Coast Guard Helicopter Secured for Newport Amid Legal Battle

Newport residents and local fishermen can breathe a sigh of relief following a decisive court ruling in favor of retaining the city’s Coast Guard helicopter, at least for the duration of a protracted legal case. The court’s 42-page decision extends the restraining order on relocating the helicopter—a crucial win for advocates who have been fighting to keep the rescue resource stationed on the Oregon coast.

“We got a 42-page ruling in our favor to extend the restraining order, however long we're fighting to keep our helicopter,” said Taunette Dixon, with Newport Fishermen's Wives, one of the plaintiffs in the case. The restraining order, initially sought as an emergency measure, will now remain in force throughout the federal court proceedings, which may last years.

Despite indications from federal agencies suggesting the helicopter’s departure was already decided, the case is far from closed.

“Our legislators and senators have been told by Coast Guard higher-ups, as you know, they've made it sound like this is a done deal, but it's really not,” said Dixon. “We're prepared to fight as hard as we need to until we know for sure the helicopter will stay and keep the men and women out at sea safe.” The timing of the ruling is especially critical for the area’s crab fishing fleet, which is facing hazardous winter seas. “Our crab season has started out really rough… Dixon added underscoring the helicopter’s importance as a life-saving asset "The seas were high, the winds were high… it's really hard to make a living in those conditions.

The judge’s careful deliberation and thoughtful ruling have left local leaders optimistic about future decisions in the case. “All of the positive things the judge had to say about retaining the helicopter in Newport says a lot about hopefully her future rulings,” said Dixon. The legal fight continues, but for now, Newport’s helicopter will remain on standby—ready to respond to emergencies and safeguard the coastal community.