Coast Guard has returned rescue helicopter to Newport to stay, after its quiet removal sparked public outcry
(Update: Comments by Senator Jeff Merkley, Rep. Val Hoyle)
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Days after a federal judge ordered the return of a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter to Newport, they have done so - and promised not to move it again, Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said Thursday.
"Some great news," Wyden said in a post to X. "I just got off the phone with the U.S. Coast Guard, who has returned the rescue helicopter to Newport and promised to keep it there. This is a big win to keep fishermen and the Newport community safe."
He noted that the state of Oregon and others sued the Trump administration for moving the helicopter, without public notice, to North Bend, just before crabbing season was set to begin. That led to a federal judge's ruling that the helicopter needed to return to its original location
“This is a big win to keep fishermen, as well as Oregonians and tourists visiting the Newport area safe when they are enjoying the Pacific Ocean,” Wyden said Thursday in comments relayed to KTVZ News.
“I’ll keep watchdogging this Coast Guard commitment and battling against any move by the Trump administration to site an ICE detention facility in Newport or anywhere else on the Oregon Coast," he said.
"But for today’s helicopter victory, huge credit goes to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives and local officials who sat down with me recently in town to press the Coast Guard to reverse its inexplicable and indefensible decision to move this helicopter more than 90 miles away,” the senator added.
Later, in a joint news release, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley said, “Thanks to public pressure and action from the courts, the Coast Guard has committed to keeping the rescue helicopter in Newport for good, which is critical ahead of the start of crab season."
"This great news came after I arranged a meeting with the Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Lunday, with Senator Wyden to share with him about the history and importance of this rescue helicopter being stationed in Newport,” Merkley added. “And if anything changes, I will work with Senator Wyden and Congresswoman Hoyle to fight with the community because we know how important this asset is to saving lives on the coast.”
Rep. Val Hoyle said, "I’m so proud of our community and how hard they fought to ensure that we had a Coast Guard helicopter back in time for our fishermen to know that they will be more safe when doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world,.
"While Newport is home to just 10,000 people, everyone came together to make their voices heard. I especially want to thank the Fishermen’s Wives and our local elected officials for never wavering on our goal to protect lives. We’ve fought this battle before, and every time Newport has been underestimated. Lesson for DHS and the Coast Guard: don’t mess with Newport."
