| Cal Gordon, Div 6 SO-MT, owner/coxswain of Rubye G and Bill Morcom 6-7 rendezvous with the Gynia. |
Going up !! Rescue swimmer being hoisted up into helo. This cycle of jumping in and being picked up is performed several times each training mission. |
Jan. 27, Biscayne Bay, Florida. AUXFAC's Rubye G and Gynia assisted Air Station Miami with a regular training mission. To ensure the skill level and proficiency of Coast Guard rescue procedures, frequent practice is required. The pilots, flight mechanic (winch operator) and rescue swimmer must function like a well oiled team. To perform this realistic training within CG safety guidelines, requires a vessel to be on guard at all times. By having Auxiliary provide the vessel, CG crews can be elsewhere performing law enforcement and other missions while helo crews complete their training missions.
During helo training evolutions, Auxiliary vessels will keep area clear of civilian boats and keep a close eye on the rescue swimmer in case of any emergency. Auxiliarists may also take radio guard for the helo, so air crew can focus on their dangerous low level training. If necessary, Auxiliary vessels can take swimmer aboard. These missions also provide close working relationship and familiarization between helos and Auxiliary crews. The result is improved teamwork and coordination on real SAR cases.
Brian Lichtenstein, VFC 3-8
Images,
Bill Morcom, FSO-CS 6-7| Ken Sommers, D7 assistant webmaster | Brian Lichtenstein, VFC 3-8 |
Angel Hernandez 6-7, owner of AUXFAC Gynia and Ken Sommers, on board Gynia after completing helo ops mission. |
Helo 6550 on approach to pick up rescue swimmer as Rubye G keeps a watchful eye the swimmer and helo. |
George Kane, Flotilla 6-7, at the helm of AUXFAC Gynia. |
George Kane securing National Ensign after completing helo ops. |
