Kudos to the Crew of the US Coast Guard Air Station Savannah

As reported by ANN January 10, the Helicopter Association International (HAI) named the Crew HH-65C CG6553 of the US Coast Guard Air Station Savannah as this year's Eurocopter Golden Hour Award Recipient.

On January 18, 2006 the  crew flew through severe thunderstorms and 25-foot seas to rescue the crew of the tug Valour. The boat was being battered by 70-knot winds and taking on large amounts of water. 

The crew positioned the aircraft to prepare their rescue swimmer for the high surf and winds, which were causing severe difficulties. After several attempts, the swimmer reached the crewmember and the crew hoisted him into the helicopter.

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, personally called to congratulate the pilots and crew after hearing about their horrific rescue during his morning briefing. Crewmembers include Lieutenant Brian S. Waring, Lieutenant Patrick M. Lineberry, Aviation Electrical Technician Second Class (AET2) David S. Fanelli, and Aviation Survival Technician First Class (AST1) John D. Isbell. 

This crew's teamwork and dedication to duty is an inspiration to the rotorcraft industry. ANN passes along its congratulations to the crew in a job well done.

FMI: www.rotor.com, www.uscg.mil/d7/units/as-savannah