Oyster shells fight on shoreline erosion

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is on a mission to protect from erosion and restore the area’s shorelines. The group began their largest project to date on May 30. Shoreline erosion is a big problem, says the group’s marketing Erika Zembello. "When you have lots of boats going by, the waves break against the banks and it actually causes the land to fall away into the bayou." The alliance and other organizations have volunteered-up to help restore the bay and stop erosion by collecting and drying out oyster shells and piling them high for that purpose. The group is partnering with Eglin Air Force Base. They are taking hundreds of tons of  recycled oyster shells and creating a new oyster reef off one of the Eglin AFB reservation bayous. (Source: WJHG-TV 05/30/17)

Rec boating deaths up for 2016

WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard released its 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics on May 31. It revealed boating fatalities nationwide totaled 701, the highest number on record in five years. From 2015-16, deaths increased 12 percent; injuries were up 11.1 percent (to 2,903); and the total number of accidents increased 7.3 percent (to 4,463). “The boating safety community should view these statistics as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety education,” said Capt. Scott Johnson, Chief of the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety at Coast Guard HQ. Alcohol was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 15 percent of deaths. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure ranked as the top five contributing factors in accidents. The most common vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats. (Source: Coast Guard HQ 05/31/17)

Navy oceanography’s GoM ops

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Commands (NAVMETOCCOM) have been conducting operations in the Gulf of Mexico for months in support of its Unmanned Systems Operational Demonstration that runs through June 1. Operations and observations collected will be integrated on a unique common operational picture at the Combat Readiness Training Center-Battlefield Airmen Center in Gulfport, Miss. "The Mississippi Gulf Coast is extremely suited to nearly all the mission types the Navy addresses," said Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, commander of NAVMETOCCOM and oceanographer of the Navy. (Source: Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command 05/31/17)

DPA provides $15M for MS plant

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Calgon Carbon Corp., a manufacturer and distributor of activated carbon products, was awarded up to $15.4 million from the U.S. government as part of the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III program. The award also allows for the construction of a manufacturing facility at the company’s Pearl River plant in Bay St. Louis, Miss., which will provide the capability to assure uninterrupted supply of critical military personal protection equipment and collective protection equipment. CCC also provides purification solutions for drinking water, wastewater, pollution abatement, and a variety of industrial and commercial manufacturing processes. (Source: Business Wire 05/30/17)

Tug crewman missing in GoM

A crewman is missing, and three rescued, after the Crosby Commander tug boat sank May 29 in the Gulf of Mexico some 30 miles south of Marsh Island, La. The Coast Guard and good Samaritan vessels are searching for that missing person. CG Sector New Orleans received a report around 5 a.m. that the tug was taking on water. Three of the four crewmen aboard were able to evacuate to a life raft before the tug sank and rescued by the vessel Andi Nicole. The 85-foot tug is owned by Crosby Tugs of Louisiana. (Source: Maritime Executive 05/29/17)

Vessel restriction lifted on MS River

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard has restricted vessel movement on the lower Mississippi River in response to 40 barges breaking away from a fleeting area near mile marker 572 near Rosedale, Miss, on Sunday, May 28. Al barges have been secured and the lifting of the restriction is pending verification of all secured barges. The cause of the incident is under investigation. (Source: Coast Guard 05/28/17) UPDATE MAY 29: The Coast Guard has lifted the restrictions on the lower Mississippi River from mile marker 584 to mile marker 538, near Rosedale, Miss., on Sunday. All barges have been secured.

Ex-GC SUPSHIP new at Bath

BATH, Maine - Capt. Joseph Tuite is the new commanding officer of the Navy’s Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Bath, Maine. SUPSHIP Bath administers shipbuilding contracts, on-site technical expertise, and QA for three private shipyards at Bath, San Diego and Marinette, Wis. Tuite reports to Bath after holding the same position as SUPSHIP Gulf Coast in Mississippi, where he oversaw shipyard work at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., and Huntington Ingalls in Pascagoula, Miss. Outgoing SUPSHIP Bath commander, Capt. Michael Taylor has been assigned as program manager for the Littoral Combat Ship program office. He takes that post in August. (Source: US News 05/26/17)

Missing jet skiier found near PC

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and the Bay County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department are looking for a possible person in the water near Panama City on May 27. Missing is Michael Labron, 53, a white male last seen on a jet ski. CG Station Panama City received a report at 7:12 p.m. from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that Labron was missing after being separated from his brother. Involved in the search is a CG response boat/crew, and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from CG Air Station New Orleans; Bay County Sheriff’s boat/crew and helicopter; and a Florida Fish and Wildlife boat/crew. Anyone with information is requested to contact Coast Guard Sector Mobile at 251-441-6211. (Source: Coast Guard 05/27/17)
UPDATE 28 May: The Coast Guard completed its search for a missing jet skier after a Florida Fish and Wildlife boat/crew found him near Panama City on May 27. The FWC boat/crew rescued Michael Labron at 11:50 p.m. and transported him to awaiting emergency medical services at Colony Club in West Bay in Panama City.

CG medevacs man near DI

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medically evacuated a crewman experiencing heart attack-like symptoms aboard a sailing vessel May 26 about two miles west of Bon Secour Bay and near Dauphin Island, Ala.. The Coast Guard launched a response boat and crew from CG Station Dauphin Island. The crewman was transported to waiting emergency medical services. (Source: Coast Guard 05/26/17)

MS city earns environ resilience award

COVINGTON, La. – Members of the Gulf of Mexico Climate and Resilience Community of Practice honored Ocean Springs, Miss., with the 2017 Spirit of Community Award for its work in the field of climate adaptation planning and environmental resilience. The award recognized the city’s creative solutions to erosion control, storm-water runoff and flood mitigation. The city also recently proposed a modified living shoreline for property owned by Jackson County; and county supervisors implemented an Inner Harbor Park project, designed to protect the area from further coastal erosion and preserving basic ecological functions of the waterways within the park. (Source: Sea Grant 05/19/17)

Metal Shark builds PBs for Vietnam

JEANERETTE, La. - Six 45-foot Defiant military patrol boats, built by Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark, were delivered May 24 to the Vietnam Coast Guard. The welded-aluminum vessels were officially handed over in Quang Nam Province by U.S Ambassador Ted Osius. “Metal Shark was honored to be selected for this historic opportunity to provide state-of-the-art American-made defense articles to Vietnam,” said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s VP of international business development. The boats, built at Metal Shark’s Franklin, La., waterfront shipyard complex, are powered with twin Cat C-9 diesel engines mated to Hamilton water jets. Metal Shark’s Defiant-class design has been extensively proven among military operators, with parent craft vessels in service with the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and partner-nations. (Source: Metal Shark 05/24/17)

3 rescued from water near DI

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and Alabama Department of Marine Resources rescued three people in the water after a collision between a catamaran and pleasure craft (with seven total people aboard) some 12 miles south of Dauphin Island, Ala., on May 26. The pleasure craft subsequently capsized and three people were thrown into the water. The CG launched a response boat and crew from CG Station Dauphin Island. A boat crew from the Alabama DMR was already on scene, and recovered three people from the water; then transported the trio to emergency services waiting at the Billy Goat Hole ramp on the east end of the island. The CG boat escorted the catamaran crew to the Dauphin Island Marina. (Source: Coast Guard 05/26/17)

TS, hurricane forecasts for Atlantic

Forecasters are predicting a 70 percent chance of between 11 and 17 tropical storms for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season – 12 is average - which begins June 1, according to meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. The season runs through November. "There is a potential for a lot of storm activity this year," said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. Five-to-nine storms could be hurricanes, including two-to-four major ones. The Atlantic season includes the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Mexico and nations within the Caribbean Sea. A weak El Nino, which typically suppresses development of hurricanes, and warmer sea surfaces are factors in the prediction. (Source: Marine Link 05/26/17)

No LPD-29 mention in Navy budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. - After rolling out FY 2018’s budget request, it’s not clear whether the Navy will use its $1.8 billion FY-17 appropriations to buy a 13th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship (LPD-17) or move on to the “Next-Gen” LX(R) dock landing ship. Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., has the contract for the LPD-17 class. CNO Adm. John Richardson said Navy is committed to keeping the transition on track. The LPD-17 class had been set to end at 11 ships (LPD-27), and a design inspiration for the LX(R) replacement, but decided Ingalls needed to keep a hot production line. Monies were added for LPD-28 (FY-15/16) and LPD-29 (FY-17). But the Navy’s newest budget rollout made no mention of that 13th ship. CNO tried to right the seemingly amphib ships’ disconnect. DOD had instructed the Navy to “consolidate the foundation … and then look for the strategic review” this summer. “Right now, we’re still looking at a requirement for more of those amphibious ships,” he said. The Navy has five years to spend the $1.8B for LPD-29. CNO confirmed that the industrial base – Ingalls Shipbuilding as the sole amphib builder – is “capable of building more ships, it’s just a matter of the resources.” Production breaks are also going to be a concern for the Littoral Combat Ship-to-frigate transition for the Navy and potentially Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Austal USA currently builds the Independence class all-aluminum hull LCS. (Source: U.S. Naval Institute News 05/24/17)

After review, WH favors 2nd LCS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump Administration is “supportive” of buying a second Littoral Combat Ships in FY 2018 despite the federal budget request containing funding for only one, acting acquisition chief Allison Stiller told a House Armed Services subcommittee May 24. “The administration recognizes the criticality of our industrial base and supports funding a second LCS in FY 18,” she said. The May 23 rollout request for one LCS drew wide criticism on Capitol Hill for putting at risk the two LCS shipyards - Austal USA of Mobile, Ala. and Fincantieri’s Marinette (Wis.) Marine - that rely on a rate of three buys per year. In a unprecedented move, the administration told the Navy mid-day on May 23 - after the rollout and during follow-up budget-crafting - that it would support two vice one LCS. (Source: U.S. Naval Institute News 05/24/17)

From HS to Ingalls work

Vancleave (Miss.) High School graduated 170 students May 24 at the Coast Coliseum. Many will be heading to college. Valedictorian Jared Scott will study chemical engineering at Ole Miss while salutatorian Emily Chappell will study chemistry at Mississippi State. But six new grads already have jobs at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula as members of the first Maritime Program offered by several Jackson County schools. The program offers students an opportunity to work right out of high school. VHS grad Alex Fuller told himself: “It would be dumb not to take it.” Fuller will study at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, followed by two years at MSU while working at Ingalls. For every 'A' he makes, Ingalls reimburses him 100 percent of tuition. Twelve Vancleave students are signed up for next year’s program at Ingalls, including two girls. (Source: Sun Herald 05/24/17)

Virtually dive Flower Garden Banks

The U.S. is home to many underwater treasures, but for most Americans, these sights aren’t accessible even though half the country’s population lives within 50 miles of a coast. But, less than 5 percent, according to estimates, actively dive or snorkel. However, there’s a new online project - Virtual Dive Gallery - headed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that can give anyone an experience of these underwater wonders without getting wet. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Virtual Dive Gallery allows users to explore national marine sanctuaries online - five are already available with a 360-degree views - including the bleached corals in the Gulf of Mexico’s Flower Garden Banks, off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas; and invasive species of Lion Fish that are creating havoc in GoM-area waters. NOAA plans to add more virtual dives to the gallery. NOAA's aim is to add a new virtual dive spot monthly, with plans to include all 13 U.S. marine sanctuaries. (Source: Huffington Post 05/25/17)

LCS 6 : Final contract trials

SAN DIEGO - The Navy's Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) completed its Final Contract Trials (FCT) May 19. Navy regulations require a final demonstration of ships' capabilities prior to the end of the contractor warranty period. The trial, conducted by Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), is part of a series of post-delivery tests and trials. FCT evaluates the material condition and performance of the ship's major systems. "We worked hard during FCT, but it was also exciting because this is what we are trained to do," said Mineman 2nd Class Nathan Davis. "We've shown just how strong our ship is and how dedicated our crew is." After FCT, Jackson begins a Post Shakedown Availability - the last availability in the ship's construction period. (Source: USS Jackson 05/24/17) Gulf Coast Note: USS Jackson was built at Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Ala.

Navy readiness tops ship buys

The Navy’s $180 billion budget request for FY 2018 calls for improving readiness and modest aircraft and ship purchases, but a bit of a surprise in the form of a 2.1 percent pay raise for military personnel. The overall Pentagon budget was $639B. The Navy’s part was up $6B. The Navy, Marines nor Pentagon included five-year funding projections. The future-years defense program (FYDP) profile is an indicator to industry and Congress on military priorities beyond the current FY. Navy’s submission reduces shipbuilding by $1.2B: For two submarines, two DDG-51 destroyers - part of a 10-ship multi-year buy between Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Miss., and General Dynamics Bath (Maine) Iron Works – two Ford-class carriers, and one Littoral Combat Ship. The Navy had said it wanted three LCS to keep Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., and Marinette (Wis.) Marine yards viable ahead of a future frigate construction contract in 2020. The aviation submissions included four (vice six) F-35C carrier variant Joint Strike Fighters; 20 Marine F-35Bs; and 14 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. (Source: U.S. Naval Institute News 05/23/17) U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) blasted President Trump’s budget calling the overall proposal “dead on arrival” in the Senate.

2021 BRAC proposed

The White House's proposed budget for FY 2018 was released May 23, and calls for a new round of the realignment and closures of military bases in 2021. Like many other proposals within the budget, it's likely to face numerous objections from Congress, which has rejected the Pentagon's calls - primarily the Air Force and Army - to close bases because of a roughly 20 percent excess capacity. The last Base Realignment and Closure Commission was in 2005. (Sources: multiple, including The Hill, Military Times, 05/23/17) The Gulf Coast region has multiple military bases. Gulf Coast Note: On the positive side of BRAC 2005, both Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base saw net gains in personnel and missions, including the relocation of the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) to Eglin from Fort Bragg, N.C.

Contract: Raytheon, $14.7M

Raytheon of Keyport, Wash., was awarded a $14,727,503 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity requirements contract to provide maintenance and support for the AN/AQS-20 sonar mine detecting set to maintain and improve system sustainability. The AN/AQS-20 is a towed, mine hunting and identification system for the Program Executive Office for Littoral Combat Ships. Support will include repair; overhauls and other scheduled maintenance; hardware and software maintenance; tracking and resolution of obsolescence issues; technology improvements; reliability and maintainability improvements; development and incorporation of change notices and engineering change proposals; test support; engineering services; spares and repair parts; design efforts and hardware upgrades to improve system performance, sustainability, reliability, and other activities in support of the program. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $77,104,544. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (65%); Keyport, (30%); and Panama City, Fla., (5%), and is expected to be completed by May 2018. Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 05/23/17)

Angelle to head BSEE

Former vice chair of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Scott A. Angelle, has been named to head the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Angelle, who will serve as the fourth director in BSEE’s history, is a native of Breaux Bridge, La., and a cum laude graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Land Management. He will assume the post May 23. (Source: Marine Link 05/22/17)

SCA honors Sen. Cochran

The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), a national trade association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, named Richard McCreary of BAE Systems as its new chairman. SCA also honored U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) as recipients of its Maritime Leadership Award. The award recognizes people for dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry. (Source: Maritime Logistics Professional 05/22/17)

Icebreakers fast-track budget

President Donald Trump’s submitted FY 2018 budget request would continue fast-track development of a new Coast Guard icebreaker. A proposed $19M for an icebreaker contract would be a next step in having six heavy and medium icebreakers. The CG has one of each. Russia has 40. A shipbuilder hasn't been selected, but the CG awarded contracts in February to five companies - Bollinger Shipyard of Lockport, La.; Fincantieri Marine Group of Washington, D.C.; General Dynamics/National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. of San Diego; Huntington Ingalls Industries and VT Halter Marine, both off Pascagoula, Miss. - to study various approaches to designing icebreakers with an eye toward lower costs and tighter schedules. (Source: Daily Press 05/23/17)

NW Fla. and GoM drilling

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. - A moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is scheduled to end in 2022. But Okaloosa’s Defense Support Initiative (DSI) and oil industry think-tank Security American’s Future Energy (SAFE) are at odds about the impact on Northwest Florida’s economy. Some in the defense industry believe offshore drilling could wipe out the region’s defense industry and cost Okaloosa County billions of dollars, jobs, and potentially the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s training sites at Eglin Air Force Base. Eglin’s offshore Gulf Range is used to test and evaluate weaponry and aircraft. "Our national defense is at stake, our test and training capabilities are at stake," said Kay Rasmussen with DSI, recognized by Florida as the official representative and the lead agency for Eglin AFB and community initiatives. DSI leads the county's efforts to ensure military installations remain viable to national defense and regional economies of Okaloosa and neighboring counties. Offshore drilling and exploration is limited to the western 66 percent of the GoM. The eastern third, which begins at Hurlburt Field, doesn't allow drilling, so the Air Force can test weapons and planes. The military uses about 80 percent of Gulf for testing, according to SAFE, which is not enough reason to ban drilling. Oil revenue from drilling has been estimated at about $2 billion annually. That wouldn't offset the $9 billion in direct and indirect military economic impact on Okaloosa, according to DSI. The military’s direct and indirect industry is the state's fourth-largest industry. (Source: WEAR 05/22/17)

Vertex suing offshore services firm

HOUSTON – Vertex Services, a Texas-based staffing company, has claimed in a May 18 federal lawsuit that Houston offshore oil services companies - TETRA Technologies Inc. and TETRA Applied Technologies - saved more than $850,000 in labor costs by hiring foreigners and skirted federal law, which mandates hiring 25 percent of American citizens or permanent resident workers for jobs in U.S. waters. Vertex Services of Houston supplies workers for oil rigs and pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. TETRA employs hundreds of workers on six continents, and its technologies division has offices in Baton Rouge, Metairie, and New Orleans, La. Vertex claims it contracted with TETRA to supply workers for three derrick barges - vessels equipped with cranes. The Coast Guard can give companies waivers to hire foreigners. Vertex claims in January 2014, it offered American workers for TETRA’s barges, but that the firm opted to hire foreigners from Vertex. Historically, foreign workers have been less expensive. Vertex is alleging TETRA violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations and Immigration and Nationality acts. “TETRA Technologies is committed to operating at the highest regulatory, safety and technical industry standards and best practices in accordance with the laws of every country in which we operate,” according to company spokesperson Rebecca Elliott. (Source: Courthouse News 05/22/17)

LCS 12 acceptance trials

MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy's future Littoral Combat Ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) successfully conducted acceptance trials May 12 after completing a series of in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey. Acceptance trials are the last major milestone before delivery to the Navy. Following delivery, Omaha will to commissioned in California and homeported in San Diego alongside sister Independence Class ships Independence, Coronado, Jackson, Montgomery, and Gabrielle Giffords. The Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala., has numerous Independence class LCS under degrees of construction: LCS 14 Manchester, LCS 16 Tulsa, LCS 18 Charleston, LCS 20 Cincinnati, LCS 22 Kansas City, LCS 24 Oakland, and LCS 26. (Source: Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication 05/22/17)

Denver students visit GC sea lab

Sixth-through-eighth grade students from Denver, Colo.’s Logan School for Creative Learning spent three days exploring coastal Alabama as part of the Discovery Hall Programs at the Dauphin Island (Ala.) Sea Lab. They took a trip on the research vessel Alabama Discovery, got grimy while exploring the salt marsh of Dauphin Island, met a big blue crab, learned how to build remotely operated vehicles and see their designs work, dissected squid, and learned how to measure waves. (Source: Dauphin Island Sea Lab 05/17/17). Discovery Hall Programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers a variety of school year and summer adventures at disl.org/dhp.

Mayor floats marine research project

Pensacola, Fla., Mayor Ashton Hayward wants to convert a barely-used warehouse at the Port of Pensacola into a marine research facility. The warehouse is currently not under lease, and the building is being used for general storage. Hayward wants to redevelop the site in collaboration with the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, and “possibly the University of West Florida and Florida Fish and Wildlife.” IHMC, a non-profit research facility, has not held discussions with Hayward, according to spokesman Randy Hammer. (Source: Pensacola News Journal 05/19/17) Gulf Coast Note: Hammer is communications director for the IHMC; president emeritus of the Studer Community Institute; and former executive editor of the Pensacola News Journal.

Man, dog rescued from Pontchartrain

NEW ORLEANS - A man and his dog were rescued after a 22-foot vessel capsized May 19 in Lake Pontchartrain, north of New Orleans, between the Highway 11 and I-10 Twin Span bridges. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and crew from CG Air Station New Orleans, a response boat and crew from CG Station New Orleans, and diverted an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft and crew from the CG Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Marine Division recovered the man about 11 a.m., and transported him to Eden Isle Marina. A good Samaritan recovered the dog. (Source: Coast Guard 05/19/17)

CG medevac near Port Sulpher

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medically evacuated a man experiencing chest pains some 30 miles east of Port Sulphur, La., on May 18. CG Sector New Orleans directed the launch of a response boat and crew from CG Station Venice, La. The boat crew arrived on scene at 1:21 p.m. and transported the man to emergency medical services at the Venice station in stable condition. (Source: Coast Guard 05/18/17)

Biloxi wooden boat show

Some 50 boats will be on display May 20-21 for the annual Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden & Classic Boat Show at the Biloxi Schooner Pier Complex. The show is presented by the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. (Source: Sun Herald 05/19/17)

Cali lawmaker raps LCS

In a session of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on May 17, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) criticized the Littoral Combat Ship program and Navy efforts to develop 40 of total ships among two variants with three plug-in mission-module warfare packages. “The fundamental argument made by the Navy and by the defense industry was, ‘Well, we gotta continue to produce another 20 of these ships that serve really no good purpose and, by the way, will probably be sunk at the very first shot that’ll be fired and don’t have much utility, but we need to do it because we need to keep the defense base working’,” Garamendi said. Other lawmakers have called for expanding the LCS program. The Navy plans to double-down on the concept of modularity in part to expand its fleet to 355 ships, and with plans for a future frigate, possibly from one of the current LCS designs. (Source: DOD Buzz 05/18/17) Gulf Coast Note: Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., builds the Independence Class variant of LCS. The shipbuilder recently showed off a model of its future frigate design at the Navy Leagues Sea-Air-Space Conference. The from-the-LCS design changes include a shorter flight deck for eight more anti-ship missiles (total 16). Reports indicate Navy’s attention in the design is the option of adding a vertical launch missile system that can fire a wide range of missiles that would increase its lethality at longer ranges. The Navy has pushed back plans to award a $9B frigate contract to 2019 for further study.

Saudi deal for 4 Freedom LCS

WASHINGTON - Lockheed Martin Corp. has reached a $6 billion deal to sell Saudi Arabia four up-gunned Littoral Combat Ships as President Trump travels to the kingdom this weekend, according to unnamed sources familiar with the transaction. LM’s website indicates a modified Freedom Class version, built in Wisconsin, includes support equipment, electronic-warfare systems, over-the-horizon missiles, remotely fired 20mm guns, Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles, and a new torpedo defense system. The Trump administration is promising to improve relations with the Saudis after strained years under former President Obama. Saudi Arabia has pledged to buy billions of dollars of U.S. military equipment in the next decade, and invest about $40 billion in American firms. The official U.S. response to the Foreign Military Sales may come May 20 (Saturday morning) while the President is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh. The announcement will also likely include the sale for about 115 M1A2 General Dynamics’ tanks. A formal agreement is also expected for Lockheed to sell more Pac-3 Patriot missiles, 60 UH-60 helicopters and the THAAD anti-missile system, which intercepts incoming missiles at higher altitudes than the Patriot. The LCS deal would be the first international sale of that ship. Parts of the package may draw congressional criticism. A resolution to block the tank sale was introduced in September. (Source: Bloomberg 05/18/17) Gulf Coast Note: Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., the North American subsidiary of the Australian shipbuilder Austal, builds the Independence Class variant of LCS.

Gasping thru combat diver training

CAMP HANSEN, Japan –Six instructors from the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla., are attempting to tear “Recon Marines” from their comfort zones as part of an eight-week combatant divers’ course. Thirty-four Marines from the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion are gasping through training. During a portion of training on the island of Okinawa, instructors simulated rough seas by ripping off students’ goggles, cutting air supplies, and disorienting Marines. “You get a little nervous before, not knowing what to expect,” said Capt. Justin Lenio, a student from St. Augustine, Fla. Recon Marines have a “good background under water, but the pre-dive instructors definitely know how to push your limits even further.” During the last course, 30 percent of students failed. “We want to put them under the harshest most demanding stressful situations now, while a safety structure and safety parameters are in place,” said Staff Sgt. Evan Rodeffer, an NDSTC diving instructor. “We don’t want them to react to a situation that they haven’t encountered before, because that is when people get injured.” (Source: III Marine Expeditionary Force 05/17/17)

High water on The Mississippi

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is warning the public about the hazards of high water along the Lower Mississippi River, and advising the public to use extreme caution when engaging in activities on or near the Mississippi River because of high water from Caruthersville, Mo., to Fort Adams, Miss. Hazardous conditions would include strong currents and missing aids to navigation. The CG is reminding boaters to wear personal floatation devices when operating on the river. (Coast Guard 05/17/17)

Harvey Gulf grows, inks contracts

Harvey Gulf International Marine has signed four non-cancelable, long-term contracts for stacked vessels, taken delivery of two new vessels, and the redelivery of a vessel reconfigured for subsea services. HGIM announced the contracts for the MPSV Harvey Intervention, FSV Harvey Runner and FSV Harvey Express. These charters follow Harvey Gulf’s recent agreement with Delta Subsea to outfit the previously stacked M/V Harvey Steeler to provide Remotely Operated Vehicle and survey services. Harvey Intervention redelivered a deep-water knuckle boom crane in April. The crane has the capability to lowering subsea equipment to a depth of more than 1,800 feet. (Source: Marine Link 05/17/17) Gulf Coast Note: Harvey Gulf’s corporate office is in New Orleans. It has an operations office in Port Fourchon, La.

Contract: HII, $10.2M

Huntington Ingalls Inc. of Pascagoula, Miss., was awarded a $10,182,617 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2312) to exercise options for DDG 51 class follow-on shipyard services. The services' contract provides liaison and technical support; engineering, design, configuration management; systems engineering team; turn key; and crew indoctrination and orientation. Work will be performed in Pascagoula (97%); Washington, D.C. (2%); and Bath, Maine (1%), and is expected to be completed by October 2017. FY 2012-13 and 2015 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $9,618,956 will be obligated at time of award, and will not expire Sept. 30, 2017. Naval Sea Systems Command of Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD, 05/17/17)

Oceaneering services for Shell in GoM

HOUSTON - Oceaneering International Inc. of Houston announced May 16 it has been awarded a contract to provide services and products to support the design, fabrication and installation of ancillary flow-line hardware for the Appomattox development in the Mississippi Canyon Area of the Gulf of Mexico for Shell Offshore. The work is to include procurement and installation of pre-lay and post-lay crossing mattresses, flow-line jumper fabrication and installation, manifold installation, as well as the design, procurement, fabrication and installation of subsea buoyancy for flowline thermal expansion. Oceaneering's U.S. flagged vessel Ocean Evolution is scheduled for delivery in late 2017. It is expected to be used to perform the offshore installation services in various phases that are to end in 2019. Oceaneering is a global engineering services and products business, primarily to the offshore oil and gas industry, with a focus on deep-water applications. Oceaneering also serves the defense, entertainment and aerospace industries. (Source: PR News Wire 05/16/17) Gulf Coast Note: Oceanengineering is HQ’d in Houston with operations in Panama City, Fla.; Bayou Vista, Houma, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia and New Orleans, all in Louisiana.

Wis. lawmaker lobbies for LCS

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) has lobbied President Trump to support the Littoral Combat Ship in an upcoming FY 2018 budget request. She notes that the Freedom Class – built in her home state – would be positive for the administration’s push for a larger fleet, and his “Buy American, Hire American” policy. Baldwin wrote to Trump on May 12 to seek “the inclusion of funding for three Littoral Combat Ships” for the FY-18 budget request. Three ships a year has been identified as the lowest annual total to sustain the two shipyards that build the LCS: Marinette (Wis.) Marine and Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. Overall, Baldwin notes that the LCS program supports 2,200 direct jobs in Wisconsin. Austal USA, a North American subsidiary of the Australian firm Austal, is Mobile’s largest employer. The Navy has been consistent in not getting ahead of its FY-18 request; and repeatedly declined to comment on how many LCS it would buy ahead of a proposed future frigate, and the timing of that proposed transition. The FY-18 request is set to be released May 22. (Source: USNI 05/16/17)

Roan is IMCA’s NA reg rep

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has appointed Eric Roan as its regulatory representative in North America. IMCA is a global trade association representing the vast majority of contractors and the associated supply chain in the offshore marine construction industry. Based in Houston, Roan has worked in regulatory compliance and advocacy roles for several oil companies and drilling contractors across the Gulf of Mexico. He has more than 20 years of marine and offshore oil and gas industry experience, including four as a Coast Guard Port State Control Officer. (Source: Marine Link 05/16/17)

MS native commands Whirlwind

MANAMA, Bahrain – Navy Lt. Joseph Brisco, a native of Vicksburg, Miss, became the commanding officer of the Cyclone Class coastal patrol ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) on May 1 during a change of command ceremony pierside at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Brisco comes to Whirlwind from duty as operations officer aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) based in Sasebo, Japan. The ship is one of 10 PCs forward deployed to Bahrain. (Source: Vicksburg Post 05/16/17) Gulf Coast Note: USS Whirlwind is the 11th Cycle Class patrol ship. The vessel was laid down March 4, 1994, by Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La., and launched Sept. 9, 1994.

CNO: Need more ships, quickly

The Navy needs more ships to be built faster in order to keep up with global nations spending heavily on their maritime prowess, says CNO Adm. John Richardson. “(I)f we’re going to remain competitive we’d better pick up that pace and match it at least, if not exceed it,” he said May 16 at a briefing in Singapore. CNO spoke ahead of the release this week of the Navy’s White Paper, which will outline future requirements. In April, CNO told Breaking Defense that shipbuilders need to speed up designs and cut delivery times by half. The President is set to release his FY 2018 budget next week. He pledged to expand the Navy’s fleet from 272 to 350 ships. CNO has defended the Littoral Combat Ship program, after Obama-era SECDEFs cut back the numbers planned. LCS is “becoming stronger, more lethal, more survivable, more reliable,” Richardson said. LCS and a future frigate successor would be one way to deliver on Trump’s plan to expand the fleet. The Navy will continue to delay by up to a year plans to award a multibillion-dollar construction contract for that future frigate, say service officials. (Source: Bloomberg News 05/16/17) Gulf Coast Note: Austal USA shipyards of Mobile, Ala., build the Independence Class of LCS, and will likely be considered for the future frigate contract. In December 2010, Austal received a Navy contract worth $3.5B for construction of up to 10 more LCS. Austal USA is also a prime contractor for the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship. That contract calls for 12 ships and was valued at $1.9B.

CG suspends search on Miss. River

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a person in the water in the Lower Mississippi River between mile markers 110-164 near Gramercy, La., on May 14. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a call from the tugboat Miss Courtney that a crewmember had gone missing. He was last seen at approximately 11:15 p.m., Sunday. The crewman was described as being Hispanic and in his early 30s wearing dark clothing. Searchers include an MH-65 from CG Air Station New Orleans; an HC-144 from CG Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala.; CG Station New Orleans's 29-foot response boat; and the Port Authority motor vessel Responder.

CG, sheriffs resuce boaters

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and local agencies assisted the capsized vessel Jenny Marie near Golden Meadow, La., on May 15. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew and Coast Guard Station Grand Isle launched a 24-foot response boat and crew. The Lafourche Parish Sherriff’s Office contacted CG Sector New Orleans and reported they had rescued four people from the vessel. There are no reported signs of pollution, and plans are being made to remove the vessel.

Brooks is CEO of EGC

HOUSTON - Energy XXI Gulf Coast Inc. announced the appointment of Douglas E. Brooks as CEO/President effective April 17. EGC increased the size of its board from six to seven directors and named Brooks to fill the newly-created directorship. Brooks has more than 34 years of experience in the energy industry; and most recently served as the CEO for Yates Petroleum Corp. Energy XXI Gulf Coast Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas development and production firm with assets primarily located in the Gulf of Mexico waters offshore of Louisiana and Texas. (Source: Global News 04/18/17)

Avondale-built LPD shines

When USS Somerset (LPD 25) departed on its maiden deployment in October 2016, along with USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and USS Comstock (LSD 45), for operations in the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th fleets, its skipper, Capt. Darren Glaser, knew the ship and crew were ready. As the ship plans to return to its San Diego homeport (May 15), Glaser shared how the Avondale, La.-built ship shined on that first deployment. (Source: Navy Live Blog 05/12/17)

Waypoint reborn in south LA

The Plaquemines, a Mississippi River car-ferry, built in 1940 at the original Ingalls shipyard in Decatur, Ala., has been reborn as The Waypoint, one of the more luxurious floating hunting-and-fishing lodges on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. The Waypoint specializes in bluewater tuna fishing trips, and duck hunting. The gigantic houseboat is moored in Venice (La.) Marina, the last port before the Mississippi River spills into the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 miles south of Belle Chasse via state Highway LA23 to Venice Boat Harbor Road. The Wayward has six bedrooms, five baths, poker room, full kitchen, and a billiard table on a covered outdoor deck the size of a tennis court. There’s also a 35-foot Freeman catamaran tied up outside, which is among the better offshore fishing vessels made. Owner Brett Ryan’s goal was to create “a world class luxury lodge for sportsmen” situated as close to the best wing-shooting and offshore action one can get. (Source: AL.com 05/13/17)

NOLA firm gets $7.4M pact

Patriot Shipping LLC of New Orleans was awarded a $7,465,125 contract for a dry cargo time charter in support of Pacific Pathways 17-2. Work will be performed on the West Coast, southern Pacific, and Far East. Work is expected to be completed November 2017. U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command of Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. (DOD 05/11/17)

Atchafalaya channel dredging

The Great Lakes Dock and Dredge Co. of Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded a $7,726,190 Army contract for Atchafalaya River bay and bar channel dredging. Work will be performed in Morgan City, La., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 16, 2017. FYs 2014/16/17 and other funds in the amount of $7,726,190 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of New Orleans is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD 05/11/17)

T-EPF christening in Mobile

The Navy will christen its newest Expeditionary Fast Transport, the future USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9), during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony May 13 at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. The ship will be the first in naval service to honor the city of Bismarck, the capital of the state of North Dakota. The principal speaker will be Air Force Gen. Darren McDew, commander, U.S. Transportation Command. (Source: DOD 05/11/17)

CG reopens Miss. River

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard has reopened the Lower Mississippi River from mile markers 161-to-163 near Donaldsonville, La., to vessel traffic May 11. CG Sector New Orleans received a report on the motor vessel Rio Tamara had broke free from its moorings. The vessel drifted across the river to the Welcome Fleet and caused 10 barges to break free. The river was closed to vessel traffic until assist tugs returned the barges to the fleet. The Rio Tamara was taken to Grandview Anchorage. (Source: Coast Guard 05/12/17)

New lead for HII’s ship programs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division named Charley Diaz as its corporate director of customer affairs for small surface combatants and U.S. Coast Guard ship programs. Diaz is a retired Coast Guard captain and four-time commanding officer of National Security Cutters. Prior to joining HII, he was chief of staff for the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area. Diaz is a CG academy graduate, and a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School. In 2007, while commanding USCGC Sherman (WHEC 720), Diaz led his crew in the largest drug bust in maritime history. (Source: HII 05/11/17)

Protecting university research

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Technology transfers, from higher education to business and commercial developments, once focused strongly on obtaining patents for products developed by universities’ research. Today, there are many commercial projects that could benefit from other types of protection, according to Chase Kasper, assistant VP for research and technology transfer at the University of Southern Mississippi. USM has had “a great legacy” and continues to be involved with patented innovations especially in the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, he said. Intellectual property is patentable and protected work. One example is USM’s Aqua Green in Stone County that is going to be used by the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) for research in areas such as culturing oyster spawn to restock offshore reefs. Aqua Green is expected to create special materials for aquaculture. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal 05/12/17) Gulf Coast Note: GCRL is a marine/coastal research and education site in Ocean Springs, Miss., and is a unit of USM’s College of Science and Technology.

Foreign frigates & CG cutters

WASHINGTON – The Navy is considering derivatives of foreign ship designs and the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter for its future frigate, after years of pursuing upgraded versions of its current Littoral Combat Ship. The shift has shaken some in the industry and on Capitol Hill. Austal USA, Marinette Marine and HII-Pascagoula, Miss., are repositioning themselves. Mobile, Ala.’s Austal shipyard builds the Independence variant of LCS, which specializes in high-speed aluminum ships. Austal’s hull is large enough to accommodate high-end equipment like Vertical Launch Systems. Wisconsin’s Marinette Marine, which builds the Freedom LCS, may offer a version of a French-Italian FREMM (Fregata europea multi-missione) designed frigate built by Marinette’s parent company, Fincantieri. HII-Ingalls has proposed two up-gunned versions of its Coast Guard Legend class National Security Cutter as "patrol frigates" for use by the Navy. It likely would be the smallest and least expensive of the competitors. It would also be the only alternative to LCS that is solely American. Many of the foreign frigates are over-kill for the U.S. Navy’s requirements. It’s going to be a best-value type “full and open” competition, acting Navy Secretary Sean Stackley told reporters after the U.S. Naval Institute’s annual meeting, “so cost and capability will be factors. ... I expect there to be a range of designs,” both LCS and other variants. (Source: Breaking Defense 05/11/17)

No slowdown, Austal prez pleads

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Austal USA president Craig Perciavalle runs one of the most modern shipyards in America. It is designed to produce high-speed, all-aluminum ship hulls. The Mobile, Ala., shipyard is in full-rate production on the Independence Class of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the Navy. However, its future is less certain. The EPF contracted line is nearing an end, and the future of LCS, and a potential follow-on frigate, isn’t clear, although Austal USA revealed a new proposed design for that future frigate here at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition. (Source: Defense News interview 05/10/17)

CBP withdraws maritime proposal

On May 10, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection withdrew an Obama-era proposal to modify law governing shipping, which would have revoked waivers to make it easier for oil and gas operators to skirt restrictions. For about 40 years, CBP provided exemptions to the Jones Act, which mandated the use of U.S.-flagged vessels to transport merchandise between America’s three coasts. The exemptions have allowed oil and gas operators to use often cheaper, tax-free, or foreign flagged vessels. CBP had considered revoking the waivers after President Barack Obama's administration proposed to cut them out just two days before President Trump took office. The oil industry expressed relief about the CBP announcement. O&G majors operating in the Gulf of Mexico had lobbied hard to urge CBP not to remove the waivers. (Source: Marine Link 05/10/17)

CG medevacs fisherman in south La.

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 70-year-old man with stroke-like symptoms from the fishing boat Red Eagle near Breton Sound, La., on May 7. CG Air Station New Orleans launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew, but was unable to hoist the man aboard. A rescue swimmer boarded the boat to stay with the fisherman. The fishing boat delivered the man to CG Station Venice, La., where the helicopter crew hoisted he and the rescue swimmer aboard. The aircrew took the man to West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero, La. The fisherman’s condition is unknown. (Source: Coast Guard 05/08/17)

Blast-paint facility at VT Systems

VT Systems, a shipbuilding segment of VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., has begun construction of a new integrated ship blast and paint facility. The new facility will allow the complete indoor and environmentally controlled surface preparation and final painting of ship sections. Its “flow-thru” configuration will allow sections to be prepared, blasted and painted complete without having to be taken outside and ensuring particles from the facility are not released into the environment. The completion of the building, contracted to Quin-Co Metal Buildings of Eight Mile, Ala. (Source: Marine Link 05/04/17)

CG, Samaritan rescue 19 in Fla.

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and good Samaritans rescued 19 people in the water in two separate incidents in Santa Rosa Sound, Fla., on May 6. Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Ala., received notification of a vessel with nine people aboard sinking in Choctawhatchee Bay. A good Samaritan boater pulled all nine from the water, but realized his boat was overloaded. Sequentially, the CG got another notice of a second vessel sinking with 10 people in the water. CG Station Destin, Fla., launched a response boat and crew, plus an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from CG Air Station New Orleans was launched. The boat crew took all nine from the good Samaritans boat and transported them to Postal Point at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. A second good Samaritan took the 10 people in the water aboard the vessel ‘Mad Dog’ and delivered them to Postal Point about 7 p.m. There were no reported injuries. (Source: Coast Guard 05/07/17)

Navy HURREX across Gulf region

Dozens of Navy facilities across the Gulf Coast region will participate May 8-19 in a natural disaster preparedness exercise called Hurricane Exercise/Citadel Gale 2017. HURREX/CG 17 is designed to prepare Navy's responses to adverse weather threats in coastal regions, including the Atlantic, and to maintain the ability to deploy forces under the most severe weather conditions. The drill will involve two simulated storm systems developing and intensifying to hurricane strength, threatening the Gulf and East Coast regions. Among the Gulf Coast states’ naval facilities participating is Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss.; Pensacola and Whiting Field, Fla.; NAS/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans; Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss.; and Naval Support Activity and Surface Warfare Center at Panama City, Fla. The training allows Navy bases and tenants to ensure they are prepared to address the “ramifications that come with severe weather conditions," says NAS Meridian Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Bunnay. No aircraft or ship movement will occur for the drill. (Source: Meridian Star 05/05/17)

Pirate ship on the Mississippi?

Did you see what looked like a pirate ship on the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge? It’s the El Galeon Andalucia, a replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon moored at the USS KIDD Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge through May 7, according to museum. You can tour El Galeon. (Source: USS Kidd Museum 05/01/17)

CG medevacs shrimper to hospital

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medically evacuated a crewman aboard a shrimp boat early May 4 near Vermilion Bay, La. CG Air Station New Orleans launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew that transported the crewman to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, La., around 10:35 a.m. He was reported in stable condition. (Source: Coast Guard 05/04/17)

RCI cruise ship returning to NOLA

Royal Caribbean International announced it will return to the Port of New Orleans with a seasonal home-based cruise ship in mid-December 2018. The 915-foot Vision of the Seas will sail seven-night itineraries to destinations across the Bahamas and Yucatan Peninsula from NOLA’s Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The ship will sail on Saturdays. (Source: Maritime Professional 05/03/17)

Cutter rescues 2 from sinking boat

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued two people from a vessel taking on water near Venice, La., on May 4. CG Station Venice launched a response boat and the cutter Razorbill, and crews. Razorbill's crew recovered both people around 4 a.m. One survivor was reported to be displaying hypothermic symptoms. The Razorbill was to have transferred the two to Emergency Services in Gulfport, Miss. (Source: Coast Guard 05/04/17)

‘Louisiane’ delayed third time

For the third time since debuting in fall 2016, the French America Line has canceled the Louisiane cruise-ship’s river sailings until at least mid-June. FAL is one of the newer players in the overnight riverboat market, but has been dealing with plumbing problems; and now needs a total Coast Guard re-inspection before sailings begin. In early 2017, the Avondale, La.-based company delayed a spring start. The Louisiane is the former Columbia Queen, which underwent a multimillion refurbishment. FAL plans to offer five-to-10-day cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Red rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway. (Source: Work Boat 05/03/17)

CG rescues 4 near Dauphin Island

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued four people from a capsized sailing vessel in waters near Dauphin Island, Ala., Bridge on May 3. CG Station Dauphin Island launched two response boats and crews. One of the boats recovered all for people in the water and returned from back to the station. There were no reported injuries. (Source: Coast Guard 05/03/17)

Tripoli launched from HII

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The future amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) was launched from land to the dry dock May 1 here at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) shipyard, Naval Sea Systems Command announced in media release. “It was probably the most well-executed translation event that we’ve seen on a larger ship,” said Cmdr. Randy Slaff, LHA program manager’s representative with Supervisor of Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast. The translation took 19 hours. The ship is planned to be christened this year. Delivery is planned for late 2018. (Source: Sea Power 05/02/17)

Boeing pulls Harpoon from competition

WASHINGTON – Citing continuing changes to requirements that would give Littoral Combat Ships and future frigates a less-capable weapon than those for aircraft, Boeing on May 2 dropped out of a Navy effort to buy an over-the-horizon (OTH) cruise missile. The decision leaves the Raytheon/Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Lockheed Martin’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) as likely candidates. The Raytheon/Kongsberg joint effort is in the process of submitting to the Navy’s Request for Proposal (RFP), says spokesperson Tara Wood. The Mobile, Ala.-built USS Coronado is the only LCS to have launched cruise missiles (September 2014). LCS 4 was modified during its current deployment to Singapore, which included eight missile tubes installed on the foredeck. But since arriving in Singapore last fall, the ship has not fired another missile, although several live-fire exercises have been performed. Final bids on OTH are due July 23. (Source: Defense News 05/02/17)

Coast guardsman medevaced

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard medically evacuated one of its own from the CG cutter Cypress on May 1 offshore near Fort Walton Beach, Fla. CG Station Destin dispatched a response boat to embark the sailor, who was said to be having abdominal pains. The coast guardsman was transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in stable condition. (Source: Coast Guard 05/01/17)

Harvey Freedom OSV delivered

Harvey Gulf International Marine, headquartered in New Orleans, has accepted delivery of its fourth LNG-powered offshore supply vehicle M/V Harvey Freedom from Gulf Coast Shipyard Group in Gulfport, Miss. has accepted delivery of its fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered offshore supply vessel (OSV). The M/V Harvey Freedom, built at Gulf Coast Shipyard Group in Gulfport, Miss. Gulf International Marine said it has accepted delivery of its fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered offshore supply vessel (OSV). The M/V Harvey Freedom, built at Gulf Coast Shipyard Group in Gulfport, Miss. is 310' x 64' x 24.5', U.S. Flagged Subchapter I and L, SOLAS compliant and capable of carrying 253,000 USG of fuel oil, 18,000 bbls of liquid mud, 1,600 bbls of methanol, 10,250ft3 of dry cement and 78,000 USG of LNG fuel. In addition to being powered by cleaner burning natural gas, the vessel is one of the more environmentally-friendly OSVs in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the company. Harvey Freedom will be based out of Port Fourchon, La., and will immediately begin a five-year charter with a major oil and gas. (Source: Marine Global News 05/01/17)

OEG Offshore merger with Paragon

OEG Offshore, a leading global provider of cargo carrying units (CCUs) and A60 modules to the oil and gas industry, announced a merger of its U.S. business with Louisiana-based cargo unit and logistics specialist Paragon Industries Inc. The multi-million dollar merger confirms the combined OEG business as a leading offshore container supplier for the Gulf of Mexico. The deal expands OEG’s U.S. fleet by more than 1,400 units and includes a number of new container designs; and extending OEG’s current Gulf Coast presence to a number of new full service locations. All of Paragon’s staff will join with OEG. Founded in 1987, Paragon has serviced the Gulf Coast’s day-to-day cargo movements between land and sea from its principal facility in Morgan City, La., and stocking yards covering the entire Gulf Coast from Texas to Alabama. (Source: OEG 05/01/17) Gulf Coast Note: The merger is an on-going expansion of the OEG’s American cargo carrying market, and is capable of offering its wide range of combined products and services to deep-water and shelf customers from locations in Fourchon, Cameron, Morgan City, Venice, and Broussard, La., and Houston.

UMS cert @ USM first in nation

Fifteen students began classes April 30 at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), where they are expected to be the first class in the nation to earn a certification in Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS). “This program gives us a chance to continually and rapidly train and certify our personnel to be the best in the world," said Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Deputy Commander Dr. Bill Burnett. The certification program is the only one of its kind in the U.S. Students will participate in a three-month training cycle, during which they will study nautical science, 3-D positioning, ocean policy, and autonomous systems. The inaugural class includes civilian and military personnel from the Naval Oceanographic Office, Fleet Survey Team and Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center based at Stennis Space Center, Miss.; Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center in San Diego; Submarine Development Squadron 5 based in Bangor, Wash.; Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I.; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Norfolk, Va. (Source: DVIDS 05/01/17)

New CO for LCS 8 Blue

SAN DIEGO - Cmdr. Wayne Liebold became the new commanding officer of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) Blue Crew in a ceremony April 28. Liebold relieved Cmdr. Daniel Straub, who had been at the helm since the ship was commissioned at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., in fall 2016. The ship transited the Panama Canal after the commissioning and made it to its new homeport in San Diego last November. After leaving San Diego, Straub will be a senior military fellow at the Center for New American Security in Washington, D.C. (Source: USS Montgomery 05/01/17)

Omnibus bill plus for MS, Gulf Coast

U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) gave his support to an omnibus appropriates bill that would fund the government through Sept. 30, the remainder of FY 2017. It would be the first government budget, beyond short continuing resolutions, since before the Obama Administration took office in 2004. The legislation is a package of 11 regular appropriations bills for the rest of FY-17; and funding sought for national defense and border security. If the bill isn’t passed by May 5, the government essentially will begin shutting down. Cochran highlighted a long list of to-be-funded programs in the legislation that would be beneficial for Mississippi. Among some of the funding includes $21.2B for Navy shipbuilding (three DDG-51 destroyers, an LHA assault and an LHD transport ship) currently being built at HII-Ingalls; $187M for 28 Lakota helicopters for the Army, built in Columbus, Miss.; $75M to the NOAA to build a new Ocean Survey Vessel to conduct research in the Gulf of Mexico; and $10.45B acquisition for a new Coast Guard cutter fleet, including post-delivery activities for a ninth National Security Cutter, and a 10th NSC. Nine are under contract with Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Fla. (Source: Sun Herald 05/01/17)

Project office establishment for OPCs

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The Coast Guard and Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Panama City will host a ceremony May 3 to mark the establishment of a project resident office (PRO) for the CG's Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) acquisition program. The ceremony marks the official opening of the PRO, which provides on-site management of the acquisition program for the CG - one of the service’s highest acquisition priorities. The first OPC is scheduled for delivery in FY 2021. The CG plans to acquire 25 OPCs. Eastern Shipbuilding has the contract for the first nine OPCs. Rear Adm. Michael Haycock, the CG’s chief acquisition officer will preside at the ceremony. Brian D’Isernia, founder/CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group; Capt. Scott Keister, OPC program manager; and Capt. Thomas Remmers, commanding officer of OPC PRO will all provide remarks at the ceremony. (Source: Coast Guard media advisory 05/01/17)

Senators call for more LCS buys

Eight U.S. senators from four states with interests in Littoral Combat Ships has petitioned Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to find money for three new LCS in next year’s FY-18 defense budget. In a letter Friday, the senators representing Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin requested SECDEF hold to LCS requirements in the Navy’s December 2016 Force Structure Assessment. The letter was from Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio of Florida; Richard Shelby and Luther Strange of Alabama; Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin; and Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. The assessment was a reversal of then-SECDEF Ashton Carter’s mandate to cut the LCS/future frigate program from 52 to 40 ships and select one of the two shipbuilders by FY-19. The Independence-class LCS is built by Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala.; and the Freedom-class in Marinette (Wis.). The Navy plans to base 13 Freedom-class ships at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. One of the Freedom-class ships, USS Detroit, is named for Michigan’s capital. (Source: Military.com 04/28/17)

CG, LAWF rescue boaters in La.

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries rescued two people from the David Boy fishing vessel that was taking on water - after striking a piling - outside of Atchafalaya Bay in Louisiana on April 30. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew from CG Air Station New Orleans hoisted the two aboard, and transferred them to an LAWF boat on scene. LAWF transferred the people to waiting emergency medical services. (Source: Coast Guard 05/01/17)

GoM domestic O&G issue

WASHINGTON - For years, international ships and crews have traveled through the Gulf of Mexico to construct the offshore platforms and deep-sea pipelines that allow oil and gas to be brought to market. But now, American energy and maritime companies are facing an issue of what to do with international crews under U.S. law - whether to require offshore O&G drillers to shift work to domestic workers, something lobbyists warn could decimate deep-sea drilling in the GoM. "It is the quintessential buy American, hire American law," said Aaron Smith, president of the Offshore Marine Service Association. At the center is s lucrative matter of how equipment and other materials are moved around offshore in the GoM. (Source: Houston Chronicle 04/30/17)