Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Secure Written Commitment from Coast Guard Acting Commandant Lunday that Newport Helicopter Will Remain

Follows Merkley placing his hold on Lunday’s nomination to lead Coast Guard, joint efforts to advocate for this essential rescue helicopter

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with Senator Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), announced that they secured written commitments from Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, to ensure the rescue helicopter located at the Newport Air Facility remains in the community, as well as a pledge from Lunday to visit the Newport area within one year.

“After hearing from countless Oregonians about the importance of the search and rescue helicopter in Newport, I led the charge to secure written confirmation from the Coast Guard that the helicopter would remain in the community, consistent with the law I wrote in 2014. For fishermen and coastal communities, this is a huge win, especially during winter crab season and in the face of cold-water conditions,” dijo Merkley. “I am lifting my hold on Admiral Lunday’s nomination and look forward to his forthcoming visit to Newport and to a productive working relationship going forward.”

“I’m gratified that Acting Commandant Lunday today wrote in plain English the verbal commitment he made last week to Senator Merkley and me over the phone – namely that the Coast Guard helicopter will remain right where it belongs in Newport,” dijo Wyden. “This is great news for fishermen and both residents of — and visitors to — the central Oregon Coast. Thanks to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives and all the local officials who worked with Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle and me to achieve this victory for public safety, the law and common sense.”

“I want to thank Acting Commandant Lunday for his letter today committing to us to keep the Coast Guard helicopter in Newport,” dijo Hoyle. “It is a huge win for our coastal community, and it wouldn’t have happened without the collective effort of Senators Wyden and Merkley and every Oregonian who raised their voice. When our community stands together, we get results.”

Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle worked together to keep the rescue helicopter in Newport, leading a coordinated series de efforts that ultimately succeeded.

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