Salem-News.com Aviation articles Page 28

Government Findings on El Toro Wells Not Unexpected

Marine veterans and dependents asked for assistance from ATSDR. Government agency cites lack of information and sampling data, despite evidence of TCE in base wells and El Toro engineering drawing showing wells part of the water distribution system after the award of an early municipal water services contract.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - This is the first report in addressing the possible contamination of former MCAS El Toro’s base wells. Future stories will address possible contamination from dermal contact and inhalation and ATSDR’s response.

In April 2008, a group of former El Toro Marines and dependents asked the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR) to evaluate their exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and other contaminants found in the soil and groundwater at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California.

In 1985, the Orange County Water District found trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) in shallow irrigation wells down gradient of the base.

Everyone Lives During U.S. Airways Crash in Hudson Bay (VIDEO)

The jet reportedly was taken out by a flock of birds. Passengers told reporters they could smell smoke and then the plane just started turning.

(NEW YORK) - A U.S. Airways jet has gone down in the Hudson River off New York City. More than 150 people are reported to be aboard the aircraft which amazingly, did not break up or catch fire during the crash into the water.

At this time, the plane is mostly above water and barges and rescue vessels are pulled up alongside to remove the passengers.

New York has been the scene of bitter cold winter weather and rescue experts say that is making the job of reaching the aircraft and retrieving the people more difficult.

Oregon Air Guard Ceremony Marks Command Chief Retirement and Replacement

The Oregon Air Guard Has its own changing of the Guard in Salem.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Air National Guard said goodbye to its former command chief master sergeant, and welcomed his replacement during separate ceremonies held at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon, on January 11th.

State Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark D. Russell assumed command of the state's highest enlisted position from outgoing State Command Chief Master Sgt. Rodney R. Smith in a morning ceremony attended by family, friends and coworkers.

A Bird`s Eye View of Pacific Northwest Flood Damage (VIDEO)

Coast Guard helicopter rescue crews are currently conducting overflights of flood affected areas in Oregon and Washington to assess damage and look for stranded people.

(ASTORIA, Ore.) - The United States Coast Guard has been flying over some of the northwest's most devastated flood areas, and they shared this video with us; scenes that show very clearly how significant the emergency evacuation zones.

This footage from a Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew at Air Station Astoria, Oregon, was being conducted in flood affected areas in order to assess damage and look for stranded citizens.

Veterans `Kept in the Dark`

The Defense Department does not notify veterans of military Superfund sites of contaminants and the health effects of exposure to them. However, after several deaths from TCE contaminated well water, legislation required the Navy and Marine Corps to contact veterans of Camp Lejeune regarding the TCE contamination of base wells.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - Congress established the Superfund program in 1980 to clean up the country's most contaminated places.

The Defense Department owns 133 EPA Superfund sites, the most of any entity.

Millions of Americans live near military Superfund sites. A June 12th, 2006, statement from Representative Bart Stupak, House Energy and Commerce Committee noted: “Nearly one out of ten Americans live within 10 miles of a military site listed on the Superfund National Priority List for hazardous waste cleanup.

Alaska Airlines Cancels 47 Flights Due to Severe Winter Weather in Pacific Northwest

Passengers booked on a canceled flight may re-book on the next available flight without penalty or apply for a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket.

(SEATTLE ) - Alaska Airlines has canceled 47 flights today and Sunday to and from Portland, Ore., Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, due to severe winter weather hitting the region this afternoon. More cancellations or delays are possible.

Remains of Six Americans Killed in Vietnam War Come Home

The men were aboard a C-130 Hercules that was shot down in 1968.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the group remains of six U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, are soon to be buried with full military honors.

They are Maj. Bernard L. Bucher, of Eureka, Ill.; Maj. John L. McElroy, of Eminence, Ky.; 1st Lt. Stephen C. Moreland, of Los Angeles; and Staff Sgt. Frank M. Hepler, of Glenside, Pa., all U.S. Air Force. These men will be buried as a group on Dec. 18 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Two other servicemen, who were individually identified in October 2007, are also represented in this group. They are Capt. Warren R. Orr Jr., U.S. Army, of Kewanee, Ill., and Airman 1st Class George W. Long, U.S. Air Force, of Medicine, Kan.

Interview With Afghan War Pilot Serving in Iraq (VIDEO)

Tim King interviews an Oregon Guard pilot serving in Iraq who flew numerous missions in the war in Afghanistan.

(BALAD, Iraq) - Countless Americans in uniform are serving repeated combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Captain John Hoffman is one of the people from the Oregon National Guard aviation unit that I was embedded with in Iraq this past summer. In fact, John was my contact person with the squadron.

Catholic Bishop Publicly Criticizes Official Story of 9/11 (VIDEO)

Bishop Richard Williamson speaks out against the official theory of the events of 9/11.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I was flat out amazed today to hear a Roman Catholic Bishop state a number of points about September 11th 2001, that I have written about in the past. The facts that contradict the official story are endless, and I think anyone who looked at the story with an open mind can comprehend that the U.S. government's version of what happened that tragic day is literally, impossible.

The list of experts who agree is long. This isn't a small matter. If the Bush Administration's version of the events that day are not accurate and true, then we have been bamboozled in a way that almost defied comprehension.

The tools of the trade; FOX NEWS pundits and their leagues of supporters, claim that it is un-American to question what happened on 9/11. In fact it is anything but that.

Marine Jet Crashes Near San Diego Killing 3 (VIDEO)

Miramar spokeswoman 1st Lt. Katheryn Putnam, said the pilot was in stable condition at a naval hospital in San Diego.

(SAN DIEGO) - A tragic military fighter jet crash killed two people near San Diego today. The jet reportedly was preparing to land at the Marine Air Base at Miramar, when it crashed into a densely populated San Diego neighborhood. At least two people were killed as the jet slammed into three houses Monday, but the pilot was able to eject before crashing.

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, reports that the F/A-18D Hornet's pilot did eject safely.

Three homes were destroyed, Fire Department spokesman Maurice Luque told reporters. Three and a half hours after the plane crashed, firefighters were hosing down the crash where smoke still rose in the air. About 20 homes saw residents evacuated, with no certainty as to when they would be allowed to return.