Coast Guard, partner agencies searching for missing boat technician near Curtis Creek, Md.

U.S. Coast Guard photo illustration by Auxiliarist David Lau (archive).

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a missing man who was last seen working on a vessel at a boat shop in Curtis Bay Saturday morning.

Maryland Natural Resources Police personnel called Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region command center watchstanders around 10:15 a.m. to notify them that a 25-foot vessel had been found unmanned​ in Curtis Creek, less than 1 mile from Jaws Marine boat shop.

Allen Van Dyke, a technician at the boat shop, was last seen around 9:30 a.m. wearing dark clothing and working on said vessel.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay in Baltimore and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, launched to search for Van Dyke.

Also searching are crews with the MNRP, Baltimore City Fire Department and Maryland State Police.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case may contact the Coast Guard MNCR command center on VHF-FM channel 16 or at 410-576-2693.

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Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Resources Commission crews medevac ailing man near Jamesville, Va.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, hoists an ailing 44-year-old man from a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Milford Haven in Hudgins, Virginia, in the Chesapeake Bay near Nassawadox Creek, June 29, 2019. The Coast Guard crews teamed up with a Virginia Marine Resources Commission boat crew to medevac the man after he started feeling too ill to navigate his sailboat and called for help. (U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy, Air Station Elizabeth City).

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard crews partnered with a Virginia Marine Resources Commission boat crew to medevac an ailing 44-year-old man aboard a sailboat in the Chesapeake Bay Saturday morning.

Watchstanders at the Sector Hampton Roads command center in Portsmouth received a phone call around 8 a.m. from a man aboard the 30-foot sailing vessel Thumper who said he was ill and struggling to navigate and anchor his vessel near Nassawadox Creek.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Milford Haven in Hudgins and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, launched to assist. The VMRC also dispatched a boat crew to the scene.

Once on scene, the helicopter crew lowered their rescue swimmer, who swam to the sailboat and helped transfer the ailing man to the VMRC’s vessel. The VMRC crew brought the man to the RB-M, which served as a hoisting platform for the Jayhawk crew.

After hoisting the man, the aircrew brought him to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock.

“The shallowness of the water created a challenging environment for our boat crew, but working with the VMRC enabled us to help this mariner quickly and efficiently,” said Jerry Besecker, operations unit controller with the Sector Hampton Roads command center. “Our local partnerships are invaluable for this reason: through teamwork, we can help more people.”

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Hodges (archive).

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Coast Guard searches for person in water near West Ship Island, Mississippi

U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Elizabeth Bordelon (archive).

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard is searching for a person who jumped off a boat near West Ship Island, Mississippi, Saturday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Alabama, received a report at 1:23 p.m. of a missing 17-year-old male who jumped off the yacht Lady Monroe approximately 0.25 nautical miles north of West Ship Island.

Involved in the search are:

• An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans
• A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Gulfport
• The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Manowar
• Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

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Coast Guard assists in rescue of 3 people from capsized vessel

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Giles (archive).

NEW ORLEANS —The Coast Guard assisted in the rescue of three people whose boat capsized in Alligator Pass in Delacroix, Louisiana, Friday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 7:10 p.m. that a vessel with three people aboard capsized in Alligator Pass.

Water currents swept two of the people away from the boat.

Sector watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft—Shallow Water boatcrew from Coast Guard Station New Orleans to assist the people.

The Coast Guard helicopter crew located the two people who were swept away and directed a St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office boat crew to their location.

A good Samaritan rescued the other person near the capsized vessel.

The three people were taken to Sweet Water Marina in Delacroix in stable condition.

Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the response.

“Teamwork was a major factor in the success of this rescue,” said Scott Talbot, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Sector New Orleans. “Thanks to a combined response with our partner agencies, we were able to quickly locate and rescue the three people. If you are aboard a vessel that capsizes, we urge you to attempt to remain near the vessel because it can greatly increase your chances of being located and rescued.”

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Longview Aviation Capital Subsidiary Viking Signs Multi-Aircraft Sales Agreement for Next Generation CL-515 Aerial Firefighter & Multi-Role Amphibious Aircraft

Contract to deliver six new aircraft in 2024 is a key step towards full production program

Longview Aviation Capital (“Longview”) and its subsidiary Viking Air Limited, a global leader of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter, today announced a seven aircraft sales contract for six new-production CL-515 aircraft and one CL-415EAF.

The CL-515 is a newly developed, technically advanced multi-mission aerial firefighting aircraft – the next generation of the CANADAIR CL-415, the aviation industry’s benchmark amphibious aircraft and the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. With enhanced firefighting capabilities, and the flexibility to support a wide range of critical mission operations, the CL-515 will be a vitally important strategic asset to fleets around the world.

The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has agreed to purchase six all-new CL-515 aircraft, four of which will be delivered in “First Responder” multi-mission configuration, and two delivered in optimized aerial firefighter configuration. The purchase agreement also includes one CANADAIR CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” aircraft converted from a CANADAIR CL-215 to EAF standard by Longview Aviation Capital’s subsidiary, Longview Aviation Services.

The Republic of Indonesia’s purchase agreement is a firm commitment that is conditional only on Longview Aviation Capital’s Board of Directors approving the production launch program.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Republic of Indonesia as the first customer for this extraordinary aircraft,” said David Curtis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Longview Aviation Capital. ”This contract is a major milestone in bringing the next generation CANADAIR to market. The confidence of a sovereign government in our program is matched by our own confidence in our ability to deliver this new aircraft platform to the world. We are very well advanced in all aspects of program planning, including our supply chain, and we are nearing a final decision on manufacturing and final assembly sites. We expect to complete the remaining program milestones in the near future, and deliver the first new CL-515 on schedule in 2024.”

Program Development Process

Since acquiring the type certificates for the CANADAIR amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier in 2016, Longview has had positive discussions with numerous potential customers from around the world, including both governments and private operators, who have enthusiastically encouraged a production restart.

On the basis of the global interest in the unique and unrivalled capabilities of the CL-515, Longview and Viking have invested in a rigorous process ahead of full production launch decision:

• Consulted extensively with current global operators to understand their future aerial firefighting resource requirements
• Conducted extensive market research and feasibility studies and developed a new all-season multi-mission platform, leveraging advanced technology not previously included in the CL program
• Consulted with key supplier partners
• Undertaken advanced supply chain and manufacturing planning, including options associated with Longview’s current facilities and potential new facilities in Western Canada

CL-515 Highlights

• Up to 15% better aerial firefighting productivity, including increased tank capacity and ability to refill in 14 seconds
• State-of-the-art Collins Pro Line Fusion® digital avionics suite for unrivaled situational awareness
• Flexible architecture to support multi-mission capabilities including aerial firefighting, maritime patrol, surveillance, medevac, environmental monitoring, insect control, oil spill detection and dispersant
• Reduced maintenance and operating costs through improved, scalable avionics and superior design
• Unmatched mission efficiency and flexibility, requiring no runway or reloading capacity during waterbombing firefighting

“Indonesia is on the front lines of increasing challenges like forest fires, and as an island nation has extensive needs for a range of amphibious capabilities,” said Air Chief Marshal Yuyu Sutisna, chief of staff for Indonesia’s Air Force. “We have chosen to invest in this aircraft based on the CANADAIR’s solid track record demonstrated around the world over the last 50 years, and Viking’s established capabilities as an aircraft developer and producer. The next generation CL-515 will have unmatched operational performance, particularly as a firefighter. This aircraft has the best productivity of any aerial firefighting aircraft, capable of delivering the highest quantity of foam retardant per day, while at the same time providing the flexibility to save lives and protect our coastal areas through its multi-role SAR and Maritime Surveillance functionalities. We are proud to sign the first contract for this extraordinary aircraft that will enhance our mission capability at excellent value."

CL- 515 “First Responder” Multi-Role Amphibious Aircraft

Building on the pedigree of the CANADAIR CL-415, the CL-515 “First Responder” is the next generation of purpose-built aerial firefighter and multi-role amphibious aircraft. Through the incorporation of new technology and the integration of the state-of-the-art Collins Pro Line Fusion® digital avionics suite, the 515 provides operators with world class reliability, enhanced safety, and unrivaled situational awareness.

The significant global interest in the aircraft is underscored by the increasing worldwide frequency and severity of wildfires as a result of climate change. As truly amphibious aircraft, the CANADAIR CL-415 and the CL-515 are able to refill with water while flying, as well as mix retardant in flight. Requiring no runway to reload water, the aircraft is able to make more frequent waterbombing missions, particularly in remote or difficult to access areas.

The FAR/Part 25-certified Collins Pro Line Fusion® avionics suite is a scalable software-based system that addresses current regulatory requirements while anticipating future expansion. The core avionics configuration features Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls.

The new-production CL-515 offers exceptional aerial firefighting capabilities offering up to a 15% increase in productivity while reducing maintenance and operating costs. Its expanded tank capacity (7,000 L) and ability to refill in 14 seconds from water sources in close proximity to wildfires allows the CL-515 to drop enormous amounts of foam-injected fire retardant on a continuous basis.

As a true multi-mission platform, the CL-515 First Responder’s flexible architecture allows integration of mission equipment for a variety of roles in a single airframe, including aerial firefighting, maritime patrol, surveillance, medevac, environmental monitoring, insect control, oil spill detection and dispersant.

The CL-515 is the only aerial firefighter and multi-mission amphibious aircraft built and supported by an OEM with complete full factory warranty, established world-class product support network, and factory-endorsed Full Motion Level D Flight Simulator, making it the most technically advanced multi-mission aerial firefighting aircraft available on the market.

Added Mr. Curtis: “Our plans for the CL-515 build on our successful track record as an aircraft OEM. Our team conceived and developed the world-renowned Viking Series 400 Twin Otter, and to-date we have sold and delivered new aircraft to operators in 31 countries around the world. Longview and Viking have earned a reputation as the world leader in utility aircraft, and we have every confidence in our company’s ability to efficiently produce a multi-role aircraft that will set a new global standard for amphibious operations.”

In addition to Viking, Longview Aviation Capital includes De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, OEM of the worldwide Dash 8 aircraft program including the 100, 200 and 300 series and the in-production Dash 8 Series 400 program manufactured in Ontario.

Viking Launches World Demonstration Tour for Guardian 400 Special Mission Aircraft at Paris International Airshow

The Guardian 400 Technical Demonstrator aircraft will feature Airborne Technologies’ SCAR Pods, Hensoldt Argos EO/IR imaging turret, Leonardo Osprey Radar System, Sentient Vidar Camera system, Airborne Technologies’ tactical workstation, Carte Nav AIMS mission software system, Viking conformal bubble windows, IKHANA L/H & R/H wing-mounted hard points, Thunder Bay Aviation stretcher racks, and aft lavatory.

Featuring a pixelated camouflage paint scheme, the Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft flew from Viking’s corporate headquarters in Western-Canada at the beginning of June to Airborne Technologies’ facilities in Wiener Neustadt, Austria for further modifications prior to the Paris Air Show.

Airborne Technologies, Viking’s principal partner for the tour, is missionizing the Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft. It has designed and manufactured the wing-mounted SCAR pods that house the aircraft’s sensor equipment and its Airborne LINX® flexible surveillance architecture solution that integrates all sensors and communications systems on board the aircraft with an intuitive user interface.

The sensor equipment installed on the Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft has been supplied by key tour sponsors, including Hensoldt, Leonardo, Sentient. Hensoldt has supplied the Argos EO/IR imaging turret with multi-spectral HDTV camera, mega-pixel HD Thermal imager, laser range finder, multi-mode auto tracker, and Remote Image Bus (RIB) video feed for display on the cockpit MFD and/or crew workstation.

An Osprey Radar system, supplied by Leonardo, is a low size weight and power (SWaP) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar surveillance system that features 120-degree forward swath and true multi-mission capability for high performance maritime and land surveillance. The Osprey system also provides high-resolution ground mapping, small and low speed ground target indication, and air-to-air surveillance, tracking and intercept capability.

Sentient has supplied the Visual Detection and Ranging (ViDAR) Camera system complete with Kestrel moving target indication (MTI). The VidAR is a wide area optical search system consisting of high-resolution sensors coupled with onboard automation software capable of detecting small objects and dramatically extending aircraft coverage during Search & Rescue missions. The Kestrel MTI continuously detects moving objects while increasing the surveillance area by a factor of 20, thereby reducing operator fatigue and increasing reliable detection over long missions.

CarteNav Solutions, also a key contributor to the Guardian 400 demonstrator, is providing its AIMS mission system software that processes and manages imagery and data from the various sensors to enhance situational awareness and improve mission effectiveness with real time, geo-referenced local operating pictures.

The Guardian 400 prototype will also feature an Airborne Technologies’ tactical workstation with high-definition touchscreen monitors, data/voice/video recorder, Mission Management Unit (MMU), mission radio communications, intuitive hand controller for MCU & SLR camera targeting and IKHANA ergonomic operators mission seat for optimized crew comfort. The prototype will also be equipped with Viking conformal bubble windows, left and right NATO standard wing-mounted hard points by IKHANA, Thunder Bay Aviation stretcher racks, and an aft lavatory for crew comfort.

“We have been engaged in the special missions arena for many years, and have put together a team of partners, led by Airborne Technologies, with extensive experience integrating flexible architecture solutions that are customized to suit each customer’s specific mission requirements,” said Robert Mauracher, Viking executive vice president, Sales & Marketing.

AeroSimulators Group is providing simulation support for the Guardian 400 aircraft demonstration at the Paris International Airshow as well as providing additional simulation support during the world demonstration tour.

Immediately following the Paris International Airshow, the Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft will return to Airborne’s facility in Austria and be made available for European prospects to view until mid-September when the aircraft embarks on the next leg of its world tour.

The Guardian 400 world demonstration tour encompasses detailed briefings and demonstration flights scheduled for Austria, Italy, Algeria, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Russia, United States, and Canada. A tour extension to Central and South America is also under consideration to commence in the fall of 2020.

The Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft will also be available for viewing in conjunction with the 2019 Dubai Airshow, 2020 Singapore Airshow, and the 2020 CANSEC Defence & Security Show in Ottawa, Canada.

About the Guardian 400 Twin Otter:

Viking developed the Guardian 400 in response to foreign military and government agency demand for a medium-range maritime patrol, SAR and critical infrastructure platform based on the new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Designed as an economical force multiplier for 21st century surveillance and security requirements, the Guardian 400’s low acquisition and operating costs combined with its modern, flexible sensor architecture allows it to be customized to suit operators’ financial and mission requirements.

The Guardian 400 is the only special mission aircraft capable of operating on five different types of landing gear, including amphibious or straight floats, wheel skis, intermediate flotation gear for off strip operations, and/or standard wheel gear, allowing the Guardian 400 the unique opportunity to provide on-site interdiction or rescue while conducting surveillance.

The Guardian 400’s robust design, minimal maintenance requirements, and exceptional short-field performance capabilities make it ideally suited for specialized government operations in extreme environments. Certified under the restricted category, the Guardian 400’s increased take-off weight and ultra long-range wing tanks allow for operational sorties over 10 hours in duration.

Trusted by the governments of Peru, Panama, the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, over thirty Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft have now entered service in various roles, including maritime surveillance, search & rescue, parachute operations, pipeline monitoring, drug enforcement, medevac, and critical infrastructure support.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater welcomes new commander

Rear Adm. Eric C. Jones, commander of the Coast Guard 7th District, addresses a crowd June 27, 2019, during Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater’s change of command ceremony in Clearwater, Florida. Jones presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Edward W. Sandlin transferred command of Air Station Clearwater to Capt. Joseph T. McGilley. (U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Dickinson).

CLEARWATER, Fla.​ — Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater welcomed a new commanding officer Thursday during a change-of-command ceremony at Air Station Clearwater.

Capt. Joseph McGilley relieved Capt. Edward Sandlin from the duties and responsibilities of commanding officer during the ceremony.​

McGilley reports to Clearwater after serving at the Coast Guard 9th District headquarters in Cleveland, where he served as the chief of response for the district, which coordinates and executes all Coast Guard search and rescue, environmental, security and maritime law enforcement actions in the Great Lakes region.​

Sandlin has served as the commanding officer of the air station since 2016. He formally retired from military service after over 27 years.

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition. It represents a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.​

The event ensures the continuity of leadership and operations within the air station’s area of responsibility.​ ​

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Coast Guard, local partners searching for 2 people in Mobile Bay, Alabama

U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer Elizabeth Bordelon (archive).

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard is searching for two people who reportedly fell off their boat in Mobile Bay, Alabama, Wednesday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday of three people falling off their boat without lifejackets into Mobile Bay.

One person was safely recovered on Gaillard Island.

Involved in the search are:

• A 45-Foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island
• An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans
• The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Manowar
• Local partners from Daphne Search and Rescue, Alabama Marine Resources, Mobile Police Department, Bon Secour Fire Department, and Alabama State Troopers

Anyone with information regarding the search is requested to contact Sector Mobile at(251) 441-6212.

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Coast Guard searching for missing diver 18 miles west of Sanibel Island

MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse (archive).

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. —​ The Coast Guard is searching Wednesday for a missing diver 18 miles west of Sanibel Island.

At 10:50 a.m.,​ Coast Guard​ Sector St. Petersburg​ Command Center watchstanders received a report from an 18-foot recreational vessel, stating a 52-year-old male diver never resurfaced.

A​ Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater​ HC-130 Hercules and​ MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew were dispatched along with a 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew from Station Fort Myers Beach.​

Also searching are Lee County Sheriff's Office marine unit, Cape Coral Fire Rescue and Estero marine dive team.

For more breaking news follow us on​ Twitter.

Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crew members from Air Station Clearwater. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo (archive).

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JAPAN NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY PLACES WORLD’S FIRST ORDER FOR SUBARU BELL 412EPX

BELL and SUBARU have been working together for nearly 60 years in Japan.

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and SUBARU CORPORATION, announced that the Japan National Police Agency (JPNA) has placed the first order for a SUBARU BELL 412EPX.

“We thank the National Police Agency for its trust. These aircraft will contribute to the overall safety and security of the people in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. We look forward to further collaboration and continued success with SUBARU for many years to come."

Mitch Snyder, Bell president and chief executive officer.

“We are honored that SUBARU received the world’s first order for the SUBARU BELL 412EPX by the Japanese National Police Agency. We thank BELL for its great cooperation and, together, we are committed to delivering the highest quality SUBARU BELL 412EPX to the National Police Agency. This order is the first milestone to bringing the SUBARU BELL 412EPX to customers around the world.”

Shoichiro Tozuka, Corporate Senior Vice President of SUBARU CORPORATION and the Aerospace company President.
Together with SUBARU’s unique laser peening technology, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX will benefit from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, increased internal Maximum Gross Weight to 12,200 lbs. and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots. This will provide operators the ability to transport more supplies and achieve better operational efficiency.
The BELL 412 has the impeccable reputation of reliability in some of the most extreme climates. Its versatile cabin accommodates an array of options to suit any specific mission needs. The Bell 412 continues to be the twin-engine helicopter of choice in the para-public sector, with governments in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, United States and Thailand incorporating the aircraft in their operations.
BELL’s history in Japan started with the delivery of three Bell 47D-1s to Mainichi Press, Yomiuri Press and Chunichi Press on Nov. 24, 1952. Historically, Bell has supplied most of the helicopters - more than 1,500 aircraft - that have been used or are still in service in Japan. 
SUBARU has a long established partnership with Bell since 1960s for the licensed production of the HU-1B/204B. Since then, through the cooperation with Bell, SUBARU has been manufacturing and supporting more than 400 helicopters in Japan, including the UH-1H/204B-2, UH-1J/205B and AH-1S to the JMOD.  SUBARU has been providing helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul support to the Japan Coast Guard, Japan National Police Agency, and to the Japan Firefighting and Disaster Relief Government Agencies. 

Coast Guard medevacs woman from cruise ship near Kake, Alaska

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka medevacs a woman from a cruise ship near Kake, Alaska, June 25, 2019. She was flown to Air Station Sitka and placed in the care of awaiting EMS, then transported to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center in Sitka. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Sitka.

SITKA, Alaska — The Coast Guard medevaced a woman from a cruise ship near Kake, Tuesday.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka medevaced the woman who was experiencing serious health complications aboard the Ovation of the Seas in Frederick Sound near Kake. She was flown to Air Station Sitka and placed in the care of awaiting EMS, then transported to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center in Sitka.

Coast Guard watch standers in the Sector Juneau command center received the request for the medevac at approximately 2:15 p.m.

The aircrew launched from Sitka, along with a Coast Guard corpsman who helped administer oxygen to the patient in flight.

“When we initially received this call, we anticipated being able to hoist this woman to the helicopter in a rescue basket,”said Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Williams, aviation survival technician on the case. “Her situation had deteriorated by the time we arrived on scene, and I immediately recognized we would need to use a rescue litter. The crew on the cruise ship was extremely helpful in preparing her for the hoist, and with their cooperation we were able to bring this woman to the care she needed in Sitka.”

The woman was alert and responsive upon arriving at the hospital, but was reported to be in critical condition.

The 1,138-foot Ovation of the Seas was headed from Skagway to Victoria, British Columbia.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Kellen Browne (archive).

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Coast Guard searching for person in the water in Lake Salvador, Louisiana

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Giles (archive).

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard is searching for a person in the water at Lake Salvador, Louisiana, Monday.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a report at 6:50 p.m. Sunday of a 22-year-old male who reportedly entered the water without a personal flotation device on the northeastern end of Lake Salvador.

Involved in the search are:

• Coast Guard Station New Orleans 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew
• Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew
• Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department
• Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries

Anyone with information is requested to contact Sector New Orleans at (504) 365-2200.

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Safran continuará brindando soporte para los motores de los helicópteros Merlin y Apache británicos

24 de junio de 2019, Fareham.

Safran Helicopter Engines ha firmado la prolongación del contrato de soporte durante tres años más con el Ministerio de Defensa de Reino Unido, continuando así con el servicio de disponibilidad "de extremo a extremo" para los motores RTM322 en las flotas de AW101 (EH101) Merlin de la Royal Navy y los AH-64 Mk1 Apache de la British Army.

Cubriendo el total de más de 400 motores, el contrato representa una continuación del soporte proporcionado por Safran para este tipo de turboeje desde 2013, cuando la compañía francesa adquirió la participación de Rolls-Royce en el RTM322. Desde entonces Safran ha mejorado significativamente la fiabilidad de la turbina.

Safran Helicopter Engines gestiona este contrato desde sus instalaciones del Reino Unido en Fareham, Hampshire, cubriendo la provisión de motores, módulos, accesorios y repuestos e incluyendo mantenimiento, reparación y revisión, logística, soporte técnico y la emisión de publicaciones técnicas.

Estará en activo hasta el 31 de marzo de 2022, con opción prolongable en dos años adicionales más.

Safran to continue supporting UK MOD Merlin and Apache helicopter engines

24 June 2019, Fareham.

Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a three-year support contract extension with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support agency, to provide an end-to-end availability service for the RTM322 engines fitted to Royal Navy Merlin and British Army Apache AH Mk1 helicopters. Covering a fleet of more than 400 engines, the contract represents a continuation of the support provided by Safran for this engine type since 2013, when they bought out Rolls-Royce’s share of the RTM322. Since then, Safran has significantly improved engine reliability and can now boast more than four years of significantly exceeding availability targets for engines, accessories and spare parts. 

Safran Helicopter Engines manages this contract from its UK facility in Fareham, Hampshire with more than 40 people on site directly involved. The contract covers the provision of engines, modules, accessories and spares, including maintenance, repair and overhaul, logistics, technical support and technical publications.  It runs until 31st March 2022 with additional option years to 2024.

Air Vice-Marshal Graham Russell, Director Helicopters at the UK MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, commented: “Safran Helicopter Engines has provided highly capable, reliable and responsive support to our fleet of RTM322 engines during the previous contract, consistently delivering high levels of engine availability.  Consequently, we are very pleased to have signed this extension to the contract which will ensure continued effective support to the front line.” 

Franck Saudo, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, said, “We’re delighted to be awarded this contract extension. It shows a high level of confidence from the UK MOD in our engine solutions and in our teams. We are committed to earn that trust by providing them with a high level of service, as they prepare to deploy these helicopters aboard the UK’s new aircraft carriers.”