the AF Reserve, he continued. They both celebrate "dedication, perseverance and most importantly, patriotism." As part of the anniversaries, the Air Force-sponsored No. 3 Legacy Motor Club car debuted, driven by Eric Jones, during a NASCAR race. He finished sixth. The Air Force Reserve was officially established April 14, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman. NASCAR got its start on December 14, 1947. Prior to the start of the race, more than a dozen Delayed Entry Program recruits were on stage to pledge their oath of enlistment. Jones' grandfather served in the Air Force. The race was won by Kyle Busch. (Air Force Reserve Command 04/25/23) Air Force Reserve Takes 75th anniversary celebration to Talladega > Air Force > Article Display (af.mil)
AF T-7A trainer further delayed
The Air Force's new T-7A Red Hawk training jet, expected to be delivered this year, won't be available to the full fleet until 2017. Software issues and ejection system concerns have pushed the first deliveries to at least December 2025. Andrew Hunter, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and logistics, told Military.com that additional tests are ongoing to "resolve issues with the escape system." (Military.com 04/25/23)
The T-7 Red Hawk is an American/Swedish supersonic advanced jet trainer selected by the AF as winner of the T-X program to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon as the service's advanced jet trainer.
Regional Note: The advanced phase of undergraduate pilot training at Columbus (Miss.) AFB, is conducted by the 50th Flying Training Squadron. This phase consists of 110 hours of flight instruction in the T-38C Talon. The 49th Fighter Training Squadron conducts 'Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals' flying training for AF and international pilots and weapon systems officers using the T-38C Talon.
4-County 'visionary' passes away
Retired 4-County (Miss.) Electric Power Association CEO Joe Cade, 78, passed away April 24 in Columbus. Cade led the cooperative from 2010-18. He began his career in the electric cooperative business at 4-County in 1983. “He was a wonderful mentor and a true visionary within the cooperative world," said current 4-County CEO Brian Clark. Under Cade's leadership, 4-County prospered and made safety its top priority. In the mid-2010s, 4-County employees worked nearly 1.4M million man-hours without a lost-time injury. In economic development efforts, Cade and the 4-County worked with local development groups, governments and the TVA on the creation of two mega-sites, which helped land Yokohama Tire to Clay County. Cade also oversaw the privatization measures for Columbus AFB that allowed 4-County to serve base housing and to provide maintenance of the distribution system. Among his most cherished accomplishments was the formation of the 4-County Foundation in 2015. The Foundation gives grants to area non-profits. The Foundation has awarded nearly $2M to area organizations. Memorials may be made to the 4-County Foundation, 5265 S. Frontage Road, Columbus, MS, 39701. (4-County Electric 04/25/23) 4-County Celebrates Life of Joe Cade | 4 County Electric
Mabus joins Virgin Galactic board
Virgin Galactic, a commercial spaceflight and vehicle development firm, has named its chief investment officer. Lovell has served as the company’s interim chair since February 2022. Virgin Galactic also named Ray E. Mabus Jr., former secretary of the Navy and governor of Mississippi, to its board as lead independent director and , a former executive at investment management firm Dodge & Cox, as a member. “Ray and Diana’s dynamic and complementary expertise in capital markets, international business and government will greatly benefit Virgin Galactic as we launch and grow our global commercial space line,” said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic. (GovWire 04/26/23) Evan Lovell Appointed Virgin Galactic Board Chairman, Ray Mabus Named Lead Independent Director - GovCon Wire
Regional Note: Mabus is a native of Ackerman, Miss., and graduated from Ackerman High School as valedictorian. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi and earned a master's degree from John Hopkins in political science. Prior to attending law school at Harvard University, he served two years as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the Navy cruiser USS Arkansas. He later served as the 60th governor of Mississippi, 75th Secretary of the Navy and ambassador to Saudi Arabia. When he resigned as ambassador, he returned to Mississippi to work for his family's lumber business.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
DoD regional contracts Apr. 25
* The Whiting-Turner Contacting Co., Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $41,446,750 firm-fixed-price task order (N6945023F0391) under a previously awarded multiple-award construction contract N69450-22-D-0013 to provide construction of P282 AHTS Flight Simulator Facility and demolition of Building 3005 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. This task order contains one unexercised option which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative contract value to $43,273,703. Work will be performed in Milton, Florida, and is expected to be completed by April 2027. Fiscal 2023 military construction (Navy) funds in the amount of $41,446,750 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Seven proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity.
* American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $71,595,965 firm-fixed‐price, indefinite‐delivery/indefinite‐quantity contract for blouses, trousers and maternity blouses and slacks. This was a competitive acquisition with eight responses received. This is a one‐year contract with four one‐year option periods. The ordering period end date is April 24, 2024. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (DoD 04/25/23)
ANG's Best Warriors in Southeast
FORT STEWART, Ga. - Tennessee and Georgia National guardsmen were named the Army National Guard’s best warriors in the Southeast after a grueling week-long competition here April 16-21. Army Spc. Jackson Jacobs, an artillery forward observer, with the Tennessee ANG won the competition as Region III’s top warrior. Georgia Army National Guard’s Sgt. Quentin Holden, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, took the title of best non-commissioned officer. The duo will advance to the ANG's Best Warrior Competition in Alaska from July 6-15 to compete against other regional winners from across the country. The duo competed against 17 fellow Army National Guardsmen representing the states and territories of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and the Virgin Islands.
Among Mississippi competitors were:
*Spc. Logan Hunt, indirect fire infantryman, Mississippi ANG; and
*Sgt. 1st Class Steven Gonzalez, construction engineer, Mississippi ANG. (Army National Guard 04/24/23)
Navy plans FMS sale of six LCS
The Navy plans to make six Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) - two Independence class and four Freedom class vessels - available for sale through its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in the next two years. The oldest and youngest of the ships intended to be sold have been in service for under eight and three years, respectively. The Navy publicly raised the possibility of selling a number of LCSs in 2022. The six LCS were presented in its 2024 long-range shipbuilding plan. The Navy currently has 13 Independence LCSs in active service - four under construction or being fitted out. There are 10 Freedom class in active service - five being fitted out or prepared to enter service. Two Independence and one Freedom class vessels have been decommissioned. The newest Freedom class ship, USS Cleveland (LCS 31), was launched days ago at the Fincantieri (Wis.) Marinette Marine. The new shipbuilding plan stipulates USS Jackson (LCS 6) and Montgomery (LCS 8) will be made available for sale via the Navy's FMS program. They were commissioned in 2015 and 2016. In FY-25, USS Wichita (LCS 13), Billings (LCS 15), Indianapolis (LCS 17) and St Louis (LCS 19) will similarly go via FMS. There has been no indication the Navy has buyers for any of the LCS. (The Drive 04/24/23) Navynts To Sell-Off Six Nearly New Littoral Combat Ships (msn.com) Wa
Regional Note: The even-numbered Independence class LCS hulls are built at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala.
Clemens new deputy @ HCPHC
KILN, MISS - The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission (HCPHC) announced that April 24 that Pascagoula native Geoff Clemens has been named Deputy Director. Clemens' experience in Hancock County the last 20 years, and knowledge of the infrastructure at Port Bienville, Stennis Space Center and Stennis International Airport, "will only assist HCPHC as we move forward with an aggressive capital improvement plan and period of growth over the next decade,” said Blaine LaFontaine, CEO of HCPHC. The Stennis airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park is home to 30 companies with more than 1,000 employees. Clemens will work with finance, operations and project management teams as part of the critical port/airport operations. Clemens had served as president or CEO of Compton Engineering for 14 years. He earned an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University. (HCPHC 04/24/23) Announcing Geoff Clemens: Deputy Director at HCPHC | Hancock County News and Events (portairspace.com)
Dragon boat race benefits region
GULFPORT, Miss. - The United Way of South Mississippi's Dragon Boat Competition will lead to major benefits for regional non-profit organizations, according to United Way CEO Kathy Springer. The race allows the UW to continue investing in non-profits through grants. UWSM is a grant maker. In the last community impact cycle, it awarded $430,000 in grants to agencies across the Gulf Coast,” she said, which allows them to serve communities. Among some of the funded partners are the St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy, which fills about 500 prescriptions weekly. The medicines' value is about $1.4M the pharmacy puts back into the community for some 700 clients. The race is set to kickoff at 9 a.m. on April 29 at the dock in Gulfport. It is open to the public. (WLOX 04/24/23) Dragon Boat Festival allows funding for local nonprofits (wlox.com)
Amtrak to update Meridian station
In a meeting with Amtrak last week, Community Development Director Craig Hitt told the Meridian City Council that the passenger rail service had requested permission to overhaul the city's Union Station. its facilities and needed the city’s permission. Some of the work is on city property, but Amtrak will cover all costs, according to Hitt. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the multi-phase project is tentatively scheduled to begin by year's-end at a cost of about $13M. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in 2025. The upgrades will also put the city in a good spot for discussions around a proposed service line along the I-20 corridor that would open travel options throughout the southeast with passenger service running from Atlanta to Dallas. (04/24/23) Amtrak plans $13M project at Union Station | News | meridianstar.com
La. plant told to reduce emissions
The Evonik Corporation, a German-based company, has agreed to reduce air pollutants from a chemical plant near LaPlace, La., according to a settlement reached with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Evonik, which operates an alkoxylated alcohols production facility in the St. John the Baptist Parish community of Reserve will reduce emissions of ethylene oxide and other pollutants by 5.6 tons a year. Ethylene oxide is a chemical EPA says is a proven carcinogen in humans. Evonik is "technically classified as a minor source of emissions," but its impact on people living nearby "can be significant,” EPA Regional Administrator Earthea Nance said. Evonik apologized for polluting the region's air. (NOLA.com 04/24/23)
Navistar aids record unemployment
Navistar Defense in West Point, Miss., has increased its employment significantly over the last few years after a grant from the Mississippi Development Authority. The company committed to creating 500 jobs and is updating facilities by $8M - all within 12 months. “These jobs could have gone anywhere in the United States of America, but Navistar chose the Golden Triangle and West Point," said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). It was just one of the manufacturers across the state helping to reach a record-low unemployment rate (3.5%) in March - the lowest in state history. “The Golden Triangle is booming," Gov. Tate Reeves said, not only in West Point, but Columbus, Starkville and roads north, west and east of the Golden Triangle. “What’s next for Mississippi is more" of the same, and "what’s next for West Point is 400 more jobs at Navistar," said Wicker. (WCBI 04/24/23) Navistar Defense in West Point increases number of employees (wcbi.com) and WCBI Mississippi manufacturers help state reach record low unemployment (wcbi.com)
AF previews RFP for EM support
The Air Force has released a pre-solicitation notice for a range of services in support of over a potential 10-year period. The draft request for proposals (RFPs) was posted on SAM.gov. Sensor Beam 2024 is a sole-source contract with a ceiling of $400M, a base ordering period of five years and a five-year extension. The contract would support the Air Combat Command and provide for EM system research, analysis, documentation, evaluation and related requirements of military and government customers. ACC will procure services on a task order basis. Analytical and feasibility studies, system management research, software development, signatures data collection and computer system administration are some of the tasks covered. The ordering period is planned for Nov. 15, 2023, through Nov. 14, 2033. Interested parties have until April 27 to send inquiries, comments or intentions regarding the upcoming Air Force program. (GovWire.com 04/25/23) SAM.gov