The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
September 4, 2024
Young Leader Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
Are you a young professional interested in networking with others and learning from experienced mentors in government and industry at the NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting? Get a head start at the NDTA Young Leaders Social, Sunday, October 6, 8-9 PM CDT. Enjoy light refreshments at The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern and connect with other young leaders. The 12th annual NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting will be held October 7-10, 2024 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO. […READ MORE…]
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Coast Guard Urges Preparedness for Remainder of 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The Coast Guard reminds mariners and residents of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands to remain vigilant and prepared for the remainder of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. In a forecast dated Aug. 8, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a 90% chance for an above-normal hurricane season, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.
The Coast Guard recommends that mariners and the public take proper measures before a storm arrives. Download the FEMA app for real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. […READ MORE…]
DLA Industry Collider Day 2024
Tuesday, Sept. 10
The Defense Logistics Agency’s fifth annual Industry Collider Day will bring together experts from government, industry and academia to explore innovative solutions that optimize and safeguard global logistics to advance military readiness and support national security.
This year’s theme, “Shaping Small Business Alliance for Global Supply Chain Resiliency,” focuses on empowering small businesses that play a pivotal role in strengthening the defense supply chain by addressing such challenges as demand planning and efficiency. Through engaging presentations, R&D exhibits, PM booths, and interactive break-out sessions, attendees will share expertise and forge strong connections among key leaders. Click here to register. […READ MORE…]
Biden-Harris Administration Provides Millions to Boost Trucking Workforce Programs
The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced awards totaling nearly $3.5 million to 27 colleges and other commercial driver’s license (CDL) training programs through the agency’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant Program. These grants will help improve roadway safety by providing additional training for current CDL holders and creating new pathways for career opportunities as drivers in the commercial motor vehicle industry. […READ MORE…]
Please join NDTA in a big shout out to our newest upgraded member of the Chairman’s Circle:
$3.3 Billion Shipbuilding Contract Marks Major Milestone for Austal USA
Shipbuilder Austal USA and the US Coast Guard are teaming up to build close to a dozen ships. The company celebrated the official start of construction of 11 Heritage-class off-shore patrol cutters, or OPCs. The new ships will replace aging ships that have been in service for half a century.
Aerovironment Wins Nearly $1B to Supply Switchblade Munitions to Army
The US Army has awarded Aerovironment a contract worth up to $990 million to provide Switchblade loitering munitions for infantry battalions. The Defense Department announced the contract to supply “an organic, stand-off capability to dismounted infantry formations capable of destroying tanks, light armored vehicles, hardened targets, defilade and personnel targets.”
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US Army Receives First EAGLS Laser-Guided Counter-Drone System
MSI Defense Solutions has delivered the first EAGLS counter-drone system to the US Army. Six systems have been contracted in support of the “forward deployed forces facing emerging and persistent uncrewed aerial systems threats.” The Naval Air Systems Command awarded the contract through the Rapid Acquisition Authority, including associated engineering and maintenance support.
Marine Corps MQ-9 Reapers to Operate in Okinawa for Intelligence, Surveillance Ops
Up to six US Marine Corps MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles will operate from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa for a year to carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions around the southwest region of Japan, according to a Japan Ministry of Defense and Foreign Ministry public document.
New US Coast Guard Air Station Receives First Jayhawk Helicopter
The US Coast Guard has delivered an MH-60T Jayhawk all-weather medium-range recovery helicopter to its latest air station at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, Ca. Designated as CGNR 6055, the aircraft is the first of three MH-60Ts to be integrated at the base. The Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in North Carolina will produce the systems, using US Navy low-flight-hour HH-60H Pave Hawk and SH-60F Seahawk airframes.
Navy Set to Meet Active-Duty Recruiting Goals After Missing Two Straight Years
For the first time in three years, the Navy will likely meet its recruiting numbers. The Navy set a recruiting goal of 40,600 active-duty sailors for Fiscal Year 2024, an increase over the previous year despite the sea service falling short. The Navy is on track to meet the goal, according to Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko, commander of Naval Education and Training Command.
Air Force Delivers Its First EA-37 Electronic Attack Aircraft to Home Base
The Air Force’s first mission-ready EA-37 Compass Call aircraft flew into Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., last week, the start of a major upgrade to the service’s electronic warfare fleet. Air Combat Command boss Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, 16th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, and 55th Wing commander Col. Mark Howard all flew on the new aircraft to deliver it to its new home.
Game Changer: Lockheed Unveils Poland’s First F-35
Lockheed Martin rolled out the F-35, the first of the stealth fighters for Poland, in a ceremony at the aerospace factory here as Polish military representatives, US officials and other dignitaries looked on. “This aircraft is going to be a great contributor to Polish, and not only Polish, regional safety, [as well as] NATO credibility [and] deterrence,” said Maj. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak, general inspector of the Polish Air Force.
AFIMSC Introduces Combat Support Instructor Course to Increase ATF Readiness
The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is developing a course designed to equip combat air base squadron leaders with the skills needed to teach and lead combat support warfighters through every phase of the Air Force Generation model. The new Combat Support Instructor Course was introduced at the first of two 2024 Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conferences.
Northrop Shows off New Digital Radar Tech in First Flight
Northrop Grumman announced the successful first flight of its Electronically Scanned Multifunction Reconfigurable Integrated Sensor, or EMRIS, aboard a US military aircraft. The development paves the way for eventual deployment of new radar capability that will enable future jets to avoid a wider array of threats.
AIT Worldwide Logistics Launches New AI and Data Science Team
Global supply chain solutions leader, AIT Worldwide Logistics, is pleased to announce the launch of its new artificial intelligence (AI) and data science team, a corporate-level department created to amplify the organization’s investment in data. The team will set the stage for the future implementation of next-generation AI tools to further enhance the company’s robust customer interface.
Boeing and Nigeria to Collaborate in Advancing Country’s Aviation Ecosystem
Boeing and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the West African country’s aviation sector. Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projects Africa will need 1,170 airplanes over the next 20 years.
CPKC Moves to Restart Rail Operations Following CIRB Order
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) said it would restart railway operations in Canada on Monday, Aug. 26, following the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) order requiring CPKC to resume operations and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) employees to resume their duties.
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