Judge Orders Coast Guard Helicopter Back to Newport Air Facility

By Brian Bahouth

Federal judge Ann L. Aiken has granted a motion by the Newport Fishermen’s Wives for a temporary restraining order that orders “the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security acting by and through Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately restore and maintain the status quo ante that has prevailed since 1987 by returning the rescue helicopter to the Coast Guard’s Newport Air Facility, together with full operational capabilities, infrastructure and personnel support. This injunction shall continue in force and effect for fourteen (14) days from the date and time of this Order.

“Plaintiffs are ORDERED to promptly serve this Order on Defendants. Following service, the parties are ORDERED to confer on a date and time for a preliminary injunction hearing and on a briefing schedule on the question of a continuing injunction.”

Taunette Dixon is a spokesperson for the Newport Fishermen’s Wives and made the following motion to ask that the Coast Guard rescue helicopter be temporarily returned to the Newport Air Facility.