A federal judge has stepped in to prevent the closure of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Air Facility in Newport, Oregon. On Monday night, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken issued a temporary restraining order. This ruling was made in response to the actions taken by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which Aiken deemed arbitrary and in violation of the law.
Background of the Case
The Newport Fishermen’s Wives, a nonprofit organization, along with Lincoln County, filed a federal lawsuit. Their goal was to return the Coast Guard’s rescue helicopter to Newport ahead of the Dungeness crab fishing season, which is known for its dangers. The Coast Guard had ceased or significantly reduced operations at the Newport facility, relocating its rescue helicopter approximately 70 miles south to North Bend.
Judicial Ruling Details
In her 14-page opinion, Aiken emphasized the importance of the rescue helicopter in ensuring public safety. Judge Aiken stated, “The danger presented by the lack of rescue helicopter coverage justifies” the temporary order. She noted that the federal government had not yet responded to the lawsuit or to the request for a temporary restraining order.
- The Coast Guard must restore the helicopter with operational capabilities and personnel support.
- Aiken criticized the lack of congressional notification prior to the facility’s operational reductions.
- She pointed out the absence of public meetings or opportunities for public comment, as required by law.
Statements from Officials
Attorney Eric J. Brickenstein, representing the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its significance for public safety. He expressed eagerness for a preliminary injunction hearing. Additionally, the state of Oregon initiated its own lawsuit earlier the same day, requesting that the two cases be combined.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield commented, “This is a reminder that public safety comes first and the government must follow the law.”
History of the Newport Air Facility
The Newport Air Facility was established in 1987 as a response to the tragic loss of the crew of the fishing vessel Lasseigne. A push by local fishermen led to the Coast Guard’s commitment to a rapid-response helicopter for the region. By 1992, Congress allocated funding for a permanent facility, which opened in 1994.
Impact of Helicopter Relocation
With the helicopter now stationed in North Bend, response times in emergencies could increase dramatically. The fire response times could shift from 15-30 minutes to between 60-90 minutes. This is particularly concerning given that 44 commercial fishermen have died off Oregon’s coast from 2000 to 2019.
The waters off Oregon average a chilly 50 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, posing immediate dangers to anyone who might fall overboard. Between 2014 and 2025, the Newport-based rescue helicopter had saved approximately 500 individuals, including 30 commercial fishermen.
Local Concerns
Local residents, like Taunette Dixon, are expressing anxiety over the helicopter’s absence. Dixon stated that her fishing crew would embark on a perilous journey without the safety assurances typically provided by the Coast Guard helicopter.
The lawsuits regarding the helicopter’s future coincide with fears surrounding plans by the federal government to establish a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center at Newport Municipal Airport. Various local leaders have raised concerns over actions suggestive of this development, including job postings for detention officers and requests for leases at the airport.
