OEM Director Meets with Coastal Partners in Newport to Discuss Life Safety Impacts of Coast Guard Helicopter

Press Release · December 11, 2025

OEM Director Meets with Coastal Partners in Newport to Discuss Life Safety Impacts of Coast Guard Helicopter

Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited the Newport Municipal Airport on Sunday, November 23, 2025, to meet with coastal leaders and federal partners about concerns over the U.S. Coast Guard's planned relocation of its Newport-based helicopter to North Bend, Washington. The helicopter is currently back in Newport

The meeting brought together partners deeply invested in coastal safety and maritime emergency response, including:

• U.S. Senator Ron Wyden
• State Representative David Gomberg
• Newport Fishermen's Wives
• Bud Lane, Vice Chair, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
• Lincoln County Commissioner Walter Chuck
• Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan
• Newport City Manager Nina Vetter
• Newport Airport Manager Lance Vanderbeck
• OEM Search and Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas

The conversation centered on life safety concerns for fishermen, coastal residents, Tribal communities, and the broader maritime workforce who rely on rapid U.S. Coast Guard response during emergencies at sea. OEM emphasized that in maritime incidents, the difference between rescue and recovery is measured in minutes-making response time critical.

"OEM's mission is to support Oregon communities before, during and after emergencies-and that includes advocating for the resources necessary to protect lives on the coast," said Director McMahon. "We were deeply impressed by the unwavering commitment of the Newport Fishermen's Wives. Their decades of advocacy and dedication to the safety of Oregon's working waterfront are invaluable and continue to elevate the voices of fishing families across the coast."

"Every minute matters in a maritime emergency," OEM Search and Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas said. "The U.S. Coast Guard is a critical partner in saving lives on the Oregon Coast, and their crews respond to some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable. Getting assets in the air quickly is essential to turning a rescue into a successful return home."

During the visit, Director McMahon reinforced OEM's role in homeland security and emergency management, including coordinating with federal partners, supporting coastal preparedness, and ensuring communities have the tools and information needed to protect lives.

OEM remains committed to working closely with coastal partners, congressional leaders, fishing families, and the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that Oregon's maritime communities maintain strong, effective and timely life-saving capabilities.

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email [email protected]. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.