Coast Guard medevacs mariner near Galveston, Texas

Video by U.S. Coast Guard District 8

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew medevacs a 36-year-old mariner from a disabled vessel. Eighth Coast Guard District watchstanders received an emergency position indicating radio beacon alert after the vessel became disabled approximately 40 nautical miles offshore, and a mariner aboard reportedly began exhibiting symptoms of extreme dehydration.

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard medevaced a 36-year-old mariner from a 28-foot recreational vessel near Galveston, Wednesday afternoon.

Eighth Coast Guard District watchstanders received an emergency position indicating radio beacon alert after the vessel became disabled approximately 40 miles offshore, and a mariner aboard reportedly began exhibiting symptoms of extreme dehydration.

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew arrived on scene, hoisted the mariner and transported him to awaiting University of Texas Medical Branch personnel at Scholes International Airport at Galveston. He was reported to be in stable condition.

The Coast Guard Cutter Beluga crew arrived on scene and transferred five additional mariners with no medical concerns to Sector Field Office Galveston.

The Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark crew arrived on scene and took the disabled vessel and three remaining mariners in tow. CGC Tiger Shark is scheduled to be relieved by TowBoatUS.

Weather on scene was reported as 5-8 mph winds with 2-foot seas.

-USCG-

Coast Guard recognizes officers involved in off-duty rescue on Mt. Whitney

Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Mendenhall, U.S. Coast Guard District 11

Coast Guard officers Lt. Rachel Thomas and Lt. Mike Wu, and others, assist injured climbers after they fell on California’s Mt Whitney, June 10, 2018. Thomas and Wu stabilized injuries while awaiting rescue by Inyo County and California Highway Patrol. Thomas and Wu are assigned to Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard recognized two officers, Wednesday, who were involved in an off-duty rescue on Mt. Whitney in early June.

Capt. Tony Ceraolo, the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco commander, presented Coast Guard Commendation Medals to Lt. Rachel Thomas and Lt. Mike Wu during a recognition ceremony held on Yerba Buena Island.

Thomas and Wu were climbing the 14,505-foot summit of Mt. Whitney, June 10, when they witnessed three climbers fall approximately 500 feet down the steep mountainside. Thomas and Wu made their way to the fallen climbers and assessed their injuries, which included head wounds and fractured bones.

Thomas and Wu proceeded to use clothing, blankets and climbing equipment to stabilize the wounded, restricting blood loss and preventing the onset of shock. Although limited cellular service in the area prohibited calling 911, Thomas and Wu were able to send text messages to other Coast Guard members, initiating a rescue effort.

For four hours, Thomas and Wu stabilized the wounded, keeping them warm and hydrated as they awaited rescue at their remote position at 13,000 feet.

The wounded were air-lifted off of the mountain by a California Highway Patrol rescue helicopter crew and taken to a nearby hospital.

"The Coast Guard Commandant's guiding principles are that we are ready, relevant and responsive," said Ceraolo. "These members' actions proved and embodied these three principles and show that both on and off duty our members are always ready and relevant."

-USCG-

Coast Guard, state, local agencies search for missing man off Kent Island, Maryland

MH-65 Dolphin, ©USCG

BALTIMORE – Coast Guard crews, with state and local partners, are searching by air and sea for a man who reportedly fell overboard between Kent Narrows and Herring Bay, Wednesday afternoon.

The missing man is described as being a white male, about 6-feet tall, 180-190 pounds, wearing blue shorts and a dark shirt without a life jacket.

Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region received a report at about 2:45 p.m., that a person aboard a 40-foot cabin cruiser was missing. The boat owner, a novice, had gotten underway with his friend. During the trip, the friend had gone below deck and when he had not reappeared about an hour later and once the boat was in calmer waters, the owner searched the boat for his friend.

After realizing his friend was no longer aboard, he called a friend on shore, who called the Coast Guard. The reporting source stated that the man had likely fallen overboard between Kent Narrows and Herring Bay.

The sector command center launched search crews aboard a 45-foot response boat from Station Annapolis and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey. Additionally, the Maryland Natural Resources Police responded with boats and a helicopter, the Maryland State Police has searched with Trooper 2 and Anne Arundel County Fire Department deployed a boat.

The on-scene weather was reported as 25 knot winds, 4-to-5-foot seas and a water temperature of 75 degrees.

If anyone sees anything in the vicinity south of Kent Island, it is requested that they contact the Coast Guard sector command center on VHF-FM channel 16, or at 410-576-2525.

-USCG-

Boeing Chinook Block II Program Moves to Final Assembly

First of three CH-47F Block II development aircraft nearing completion

Block II Program has moved from contract award to final assembly in only 11 months

Image: CH-47D Chinook
BHELTRA V (FAMET) SpanishArmy
© Beatriz Martín Blancas

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., June 27, 2018 —Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army celebrated a major CH-47F Block II program milestone with the loading of the first engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) helicopter into final assembly on June 27.

“The CH-47F Block II represents tomorrow’s heavy lift readiness for the United States Army and her allied partners,” said Col. Greg Fortier, U.S. Army project manager for Cargo Helicopters. “Whether it is increasing total payload, improving the transmission, advancing the Chinook rotor blade, or setting the conditions for supervised autonomous flight, this aircraft provides ground tactical commanders immense capability to win in the multi-domain battle.”

The contract to develop the next-generation Chinook for the U.S. Army conventional and Special Operations Forces was awarded to Boeing in July 2017. The Block II program incorporates several upgrades to increase lift capability, including Advanced Chinook Rotor Blades, an upgraded fuselage, new fuel system, and new drivetrain. These updates greatly increase the commonality between U.S. Army and allied fleets, thus reducing maintenance costs.

“Our progress from contract award to final assembly in less than a year is a direct result of the efficiency and reliability of the program,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Boeing Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “Block II upgrades will help keep Chinooks in operation for the U.S. Army into the 2060s.”

The first Block II aircraft is expected to be completed in 2019, with flight testing scheduled shortly thereafter.  First delivery is expected in 2023. Eventually, the Army will upgrade more than 500 Chinooks to the new configuration.

Airbus Helicopters y Safran lanzan un importante impulso de competitividad para los H125 y H130

Dos de los helicópteros producidos en Marignane, los Airbus H125 y H130, recibirán un impulso para su operatividad gracias a una significativa reducción en sus costes de mantenimiento directo para los motores Safran Arriel 2D, que ambas aeronaves montan de forma individual (monomotores o single engine). 

Las dos principales mejoras proporcionadas por Safran son la extensión en un 25% del tiempo entre overhaul (TBO) aumentándolo hasta las 5.000 horas, tanto para nuevos helicópteros como aquellos que ya se encuentren en servicio, además de una nueva condición en la garantía de tres años / 2.000 horas, en lugar de la anterior de dos años / 1.000 horas de vuelo *vigente para helicópteros H125 y H130 entregados en 2018.

"Safran trabaja continuamente en sus motores para que alcancen mayor robustez y facilitar su mantenimiento", Nicolas Billecocq, vicepresidente del Programa de motores para helicópteros ligeros de Safran Helicopter Engines. "Las extensas pruebas de resistencia realizadas en los Arriel 2D, junto con el análisis de los datos de la flota, nos han permitido validar aún más la fortaleza y simplicidad del motor. Gracias a estas nuevas mejoras, el Arriel 2D contará con uno de los costes de mantenimiento directo más bajos de su clase".

"Mejorar la satisfacción del cliente y la competitividad de nuestros productos es una de nuestras principales prioridades en Airbus Helicopters. Estas mejoras de durabilidad del motor son una clara ilustración de nuestros esfuerzos en esta dirección", Axel Aloccio, Jefe del Programa de helicópteros ligeros de Airbus Helicopters. "La extensión de TBO y garantía son grandes mejoras para los operadores de H125 y H130 en todo el mundo: estos dos modelos siguen ofreciendo la mejor relación calidad-precio".

"Los clientes de H125 y H130 también se beneficiarán gracias a la eliminación de la limitación en el calendario, que hasta ahora obligaba a realizar una inspección del motor en un centro de reparación cada 15 años independientemente de la cantidad de horas registradas". 

La robustez del Arriel 2D elimina la necesidad de un límite de calendario en los módulos 1, 2, 4 y 5, mientras que para el módulo 3, la condición del motor puede revisarse y repararse durante los calendarios periódicos en los centros de mantenimiento.

Los H125 y H130 lideran el mercado de helicópteros monomotores, representando casi el 70% del total de unidades entregadas en los últimos cinco años. 

El H125 supera a todos los demás monomotores gracias a su gran rendimiento en entornos altos y calurosos, además de su enorme versatilidad y bajos costes de operación. 

El H130 es el helicóptero más silencioso y seguro de su clase, se ha convertido en referencia para el transporte de pasajeros. 

Más de 1.000 helicópteros H125 y H130 equipados con Arriel 2D están en servicio en todo el mundo y han registrado, colectivamente, más de 1 millón de horas de vuelo. 

El Arriel 2D ofrece costes de operación extremadamente competitivos, un 10% más bajos en promedio que los de las versiones anteriores. El Arriel 2D también cuenta con el respaldo de un paquete completo de servicio de Safran, especialmente a través del contrato de soporte por horas (SBH®) y el programa 5Star, totalmente adaptados para clientes que operan con menos de cinco helicópteros.

Ejercicio de defensa antiaérea en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

El Regimiento de Artillería Antiaérea nº 94 ha realizado el ejercicio de instrucción y adiestramiento “Doramas”, del 20 al 22 de junio, en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, como parte de su plan de adiestramiento anual.

El Grupo de Artillería Antiaérea I/94 desplegó una Unidad de Defensa Antiaérea (UDAA), integrada en el Sistema de Defensa Aérea del territorio nacional, bajo la responsabilidad del Mando Aéreo de Combate del Ejército del Aire. De esta manera, se consiguió un único sistema de defensa integrado, coherente y complementario que permitiera defender el archipiélago contra cualquier amenaza que proviniese del espacio aéreo. La misión particular de la UDAA consistió en defender los principales puntos vitales de la isla contra incursiones enemigas de ala fija, ala rotatoria y sistemas aéreos no tripulados.

La UDAA contó con el apoyo de los medios de telecomunicaciones e información de la Compañía de Transmisiones del Batallón de Cuartel General de la Brigada “Canarias” XVI, la Unidad de Aviones Blanco Radio Dirigidos, propia del GAAA I/94, así como aeronaves de ala fija de oportunidad y unidades aéreas del Batallón de Helicópteros de Maniobra VI. Esta última unidad colaboró también en el helitransporte de un pelotón “Mistral” desde el Campo de Maniobras y Tiro de la Isleta para su despliegue en el Escuadrón de Vigilancia Aérea nº 21.

Airbus and Safran roll out major competitiveness boost to H125 and H130

27 June  2018, Bordes 

Safran  has  significantly  reduced  direct  maintenance  costs  of  its  Arriel  2D  engine,  which  equips  both Airbus  H125  and  H130  helicopters.  This  competitiveness  boost  will  benefit  to  customers  who operates  those  single  engines. 

The  two  main  improvements  provided  by  Safran  are  the  extension  of  25  %  the  time  between overhaul  (TBO)  to  5,000  hours  for  new  and  in-service  helicopters,  and  the  new  three  year/  2,000 hours  warranty  conditions  –  replacing  the  previous  two  year/1,000  hours  warranty  –  for  all  H125  and H130  helicopters  delivered  in 2018. 

“Safran  continuously  works  to  make  its  engines  more  robust  and  easy-to-use”,  says  Nicolas Billecocq,  Safran  Helicopter  Engines’  vice  president  of  the  Light  Helicopter  Engines  Program. “Extensive  endurance  tests  conducted  on  the  Arriel  2D  and  analysis  of  engine  fleet  data  have enabled  us  to  further  validate  the  engine’s  strength  and  simplicity.  Thanks  to  these  new improvements, the Arriel  2D  will  feature one  of  the lowest direct maintenance costs  of  its  class.” 

“Improving  customer  satisfaction  and  the  competitiveness  of  our  products  is  one  of  our  top  priorities at  Airbus  Helicopters. These engine durability  enhancements  are a  clear  illustration of  our  efforts  in this  direction,”  said  Axel  Aloccio,  Head  of  the  Light  Helicopter  Programme  at  Airbus  Helicopters. “The  TBO  and  warranty  extension  are  very  concrete  improvements  for  H125  and  H130  operators around the  world:  those two types  keep offering the best value for money.”   

H125  and  H130  customers  will  also  benefit  from  the  removal  of  the  calendar  limitation,  which  until now  required  an  engine  inspection  at  a  repair  centre  every  15  years,  regardless  of  the  number  of hours  logged.    

The  exceptional  robustness  of  the  Arriel  2D  eliminates  the  need  for  a  calendar  limit  on  modules  1, 2,  4  and  5,  while  for  module  3,  the  engine’s  condition  can  be  restored  during  a  periodic  visit performed  at  a  maintenance centre. 

The  H125  and  H130  lead  the  single-engine  helicopter  market,  accounting  for  almost  70%  of deliveries  in  the  last  five  years.  The  H125  outclasses  all  other  single-engines  thanks  to  its performance  in  high  and  hot  environments,  versatility  and  low  operating  costs.  The  H130  is  the quietest and  safest helicopter in  its  class, having become the  reference for passenger  transport.   

An  Arriel-powered  helicopter takes  off  every  15 seconds  –  all  day,  every  day.  In service  since  2011 on  Airbus’  H125  and  H130,  more  than  1,000  Arriel  2D  equipped  H125  and  H130  helicopters  are  in service  worldwide,  collectively  logging  more  than  one  million  flight  hours.  In  service  since  2011  on Airbus’  H125  and  H130,  the  Arriel  2D  offers  extremely  competitive  operating  costs,  10%  lower  in average  than those of  earlier variants. 

The  Arriel  2D  is  also  backed  by  a  complete  Safran  service  package,  notably  the  Support  By  the Hour  (SBH®)  contract  and  the  5Star  programme,  fully  adapted  to  customers  operating  fewer  than five helicopters. 

The Arriel is the best-selling helicopter engine in its class. Over the past 40 years, over 12,000 units have been produced, together logging more than 50 million flight hours. With power outputs ranging from 650 to over 1,000 shp, the Arriel family now powers over 40 different helicopter types. 

Iberia takes delivery of its first A350-900

Reinforcing its long-haul services to the Americas

Iberia, Spain’s flag carrier and a founding member of the IAG’s group of airlines, has taken delivery of its first of 16 A350 XWB on order, becoming the 18th airline to operate the world’s newest and most efficient twin-engine widebody.

The aircraft is the first A350-900 to feature the latest performance improvement package including a wing twist, extended winglets and increased maximum takeoff weight capability, delivering unrivalled performance across Iberia’s network. The aircraft is configured in a premium three-class layout, with 348 seats, including 31 full lie-flat bed Business, 24 Premium Economy and 293 Economy seats.

“We are delighted to receive our first A350, an aircraft that represents perfectly the efficiency and modernity of the new Iberia, as well as the power and energy that brought us here,” said Luis Gallego, President of Iberia. “If during these last years we transformed ourselves to survive, now we are transforming ourselves for excellence, a cycle change that this new aircraft represents so well.”

“We are tremendously proud of Airbus’ long standing relationship with Iberia and to be delivering its first A350-900,” said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO. “Iberia was a founding member airline of IAG, a group that with this delivery successfully operates every member of our commercial aircraft family, from the A318 to the largest A380 and now the most modern A350. Congratulations to the teams of Iberia and IAG.”

The A350-900 will join Iberia’s all-Airbus fleet comprising more than 100 aircraft (including Iberia Express), allowing them to leverage the full benefit of Airbus’ unique aircraft family commonality.

In order to reduce its carbon footprint, the A350 XWB delivery flight from Toulouse to Madrid is fuelled with a blend of sustainable jet fuel.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. As the founding member of “Airspace by Airbus” cabin brand, the A350 XWB cabin provides passengers and crews the best in comfort, well-being and technology.

To date, Airbus has recorded 847 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 44 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Australia to Purchase Triton Aircraft System, Delivering Unprecedented Maritime Domain Awareness

The first operational MQ-4C Triton comes in for a landing at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, on November 9. (Photo credit: U.S. Navy)

The Australian Department of Defence­ officially announced its plan on June 26, 2018 to purchase the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)-built Triton aircraft system, further cementing the company’s commitment to a longstanding U.S. ally.

An unmanned aircraft system with an autonomous capability built for maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Triton is the first Northrop Grumman-built aircraft system Australia has purchased. The system will be operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

“Northrop Grumman looks forward to bringing the Triton unmanned system with its autonomous capability to Australia,” said Ian Irving, chief executive officer, Northrop Grumman Australia. “Working with the Royal Australian Air Force and the U.S. Navy, we are confident that we can provide the best capability to fulfill Australia’s maritime mission.”

(L to R) Northrop Grumman Chairman and CEO Wes Bush, Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Minister for Defence Marise Payne, Australian Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne and Australia’s Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC.

Triton can fly at altitudes of 55,000 feet for 24 hours at a time and is equipped with sensors that provide high-resolution imagery and near real-time video. Pilots and sensor operators fly the Triton from ground stations, which can command flights all over the world.

“Triton provides unprecedented endurance and 360-degree coverage through its unique sensor suite,” said Doug Shaffer, vice president of Triton programs, Northrop Grumman. “Australia has one of the largest sea zones in the world over which it has rights to use marine resources, also known as an Economic Exclusion Zone. As a flexible platform, Triton can serve in missions as varied as maritime domain awareness, target acquisition, fisheries protection, oil field monitoring and humanitarian relief.”

Triton builds on Northrop Grumman’s legacy of success in autonomous systems. The U.S. Navy recently acquired two operational Triton aircraft and is under contract for six more. These aircraft will go to Guam later this year and provide the Navy with an unprecedented common operating picture of the maritime environment. Triton can detect, classify and track ships over large swaths of ocean and littorals. The U.S. Navy program of record is for 68 aircraft.

Northrop Grumman has been building its presence Down Under for many years. The global aerospace and technology company will be the anchor tenant of an AUD $50 million Electronic Sustainment Centre of Excellence, to be established at the Badgerys Creek Airport precinct in western Sydney. The new centre will support advanced electronics such as communications and electronic warfare equipment, and targeting pods. Northrop Grumman will bring together highly skilled technicians, engineers and other professionals whose work will be further supported by the company’s high-end technology and software expertise.

Through a Global Supply Chain Deed signed with the Australian Department of Defence in 2011 and renewed in 2017, Northrop Grumman is identifying opportunities for Australian industry to be part of the company's global supply chain. For example, Northrop Grumman’s largest Australian F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter supplier, Quickstep Technologies, demonstrated that its new production facility is equipped and qualified to manufacture and deliver quality composite parts for the F-35’s centre fuselage. At a new facility opened in Bankstown, Sydney, in 2012, Quickstep is expected to manufacture over 36,000 parts for the F-35.

Northrop Grumman also works with CEA Technologies, one of Australia's leading military electronic systems and radar companies, and Electro Optics Systems, which develops products incorporating advanced electro-optic technologies for the global aerospace market.

“Australia and the United States are celebrating 100 Years of Mateship this year, marking an alliance that goes back to the trenches of WWI. Northrop Grumman is proud to partner with such a loyal friend and provide this unprecedented capability to the RAAF,” said Irving. “We consider Triton and its autonomous technology to be the future of the next centennial of aviation, and we are honored to be part of this century-long partnership.”

Hoy se cumplen 8 años desde el primer vuelo del H145 (EC145 T2)

H145, ©Charles Abarr/Airbus Helicopters

Tal dia como hoy, el 26 de junio del 2010 (8 años atrás), realizaba su primer vuelo el más moderno de la familia de helicópteros bimotor de Airbus, el H145 (EC145 T2/BK117 D2).

Esta última versión de la famila EC145/BK117 se diferencia principalmente por su antipar carenado de tipo Fenestron, nueva TGB, MGB actualizada, la supresión de los End Plates (estabilizadores verticales laterales), un puro de cola fabricado en materiales compuestos, doble actuador para el Fenestron y dos sistemas hidráulicos, motores Safran Arriel 2E y la suite de aviónica Helionix (que incorpora AFCS de cuatro ejes en todos los modelos que la montan, actualmente: H135, H160, H175 y por supuesto el H145). 

Sin embargo Airbus Helicopters ha tenido una amplia visión comercial para la familia 145, manteniendo en producción las dos versiones del helicóptero medio con rotor principal rígido, una decisión muy acertada por parte del fabricante ya que proporciona al cliente la opción que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades.

En  conjunto, la serie BK117, EC145 y H145, ha supuesto para el fabricante Airbus Helicopters la venta de unas 1.300 unidades que, entre todas ellas, han superado ya los 4 millones de horas de vuelo.

El H145 tiene la capacidad de transporte de hasta un máximo de once pasajeros en single-pilot y diez en multi-pilot (según configuración). Es un helicóptero adaptable para cualquier tipo de misión en onshore y offshore, además también está disponible la variante militar H145M.

H145 ha sido pensado para operar en ambientes cálidos y fríos, ofreciendo un magnífico rendimiento; es Categoría A. Además su planta motriz entrega una gran potencia incluso en sitiación de OEI, lo que proporciona un elevado aumento de seguridad, superior a otros helicópteros de su misma clase.

Coast Guard searches for missing man near Galveston, Texas

MH-65 Dolphin, ©USCG

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is searching for a 33-year-old man who went missing after wading in the surf at Rollover Bay near Galveston, Texas, Monday evening.

At approximately 6 p.m. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office of the 33-year-old man who was witnessed by family members to have disappeared after being hit by a wave while wading in the surf. The missing man is a Caucasian male wearing a red t-shirt and khaki shorts.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew to search for the missing man.

Involved in the search are:

• Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews
• Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crews
• Crystal Beach Fire Department
• Galveston County Police Department
• High Island Police Department volunteers

-USCG-

Coast Guard rescues a stranded hiker near the Klamath River

Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Mendenhall, U.S. Coast Guard District 11

A Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hoists a stranded hiker near the Klamath River mouth in Northern California, June 24, 2018. The hoist was conducted next to a 300-foot cliff, utilizing the entire length of the helicopter hoist cable.

MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. — The Coast Guard rescued a stranded hiker three and a half miles north of the Klamath River mouth, Sunday.

The stranded hiker contacted Del Norte County Sheriff's Office dispatchers around 2:30 p.m., reporting that he became stranded at the bottom of a 300-foot cliff near the Klamath River mouth while hiking the Damnation Creek Trail. The Del Norte County Sheriff's Office contacted Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders requesting assistance with a rescue helicopter hoist.

Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders maintained contact with the stranded hiker via cell phone and dispatched a Sector Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to the scene. The helicopter crew arrived on scene around 3:30 p.m. and located the hiker, who was on the rocks near the breaking surf waving a red flag.

"A layer of dense fog was rapidly moving into the area, requiring quick action by the helicopter crew," said Lt. Audra Forteza, the Sector Humboldt Bay public affairs officer. "The dynamic situation required the crew to hover 250 feet above the stranded hiker to keep clear of the cliff face. A rescue swimmer was lowered to the hiker, using all available hoist cable."

Once the rescue swimmer was safely on the ground, the helicopter hoist system experienced a malfunction. The helicopter crew quickly diagnosed the issue and was able to use emergency power to recover the stranded hiker and the rescue swimmer to the helicopter.

The hiker was flown to Sector Humboldt Bay where he was met by family members.

The hiker did not report any injuries.

-USCG-

Northrop Grumman Expands Moss Point, Mississippi Facility, Announces New Manufacturing Jobs

Announcement builds on 50-year heritage in Gulf Coast region

MOSS POINT, Miss. – June 25, 2018 –Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), joined by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and members of Mississippi’s federal and state delegations, officially opened a new operational area of their Moss Point facility today and announced new manufacturing jobs for the region.

Kevin Mitchell, sector vice president, global operations, and Governor Phil Bryant (MS) cut the ribbon on a new operational area for Northrop Grumman’s Moss Point facility alongside Jackson County Board of Supervisors President Randy Bosarge, Moss Point Mayor Mario King, John Murnane, vice president, global operations, Northrop Grumman, State Rep. Jeramey Anderson, and State Senator Michael Watson.

Elected officials joined local employees to cut the ribbon on the new machine shop section that delivers important capabilities at Northrop Grumman’s Moss Point manufacturing center. For more than a decade, Gulf Coast employees have manufactured rotary and fixed wing autonomous systems in Moss Point that support the U.S. and its global allies. Recent facility upgrades have allowed for new work on manned aircraft to come to the site, diversifying the portfolio of work and bringing new jobs to the region.

“Northrop Grumman has expanded our operations in Moss Point and grown our aerospace workforce at the site by more than 40 percent since 2017 through partnerships with the Mississippi Development Authority, the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, and the Jackson County Port Authority,” said Kevin Mitchell, sector vice president, global operations, Northrop Grumman. “We greatly appreciate the strong support from state and local partners and our federal delegation.”

In April 2004, Northrop Grumman broke ground in Moss Point with site construction beginning in 2005. In April 2006, Northrop Grumman contributed to aerospace industry growth in southern Mississippi when the ribbon was cut on the 101,000 square-foot facility. The company celebrated its 10 year anniversary at the site in 2016 and recently extended its lease adjacent to Trent Lott International Airport through 2026.

Last week, Northrop Grumman celebrated another important milestone in the state, with an event recognizing 50 years of supporting military customers and the Mississippi Gulf Coast community in Ocean Springs. Mississippi Lt Gov. Tate Reeves as well as local dignitaries and elected officials were on hand for the event recognizing  Northrop Grumman’s Maritime Systems leadership in designing and developing combat management systems and electronic suites for over 50 ships in four major ship classes.

The Northrop Grumman facility at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, celebrates 50 years of designing and developing combat management systems and electronic suites for domestic and international customers.

“For five decades, Northrop Grumman’s presence in Mississippi has contributed to our worldwide presence and reputation in support of our warfighters and the defense of our nation and its allies,” said Northrop Grumman Ocean Springs Site Manager David Robertson. “I could not be more proud to lead the dedicated professionals at Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems in Ocean Springs.”

LOCKHEED MARTIN APPOINTS BOB HARWARD TO LEAD MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS

Harward’s role to expand beyond the UAE to support regional business growth in one of the company’s most important global markets

ABU DHABI, UAE, June 25, 2018– Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced Robert (Bob) S. Harward will expand his role to lead the company’s growing Middle East business as the Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East. In this new role he will be responsible for the company’s strategy, operations and growth in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Bob has exceptional experience across the region and unparalleled knowledge of how our technology can help solve our Middle East partners’ greatest security challenges,” said Richard H. (Rick) Edwards, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin International. “I am confident that under Bob’s leadership we will continue to drive our Middle East business forward and help strengthen global security.”

Harward previously served as the company’s Chief Executive for the United Arab Emirates. A lifelong national security leader, he served on the National Security Council for the Bush Administration, commissioned the National Counter Terrorism Center, and has extensive combat and counterterrorism experience as a United States Navy SEAL. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in 2014, he was a Vice Admiral (SEAL) in the United States Navy.