June 25, 2023
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ — The U.S. Air Force is celebrating 100 years of Air Refueling, and the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. will embark on aerial refueling demonstrations with mission partners throughout the United States and overseas on Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The United States Air Force invites the American public to join to observe flyovers of our air refuelers above communities across the country and around the world, honoring 100 years of aerial refueling excellence.
The flyover will begin with one KC-135, 8 KC-46s, and 6 C-17s departing from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The route of flight will be visible from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Landmarks. There will be two formations flying the route, approximately 20 minutes apart, and approximate local times are:
New York:
1:30 p.m. Albany, NY
1:50 p.m. Syracuse, NY
2:05 p.m. Rochester, NY
2:25 p.m. Niagara and Buffalo area, NY
2:40 p.m. Jamestown, NY
3:05 p.m. Ithica, NY
New Jersey:
1:03 p.m. Asbury Park, NJ
1:10 p.m. Barnegat Light, NJ
1:17 p.m. Atlantic City NJ
1:25 p.m. Cape May, NJ
1:42 p.m. Philadelphia Airport
Please note these times are subject to change due to potential mission requirements.
With 100 years of experience, today’s U.S. Air Force air refueling capabilities deliver unrivaled rapid global reach for U.S. forces and our Allies and partners through the mobility air forces fleet of KC-46, KC-135 and KC-10 tankers. Aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations, and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.
“Air refueling propels our Nation’s air power across the skies, unleashing its full potential,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander. “It connects our strategic vision with operational reality, ensuring we can reach any corner of the globe with unwavering speed and precision. Air refueling embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.”
Innovation and tenacity, hallmark characteristics of Airmen throughout the service’s history, delivered the game-changing capability, once deemed impossible.
In the continued pursuit of advanced capabilities and increased endurance, U.S. Army Air Service aviators pulled off the impossible on June 27, 1923. On that day, 1st Lt. Virgil Hine and 1st Lt. Frank W. Seifert, flying a DH-4B, passed gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B flying beneath it carrying Capt. Lowell H. Smith and 1st Lt. John P. Richter, accomplishing the first aerial refueling.
One hundred years later, the United States Air Force celebrates these Airmen’s tenacity and innovative will that is still thriving in Airmen’s spirits today.
This critical capability is essential for the Department of Defense’s most vital missions. To remain relevant in the current and future security environments, the Air Force is in the process of recapitalizing its tanker fleet with the ongoing acquisition of the KC-46A and accelerating its pursuit of the next-generation air refueling system (NGAS), announced in March – propelling forward the capability developed and entrusted to Airmen a century ago.
“As we embark on the next 100 years of air refueling, we will continue to strengthen our air mobility excellence,” said Minihan. “We must leverage the remarkable capabilities of air refueling to preserve peace, protect freedom, and bring hope to the world. As Mobility Airmen, we write the next chapter of air refueling.”
Air Mobility Command salutes the visionaries who challenged the status quo of yesteryears while we inspire the next generation of dreamers and out-of-the box thinkers for the challenges ahead.
MidJersey.news file photos
June 9, 2023
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–More than a year after closing for an extensive $1.3 million exterior and interior renovation project, Barnegat Lighthouse will fully open on Saturday, June 10 for park visitors to climb or tour the iconic structure, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
Effective Saturday, the lighthouse will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, through Labor Day.
“Barnegat Lighthouse is once again ready to welcome visitors who want to climb it and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Jersey shore,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “And, for the first time in its history, the lighthouse’s views will be inclusive for all, thanks to a new video feed system, continuing Barnegat Light’s storied tradition as a community beacon.”
The structure underwent a complete exterior restoration, masonry recoating and repairs to the brick facade, repairs to the interior lantern steel platform, roof repairs, interior painting and the installation of new windows.
New cameras installed at the top of the lighthouse are now connected to a monitor in the park’s interpretive center, providing an ADA-accessible view that previously could only be seen by climbing the lighthouse. In the coming weeks, this live feed will also be viewable on the State Park Service’s website.
“The State Park Service looks forward to the complete reopening of the lighthouse, which has been a guiding light for sailors, visitors and families for much of its 166-year history,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Visitors can now add a lighthouse climb or viewing to the many other activities available at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, including fishing, hiking, birding and picnicking.”
The Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse donated a new beacon light for the lighthouse, as well as new security fencing and security cameras. The new beacon light can be seen for 26.5 miles and was lighted during an Oct. 29, 2022 ceremony.
After being decommissioned in 1927, Barnegat Lighthouse remained dark until 2009, when the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse donated the previous light, which was activated on Jan. 1, 2009 – exactly 150 years after the structure’s original lighting in 1859.
Constructed in 1856, the Barnegat Lighthouse is a signature destination along the Jersey shore and is listed on the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. Located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, the location was regarded as one of the most crucial “change of course” points for coastal vessels. Ships bound to and from New York along the New Jersey’s Atlantic coastline depended on Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars and offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailors.
To learn more about New Jersey’s Parks, Forests & Historic Sites, visit www.njparksandforests.org/
Like New Jersey’s State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks
Follow the New Jersey State Park Service on Instagram @newjerseystateparks
Follow Commissioner LaTourette on Twitter and Instagram @shawnlatur and follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP, Facebook @newjerseydep, Instagram @nj.dep and LinkedIn @newjerseydep
Photos above sent to MidJersey.news from a visitor on June 12, 2023.
File photo prior to the renovation by: Dennis Symons – MidJersey.news
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection photos after the renovation was completed.
April 4, 2023
Berkeley Township, NJ (Ocean)–The Coast Guard rescued two mariners Monday night after their vessel ran aground off the coast of Ocean County, New Jersey.
Coast Guard watchstanders received an initial alert over channel 16 via VHF-FM radio and attempted to make callouts but were unsuccessful. As units prepared to respond, the Coast Guard received a report from the New Jersey State Police that a 38-foot vessel ran aground on the north jetty of Barnegat Inlet.
Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light launched a 45-foot response boat medium and a 27-foot utility boat.
Once on scene, the crew of the 27-foot utility boat brought the two mariners aboard and transported them back to Station Barnegat Light where EMS awaited. Station Barnegat Light confirmed that the operator of the vessel made the previous call over VHF-FM channel 16.
The mariners were in stable condition and were released.
Seaside Park Fire responded shoreside with a shallow watercraft to confirm the vessel ran aground on a sand bed and that there were no signs of pollution. The vessel was removed Tuesday morning by a commercial provider and taken to a local marina for repair.
“With better weather approaching we anticipate more vessels to be out so we’re encouraging all mariners to be properly prepared,” said Operations Specialist Timothy Weitzel, operations unit watchstander at Sector Delaware Bay. “Inspecting gear, checking the weather before your trip, and planning accordingly are key components to ensuring you and your passengers all have a safe and fun voyage. Giving a friend or family member a float plan that includes your itinerary, vessel description, contact information, and who is traveling with you is another tool to ensure you’re accounted for. Making a safety plan in case of emergencies won’t take long, and knowing what steps to take could be the difference between life and death.”
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, in Ocean County, New Jersey, is shown here passing through Barnegat Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 8, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert
USCG File Photo
September 17, 2022
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 7:36 p.m. multiple Police, Fire and Rescue Units responded to 404 Broadway for a “building collapse” with around 200 people on the second floor during a wedding. Upon arrival it was determined that 200 people needed evacuation from the building and the floor was caving in but not fully collapsed.
Barnegat Light First Aid Squad reported “Squad 12 along with multiple other agencies are on scene of a reported building collapse in the 4th street area of Barnegat Light. As of now there are fortunately no reported injuries and firefighters are working to secure the building’s structure at this time.”
A Fire Marshal and Building Inspector were requested to the scene.
From Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company #1: “As many of you already know, we were dispatched to Daymark last night for reports of a collapse of the second floor. The floor did not collapse, but caved in resulting in the structure being unsafe for the meantime. The DJ did an excellent job of announcing to all patrons to safely exit the building after hearing the rumble noise. Great job by Incident command of both fire (1300) and EMS (120). There were no injuries. Thank you to all assisting agency’s. Barnegat Light First Aid Squad, Squads 49, 14, 38, Medics 1303, EMS Coordinator, Fire Marshall’s, LBTPD and anyone else we may have missed. Also, congratulations to the bride and groom!”
Further details to follow.
Photos by: David Costain
The scene tonight in Barnegat Light at the Daymark Bar and Restaurant
Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company #1 Photos
August 8, 2022
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard, along with state and local responders, rescued five people from the water Sunday August 7, 2022, after their personal boat capsized at the entrance to Barnegat Inlet.At approximately 6:57 p.m. Sunday watchstanders at Sector Delaware Bay were informed that a vessel had capsized, stranding six people in the water.A 29-foot Response Boat – Small crew and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew launched from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Inlet to assist the stranded boaters. Coast Guard boat crews rescued three people, an off-duty lifeguard rescued two and the remaining boater swam to shore.New Jersey State Police personnel, Tow Boat crews, and a good Samaritan also assisted with rescue efforts.
All five rescued boaters were transported ashore to awaiting emergency medical services personnel. The survivors were reported to be in stable condition.
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, in Ocean County, New Jersey, is shown here passing through Barnegat Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 8, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert
June 28, 2022
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN) U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light reports a 29-foot response boat crew rescued one from a sinking vessel two nautical miles off Beach Haven, yesterday, June 27, 2022. The person was saved off of their life unfortunately their 40-foot wooden trawler began taking on water and ended up sinking. No additional details are available.
U.S.C.G. Photos
May 7, 2022
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued two people Friday night after their 33-foot sailing vessel, Free Bird, grounded and overturned near Little Egg Inlet.
A person aboard Free Bird used a VHF-FM marine radio Friday at about 8 p.m. to hail Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders and report that they grounded in shoals and began heeling over while heading south toward Atlantic City.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, along with rescue boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Atlantic City and Barnegat Light, responded to the call for help.
When Coast Guard responders arrived on the scene, they quickly located the Free Bird hard aground and on its side in breaking surf with both people aboard. Due to the shallow waters surrounding the vessel, the aircrew initiated hoisting the people.
“With high winds, driving rain and thunderstorms in the area, our aircrew worked to quickly lower the rescue swimmer to help the couple,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, a pilot who flew on the rescue. “Our swimmer was able to walk in the shallow breaking surf to the Free Bird and assist the people away from the vessel to facilitate a safer hosting situation, away from the overturned vessel’s mast.”
With each survivor safely hoisted into the aircraft, they returned to the air station and transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel. Both people are reportedly in good condition and will coordinate salvage plans for their vessel.
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that having reliable communication aboard your vessel can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. A VHF-FM marine radio is the best way to alert the Coast Guard to an emergency, especially on the water, where cell phone connectivity and weather are often unpredictable.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, stands with two survivors May 6, 2022, after the aircrew rescued the couple. The two people were aboard a 33-foot sailing vessel when it grounded and overturned in heavy weather offshore from Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. (U.S. Coast Guard photo.)
April 6, 2022
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 46-year-old man from the fishing vessel Captain John Wednesday approximately forty-five miles east of Point Pleasant.
Another crewmember aboard the Captain John used a marine radio to notify Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders of the medical emergency at about 5:30 p.m.
Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended a medevac. The Coast Guard then immediately launched an MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City.
Additionally, a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light deployed to provide additional support.
The man was safely medevaced at about 6:30 p.m. and taken to Air Station Atlantic City where his care was transferred to awaiting emergency medical services personnel.
Communication is key on the water. Having a VHF marine radio is the most reliable way to alert the Coast Guard to emergencies at sea. For more information on marine radios, please visit the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center.
USCG File Photos:
File Photo USCG Atlantic City (U.S. Coast Guard photo) USCG File photo: U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert
March 8, 2022
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard rescued an 80-year-old man from a 16-foot boat that ran aground near Barnegat Inlet, Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a report from the son of the overdue boater stating that his father had not returned home at sunset. The son also informed watchstanders that his father departed without communication devices, having only a life jacket and whistle onboard his vessel.
Coast Guard members from Station Barnegat Light and Air Station Atlantic City along with a New Jersey State police aviation unit responded to the report. New Jersey State Police located the man and the Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hoisted him to safety, transporting him to Island Beach State Park where EMS was standing by.
“This case really emphasized the importance of letting someone know your whereabouts before you get underway,” said Cmdr. Brett Workman, Sector Delaware Bay Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “The family knew where he was departing from, where he planned to go, and when he was expected to return. Since his family knew his float plan, we knew where to look, and were ultimately able to locate and rescue him. In addition to letting someone know your float plan, it is always recommended that mariners have reliable means of communication when they are on the water.”
Recent training photograph from USCG Barnegat Light by BMC Paulino — USCG Facebook Page
November 6, 2021
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Coast Guard medically evacuated a man after he was found unconscious aboard a fishing vessel approximately 90 miles east of Barnegat Township, New Jersey, Thursday, November 4, 2021. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a relayed notification from watchstanders at the Coast Guard 1st District Command Center regarding a crewmember who was found unconscious and in need of immediate medical attention while aboard the fishing vessel Lady Anna. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey was launched to the scene. Once on scene, the aircrew was able to successfully hoist the crewmember and transfer him to AtlantiCare Trauma Center in Atlantic City for further medical care. “Medical evacuations are always complex evolutions and can be especially challenging at night,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, one of the Dolphin pilots from Air Station Atlantic City. “Our crews remain ever ready and due to the quick actions from the command center and air station personnel, we were able to quickly get this gentleman to the hospital where he could receive immediate medical treatment.”
USCG FILE PHOTO: An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flight crew prepares to take off for a flight, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, from Air Station Atlantic City, N.J. The air station’s crewmembers support a variety of missions, including search and rescue, port security, law enforcement and environmental protection. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef)
USCG FILE PHOTO
Avoid the area traffic is still a mess and backed up 1 to 2 miles in all directions.
Updated Information from Stafford Township Police:
Today, at approximately 10:20 AM, the Stafford Township Police Department received a call for a suspicious bag under the RT. 72 East Causeway Bridge, near Morris Boulevard. Out of an abundance of caution, the bridge was closed in both directions. With the assistance of the New Jersey State Police, the bag was deemed safe, and non-threatening. Afterwards, the bridge traffic was opened in both directions. We would like to thank all of the assisting agencies: NJSP, OCSD, Stafford Fire and EMS, and Ship Bottom Police and Fire.
September 12, 2021
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police report that the Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge, Route 72 Causeway Bridges to and from Long Beach Island is closed due to an ongoing investigation.
Sources tell MidJersey.news that there is a suspicious package on one of the bridges.
AVOID THE AREA IF POSSIBLE
MidJersey.News file photos
August 8, 2021
BARNEGAT LIGHT, N.J. — Coast Guard crewmembers medevaced a 62-year-old man with injuries to his ribs and arm from his 33-foot pleasure craft in Oyster Creek Channel near Barnegat Light, Saturday, August 7. 2021.
The injuries reportedly resulted from the vessel running aground.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received the initial report through VHF Channel 16 from a grounded boater requesting medical attention.
A boatcrew aboard a 29-foot Response Boat-Small from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light was launched to assist and a Special Marine Information Broadcast was issued for the area.
After the patient was stabilized, the boatcrew transited to Station Barnegat Light where awaiting EMS transported him to Jersey Shore Medical Center for additional treatment.
USCG Facebook Photos
August 4, 2021
SHIP BOTTOM, NJ (OCEAN)–The Long Beach Island Health Department (LBIHD) received the first report of a positive Covid-19 case on July 19th that cited attending teen nights in Beach Haven on Sunday July 11th and Tuesday July 13th. LBIHD was then notified on July 26th of an additional positive teenager who attended a teen night on Sunday, 7/18. LBIHD was again notified on August 2nd of (2) laboratory confirmed positive teens that attended Teen Night on Sunday, 7/25 and (1) positive teen that attended a teen night on Tuesday, 7/27.
We received communication from our local urgent care clinicians over this past weekend citing a significant uptick in testing and positive outcome of teenagers that referenced attending teen nights the week prior. We also received several calls of parents of teenagers testing positive all having recent local teen night club attendance. Based on laboratory confirmed and office reporting as of August 3, (11) positive teens all with a common attendance at teen nights.
The State Health Department has been notified of this community cluster. It can be challenging to identify the full scope of this cluster due to under reporting, cases can be dispersed over the state and region during the height of the summer season. However, we will be actively associating any reported cases to our jurisdiction that share this common element.
If you have attended these venues within the last 14 days and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, regardless of immunization status, we would advise testing. The recommended time to seek testing in no sooner than 5 days after an exposure to ensure if transmission and infection from the virus occurred it will be captured.
We would advise both parents and teenagers that events that bring teenagers together in large numbers and social atmospheres pose significant risk of Covid-19 transmission. Unlike more structured and regulated organizations that host youth, teens night often do not require health screening, immunization status, social distance, masking or negative covid-19 tests. The latest immunization coverage updated by CDC on 7/29/21 for those 12-15 yrs of age is 27% and for those 16-24 yrs. of age is 41%. Immunizations are widely available for 12 and older and we strongly encourage receiving the vaccine.
Please feel free to contact our local health Department at 609-492-1212 or the local health department in the respective jurisdiction you reside.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
July 30, 2021 update here:
On July 29, at 9:22 pm the Long Beach Township Police Department received three 9-1-1 emergency calls for medical assistance in the High Bar Harbor section of Long Beach Township. Officers responding advised that there were four utility poles damaged and multiple houses roofs blown off in the area. It was suspected at the time that a tornado had caused the damages on Antioch Rd., Arnold Blvd, Collier Avenue and Sunset Blvd. Three residents in the area were treated on scene for lacerations. Several residents were evacuated and taken to the Barnegat Light Firehouse for shelter. Thirty-five plus houses in addition to multiple boats were damaged from the suspected tornado. Harvey Cedars, Ship Bottom and Surf City Police Departments all responded to assist as well as the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and New Jersey State Marine Police. There was also assistance provided from Stafford Township Fire and First Aid Squads in addition to each Fire and First Aid Squad on Long Beach Island. Berkeley Hazmat, the Long Beach Township Transportation Department shuttle buses and Long Beach Township Department of Public Works also assisted. NJ Natural Gas, Verizon, Atlantic City Electric and Comcast all responded and at least five utility poles were replaced. As of 6:00 am July 30th power had been restored to High Bar Harbor with the exception of approximately fifteen houses that sustained extensive damage. As of 7:30 am the National Weather Service had not made an official determination on the category of the weather system.
July 30, 2021
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP-BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–Last night July 29, 2021, around 9:00 p.m. severe thunderstorms moved though the area along with reported tornados. There were several reports of storm damage possibly from a tornado that hit the area of Long Beach Township and Barnegat Light sections of Long Beach Island as severe thunderstorms moved though the region. There were reports of damage to 8 houses in the High Bar Harbor Section near Arnold Lane and other areas. There were reports of two capsized boats in the Barnegat Bay. This is from preliminary information and once we get official information the story will be updated.
Photos by: Ryan Mack Jersey Shore Fire Response – MidJersey.News Jersey Shore Bureau
Daytime images of High Bar Harbor tornado damage.
Tornado damage at Wells Mills Park
November 5, 2020
By USCG, PIO, District 5
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City rescued two fishermen after their boat caught fire approximately 34 miles east of Barnegat Inlet, N.J., Thursday.
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a mayday call via VHF Channel 16 from one of the fishermen aboard the 53-foot Sport Fisher fishing vessel ‘Reel E Bugging’ stating their vessel engines were engulfed in flames and they needed immediate assistance.
The fishermen were preparing to abandon ship by donning life jackets and deploying their life raft. Sector Delaware Bay watch standers issued an urgent marine information broadcast notifying vessels in the area of the situation and launched the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from and two 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boat crews from Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet and Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light to the scene.
Once on scene, the Dolphin aircrew spotted the life raft and was able to safely hoist both fishermen and transport them to Monmouth Executive Airport in Wall Township, N.J., where they were met by family. No injuries were reported.
A Coast Guard marine safety information bulletin was issued notifying mariners in the area of potential debris from the vessel fire.
“Today’s case was a perfect example of a unified effort between prepared boaters, the sector, small boats and the air station,” said Lt. j.g. Matt Devlin, a Dolphin helicopter pilot at Air Station Atlantic City. “We are happy that the mariners realized they were in distress and we were able to be there quickly. Ultimately their preparedness led to our success.”
Video at this link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/771874
Photos provided by USCG PIO, District 5