Judge Orders Coast Guard Helicopter Restored to Newport for 14 Days

Overview

• U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken issued a temporary restraining order requiring the helicopter and full staffing to return to the Newport Air Facility.
• The aircraft was seen back at the Newport base on Tuesday, with local officials reporting at least a refueling stop following the court order.
• The Coast Guard had shifted the helicopter about 70 miles to North Bend, a move the judge noted would push rescue response times from roughly 15–30 minutes to 60–90.
• Newport Fishermen’s Wives and Lincoln County sued over the unannounced reduction in service, and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a separate case that has been consolidated.
• Aiken found required congressional notification and public process were bypassed and emphasized public safety concerns with the dangerous Dungeness crab season approaching; the TRO lasts 14 days and could be extended or replaced by a permanent injunction.