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Division 6, Helicopter Rescue Training


Lynn Valenti being pulled aboard HH65A Dolphin helicopter

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Vinny Stafford monitors the surface to air comms
Facilities gather around Launch 5 and prepare for the operation
Maj. Mangialardi of the NY State Guard provides communications assistance
Bill Smith videotapes participating vessels while chopper moves into position
Mission Accomplished!
Vinny Stafford eyes the approach of the HH65A Dolphin Helicopter

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Pumo is hoisted back to the helicopter
Cliff Forrest and Lynn Valenti debriefing
Lynn Valenti as simulated victim is hoisted aboard the HH65A Dolphin helicopter

On May 3, 2003 a very successful Helicopter Rescue Demonstration Operation was performed off Croton Point Park. The operation, which involved hoisting a USCG Auxiliarist from a moving Auxiliary vessel into a USCG Helicopter hovering above, was a home-run for the cooperative spirit among all Coast Guard Forces - Active Duty and Volunteer alike.

This was a multi-purpose mission drawing the participation of many members from two Division 6 Flotillas (6 & 7) as well as a plethora of other Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue and Military Agencies. Representatives from the New York Guard, Rye Police Marine Division and other local Police and Fire/Rescue Agencies were on hand to observe this unique and complex operation.

At Approximately 3PM, A Dolphin HH65A Helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City arrived on scene off Croton Point Park and established comms with Launch 5 - the target vessel. The Helo moved above Launch 5 and maintained relative position for the first phase of the operation - a pump-drop.
That being successful, the Helo established position once again for the main event. A basket was lowered and pulled aboard Launch 5's into the aft cockpit. Lynn Valenti Was loaded into the basket which was then hoisted up and into the helo. After a brief fly around the area, the helo once again established a formation above Launch 5 and lowered Lynn back down.

As mentioned above, this was a multi-purpose mission with the following goals:

  • Train first hand for helicopter rescue and/or dewatering support.
  • Foster teamwork within the Division and with the Active Duty Coast Guard Personnel.
  • Videotape the event for possible use as a training film.
  • Develop relationships with other public safety anddisaster response organizations .

    More photos, video and audio are available at http://www.force67.com/Missions/Helo20030503/index.htm

    Bill Smith
    FSO/CS,CM-67

    • Click on images to enlarge
    Lou Liotti and Jim Picciano provide perimeter support in the RIB
    Group Shot
    Lou Liotti and Jim Picciano provide perimeter support in the RIB
    Kevin Lustyik prepares to push off as operation commences
    Other USCG Aux and other emergency service participants establish a perimeter
    Vinny Stafford delivers one final briefing

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