GoM coral reef dying off

Scientists and researchers with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management claim a coral reef of the East Flower Garden Bank marine sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico is dying off. ONMS chief scientist Steve Gittings reported federal scientists are studying the large-scale event, but have not pin-pointed a known cause. The sanctuary is about 100 miles off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. Researchers are reporting unprecedented numbers of dying corals, sponges, sea urchins, brittle stars, clams and other invertebrates, Gittings said. Sport divers discovered, and alerted federal scientists, of hazy water and patches of white mats coating corals and sponges July 25. NOAA is asking the public to avoid diving, fishing, and boating on the East Flower Garden Bank until the mortality event is better understood. The Gulf of Mexico coral reefs are considered healthy and stable compared to others around the world. (Source: The Associated Press 07/30/16)

3 maritime deaths in SE La.

A Metairie, La., man died early July 31 when he hit his head on a piling while boating at a high rate of speed near Grand Isle, agents with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries. It was the third death on southeast Louisiana waters Sunday. A 5-year-old Houma boy drowned after he and his father jumped from a boat on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway when they feared being struck by a tugboat about 7 a.m. Sunday. A New Orleans man drowned when he fell into the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet while trying to secure a boat. (Source: Times-Picayune 07/31/16)

Navy dive unit tests humans, gear

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - Several hours into a diving experiment aboard Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, a Navy test-dive subject in a prototype dive suit floats near the bottom of a pool in water – ranging from 35 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit – and communicating with a team of engineers, physiologists and technicians at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit. The team’s mission is to test human biometrics, glean vital data points, and assess dive gear for form, fit and function before it’s sent out to the fleet, says Navy Master Diver Ryan Langley of NEDU’s operations department. (Source: Defense Media Activity 07/29/16) Gulf Coast Note: OSF was developed in the late 1960s and installed at the NEDU Panama City in the early 1970s before being commissioned in 1975.

Shipbuilding subsidiary concerns

A New Orleans television station and a Gulfport, Miss., newspaper are reporting on concerns over taxpayer-funded incentives that both states have given to separate Edison Chouest Offshore shipbuilding subsidiaries – LaShip near Houma, La., and TopShip at the Port of Gulfport. Louisiana invested $42 million. Mississippi invested $36 million. Both subsidiaries signed agreements with the states to hire 1,000 employees. Current workers say there are about 110 people at the Gulfport facility. TopShip operates from the former Huntington Ingalls Composite Facility, which was acquired by the port in March 2015. (Sources: WVUE and Sun Herald 07/29/16)

New CG commander at Pensacola

Senior Chief Marco Cowley assumed command of Pensacola, Fla.’s U.S. Coast Guard station July 22. Cowley is an 18-year veteran with experience in search and rescue and maritime law enforcement. The CG station oversees waterways security and search and rescue missions in the Pensacola region. (Pensacola News Journal 07/28/16)

Fending off the ‘bends’ in PC

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - Before the advent of modern scuba equipment in the 1940s, bridge builders and underwater construction workers labored in large, watertight, high-pressure chambers known as “caissons” or dive bells. But some of those divers returned to the surface sick, in shock or worse. Today, along with his team at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit at Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla., Navy Lt. (Dr.) Jonathan Casey Brown, also a medical diving officer, helps with the understanding, treatment and research of caisson’s disease – known as decompression sickness – in efforts to keep military divers safe and mission-ready. (Source: Defense Media Activity 07/26/16)

HII takes MBJ’s top health award

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula took top honors July 27 in Mississippi Business Journal’s Healthiest Workplace Awards. HII placed first in the largest business category. The awards recognize employers throughout the state who strive to provide exceptional employee health and wellness programs and promote safe working environments. The MBJ highlighted Ingalls’ health-related program called “Be Well.” The program has three health initiatives providing the basis for the company’s health and wellness. Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplace Awards program is collaboration by the Mississippi Business Group on Health, MBJ, Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Association of Self-Insurers. HII is the largest military shipbuilding company. (Huntington Ingalls 07/27/16)

CG search for swimmer in NW Fla.

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard is searching for a person in the water July 27 near Navarre Beach, Fla. Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Ala., received a report at 6:18 p.m. July 26 that Jay Wiley Evans, a 64-year-old white male, had not returned from his daily swim off of Navarre Beach. CG involvement in the search includes: Coast Guard Station Pensacola, Fla.’s 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew; two CG Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews; Florida Wildlife Conservation; and Navarre Beach Fire Department. People with information are requested to contact Sector Mobile at (251) 441-6211. (Coast Guard 07/27/16) UPDATE: The Coast Guard suspended their search for a missing swimmer near Navarre Beach, Florida Wednesday night, July 27.

PC gets 5% of LCS mod pact

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $19,004,290 modification to previously awarded contract to provide integration services for mission packages to deploy from, and integrate with, the Littoral Combat Ship. Forty-three percent of the work will be done at Bethpage. Five percent of the work will be at Panama City, Fla. Work is expected to be completed by January 2017. Funding of $8,770,824 will be obligated at time of award and funds in the amount of $4,200,000 will expire on Sept. 30, 2016. Naval Sea Systems Command of Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD 07/26/17)

Danos joins DHS maritime committee

April Danos, director of information technology for the Greater Lafourche (La.) Port Commission, has been appointed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee for a three-year term. The committee provides advice to the secretary via the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on national security strategy and policy. The committee also works with representatives of the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, FEMA, and the Transportation Security Administration and other federal agencies. Danos has worked at the GLPC for 20 years. (Source: Greater Lafourche Port Commission 07/12/16)

PANAMAX multi-national exercise

MAYPORT, Fla. - U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and 4th Fleet kicked off this year's annual PANAMAX Military Exercise (PANAMAX) and is hosting more than 320 American and partner-nation personnel participating in the exercise from July 25 to Aug. 4. Since its inception in 2003, PANAMAX has become one of the largest multinational training exercises in the world. The exercise is focused on ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal, one of the most strategically and economically crucial pieces of infrastructure in the world. This year's exercise will include participation from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States. (Source: Naval Forces Southern Command 07/25/16)

Navy LOCUST to swarm across GoM

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Navy will conduct two technology demonstrations of swarming unmanned vehicles - over the next nine weeks, including this coming week in the Gulf of Mexico, according to Rear Adm. Mathias W. Winter, chief of naval research and director of Innovation Technology Requirements and Test & Evaluation for the Chief of Naval Operations. The July demonstration will feature UAVs. September demonstrations will feature unmanned surface vehicles. The July demonstration will feature LOCUST (Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology) that was first demonstrated in 2014. LOCUST includes a tube launcher that can propel multiple UAVs in rapid succession. An information-sharing data link enables autonomous collaboration among the UAVs. The swarm can be used for offensive or defensive missions to overwhelm enemy platforms. This coming week, in the Gulf of Mexico, the Navy will be launching 30 UAVs within two minutes and they will be forming up, flying, engaged,” Winter said. “We’re able to bring in UAVs in flocks of 30, and then have four break off and go do something and come back,” he said. (Source: Sea Power 07/22/16)

LCS shock trial blast spooks Floridians

The Navy used a 10,000-pound charge as part of its Full Ship Shock Trials testing of the Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) about 150 miles off the east coast of Florida on July 16. The blast rocked the floor of the Atlantic Ocean and registered as a 3.7 earthquake. It was the final of three tests designed to validate the operational survivability of LCS 6 - a new ship based at Mayport Naval Station and built by Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Ala. Capt. Thurraya Kent, a Navy spokesman, said the service gets approval from several environmental organizations, and concerns over sea life and the safety of vessels are taken into consideration. The Navy sends notices to mariners before each test – much like Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., does in advance of weapons testing on- and off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico. The Navy will continue these types of ship tests for the remainder of the summer. (Florida Times-Union 07/23/16)

Sub Alabama crew visits namesake

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Sailors from nuclear ballistic submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731) wrapped up a three-day namesake visit to the state of Alabama on July 14 following a series of sessions with community leaders. Alabama Blue Crew Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt; Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Fire Control Technician Troy Leonard; and Alabama's Sailor of the Year, Fire Control Technician 1^st Class Charles Cunningham made the 2,500-mile trip from the ship's homeport in Bangor, Wash. The crew met with local non-profit Three Hots and a Cot, a program for homeless veterans; Children's of Alabama Hospital, the third largest pediatric medical facility in the U.S., and the University of Alabama. Emblazoned on each of the crew members' nametag is the slogan "Roll Tide," the rally cry of Alabama Crimson Tide athletics. "Every time I'm talking with my Sailors and ask them how they're doing, they always reply with 'Rollin' Tide’,” said Cmdr. Reinhardt. The wrap-up visit was to the Lakeshore Foundation, a non-profit that serves people with physical disabilities. Lakeshore serves as a Paralympic training facility and features a program called Lima Foxtrot, which provides sport rehabilitation programs for those military members injured in combat and their families. (Navy News Service 07/21/16)

USM plans to diversify defense sector

The University of Southern Mississippi plans to use a $3 million grant from the Pentagon’s Office of Economic Adjustment to help diversity the economies of defense-dependent communities in Mississippi, and encourage businesses to transfer technology innovations into commercial opportunities. Under a third initiative, USM’s College of Business and the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development & Entrepreneurship will create a defense community specialization for a Master’s of Science Degree in economic development program. The defense industry is a major employer across Mississippi and includes aerospace, shipbuilding, and weapon systems. The largest sector is shipbuilding, which accounts for 13,063 jobs and more than $1.3 billion. USM will develop short-term and long-term economic strategies designed to minimize defense industry adjustments through data-driven courses of action. (Source: Association of Defense Communities 07/20/16)

FMC seeks comment on changes

The Federal Maritime Commission voted July 20 to seek public comments on two proposed rules aimed at clarifying and streamlining regulations as well as leveraging technology to relieve regulatory burdens and increase efficiency. Commissioners also provided briefings related to recent developments in international shipping and efforts to address supply chain congestion. The two proposals seeking public comment include: Revision of rules applicable to ocean common carrier and marine terminal operator agreements; and on service contracts and non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) service arrangements. Once published in the Federal Register and on FMC’s website, the public will have 60 days to submit comments in Docket No. 16-04, and 30 days to submit comments in Docket No. 16-05. (Source: Federal Maritime Commission 07/21/16)

LCS-4 trains alongside Chinese navy

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado worked alongside Chinese ships and naval crews during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016 international training exercise while developing an understanding with their counterparts ahead of LCS-4’s first deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet, which would certainly include patrol time in the South China Sea. The Chinese navy was professional and helpful during the biennial exercise, according to USS Coronado commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott Larson, who also attended a reception aboard one of the Chinese ship in Pearl Harbor. “The level of partnership (has) actually exceeded my expectations,” he said. “We’ve gotten to learn a little bit about how they operate and develop some of those useful insights that I’m sure will pay dividends” in the deployment. (Source: U.S. Naval Institute News 07/21/16) Gulf Coast Note: USS Coronado was built at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Ala.

GoM amberjack season closed to '17

The Gulf of Mexico's recreational amberjack federal fishing season will remain closed through December 31. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects GoM’s amberjack recreational fishing will exceed allowable harvests, and announced the season will not reopen on Aug. 1. The recreational season will reopen Jan. 1, 2017. NOAA deemed the closure as necessary to protect the over-fishing of amberjack. (Source: Southeast Fishery Bulletin 07/21/16)

LCS 6 does well in 3rd shock test

A 10,000-pound explosive that was discharged close to the Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) on July 16 caused minimal shipboard damage, according to the Navy . The ship returned to Mayport (Fla.) Naval Station for additional examination. The mid-July test was the third and final Full Scale Shock Trial performed on USS Jackson. “The ship performed exceptionally well, sustaining minimal damage and returned to port under her own power,” the Navy said in a statement. The two previous tests were carried out June 10 and June 22. The July 16 explosion was large enough for the U.S. Geological Survey to have reported a 3.7 magnitude earthquake off the shores of Daytona Beach, Fla. On July 18, USGS reclassified the event as an “experimental explosion.” (Source: Defense News 07/19/16) Gulf Coast Note: USS Jackson, an all-aluminum trimaran built at Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala., is the first Independence variant and first LCS to undergo FSSTs.

NGI to expand GoM mission

Mississippi State University was selected to continue the lead on the Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) consortium in an expanded mission to monitor the entire Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) selected MSU following an open competition. It's a five-year agreement with a $7 million award, which can be renewed annually. NGI provides NOAA with research on the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystem; and is a partnership between MSU, the University of Southern Mississippi, Louisiana State University, Florida State and Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. The new award adds the University of Alabama at Huntsville to the consortium. The expanded focus will include coastal hazards, ecosystem management, data management and climate variability on the Gulf ecosystems. (Source: Sun Herald, 07/18/16)

Retired frigate takes a pounding

Retired Navy frigate USS Thach was hit with nearly five thousand pounds of high explosives, weaponry and missiles as part of sinking exercise off Hawaii in connection with the multi-national Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises. Yet, the ship lasted for nearly 12 hours. (Source: Popular Mechanics and video 07/18/16) Gulf Coast Note: USS America was built on the Gulf Coast at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. It has embarked with more than 800 Marines in support of RIMPAC 2016. America's air capabilities stem from MV-22 Ospreys and MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters. Twenty-six nations, 40-plus ships, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC through Aug. 4. It is the world's largest international maritime exercise. America is serving as the amphibious task force command and control platform for RIMPAC. In a blog from Capt. Michael Baze, USS America's commander, the amphib’s rotary-wing and tilt-rotor Navy/Marines aircraft will operate from the ship during RIMPAC, culminating with an amphibious landing and live-fire exercise July 30 at the Army's Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii, according to Military.com. The landings will involve non-America based Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCACs) and other amphibious vehicles. Baze described America as "an aviation-centric platform." It was built for the MV-22 Osprey and the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter as part of a new concept for amphibious warfare. No F-35Bs will participate in RIMPAC.

CG searches for captain on Miss.River

Coast Guard New Orleans was searching the Mississippi River near Donaldsonville, La., for a ship’s captain who fell into the water early July 17 while trying to board a freighter from a crew boat. Ambarish Parekh was last seen about 9:30 a.m. He was wearing a personal floating device, according to authorities. Groups aiding the CG include the New Orleans port authority, and Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office. The CG has dispatched a 29-foot response boat, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and crew from its Aviation Training Center at Mobile, Ala., and an HC-144 fixed-wing aircraft from New Orleans. (Times-Picayune 07/18/16) ... A good Samaritan recovered the body of a ship's captain July 19 who fell into the Mississippi River two days earlier, the Coast Guard said.

Deckhouse installed on LHA 7

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division has installed the deckhouse on the amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LHA 7). Lifting the deckhouse is a major event in the ship's construction and begins the integration of the three largest sections of the ship. The deckhouse is comprised of five deck levels and includes radio and radar spaces, the primary flight control station and pilot house. It was installed on Saturday. Tripoli will have increased aviation capacity, including an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. Ingalls has built five Tarawa-class (LHA 1) and eight Wasp-class (LHD 1) ships and was recently awarded a contract for LHA 8. (Source: HII, 07/12/16)

CG NOLA change of command

NEW ORLEANS - Capt. Phillip C. Schifflin will transfer command of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans to Capt. Wayne R. Arguin during a change-of-command ceremony July 8 at the Julia Street Cruise Ship Terminal. Arguin has been serving as Deputy Sector Commander of Sector New Orleans. Among Schifflin's operational tours include serving as Response Department Head at Sector Mobile, Ala., from 2008-11. During the tour, he also served as operations section chief in the Mobile Incident Command Post during the Deepwater Horizon response efforts. (Source: Coast Guard 07/07/16)

Chiquita returning to MS port

GULFPORT, Miss. - Mississippi State Port Authority commissioners finalized a 40-year lease agreement July 5 with Chiquita Brands International to restore operations at the Port of Gulfport. CBI distributes and markets bananas and pineapples. The firm is expected to return to the port by August. The lease agreement extends to 2056. The deal did not include state incentives, according to the Mississippi Development Authority. CBI is to return to its previous North Harbor location and will expand operations into Terminal One. (Source: Sun Herald 07/06/16)