Indeed - for people who have not visited Alaska, and unfamiliar with the extreme conditions these teams work in, I hope this short video serves as a reminder.
I actually saw the USCG fly above us during my cruise trip in Alaska, it was awesome saw a flight of these MH-60T Blackhawks near the mountains was a treat!
It was quite an experience witnessing these pilots land those old HH-52As on a 378 ft. cutter (Midgett) in bad weather conditions. It was also quite an experience chasing a Russian submarine in the N. Pacific after boarding one of their canning/fishing vessels. Yes, the 378s had sonar. I am still mad at the flight crew for stealing my winter jacket.
To fly is heavenly to hover divine, rotary wing aviation there is simply no substitute. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!
The worlds best rescue pilots ? Give me a break ! Excellent pilots ? Yes, for sure ... but there are much more challenging regions on this planet. And every region has its own set of risk-profiles that are defined by weather, altitude, distances, geographic and other criterias. That's why they use one year, to get to know all the possible parmeter within their range of operations. No matter if you fly rescue operations in the desert, the mountains or over water, if in hot or cold temperatures ... you have to be an excellent pilot ... or ... you are rather sooner than later a victim of those different challenging conditions. There is no best rescue-pilot. Not even in a specific region. To be an excellent rescue-pilot, you have to know your area of operation very well and adapt fast to exceptional conditions that may appear only once in your lifetime. And even then, as we all know, such excellent pilot get killed every year.
These pilots land on small flight decks in demanding weather conditions. I witnessed such difficult measures in the bearing sea on a 378' cutter (Midgett). It has been mentioned that Navy pilots refuse to land on the cutters even in calm weather. I also witnessed that same cutter hit 2 waves consecutively, that submerged the bridge and the hole front half of cutter. Waves were topping around 50 feet. Maybe more. Top 5% rescue pilots maybe?
As an Alaskan who spends a lot of time on the water and in the air I have nothing but respect for these guys and gals. Thank you.
Indeed - for people who have not visited Alaska, and unfamiliar with the extreme conditions these teams work in, I hope this short video serves as a reminder.
This video perfectly captures the heart of their mission. Always prepared to save lives. Exceptionally well done and truly inspiring!
Nothing but admiration & respect. You all are amazing!❤❤❤💯
Indeed - these teams demonstrate bravery every day. Without missing a beat. Admirable compassion.
Keep up the great work!!!!😊
I actually saw the USCG fly above us during my cruise trip in Alaska, it was awesome saw a flight of these MH-60T Blackhawks near the mountains was a treat!
Excellent photography.
Thank you ! It takes a bit of effort when filming solo.
It was quite an experience witnessing these pilots land those old HH-52As on a 378 ft. cutter (Midgett) in bad weather conditions. It was also quite an experience chasing a Russian submarine in the N. Pacific after boarding one of their canning/fishing vessels. Yes, the 378s had sonar. I am still mad at the flight crew for stealing my winter jacket.
Obviously, these men and women are the true American Hero’s and God bless them for being there when they are needed!
Beautiful video! Grateful we have fearless people to put their lives on the line for saving others!
To fly is heavenly to hover divine, rotary wing aviation there is simply no substitute. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!
All hero's day in and out 👍
Go Air Station Kodiak! Saving lives on the Last Frontier!
The Sikorsky is a beautiful bird
Cool video.
What’s the vapor/steam in some of the cockpit videos? 🤔
This is the moisture from the A/C air vents
The worlds best rescue pilots ?
Give me a break !
Excellent pilots ?
Yes, for sure ... but there are much more challenging regions on this planet.
And every region has its own set of risk-profiles that are defined by weather, altitude, distances, geographic and other criterias.
That's why they use one year, to get to know all the possible parmeter within their range of operations.
No matter if you fly rescue operations in the desert, the mountains or over water, if in hot or cold temperatures ... you have to be an excellent pilot ... or ... you are rather sooner than later a victim of those different challenging conditions.
There is no best rescue-pilot. Not even in a specific region.
To be an excellent rescue-pilot, you have to know your area of operation very well and adapt fast to exceptional conditions that may appear only once in your lifetime.
And even then, as we all know, such excellent pilot get killed every year.
The USCG pilots in Alaska are a breed apart. Their training and experience the second to none.
who pissed in your cereal this morning champ? life must be difficult always waking up on the wrong side of bed lol
These pilots land on small flight decks in demanding weather conditions. I witnessed such difficult measures in the bearing sea on a 378' cutter (Midgett). It has been mentioned that Navy pilots refuse to land on the cutters even in calm weather. I also witnessed that same cutter hit 2 waves consecutively, that submerged the bridge and the hole front half of cutter. Waves were topping around 50 feet. Maybe more. Top 5% rescue pilots maybe?