The Newport Fishermen’s Wives, a nonprofit organization focusing on building community and improving safety in the local fishing industry, faced a long legal battle in 2013 to ensure Newport’s Coast Guard helicopter would stay in the coastal town.

Recently, the helicopter was relocated from Newport and to North Bend, with no public warning or preliminary risk assessments.

Its relocation is linked to the rumors of a possible new ICE facility at the Newport Municipal Airport. At a city council meeting last Wednesday, residents voiced concerns about the possible ICE facility. They also raised alarm about the helicopter removal and the safety of fishermen prior to crabbing season on the Oregon Coast. Taunette Dixon of the Newport Fishermen’s Wives joins us to discuss the helicopter’s removal.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/11/18/coast-guard-helicopter-removed-newport-safety-concerns-fishermen/