In a bold experiment, the US Navy has issued a three-year contract to the Geo-Seis Helicopter company to use two SA-330J Puma helicopters to provide at-sea supply and rescue missions in support of the Atlantic Fleet. This is the first time civilians have been contracted to conduct an operational mission. Geo-Seis will not conduct any combat missions. If the experiment is successful, more such services may be privatized in an effort to save money.--Stephen V Cole