Newport,Oregon – A federal judge has issued a temporary order halting the relocation of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Newport, Oregon, citing the critical need for rapid response times in the hazardous coastal waters. the ruling comes in response to lawsuits filed by commercial fishermen and the city of Newport seeking to prevent the Coast Guard from moving the helicopter 70 miles south to North Bend.
The Coast Guard announced plans to close the Newport Air Facility, a facility secured after years of advocacy-including efforts by Newport Fishermen’s Wives-resulting in congressional approval of funding in 1992 and dedication in 1994. The move would have increased response times from 15-30 minutes to 60-90 minutes, a perhaps life-threatening delay given the average water temperature of 50-54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Court records show that between 2000 and 2019, 44 commercial fishermen died in Oregon waters, including 12 off Newport. The helicopter based in Newport was responsible for rescuing approximately 500 people, including 30 commercial fishermen, between 2014 and 2025.
“If the helicopter is not instantly returned, my vessel and crew will be forced to take this dangerous trip without the safety net of a rescue helicopter in the close vicinity,” stated Taunette Dixon, a commercial fishing vessel owner and board member of Newport Fishermen’s Wives, in a sworn declaration to the court. “I not only have a family member on our boat, but we also have a close bond with all our crew, and it is my responsibility to keep our crew safe.”
The lawsuits were filed alongside growing concerns that U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE) is planning to open a detention center at the Newport Municipal Airport, fueled by public job postings for “detention officers,” a request for septic tank services, and a bid to lease airport land.
