Mobile port's Phase 3 expansion

MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama’s seaport modernization program continues to complete significant milestones to meet shipper demand and accommodate larger vessels. The Alabama State Port Authority completed its 400-foot container dock extension at the APM Terminals facility March 20. Three days later, for the first time, the terminal handled two container ships at the expanded berth, which now enables two 8,000-to-10,000 TEUs be handled simultaneously. The quay extension was part of a $50M Phase 3 expansion that increased terminal capacity and productivity at the 10-year old APM Terminals’ intermodal container complex at the Port of Mobile. (Source: Ala. State Port Authority 03/21/20) http://www.asdd.com/pdf/200327_APM_Terminals_MobileDock_Extension.pdf

Austal post shakedown of LCS 22

Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., is awarded a $7,700,942 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the accomplishment of post shakedown availability (PSA) for the littoral combat ship U.S. Ship Kansas City (LCS-22). Work will be performed in San Diego and encompasses all of the manpower, support services, material, non-standard equipment, associated technical data and documentation required to prepare for and accomplish the LCS-22 PSA. Other work includes the correction of government responsible trial card deficiencies and new work identified between the custody transfer and the time of the PSA. In addition, the incorporation of approved engineering changes under the ship construction contract that were not incorporated during the construction period and are not the building yard's responsibility will occur. Work is expected to be complete by May 2021. FY 2020 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $7,700,942 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured by authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1). Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair-Gulf Coast of Pascagoula, Miss., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/31/20)

HII-Pascagoula launches LPD 28

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The future USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) was launched from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls shipyard here March 28. Fort Lauderdale is the Navy’s 12th San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship. Ingalls Shipbuilding is also in production on the future USS Richard M. McCool (LPD 29) and Harrisburg (LPD 30). LPD 28 and 29 will serve as transition ships to LPD 30, the first LPD 17 Flight II ship. (Source: Team Ships 03/30/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112506

Aggressive partnering over COVID-19

The Defense Department continues to “aggressively partner” with the defense industry to mitigate impacts from the COVID-19 national emergency, Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, Pentagon spokesman said in a DoD media release March 28. Under Secretary of Defense Ellen Lord's Acquisition and Sustainment leaders in Industrial Policy, Defense Pricing and Contracting, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA) continue to work closely with the military services, the Capitol Hill and state governors “to make significant progress supporting the whole of government effort to combat COVID-19.” DLA modified an existing contract recently for the procurement of 8,000 ventilators from four vendors worth an estimated $84.4M. Delivery will be “time-phased” over several months and shipments started “within the next few days,” he continued, with 1,400 deliveries by early May. FEMA will determine delivery locations. DLA also is supporting the Navy hospital ships, USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, to the tune of more than $2M in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. DTRA has helped deliver six C-17 military air shipments, totaling 3M COVID-19 test kit swabs, in support of medical professionals’ testing needs. DTRA will continue to work with the Transportation Command to support future deliveries. Future flights starting (this coming week) will increase test kit numbers in the months ahead. DoD continues to partner with industry to retool and re-mission production lines to manufacture masks, gowns, ventilators and other critical personal protective equipment. (Source: DoD 03/28/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2129497/partnering-with-the-us-defense-industrial-base-to-combat-covid-19/

New2: Med unit to deploy to NOLA

President Donald Trump on March 28 gave remarks as the USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship loaned to the novel coronavirus cause, departed from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., for New York City, saying the government is working to "vanquish the virus." The 70,000-ton ship is a “message of hope and solidarity” to the people of New York, he added. The ship is expected to arrive at Pier 90 in Manhattan on March 30, three weeks ahead of schedule. Its crew will begin treating non-coronavirus patients March 31. It will be met on the pier by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Trump added, saying Cuomo's "very excited" for the help. (Source: ABC 03/28/20) https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-off-york-bound-usns-comfort-heads-us/story?id=69855088 UPDATE: USNS Comfort arrived in NYC on March 30, and is expected to begin receiving non-COVID 19 patients on March 31. “The last time that this great hospital ship was here was in the wake of 9-11, where she served as respite and comfort for our first responders working around the clock,” said Rear Adm. John Mustin, vice commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, upon the ship's arrival in NYC. “Our message to New Yorkers – now your Navy has returned, and we are with you, committed in this fight.” (After 9-11, USNS Comfort was moored at Pascagoula, Miss., in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.) UPDATE2: A 450-person Navy Medical Unit is on “Prepare to Deploy” orders to go to Texas and New Orleans, according to U.S. Northern Command. The Joint Staff's logistics directorate is working with Transcom and Northcom to transport and sustain Navy expeditionary medical facilities in Dallas and New Orleans. The sailors going to NOLA will report to the treatment facilities being established at the Morial Convention Center.

HII-TS buys Marine robotics firm

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced March 26 it had closed on the purchase of Hydroid Inc., a Massachusetts-based provider of advanced marine robotics for defense and maritime markets. The acquisition expands HII’s capabilities in the autonomous and unmanned maritime systems market. Hydroid will become part of HII’s Technical Solutions (TS) Unmanned Systems business unit that now includes unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) such as the Orca extra-large UUV that is produced in partnership with Boeing as well as Proteus, a large, dual-mode UUV operated out of Panama City, Fla. With the addition of Hydroid, HII now has capabilities in the medium and small UUV space from the REMUS and Seaglider autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) or marine robots. (Source: Global News Wire 03/26/20) HII has a Technical Solutions unit in Panama City. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/huntington-ingalls-industries-closes-acquisition-200510059.html

Hooks: $24M dredging equipment

Mike Hooks LLC of Westlake, La., was awarded a $24,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for rental of pipeline dredging equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2021. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/27/20)

Port NOLA's 'Learning Toolbox'

NEW ORLEANS - The Port of New Orleans launched its digital Learning Toolbox on March 25 that’s aimed at educating Louisiana students about how the local maritime industry, and the Port, plays in everyday life. Students, parents and educators can explore the Port’s four lines of businesses, learn about potential careers, and the maritime industry. Port NOLA’s toolbox launches at a crucial time during the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s stay-at-home mandate. Educators and parents can use the Toolbox’s resources to share and access information. During this crisis, Port NOLA and its maritime partners continue to do its part as a “vital link in the global supply chain” that is essential for regional communities, said Brandy D. Christian, president/CEO of the port. The online resource supports the goal of providing students with access to information about Mississippi River, and as the port’s workforce development initiatives. To access the Learning Toolbox, visit https://portnola.com/community/engagement/learning-toolbox.

Ala. port implements temp-screenings

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama State Port Authority has implemented a temperature-screening program for all personnel entering its gates. The program will roll out over the next several days to all Port Authority facilities. On March 24, mandatory temperature screening began for all personnel entering the Main Docks Complex and Truck Control Center. The two facilities have high general public traffic. During the first day of screening, about 1,000 individual temperatures were taken, and only five individuals posted temperatures higher the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended threshold for the coronavirus. Those individuals were denied entry and referred to employers and/or medical providers. Over the next several days, as supplies become available, the Port Authority will capture all of its gates with the personnel-screening. The temperature screening is augmented by federal screening protocols for ships and crewmembers, personnel social distancing protocols, sanitizing of buildings and equipment, travel and visitor restrictions, and other CDC recommended steps to ensure the port is “flattening the curve” and remaining open for business. (Source: Port of Mobile 03/25/20)

Ship runs aground on Mississippi River

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard is responding to a container ship that ran aground near Mile Marker 81 of the Mississippi River on the morning of March 27. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a call at 3:20 a.m. that the Liberian-flagged container ship Belita had run aground. CGS New Orleans’ vessel traffic service has placed a one-way traffic restriction in the immediate area. “Our top priority in this incident is the safe recovery of this vessel, while protecting the marine environment,” said Capt. Kristi Luttrell, CGS New Orleans commanding officer. There were no reports of pollution or injury. The cause of the incident is under investigation. (Source: Coast Guard 03/27/20)

Comfort arrival expedites dredgers

Dredgers are on an expedited mission to begin dredging NYC's Manhattan Cruise Terminal Berth 4 in anticipation of the arrival of the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort, which will dock there to assist area hospitals overrun by the coronavirus. Dredging contractor Donjon Marine sprang into action, hurrying a dump scow out of drydock 10 days early, and moving its Delaware Bay dredge and two other scows from current projects into position. Donjon is moving crew and supplies in and out of Manhattan via shuttle boats from Jersey City, N.J. (Source: Marine Link 03/26/20) 

https://www.marinelink.com/news/dreders-usns-comfort-new-york-477068?utm_source=MT-ENews-2020-03-27&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MT-ENews

Limited mil.resources & balancing act

Despite pleas for U.S. military assistance from governors and mayors across the country, Defense Secretary Mark Esper cautioned March 25 that the Pentagon is not in a position to domestically deploy nearly enough medical resources to address the scale of the coronavirus outbreak (+65K in U.S.). He warned that the pandemic will "inevitably" alter the global strategic balance, and can’t be allowed to overtake DoD’s No. 1 priority: National security. SECDEF’s remarks come amid growing calls for military assistance for everything from extra beds to ventilators. It's a crisis President Trump refers to as a "war" with an "invisible enemy." In an interview with NPR, Esper said the military doesn’t have the resources that “many people think (it has), when it comes to medical capacity … maybe a few thousand (hospital) beds ... at most." NY’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo estimates his state may need as many as 90,000 hospital beds. “The president says it's a war," Cuomo said March 24, so, “act like it's a war." SECDEF told reporters he’s talked to as many as 10 governors, and that each requested military field hospitals. "We clearly can't meet everybody's needs with what we have in our inventory," Esper said. The Army is already preparing to deploy field hospitals to New York and Washington state. Each hospital has 248 beds, but these hospitals are "geared toward treating trauma patients” not people with infectious diseases, he said. The Navy is deploying two hospital ships, USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, to NY and LA respectively. Each ship has 1,000 beds. Neither will treat coronavirus patients, but rather to handle seriously ill patients, other than those with the virus, to reduce the workload on area hospitals. It’s been a balancing act for the Pentagon. Esper described his top two priorities: Protecting service members and safeguarding the military's mission capabilities. If he can do that, he can fulfill what he called priority No. 3: "provide full support to the whole of government." 

VIRUS NUMBERS: The military as of March 24 had recorded 227 cases of the coronavirus. In an effort to control the numbers, SECDEF signed an order freezing the movements of all U.S. troops abroad for 60 days. The Navy has about a third (57) of the military's coronavirus patients. DoD reported on Tuesday, 174 positive cases among service members. Data provided by the individual services total 170 cases. Nine have required hospitalization. Seventeen have recovered. The Army (44) and Air Force (43) have been the next hardest hit as of March 24. The Marines reported 26 cases in the same time period. DoD also reported 61 military dependents have the virus, 59 civilian workers and 27 contractors. One of those contractors recently died. (Sources: NPR & Military.com 03/25/20) https://www.npr.org/2020/03/25/821606478/defense-secretary-esper-says-military-has-limited-capacity-to-provide-hospital-b and https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/25/navy-hardest-hit-military-service-coronavirus-outbreak.html

PC developing low-cost ventilators

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - In response to COVID-19, engineers and scientists at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWCPC), Fla., are developing low-cost easily-assembled, non-FDA approved, ventilators that can be rapidly prototyped and used in both hospital and field settings. If approved, these prototypes could be used to support critical care requirements around the world. During a period of only two-weeks, DoD’s Hack-a-Vent Innovation Challenge sought to ignite brilliant minds and expertise to respond to the threats overwhelming the medical system. Teams were charged with creating innovative prototypes using exclusively commercial-off-the-shelf items and/or 3D printed parts. The NSWCPC teams are comprised of mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers, life support and Naval Experimental Diving Unit experts, including medical personnel. The prototypes were developed and tested in partnership with NSWCPC’s Center for Innovation. Holly Gardner, innovation lead, said this challenge identifies an emergent need that can be rapidly delivered across the globe through innovation. (Source: NSWCPC 03/16/20) https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/SavedNewsModule/Article/2127530/panama-city-scientists-and-engineers-develop-ventilator-prototype-in-response-t/

Hospital ships blog: Comfort, Mercy

The U.S. Navy has established a blog site for the 2020 deployment of the Navy hospital ships USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) to provide medical support to Americans in regions significantly affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. (Source: US Navy 03/26/20) https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2020/03/26/usns-mercy-usns-comfort-2020-covid-19-deployment/?utm_source=phplist5193&utm_medium=email&utm_content=HTML&utm_campaign=Navy+Live+Blog

Dual crises: Virus, flooding on Miss.

Communities that run the gamut of the ‘Mighty Mississippi' River are preparing for dual crises: Coronavirus and the risks of spring flooding. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome expects a fight on both fronts. “We must address both impacts,” she told NOLA.com The National Weather Service has predicted moderate flooding on much of the river, but likely major flooding in Iowa and Illinois. In Louisiana, NWS anticipates moderate flooding from Arkansas to LaPlace, where the Bonnet Carre Spillway may be used to divert floodwaters into Lake Pontchartrain. Above-average rainfall is likely in the lower Mississippi River Basin that may strain New Orleans' municipal drainage system, which does not flow into the Mississippi. Government and emergency responders are already being stretched thin by the coronavirus, which has shut down all but essential services, crippled the economy, and killed 46 people in Louisiana as of March 24. “I pray every day that we don’t end up in a state of anarchy,” said Gretna Mayor Belinda Constant. (Source: NOLA.com 03/25/20) https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_449d29d4-6d58-11ea-8fe3-7320d9de6f49.html The Bonnet Carre Spillway was opened twice in 2019 for a record 123 days, releasing trillions of gallons of river water and causing $215M in damage to the Mississippi Sound, fisheries and the seafood industry.

Weeks Marine dredge work: $10.3M

Weeks Marine of Covington, La., was awarded a $10,296,000 modification (P00001) to contract (W912P8-20-C-0007) for dredging the Mississippi River. Work will be performed in Plaquemines, La., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2020. FY 2020 civil operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $10,296,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of New Orleans is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/25/20)

La. shipyard's $129.9M mod pact

Gulf Island Shipyards of Houma, La., is awarded a $129,925,080 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-18-C-2207) to exercise options for the construction of two additional towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS) and for the performance of unique item identification on the T-ATS 6-class program. Work will be performed in Houma. The contract also includes options for associated support efforts related to the ship design and construction for special studies, engineering and industrial services, provisioned items orders, unique item identification and data rights license. Work is expected to be complete by October 2022. FY 2020 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $129,925,080 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command of Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/25/20)

VTHM: $39.9M barracks ship mod

VT Halter Marine of Pascagoula, Miss., is awarded a $39,906,609 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-18-C-2230) to exercise an option for the detail design and construction of an Auxiliary Personnel Lighter - Small (APL(S)) [barracks ship]. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss. (58%); Boca Raton, Fla. (25%); Mandeville, La. (5%); Metairie, La. (5%); Gautier, Miss. (4%); and Billerica, Mass. (3%), and is expected to be complete by May 2021. The initial contract was for the detail design and construction of the lead and second craft in the APL(S) 67 class. This option is for the fourth craft. Construction of all APL(S) craft is firm-fixed-price. The contract also includes options for associated support efforts related to the craft design and construction for deployment spare parts, crew familiarization, international delivery and production-level technical data package and rights. FY 2020 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $39,906,609 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command of Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/24/20)

Mercy arrives in LA; Comfort to NYC

The Navy dispatched its San Diego-based 1,000-bed hospital ship, USNS Mercy, on March 23. The ship’s destination is the Port of Los Angeles to take the burden off area medical facilities that are scrambling to cope with the coronavirus. Mercy is scheduled to arrive at the port within the week after conducting required tests and certifications at sea. The hospital ship will not be treating coronavirus patients, but rather will function as a “relief valve” for LA-area hospitals by accepting patient transfers with other illnesses. The goal is to free up capacity at the civilian hospitals to treat patients with the coronavirus. The ship will have 1,128 personnel - including some 60 reservists - as part of its treatment facility, in addition to support staff operating onboard and land. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will coordinate with hospitals to enable patient transfers. would bring surgical capabilities with multiple operating rooms. The bulk of personnel manning the ship are coming from Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, Calif., and Naval Hospital Bremerton, Wash., Naval Medical Center San Diego and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor, Wash., officials said. Most are active-duty, apart from nearly 60 reservists. The Baltimore-based hospital ship USNS Comfort won’t arrive in New York City for three to four weeks, as it is undergoing maintenance. In the meantime, DoD is dispatching an Army field hospital to NYC, which should have about 248 beds. The Army Corps of Engineers is assisting FEMA in converting area facilities there into makeshift hospitals. (Source: Washington Post 03/23/20) Gulf Coast Note: Personnel to sail with Comfort will likely come from NMC Portsmouth, Va., and Bethesda, Md. In past deployments of Comfort, personnel from NH Jacksonville, and NH Pensacola, Fla., and its branch clinics in Louisiana and Mississippi, have sailed with the ship. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/us-navy-hospital-ship-heads-to-los-angeles-as-pandemic-spreads/2020/03/23/3210b6b0-6d39-11ea-96a0-df4c5d9284af_story. About 140 Navy Reserve sailors - in addition to about 1,200 ACDU personnel - will report to USNS Comfort on the East Coast within the next few days, DoD officials announced March 25. UPDATE: USNS Mercy arrived in the Port of Los Angeles on March 27 to support the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Maritimers considered ‘essential’

Maritime workers, which include those working on barges, energy transportation and at ports, are considered “essential employees” and should report to work even under state or local shelter-in-place or stay-at-home restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)-issued list of “essential critical infrastructure workers” to help state and local officials identify those who should stay on the job during the crisis. (Source: Work Boat 03/23/20) https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/dhs-says-maritime-workers-considered-essential-during-covid-19-closures/

NSWCPC telework bolsters mission

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Fla., is adjusting its work schedule by maximizing telework opportunities of nearly 1,500 workers. By implementing telework as an option to encourage social distancing related to the coronavirus, NSWCPC is reducing the exposure of the community and its workforce. “We still have a national defense mission, and a cadre of mission essential personnel will continue to report to work,” said Capt. Aaron Peters, NSWCPC commanding officer. “Whether from home or from the base, we will ensure we meet our national defense mission requirements.” NSWCPC is the nation’s leader in the research, development, test, and evaluation of mine warfare systems, mines, naval special warfare systems, diving and life support systems, and other missions that occur in the littoral or coastal regions. (Source: NSWC Panama City 03/20/20)

Geurts: Austal 'crucial' work for Navy

Delivering ships to the Navy is “unwavering and crucial” to national security, Assistant Secretary to the Navy James Geurts, wrote in a letter to Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle, requiring Mobile, Ala.-based workers to stay on the job to build ships for the Navy despite the threat of the coronavirus. Geurts instructed Austal to inform the Navy of “impediments” that might arise. The shipyard employs around 4,000 people. “Given the missions essential functions you perform, while ensuring the safety and well-being of the workforce, I cannot stress enough the importance of accomplishing the missions,” Geurts wrote. Austal USA, as a defense industry contractor, is considered an “essential critical infrastructure” employer as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Geurts said the Navy understands the “challenge” and is “dedicated to working closely” with Austal to ensure workers’ safety. Craig Savage, a spokesman with Austal USA in Mobile, said the company has six ships under various phases of construction, and is adhering to strict safety guidelines from the CDC and World Health Organization by taking “significant steps to distance the workforce for large gatherings.” Austal’s primary concern is the well-being of its workers, he continued. “Austal remains open and operating under close care.” (Source: AL.com 03/20/20) In a similar letter to Bath (Maine) Iron Works’ president Dirk Lesko, Geurts wrote that BIW has a “special responsibility” to continue operations to produce ship for the Navy regardless of the health risk to its 8,000 employees, the Portland (Maine) Press Herald reported March 20. Maine delegates echoed the leaders of two of the shipyard’s largest unions, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers locals S6 and S7, who called for the shipyard to close and give employees paid leave for two weeks. BIW is to stay open despite demands from delegations and unions. https://www.al.com/coronavirus/2020/03/austal-ship-building-continues-after-navy-deems-it-a-national-need-despite-coronavirus.html

Marine ‘Shredder’; Textron delivery

The M1150 'Shredder' Assault Breacher Vehicle is a nasty looking weapon. Designers leveraged the M1 Abrams main battle tank's design and adapted it into a most capable combat mine clearing vehicle. It is bristling with attachments and specialized gear, making it look downright bad, especially when seen during a beach landing. Its main existence is to get Marines from ashore without having them devastated by mines. Getting it from ship to shore is accommodated by the Navy's amphibious haulers, the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and the Landing Craft Utility (LCU). Practicing a Type Commander Amphibious Training beach landing exercise occurred at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Although, the Marines are moving away from large-scale beach landings. But, being able to push heavy combat vehicles ashore remains critical allowing the Shredder to clear the path in getting Marines ashore. (Source: The Drive 03/22/20) Gulf Coast Note: Textron Systems of New Orleans delivered the first next-generation air cushion vehicle, Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Craft 100 to the Navy in February. As the replacement for the existing fleet of Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, SSCs will primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel through tough environmental conditions to the beach. The SSC was built with similar configurations, dimensions, and clearances to existing LCAC, ensuring the compatibility well deck-equipped amphibious ships, Expeditionary Transfer Dock and Expeditionary Sea Bases. There are 13 SSCs in various states of production. Builder’s Trials for Craft 101 are scheduled early in 2020, with Acceptance Trials following in the spring. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32692/the-marines-most-wicked-looking-armored-vehicle-looks-even-scarier-making-a-beach-landing

HII worker positive, screenings set up

An unnamed Ingalls Shipbuilding employee, who works in the Pascagoula, Miss., facility, has tested positive for the coronavirus, Ingalls President Brian Cuccias confirmed in a letter to the company. The employee, assigned to the USS Fort Lauderdale, has been working first shift for the past two weeks. The worker will be in quarantine for at least 14 days. The letter states that the employee will not return to work until he is medically cleared. The letter did not identify the worker, but Cuccias states that anyone who has “worked in the immediate vicinity of this employee” should notify their supervisor. There will be two screening centers at the shipyard, according to the letter. (Source: Sun Herald 03/22/20) USS Fort Lauderdale is the 12th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship of the U.S. Navy built at HII-Pascagoula. The first wave of crew members will begin arriving in July and will continue arriving through December 2021. htps://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241420236.html?#storylink=cpy

Port NOLA: Normal operations

NEW ORLEANS - Port of New Orleans and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) operations continue to function as normal while monitoring and responding to the evolving situation with COVID-19. Port NOLA and NOPB freight operations are considered critical services and continue to operate as normal in accordance with exemptions provided in the stay-at-home mandate issued by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The Port’s tenant terminal operators continue with normal hours and procedures at the breakbulk and container terminals. Ocean carriers are following Coast Guard protocol. Cruise lines have voluntarily suspended operations related to departures from the U.S. for 30 days, effective March 14. The Port remains in contact with cruise partners and plan to communicate updates as they develop. River cruises have also been temporarily suspended. (Source: Port NOLA 03/20/20)

$14M Santec design contract

Stantec Consulting Services of New Orleans was awarded a $14,143,940 firm-fixed-price contract for the design of pump stations and drainage structures. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 20, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of New Orleans is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/23/20)

Barataria Marsh draft plan

The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is considering design alternatives for the Large-Scale Barataria Marsh Creation: Upper Barataria Component project. The preferred design alternative, included in a draft restoration plan now open for public comment for 30 days until April 20, 2020, would create 1,207 acres of intertidal marsh in Upper Barataria Bay. The trustees will hold a public webinar to present the plan on April 2, 2020. The plan, fact sheets in English and Vietnamese, and the executive summary in Vietnamese are available through this link. (Source: Gulf Spill Restoration 03/20/20) https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/2020/03/draft-plan-design-barataria-marsh-creation-project-open-comment

Update: DoD's industry concerns

On March 17, the Defense Department and industry associations kicked off the first of daily talks about the effects of coronavirus on the defense industrial base. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 200,000 people worldwide and killed upwards of 100 in the U.S. The outbreak has upended the American lives, shuttered businesses, forced tele-work, travel restrictions, and bans on large gatherings. The pandemic raised concerns about potential effects on military programs and current/future contracts. DoD now has plans to reach out to industry groups on a daily basis to discuss the impacts. (Source: National Defense Magazine 03/18/20) https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/3/18/pentagon-defense-industry-associations-to-hold-daily-calls-about-coronavirus UPDATE: On Sunday, DoD released a statement which said: "During the 4 daily COVID-19 update calls with defense industry associations leaders this week … several key concerns identified by industry included 1) critical defense contractor workforce ability to continue working; 2) ensuring cash flow to the defense industrial base; and 3) getting standardized guidance out to industry. On Friday, the Department issued two memos that address all three concerns. (Source: DoD 03/22/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2121122/partnering-with-the-us-defense-industrial-base-to-combat-covid-19/source/GovDelivery/

Gulfport NEX worker tested positive

GULFPORT, Miss. - A civilian worker here at the Naval Construction Battalion Center’s Naval Exchange (NEX) tested positive for COVID-19 on March 17, and is currently undergoing evaluation and treatment. The Defense Department has notified public health authorities of the positive test, and has taken precautions to ensure the employee is receiving appropriate care. In consultation with the State of Mississippi Public Health and Navy public health officials it was deemed that a quarantine for additional personnel was not needed due to the lack of exposure to other NEX employees/associates and patrons. Contact tracing performed by public health officials is also underway. The Navy is working closely with interagency partners to ensure everything possible to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on its personnel and families. (Source: Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport 03/18/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112383 NCBC Gulfport is a Seabee base that conducts deployments around the world. There has been no Navy military personnel to test positive.

Update2: Hospital ships' activations

As part of the president's approach to fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the Defense Department has agreed to make available up to 5M respirator masks and personal protective equipment from its strategic reserves to the Department of Health and Human Services for distribution, SECDEF Mark Esper said at a news conference today. The first million masks would be made available immediately. Esper said some 2,000 deployable ventilators would also be made available, but are different from civilian equivalents and will require DoD special training for civilian users. DoD is considering use of the National Guard, Reserve components, and capabilities such as the Navy's hospital ships Comfort and Mercy. Comfort is undergoing maintenance on the East Coast at Norfolk, Va. Mercy is in port in San Diego. "We've already given orders to the Navy, a few days ago, to lean forward in terms of getting them ready to deploy," Esper said. "One of the ways you could use field hospitals, hospital ships or things in between is to take the pressure off the civilian hospitals when it comes to trauma cases to open up civilian hospital rooms for infectious diseases," SECDEF said. Gearing up DoD facilities and hospital ships require staff, and getting that staff in place means pulling them from military medical facilities throughout the country … or from the reserves (civilians), he continued. “I don't want to … take reservists from a (civilian) hospital where they are needed.” Esper spent part of the day visiting DoD doctors and scientists at Fort Detrick, Md., who are working on advancing vaccine. The expectation for a vaccine is about 12-to-18 months, but Fort Detrick has the ability to help in vaccine production if a private-sector facility were to develop a vaccine earlier. (Source: DoD 03/17/20) https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2115200/dod-poised-to-provide-masks-ventilators-labs-for-coronavirus-fight/ UPDATE: DoD has started the process of activating Navy hospital ships Mercy (T-AH-19) and Comfort (T-AH-20). Each ship has a 1,000-bed capacity. Getting personnel ready to deploy requires about a week or more to mobilize personnel from across the East and West coasts. https://news.usni.org/2020/03/17/pentagon-preparing-navy-hospital-ships-mercy-comfort-for-coronavirus-response Gulf Coast Note: In the early fall of 2017, the Comfort was preparing for deployment in response to humanitarian needs in Puerto Rico. When activated, according to the Navy, Comfort’s crew grows to about 1,200 personnel. Nineteen (19) NH Pensacola, Fla., sailors, including numbers from Naval Branch Health Clinics Meridian, Miss., and Millington, Tenn., also were among that team joining Comfort in Norfolk. In 2015, another 19 NHP sailors took part in a Continuing Promise deployment to the Caribbean and Central and South America. UPDATE2: Comfort would dock in New York City's harbor. NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the decision to deploy the ship an "extraordinary step" because it was "literally a floating hospital." The ships won't treat coronavirus patients. They will be used to treat other illnesses/ injuries, to free up civilian hospitals. Comfort is not expected to deploy for week(s), meaning it will not provide immediate support. Mercy is likely to deploy sooner, though the Pentagon has not said where it will be sent.

PFAS mil.contamination grows

The number of known military facilities where cancer-linked firefighting foam may have contaminated groundwater across America has jumped from 401 to 651; and the estimated cleanup will likely cost billions, according to a new Pentagon report. The report was directed by Defense Secretary Mark Esper as part of his focus on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances’ (PFAS) contamination and lists hundreds of additional locations, many of them Army National Guard sites, in all 50 states where area groundwater may have been contaminated by the chemical compound. (Source: McClatchy 03/16/20) Gulf Coast Note: Regional installation that DoD is performing assessments of PFAS use or potential release include: Alabama: AASF#3 Bates Field, Mobile; Fort Rucker. Florida: Ellyson Field, Corry Station, NAS Pensacola, Saufley Field, NAS Whiting Field, NSWC Panama City; Eglin and Tyndall AFBs; Hurlburt Field. Louisiana: NAS/JRB New Orleans, AASF#1 Hammond, Fort Polk. Mississippi: AASFs Jackson, Meridian and Tupelo; Camp Shelby; NCBC Gulfport; NAS Meridian; Keesler (Biloxi) and Columbus AFBs. https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/national-security/article241226536.html#storylink=cpy

Shipyards adjust to virus, still working

WASHINGTON - U.S. shipyards are adjusting construction and staff based on the coronavirus threat, but work continues across America. In the wake of news that Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy suspended operations for two weeks, U.S. shipyards have responded with modest changes: Suspending international travel, limiting domestic travel and suspending participation in conferences and trade shows for employees. Yards are also changing leave policies to allow workers time to adjust to restrictions that have closed schools and businesses. However, several company officials have told Defense News that the situation was evolving and more could be coming down as the government responds to the unfolding crisis. Huntington Ingalls Industries’ President/CEO Mike Petters addressed employees in a video message on the company’s website March 16. Peters said he is meeting regularly with division leadership and the company has posted links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which he urged employees to check for the most accurate information. Operations have continued in Pascagoula, Miss. Fincantieri’s Marinette (Wis.) shipyard suspended international travel, all non-critical domestic travel and has suspended intra-company travel to prevent any potential spread between shipyards, said Eric Dent, the company’s spokesperson. However, to date the company has seen no delays in operations. (Source: Defense News 03/16/20) https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/16/with-coronavirus-on-the-loose-us-shipyards-make-adjustments-but-keep-building/

Cruise ship docks in Mobile

The Carnival Fantasy cruise ship arrived at the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile on March 16 carrying more than 1,600 passengers who spent four days on a vacation. The cruise ship is anchored downtown until at least April 10, when Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line claims it will resume cruises. Two other cruise ships are moored in Gulfport, Miss., and the company’s fleet of ships are idling at terminals in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and South Carolina. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson says there is the potential for another cruise ship to dock within the Port of Mobile. (Source: AL.com 03/16/20) https://www.al.com/news/2020/03/carnival-docks-cruise-ship-in-mobile-but-for-how-long.html

Lower Miss. inland cruises suspended

American Queen Steamboat Co. and American Cruise Lines (ACL) - two of the major players in the U.S. inland and coastal cruising market - are suspending all cruise operations into April because of the coronavirus. New Albany, Ind.-based American Queen, which expects to resume service April 12, said it made the decision “following widespread governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions.” American Queen announced it had suspended cruise operations on March 14. Current sailings will conclude as scheduled, the company said, and it is contacting booked passengers about their upcoming cruises and options. It has canceled 16 sailings including specialty trips on the new American Countess, its fourth vessel which was to be christened in New Orleans on April 4 following a VIP cruise. Both lines offer New Orleans to Memphis – and vice versa - cruises. (Source: Work Boat 03/16/20) https://www.workboat.com/news/passenger-vessels/american-queen-suspends-ship-operations/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVRRMk9EUXhabUpsT0dVdyIsInQiOiJhaGVzdTAxYjd0ZHVUSHdvZktKN2R1dzhReVdcL3RBa2lCS05WY1Z4SFhna2NVaEQ5TVpNZnc5Q2NGb1FpYzVQdUgyNEE1a2Fjd2xnaU4yek5Mb1JGNTBJMGticjNXR0t5N3IrM3I1bFwvWWpnWjZuRHFsM21RNVpmMUNIYW1rQlBvIn0%3D

Future DDG 119 completes trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The future guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) successfully completed acceptance trials March 12, and returned here to Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls shipyard after two days in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship's crew performed a series of demonstrations for review by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). These demonstrations are used to validate the quality of construction and compliance with Navy specifications and requirements prior to delivery of the ship to the Navy. "DDG 119's exceptional performance during these trials is a direct reflection of the teamwork between Ingalls Shipbuilding and the Navy,” said the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair Gulf Coast, Capt. Nathan Schneider. "I am extremely proud of the Ingalls Shipbuilding and Navy team that built her. Right behind DDG 119 are follow-on DDGs that will “be even better, including the first Flight III DDG which is a real game changer," he said. DDG 119 is being constructed with the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system. The future USS Delbert D. Black is expected to be delivered to the Navy later this year. HII- Pascagoula is also currently in the production of future destroyers Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121), Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) and Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), the first Flight III ship. (Source: Team Ships 03/17/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112371

LDWF closes, online stays up

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offices throughout the state will be closed indefinitely to the public beginning March 17. To alleviate any additional public burden, LDWF is providing the public alternatives to process applications via mail, email and online. (Source: LDWF 03/16/20) https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/ldwf-offices-closed-to-the-public-starting-march-17

UPDATE: Several events affiliated with LDWF have been either cancelled or postponed, including all hunter education classes through April 30. Other cancellations or postponements include the Big Bass Rodeo at New Orleans City Park (March 28), the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop at Camp Grant Walker (March 20-22) and the Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament in Shreveport (April 4-5). Here is a list of cancellations and postponements. The public should monitor LDWF’s website - www.wlf.louisiana.gov/.

Cruise duo breaks virus protocol

Two cruise ship workers on one of the two ships docked in Gulfport, Miss., were allowed to leave the ship March 15 and depart the Gulf Coast, breaking protocol set in place by Carnival Cruise Line and that had been approved in advance by the Port of Gulfport, Port Director Jonathan Daniels told the Sun Herald on March 16. The duo that left the Carnival Valor cruise ship were French nationals, who were supposed to depart in New Orleans before the ship got to Gulfport. The employees were allowed to get off the ship by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent and the vessel’s agent, according to Daniels. Carnival and the port agreed that the employees would remain quarantined while docked on the Coast amid new coronavirus concerns. (Sun Herald 03/16/20) A third ship was tentatively scheduled to dock in Gulfport on March 18. https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241248756.html?#storylink=cpy

Map of outbreak (NYT): https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-maps.html?te=1&nl=morning-briefing&emc=edit_NN_p_20200317&section=topNews&campaign_id=9&instance_id=16834&segment_id=22302&user_id=069c0c79e41b9effe3db22ae17a5e131&regi_id=92576814tion=topNews





Read more here: https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241248756.html?#storylink=cp

New Navy Reserve rules (re: virus)

NORFOLK, Va. - Effective immediately, the U.S. Navy Reserve is implementing new rules and requirements for Reservists in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF), released ALNAVRESFOR 008/20 March 15, which provides a wide-range of guidance for addressing recent travel restrictions and temporary policies meant to protect Reservists and their families from the coronavirus. The message provides detailed information for topics such as drills, Restriction of Movement (ROM) requirements, and non-mission essential travel. Selected Reservists (SELRES) are strongly encouraged to read the official message in its entirety. At a minimum, here is what you need to know: All regular drill weekends are postponed through May 11. (Source: Commander, Navy Reserve Force 03/16/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112365

CG ends St. Andrews search

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is searching for a person in the water in Saint Andrews Bay near Panama City, Fla., on March 15. Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Ala., received a report about 5 p.m. of a black male wearing black swim trunks going overboard from a pontoon boat in the vicinity of Saint Andrews Bay. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Coast Guard Sector Mobile command center at (251) 441-5976. (Source: Coast Guard 03/15/20) UPDATE: The CG suspended its search on March 16.

Coronavirus passenger on ships to MS

One of three cruise ships scheduled to dock in Gulfport, Miss., potentially carried a patient who has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, port director Jonathon Daniels learned March 15 as the ship, Carnival Valor, headed into the Gulfport Ship Channel. Three cruise ships were expected to arrive in Gulfport on March 15 and will remain in port until further notice. The company describes the move as a “layup of vessels” until such time Carnival is operating again. (Source: Sun Herald 03/14/2) A 49-year-old passenger from Ohio aboard Valor tested positive Friday for COVID-19 after he started displaying symptoms, news outlets in Columbus, Ohio, were reporting by March 14. Carnival Valor left New Orleans for a cruise on Feb. 29 and returned March 5, according to WCHM news in Ohio. (Source: Sun Herald 03/15/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241211321.html?#storylink=cpy

CG closes MS river after bridge strike

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard has closed the Mississippi River between mile markers 115 through 122 after a vessel collided with the Hale Memorial Boggs Bridge on March 15. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report around 1:30 a.m. that the ITV Cooperative Spirit, pushing 29 grain barges downriver, collided with the bridge.  No injuries, pollution or damage to the bridge was reported. Of the 29 barges, 26 have been recovered, two sank, and one is still unaccounted for while inspectors search the area. (Source: Coast Guard 03/15/20)

Largest bulk carrier calls on Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. - The Alabama State Port Authority announced March 12 that the largest bulk carrier to call on the Port of Mobile loaded more than 133,000 short tons of Alabama-based metallurgical grade coal at its McDuffie Coal Terminal. The Newcastle Max class bulk carrier, MARAN COURAGE, loaded that was bound for Asian markets. Jimmy Lyons, director/CEO for the Port Authority, noted the Newcastle Max call, along with a steady increase in Post-Panamax vessels, are due in part to past and ongoing infrastructure investments. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading the recently permitted and fully funded harbor modernization program to deepen and widen the Port of Mobile over the next few years. “When our channel is deepened, the Newcastle Max will be able to load far more tonnage, which in turn provides our customers more capacity and more competitive transportation rates to service international market opportunities,” said Lyons. Harbor improvements will primarily serve coal and containerized shippers using the larger, Post-Panamax sized vessels. Alabama’s metallurgical coal market is in demand with nearly $1.4B in recent or planned mining investments. Alabama’s low sulfur, quality coking coal is suited for steel makers. Currently, Alabama holds about 4B tons of economically recoverable coal reserves, with 80 per cent of those reserves comprised of metallurgical grade coal, according to an Auburn University at Montgomery economic impact study. (Alabama State Port Authority 03/12/20) http://www.asdd.com/pdf/LargestBulkVesselCall_PortofMobile_03102020.pdf

DoL contractor compliance aid

The U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) launched its Contractor Compliance Institute to improve compliance assistance and increase transparency for federal contractors. OFCCP encourages all federal contract holders to use the Contractor Compliance Institute, the latest compliance assistance resource, to help reach equal employment opportunity obligations. (Source: OFCCP 03/13/20) https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOLOFCCP/bulletins/275f2d1

Rarity: Northern right whale & calf

OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. - A female northern right whale and her calf were spotted March 12 off the end of the Okaloosa Island Pier in Northwest Florida. A group of people, on a banana boat run, spotted the duo. A video of the sighting was posted on the Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach hotel’s Facebook page. Jeff Fogle, director of animal management at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, was notified by Florida Fish and Wildlife and went out to see the whales. With the help of a beachgoer’s drone, Fogle was able to make a positive species identification. It’s a rarity for the species to be seen in the Gulf of Mexico. There are only 400 northern right whales in existence, he told the NW Florida Daily News. (Source: NW Fla. Daily News 03/14/20) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200313/rare-whale-and-calf-spotted-off-okaloosa-island-pier-video-photos?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NW%20Florida%20Daily%20News%20daily%202020-03-14&utm_content=INKA_FWN&utm_term=031420

Ingalls prez honored USA alum

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias was among three University of South Alabama alumni honored with 2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards presented at the 16th annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards celebration last week in Mobile, Ala. (Source: HII 03/13/20) https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file/cuccias-distinguished-almuni

Reversing course for early DDG 51s?

The search for budget savings to apply to the Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan may have the sea-service scrapping its initial plan to extend the life of the fleet’s oldest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers (DDG 51), James Geurts, the Navy’s assistant secretary for research, development and acquisition, told members of the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness on March 12. The subcommittee was wanting to know how a recently formulated plan to possibly retire 27 Flight I and Flight II Arleigh Burke destroyers fits with the Navy’s goal of a 350-ship fleet. Just days ago Geurts wrote a statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee detailing how the Navy is considering retiring the first several DDG 51s instead of extending their life-service to 45 years. “What is the business case for this decision,” asked Rep. Doug Lamborn, (R-Colo.), subcommittee’s ranking member. In 2018, the Navy plan was to extend the life of all Ashleigh Burke destroyers by 10 years, giving them an expected 45-year service life. Flight I and Flight II Arleigh Burkes would be upgraded to Aegis Baseline 9 or 10 or Aegis BMD 5.4. Since Geurt’s appearance at SASC, several media have reported the Navy was reversing course and scuttling the plan. Geurts said the plan is not finalized and, if adopted, would not occur until the 2026-2030 timeframe. The Navy is squeezing request dollars for priority programs such as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. (Source: USNI News 03/12/20) Gulf Coast Note: Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard is the builder-of-record for the Aegis DDG 51 class of guided missile destroyers, according to its website. https://news.usni.org/2020/03/12/navy-considers-reversing-course-on-arleigh-burke-class-life-extension

La. shark commercial fishing to close

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced March 12 that commercial fishing for large coastal sharks in the aggregated large coastal and hammerhead groups (great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark, and tiger shark) will close in Louisiana waters at 11:30 p.m. on March 14. The National Marine Fisheries Service will also close commercial fishing for large coastal sharks in the aggregated large coastal and hammerhead groups in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico on March 14. The season will remain closed in state and federal waters until January 1, 2021. Commercial fishing for blacktip sharks remains open. During the closed season, all commercial harvest, possession, purchase, exchange, barter, trade, sale or attempt to purchase, exchange, barter, trade or sell large coastal sharks in the aggregated or hammerhead groups or their fins is prohibited. Vessels with a Federal Shark Research Permit may continue to operate under the conditions of that permit. (Source: LDWF 03/12/20)

Waterways budget surprises industry

While Congress is just beginning to review the administration’s FY 2021 budget plan, the waterways industry is hopeful that lawmakers will reject the proposals to cut federal waterways spending, impose fees for commercial use of certain waterways, and spend no money from a trust fund 50-50 funding split by the barge industry and federal government to finance construction and repair an aging navigation infrastructure. Some congressmen, who sit on key congressional committees that oversee waterways spending, have told industry reps Trump’s plan is essentially dead on arrival; and that lawmakers will likely continue to appropriate strong budgets for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ inland waterways programs as it has in the past. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), a ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, said that budget will be “promptly ignored” and will likely escape partisan friction. President Trump’s FY-21 budget plan for the USACOE proposed $5.96B for the civil works program, down 22 percent from current appropriations. Of the $2.1B construction account, no money would be allowed to be spent on priority infrastructure projects from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. It would be the first time “zero” funding has been proposed for trust fund projects, which has surprised the waterways industry. (Source: Work Boat 03/12/20) https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/trump-barge-industry-budget-cuts-get-cool-reception-on-capital-hill/

AWO coronavirus guide for barge ops

U.S. inland barge operators are joining with others across the country in assessing how the coronavirus may affect businesses and employees. A global economic slowdown is emerging, especially in key barge markets like China, which is forcing the navigation industry to prepare for a softening demand for services. The timing is bad, as barge lines are just starting to recover from a year of high water and trade disputes that presented non-stop operational/financial challenges. There is a growing concern that an economic slowdown might mean China won’t be able to fulfill its promise to buy more U.S. agricultural products, like soybeans, under Phase One of the U.S.-China trade deal. Grain markets and soybeans are at their lowest levels as traders await news from China. While the low volumes of soybean exports continue due to the impact of the coronavirus and the persistence of African Swine Fever on China’s hogs, major consumers of soybeans. This has important implications for the barge industry, which has seen its soybean business plummet over the past year, and was hoping for new business under the trade truce with China. Deb Calhoun, acting president and CEO of the American Waterways Council (AWO) said this was a top concern at the National Grain and Feed Association Convention she attended on March 10. Also, AWO has posted a planning guide on its website to help barge companies develop and implement a COVID-19 contingency plan that it says will protect the workforce “while ensuring continuity of operations.” (Source: Work Boat 03/12/20) https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/coronavirus-affecting-trade-along-the-inland-waterways-system/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTm1OalpURTROVGRtTldGaiIsInQiOiJtUUxVYUo5V1JsNEN4Uk9CYU9ha1wvc3VWOWRUM1YrOWl0NGg4Y0lrRlJ4NVBYcDNCazdDcTJoXC9DQ0VjYjM0NHpHQjE1Zm5aUXdCVXR3MXVWXC9Ia3hZb1M2a0c2MzNxeDVGZVNhalhhOG95SGV1UW9NaUwwbWs2cVNZV3IzaG9NYyJ9

America's cup team P'cola send-off

The NW Florida community is invited to join the City of Pensacola, Port of Pensacola and Pensacola Yacht Club for a send-off celebration for the American Magic sailing team as they prepare to leave Pensacola and continue training for the 2021 America's Cup race. The send-off will be March 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Fish House restaurant. The free, family-friendly event will give the public an opportunity to meet members of the New York Yacht Club's American Magic. American Magic returned to the Port of Pensacola for a second consecutive winter training season. In 2018, American Magic became the first America’s Cup team to train on the Gulf Coast of Florida since 1970. (Source: City of Pensacola 03/05/20) https://www.cityofpensacola.com/CivicSend/ViewMessage/Message/105277

NCBC Housing Town Hall

Naval Construcion Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss., will host a Housing Town Hall meeting on March 17 at the Seabee Memorial Chapel. Base staff, military housing and private contractor Balfour Beatty Communities will be on hand to present and answer questions. Lt. Cmdr. Davin Rieke, staff judge advocate, will also present on renter's rights. The results of the Housing Residence Survey will be discussed. (Source: NCBC 03/2020) https://www.facebook.com/NCBCGulfport/photos/a.10150113483276712/10156819261696712/?type=3&theater

Austal USA starts up LCS 30

MOBILE, Ala. – Construction on the future USS Canberra (LCS 30) began here in February at Austal USA’s state-of-the-art module manufacturing facility. Dave Growden, native Australian, LCS Program Director, and a 30-year member of Austal's team, had the honor of pushing the button to start the router that cut the first piece of aluminum, signaling start of construction for the 15th Independence-variant littoral combat ship. LCS 30 will be the second U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name USS Canberra in honor of Australia’s capital city. “It’s a privilege to be building a U.S. Navy combat ship named for the capital of Australia, the birthplace of Austal USA’s parent organization,” said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle. Austal USA has delivered nine LCS to the Navy. Six are under construction (LCS 20-30); and four await the start of construction following LCS 30. (Source: Austal USA 02/22/20)

New frigates, and phantom carriers

WASHINGTON - Frustrated with Defense Department-run war games that has contributed to SECDEF Mark Esper taking over the Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan, Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said he believes planners should not have added a 12th aircraft carrier to the mix, a ship it won’t have until the 2060s. “(I)f we’re not ever really going to get to 12, why are we war-gaming around 12,” Modly told two reporters on March 10. “Why are we not war-gaming around what we most likely will have, and then figure out how we manage risk in those areas?” The Navy currently has only 11 carriers. Esper took control of the plan in February, and promised his version of it by July. Esper received widespread bipartisan criticism from lawmakers over the delay while they have to build an FY 2021 annual budget markup. One thing all parties have agree on is the need for a new class of frigates. Modly said support for the frigate program has been “consistent.” He charged Navy acquisition chief James Geurts with moving up the date of an award for the program to possibly as early as late spring. The competition to build 20 ships at a rate of two per year between 2021-29 may also see changes. Modly said he would also like to see yearly production of those ships to double. It’s not clear that shipyards bidding for the frigate work could meet such expectations. The frigate plan will likely be released before Esper wraps up his review of the Navy’s force structure, and before a new deep dive into future aircraft carriers is completed in the September. The Navy may have a new SECNAV by that timeline. The Trump administration has nominated Kenneth Braithwaite. Modly recognized as much when he briefed Esper on the plans. “I said ‘hey look, this is a starting point for us, this is not the end point’,” indicating he’s willing to make changes as ship totals and the force mix remains in flux. (Source: Breaking Defense 03/11/20) Gulf Coast Note: Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., and HII-Pascagoula, Miss., will likely be among companies bidding of the new FFG-X frigates.  https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/secnav-details-gapsbetween-navy-pentagon-shipbuilding-plans/

MS aquarium opening delayed

GULFPORT - The Mississippi Aquarium announced March 11 it is delaying the April 30 opening date because the $93M attraction will not be ready. Aquarium president David Kimmel said a new date will be announced soon. “Our team is working diligently to bring all the pieces … together perfectly, he said. “Each decision made is to ensure we are building safe habitats for our animals and creating experiences that will captivate our guests. It is our obligation to provide our city, coastal Mississippi and the entire state with an unparalleled aquatic experience - one that remains focused on our three pillars: Education, conservation and community.” Kimmel said aquarium construction downtown Gulfport is entering the final phase. The aquarium’s progress can be followed at www.msaquarium.org, with updates on construction progress and the arrival of animals. (Source: Sun Herald 03/11/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/harrison-county/article241127706.html?#storylink=cpy

Textron-NOLA producing SSCs

NEW ORLEANS - Textron Systems Corp.’s shipbuilding facility in New Orleans successfully delivered its first air-cushion vehicle, Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) Craft 100, to the Navy in February. “This delivery is the result of the dedication by the joint Navy and industry team,” said Henry Finneral, senior VP of Textron Systems, “and will provide the Navy with a needed capability to rapidly transport material, personnel and humanitarian assistance to shorelines.” Prior to delivery, Craft 100 underwent integrated testing to demonstrate the capability of its fly-by-wire steering, electrical and propulsion systems and completed its acceptance trials in December. SSC’s are replacements for the fleet of LCACs (Landing Craft, Air-Cushion) vehicles. Follow-up SSCs will primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo and personnel through tough environmental conditions to the beach. The Navy will continue to utilize Craft 100 as a test and training craft. There are 13 more SSCs in states of production in NOLA. Builder’s trials for Craft 101 are scheduled for the first quarter of 2019. Acceptance trials following later in the spring. (Source: Seapower 03/11/20) https://seapowermagazine.org/textron-delivers-first-next-generation-ship-to-shore-connector-to-the-navy/