gCaptain and myself have reported heavily on the rescue of the s/v Sean Seamour II and we are please to report that the US Coast Guard Crew that rescued the survivors of the s/v Sean Seamour II were awarded honors for heroism today.
I will also note
WAVY and
WITN News coverage of the ceremony. Lt.Commander Nevada A. Smith the H-60 AC will be appearing on the
Arnie Arnesen Show , Friday December 21, 2007, 0830, morning show!
Congratulations to all!
The full ceremony and citation reads as follows.
AWARDS CEREMONY
CGASECNOTE 5060.1AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY NOTICE 5060.1 - PURPOSE. To promulgate information and responsibilities for subject.
- DISCUSSION.
- D5 Commander RADM Rosa will present awards to the crews involved in the search and rescue cases of 17 April 2007 and 07 May 2007 on Wednesday, 19 December 2007.
- LTJG DeWinter is the project officer for this ceremony.
- A rehearsal will be conducted requiring the attendance of the awardees, XO (acting CO), CDR Gorman (acting XO), CDR Lyons (Formation Leader), LTJG DeWinter (Project Officer), section leaders and the AET assigned to play the CD player/music on Tuesday, 18 December 2007 at 1300.
- The Ceremony and practice will be held in the east bay of Hangar 55.
- UNIFORM. Uniform for the official party and station personnel is Tropical Blue Long with combo covers. The uniform for all military guests is Tropical Blue Long or equivalent. Ready crew/Duty Section will muster in flight suits or ODU with ball caps.
- ACTION. Tasks and responsibilities assigned to various personnel are set forth in enclosure (3).
Encl: (1) Detailed Order of Events for Ceremony and Script
(2) Hangar Diagram
AWARDS CEREMONY: 19 DECEMBER 2007
Hangar 55
0915 RADM Rosa and his aid, LTJG Tarrant, arrive via personal automobile and park in visitor parking. They will be met by the XO, who will escort them into his office for a short discussion.
ODO: Pipe RADM Rosa aboard, “NOW, DISTRICT FIVE ARRIVING”.
0930 CDR GORMAN, CDR LYONS, CHAPLAIN AND PROJECT OFFICER: Muster at podium.
0935 ODO: "FIRST CALL TO QUARTERS”.
SECTION LEADERS: Call sections to attention. Dress and square off sections. Sections remain at attention. Take position four paces in front and center of section. Sections remain at open ranks at close interval.
0940 ODO: "NOW, ALL HANDS TO QUARTERS."
CDR LYONS: "REPORT."
SECTION LEADERS: Execute hand salute and report "SECTION # IS ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR, SIR." Reports start with the Officer (section one), Engineering (section two), Support (section three), and Chief Petty Officer (section four).
CDR GORMAN, CDR GILBRIDE AND CDR LYONS: Conduct open ranks inspection.
CDR LYONS: When all sections have reported, order, "STATION, PARADE REST." Execute about face and come to parade rest.
0955 All guests seated.
0957 XO will escort RADM Rosa to staging area.
1000 VIPs arrive in staging area
ANNOUNCER: “GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. WELCOME TO COAST GUARD AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY. TODAY WE WILL BE RECOGNIZING THE H-60 AND C-130 FLIGHT CREWS INVOLVED IN THE DARING RESCUES OF 17 APRIL AND 07 MAY 2007 OF DISTRESSED MARINERS ON THE HIGH SEAS. (FEW SECONDS PAUSE, THEN) “WE WILL START TODAY’S CEREMONY WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY. MILITARY ATTENDEES SHOULD REMAIN COVERED THROUGHOUT THE CEREMONY AND TAKE CUES FOR SALUTING FROM CDR LYONS. ADDITIONALLY, PLEASE SILENCE CELL PHONES AND PAGERS TO AVOID ANY DISTRACTIONS. WILL GUESTS PLEASE RISE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND INVOCATION.”
CDR Lyons: At the conclusion of the announcement, come to attention, about face and order: “STATION, ATTENTION” and about face.
Project Officer: Coordinate arrival of official party – each member will walk to the platform and stand in front of chair in the following order: XO and RADM Rosa
“NOW, AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY ACTING, ARRIVING.”
As RADM Rosa approaches Honors Area, announce:
“NOW, DISTRICT FIVE ARRIVING.”
CDR Lyons: When RADM Rosa is positioned, about face and order: “SECTION OFFICERS, HAND SALUTE” about face and hand salute.
OFFICIAL PARTY, XO, CDR GORMAN, SECTION LEADERS AND UNIFORMED GUESTS: On order “HAND SALUTE,” execute salute.
MUSIC MONITOR: (AET3 Meseke) Play two Ruffles and Flourishes followed immediately by the Admiral’s March (PROGRAM #xx).
RADM Rosa & XO: After last note of National Anthem, comes to “Ready, To”, RADM Rosa will be welcomed aboard by XO and escorted to his seat.
CDR Lyons: As XO welcomes RADM Rosa aboard, complete salute, about face, order: “READY, TO” and execute about face.
OFFICIAL PARTY, XO, CDR GORMAN, SECTION LEADERS AND UNIFORMED GUESTS: On order “READY, TO,” terminate salute.
CDR GORMAN: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE INVOCATION WILL BE GIVEN BY CHAPLAIN LIEUTENANT MARK TANIS.”
CHAPLAIN: Delivers invocation, “LET US PRAY . . . . . . . AMEN”
CDR GORMAN: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE BE SEATED.”
CDR Lyons: When RADM Rosa is seated, execute about face, order: “STATION, AT EASE.” Post to position near officer detail and come to at ease.
XO: Delivers opening remarks and introduces VIPs and Special Guests. Invites RADM Rosa to present awards. “NOW I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE RADM FRED M. ROSA JR. TO PRESENT THE AWARDS.”
“I WILL NOW READ THE SUMMARY OF ACTION FOR THE RESCUE OF THE THREE SURVIVORS FROM THE S/V WINDS-OR-KNOT ON 17 APRIL 2007. “ Pause…
APPROXIMATELY 1400L ON 17 APRIL 2007 THE COAST GUARD RECEIVED A DISTRESS SIGNAL FROM THE VESSEL WINDS-OR-KNOT APPROXIMATELY 330MILE NORTH WEST OF BERMUDA. THE COAST GUARD C-130 1502 WAS LAUNCHED TO INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE OF THE SIGNAL. WHILE ENROUTE CG1502 ENCOUNTERED HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS AND WINDS AS HIGH AS 80 KNOTS. ONCE ON SCENE CG1502 QUICKLY ESTABLISHED RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE S/V AND DISCOVERED THEY HAD A 3-FOOT CRACK THAT HAD OPENED AT THE WATERLINE. THE ILL-FATED S/V WAS TAKING ON WATER FASTER THAN HER PUMPS COULD HANDLE. THE MARINERS HAD NO LIFE RAFT OR SURVIVAL SUITS. WHILE CG HELICOPTER 6041 WAS IMMEDIATELY LAUNCHED FROM THE AIR STATION, CG1502 MADE PREPARATIONS TO DROP SURVIVAL SUITS KNOWING THE SURVIVORS WOULD NEED TO JUMP INTO THE WATER TO BE RESCUED. DROPMASTER AMT2 POST AND AIRCREWMAN AET3 CANTU QUICKLY ARRANGED TWO PUMP CANS WITH THREE SURVIVAL SUITS IN EACH. WITH TURBULENCE CONSTANTLY SHAKING CG1502, PO POST AND PO CANTU REMOVED THE PUMPS FROM THE DROP CANS AND ADDED ENOUGH WEIGHT TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT TO THE DISTRESSED MARINERS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY SEAS CAUSED THE FIRST TWO ATTEMPTS TO BE UNSUCCESSFUL. WITH ALL THE NORMAL DROP EQUIPMENT NOW EXPENDED, PO POST AND PO CANTU EMPLOYED THEIR INGENUITY AND RE-RIGGED THE TRAINING DROP RAFT KIT WITH SURVIVAL SUITS. ON THE NEXT PASS CG1502 SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED THE VITAL SURVINAL SUITS TO THE MARINERS.
BATTLING THROUGH HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS, LOW VISIBILITY AND ICING CONDITIONS, CG6041 WAS VECTORED TO THE SCENE BY CG1502. ONCE IN A HOVER CG6041 WITNESSED THE 40 TO 50FT WAVES AND THE S/V AWASH IN WHITE WATER. DUE TO THE TOWERING SEAS, SOME OF CG6041’S AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WAS RENDERED USELESS AND THE AIRCRAFT COMMANDER FOUGHT TO MAINTAIN A STABLE HOVER. WITH THE CONDITIONS DEMANDING THE AIRCREW’S UTMOST ABILITY AND TEAMWORK, THEY WORKED DILIGENTLY WITH PRECISE TIMING AND ACCURACY TO LOWER THE RESCUE SWIMMER BETWEEN THE VIOLENTLY PITCHING WAVES INTO THE ROILING SEAS. WITH DOGGED TENACITY AND DETERMINATION, THE CREW OF CG6041 METICULOUSLY EXECUTED EACH LIFESAVING HOIST. ONCE ALL THREE SURVIVORS WERE ABOARD, CG6041 PRECEDED THE 330NM TO BERMUDA.”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND – CHIEF AVIATION SURVIVAL TECHNICIAN ARTHUR J. THOMPSON, RESCUE SWIMMER”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A FIFTH – LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DANIEL J. MOLTHEN, H-60 AIRCRAFT COMMANDER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – LIEUTENANT LANCE D. LEONE, H-60 COPILOT – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS DANIEL F. CANCETTY, H-60 FLIGHT MECHANIC, IS UNABLE TO BE HERE AND WILL BE RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COMMANDANT’S LETTER OF COMMENDATION – AVIONICS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN THIRD CLASS RYAN CANTU, C-130 AIRCREWMAN – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FIRST CLASS BRADY PROST, C-130 DROPMASTER, IS ON DEPLOYMENT AND WILL BE RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COMMANDANT’S LETTER OF COMMENDATION, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND –– THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
Following applause, Award Detail proceeds to their original formation position.
“NOW I WILL READ THE SUMMARY OF ACTION FOR THE RESCUE OF THE SURVIVORS OF THE S/Vs SEAN SEAMOUR II, SEEKER AND ILLUSION THAT TOOK PLACE ON 07 MAY 2007.”
“EARLY ON THE MORNING OF 07 MAY 2007 THE COAST GUARD C-130 1502 WAS DIRECTED TO LAUNCH TO INVESTIGATE SEVERAL EMERGENCY BEACONS TRANSMITTING APPROXIMATELY 220NM SOUTHEAST OF ELIZABETH CITY, NC. THERE WAS AN EXTREME LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM STALLED OFF THE NC COAST WREAKING HAVOC ALONG THE ENTIRE SOUTHEASTERN SEABOARD. THESE TRANSMITTERS WERE LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM, LATER NAMED SUB-TROPICAL STORM ANDREA. THIS STORM WAS GENERATING 40-50 FT WAVES AND SUSTAINED WINDS OVER 50 KTS. THESE CONDITIONS WERE PREVALENT THROUGHOUT THE OPERATING AREA.
COAST GUARD C-130, 1502 DEPARTED NORFOLK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AROUND 0530L, WHERE IT HAD RECOVERED THE DAY BEFORE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CROSSWINDS AT ELIZABETH CITY. DURING ITS TRANSIT TO THE SEARCH AREA, CG1502 ENCOUNTERED CLOUD DECKS AS LOW AS 500 FEET AND SUSTAINED WINDS OF 70 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 80 KNOTS.
WHILE CG1502 WORKED ITS WAY THROUGH THE WEATHER, THE COAST H-60 6041 LAUNCHED TO RESCUE THREE MARINERS ON BOARD THE S/V SEEKER, WHICH FOUNDERED 75 MILES SOUTHEAST OF ELIZABETH CITY. CG6041 DEPARTED, CG6041 ARRIVED ON SCENE TO FIND THE S/V SEEKER TAKING 60-DEGREE ROLLS AS IT CAREENED TOWARD HAZARDOUS DIAMOND SHOALS. CG6041 DEPLOYED THE RESCUE SWIMMER AND HAD THE MARINERS JUMP ONE AT A TIME FROM THEIR VESSEL. WHEN THE FIRST MARINER JUMPED INTO THE WATER, IT SOON BECAME APPARENT THAT THE SLASHING WINDS AND ENORMOUS WAVES WERE HINDERING THE ABILITY OF THE RESCUE SWIMMER TO PULL THE MARINER AWAY FROM THE PITCHING VESSEL AND IT’S DANGEROUSLY SWAYING MAST. AFTER 40 MINUTES OF PRECISE COORDINATION AMONGST THE CREW OF CG6041, THE RECOVERY OF ALL THREE SURVIVORS AND THE RESCUE SWIMMER WAS COMPLETE AND THE GRATEFUL SURVIVORS OF THE S/V SEEKER WERE FLOWN TO AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION.
FURTHER OUT TO SEA, CG1502 WAS CONDUCTING ITS SEARCH WHEN THEY SIGHTED A FLARE IN THE DISTANCE, BARELY VISIBLE ABOVE THE ENORMOUS WAVE TOPS. FLYING OVERHEAD, CG1502 LOCATED A RAFT, MARKED THE POSITION AND DROPPED FLARES TO HELP IDENTIFY THE LOCATION WHILE THEY ENTERED A HOLDING PATTERN. FIGHTING THE HURRICANE FORCE WINDS, AND FLYING AS LOW AS 200 FEET ABOVE THE TOWERING WAVES, CG1502 DETERMINED THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE IN THE RAFT. D5 COMMAND CENTER WAS NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY, AND THE SECOND H-60 OF THE MORNING WAS LAUNCHED.
RECALLED TO DUTY EARLY MONDAY MORNING, THE CREW OF CG6014 DEPARTED AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY AT 0740L WITH THE REPORTED POSITION OF THREE PEOPLE IN A LIFE RAFT STRANDED AT SEA. THESE WERE THE SURVIVORS OF THE S/V SEAN SEAMOUR II. SOMETIME DURING THE NIGHT THE VESSEL HAD CAPSIZED AND TRAPPED THE THREE SAILORS INSIDE. WHEN THE VESSEL EVENTUALLY RIGHTED ITSELF THE THREE ABANDONED THE VESSEL TO THEIR LIFE RAFT AND ACTIVATED THEIR EMERGENCY BEACON WHILE THEY WITNESSED THE SEAN SEAMOUR II PLUNGE BENEATH THE WAVES.
ARRIVING ON SCENE, CG6014 WAS VECTORED TO THE LOCATION OF THE LIFE RAFT BY CG1502. HAVING LOST ITS SEA ANCHOR UNDER THE STRAIN OF THE TUMULTUOUS SEAS, THE RAFT WAS NOW SKIMMING ACROSS THE WAVES. THE CREW OF CG6014 DECIDED ON DEPLOYING THE RESCUE SWIMMER TO RECOVER EACH MARINER ONE AT A TIME FROM THE RAFT. CG6014 DEMONSTRATED THE UTMOST IN CREW COORDINATION, TEAMWORK, AND AERONAUTICAL SKILL BY SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOYING THEIR RESCUE SWIMMER INTO THE PERILOUS SEAS THREE TIMES TO RECOVER THE SURVIVORS. AFTER THE THIRD SURVIVOR WAS HOISTED TO SAFETY, THE RESCUE SWIMMER, PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY EXHAUSTED AND SUFFERING FROM SALT WATER INGESTION WAS RECOVERED. WITH THE RESCUE SWIMMER SAFELY ON BOARD, CG6014 DEPARTED FOR MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT.
WHILE THE CG6014 WAS RESCUING THE SURVIVORS OF THE SEAN SEAMOUR II, A SECOND C-130, CG1501 WAS LAUNCHED AT TO ASSIST WITH THE SEARCH FOR ANOTHER EMERGENCY SIGNAL EMINATING FROM THE S/V FLYING COLORS. DURING THE SEARCH CG1501 RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE 65FT S/V ILLUSION WAS IMPERILED 175NM SOUTHEAST OF ELIZABETH CITY. WHILE CG1501 DIVERTED TO ASSIST THE S/V ILLUSION, THE THIRD H-60 OF THE MORNING WAS LAUNCHED FROM AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY. DEFTLY NEGOTIATING HEAVY RAINS, LOW CEILINGS AND VISIBILITY, AND ENCOUNTERING SEVERE TURBULENCE, CG6003 WAS VECTORED THROUGH THE MAELSTROM TO THE POSITION OF THE S/V ILLUSION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CG1501. ARRIVING ON SCENE, CG6003 FOUND THE S/V ILLUSION TRAVERSING THE WATER UNDER PARTIALLY UNFURLED SAILS. THE CREW OF CG6003 DECIDED TO RECOVER THE SURVIVORS ONE AT A TIME USING THE DIRECT DEPLOYMENT METHOD OF THE RESCUE SWIMMER. AS THE RESCUE SWIMMER APPROACHED THE FIRST SURVIVOR IN THE WATER, HE SAW THE LOOK OF DREAD IN HER EYES AND MADE A SPLIT SECOND DECISION TO DISCONNECT FROM THE HOIST AND ENTER THE PUNISHING SEAS WITH THE SURVIVOR IN ORDER TO CALM HER DOWN. RECOGNIZING THE CHANGE OF PLANS, THE CREW OF CG6003 SEAMLESSLY TRANSITIONED TO PERFORM A BASKET RECOVERY OF THE SURVIVOR. THE CREW OF CG6003 PERFORMED EACH HOIST FLAWLESSLY UNDER EXTREMELY DEMANDING CONDITIONS. WITH ALL THE SURVIVORS OF THE S/V ILLUSION SAFELY ABOARD AND THE RECOVERY OF THE RESCUE SWIMMER, CG6003 DEPARTED SCENE. UPON THE RETURN LEG TO ELIZABETH CITY, CG6003 EXPERIENCED A STRONG BURNING SMELL IN THE COCKPIT. IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZING THE SOURCE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM WAS SECURED PREVENTING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT. CG6003 THEN MADE THE DECISION TO LAND AT THE CLOSEST AIRPORT IN BEAUFORT, NC.
“IT SHOULD BE MENTIONED THAT AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY SUPPORTED AROUND THE CLOCK FLIGHT OPERATIONS THAT EXTENDED THE FULL WEEK OF 07 MAY TO 11 MAY 2007 DURING ITS SEARCH FOR THE ILL FATED S/V FLYING COLORS. ALTHOUGH THE VESSEL IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN LOST AT LOST SEA, THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THIS AIR STATION VALIANTLY DEMONSTRATED THEIR UNWAVERING DEDICATION AND DEVOTION TO DUTY IN THEIR EVER VIGILANT WATCH OVER THE GRAVE YARD OF THE ATLANTIC.”
“FOR THE RESCUE OF THE THREE SURVIVORS ABOARD THE S/V SEAN SEAMOUR II THE CREWS OF CG 6014 AND CG 1502….”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL – AVIATION SURVIVAL TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS DREW D. DAZZO, H-60 RESCUE SWIMMER”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A FOURTH – LIEUTENANT COMMANDER NEVADA A. SMITH, H-60 AIRCRAFT COMMANDER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE AARON G. NELSON, H-60 COPILOT – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND – AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS SCOTT D. HIGGINS, H-60 FLIGHT MECHANIC – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – LIEUTENANT PAUL R. BEAVIS, C-130 AIRCRAFT COMMANDER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – AVIONICS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN FIRST CLASS MARCUS C. JONES, C-130 NAVIGATOR – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND – LIEUTENANT EDWARD C. AHLSTRAND, C-130 COPILOT – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL – AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS STACY A. SORENSON, C-130 FLIGHT ENGINEER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL – AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN THIRD CLASS CASEY E. GREEN, C-130 DROPMASTER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL – AVIONICS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN THIRD CLASS RYAN A. CANTU, C-130 AIR CREWMAN – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“AVIONICS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS JESSE W. BENNETT, C-130 RADIO OPERATOR, HAS BEEN HONORABLY DISCHARGED FROM THE COAST GUARD AND IS CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE COAST GUARD RESERVES AT ISC SEATTLE. HE IS RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“ALSO, THIS CREW OF CG1502 RECEIVED THE ELMER F. STONE AWARD, AWARDED TO THE COAST GUARD C-130 CREW SEARCH AND RESCUE CASE OF THE YEAR.”
“FOR THE RESCUE OF THE THREE SURVIVORS ABOARD THE S/V SEEKER, THE CREW OF CG 6041….”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND – AVIATION SURVIVAL TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS MICHAEL C. ACKERMANN, H-60 RESCUE SWIMMER”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SIXTH – LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DANIEL J. MOLTHEN, H-60 AIRCRAFT COMMANDER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL – LIEUTENANT GREGORY A. CLAYTON, H-60 COPILOT – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS DANIEL F. CANCETTY, H-60 FLIGHT MECHANIC, IS UNABLE TO BE HERE TODAY AND WILL BE RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL – AVIATION SURVIVAL TECHNICIAN SECOND CLASS STEVEN M. FISCHER, RESCUE SWIMMER”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL, GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A THIRD – LIEUTENANT SCOTT E. WALDEN, H-60 AIRCRAFT COMMANDER – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE WILLIAM F. COTY III, H-60 COPILOT – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“RECEIVING THE AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD COMMENDATION MEDAL – AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN THIRD CLASS JUSTIN J. CIMBAK, H-60 FLIGHT MECHANIC – THE OPERATIONAL DISTINGUISHING DEVICE IS AUTHORIZED”
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE HEROES OF COAST GUARD AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY.”
RADM Rosa: Presents awardees with citation, poses for pictures, and pins on medal. (With the summary of action being read only once, RADM Rosa may want to pin on award first, then present citation, pause for a photo with member and opened citation, then final hand shake and depart stage.)
XO: Invite RADM Rosa to give remarks and present unit award. “NOW I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE RADM ROSA TO GIVE THE KEY NOTE ADDRESS.” (OR invite RADM Rosa to podium for remarks (opportune to time to summarize unit events from Aug 05 to May 07 and present Unit Award to Acting CO and CMC/LCPO, then Acting CO can give closing remarks)
CDR Lyons: Prior to the reading of Unit Citation. Reposition in front of troops, about face and order: “STATION, ATTENTION”, and about face.
THE CITATION
The Commandant of the Coast Guard takes pleasure in presenting the COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION to:
COAST GUARD AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY
ELIZABETH CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For exceptionally meritorious service from 29 August 2005 to 7 May 2007 while engaged in a broad spectrum of missions, extending the Air Station's resources far beyond the scope of normal operations. During this time, aircrews flew 10,398 flight hours, over 976 hours above programmed levels. The Air Station provided inspirational, often heroic, search and rescue (SAR) response on 408 occasions, resulting in 277 lives saved, including seven long-range, extremely arduous SAR missions to Bermuda, hazardous flood relief efforts in Pennsylvania, and a five aircraft maximum effort that saved 12 mariners from four stranded vessels ravaged by sub-tropical storm Andrea. Additionally, Air Station Elizabeth City flawlessly executed massive air support operations following Hurricanes KATRINA and RITA, conducting life-saving SAR and transporting over one million pounds of relief supplies to the devastated Gulf Coast region. Air Station Elizabeth City also supported critical law enforcement and security missions in the national capital region preventing terrorist attacks, and from Central America to Canada, resulting in the seizure of 3,713 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $25 million, while maintaining an impressive 73 percent average aircraft availability rate. Despite this incredible operational tempo, the Air Station's nascent Maritime Security and Response Team forward deployed in support of a number of major counter terrorism exercises, including Frontier Sentinel '06. Elizabeth City's C130 and H60 Prime Units spearheaded the implementation of countless noteworthy projects that have had far-reaching impacts on the entire Coast Guard aviation community. Unit personnel positively enhanced the Coast Guard's image globally by providing hours of support as the Air Station and personnel were showcased in the major motion picture "The Guardian." The dedication, pride, and professionalism displayed by Air Station Elizabeth City personnel, reflect credit upon themselves, their unit and the United States Coast Guard."
The Operational Distinguishing device is authorized.
For the Commandant,
D. B. PETERMAN
Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
Commander, Atlantic Area
CONCLUSION
XO thanks guests: CDR GORMAN: “CHAPLAIN TANIS WILL NOW GIVE THE BENEDICTION. WILL EVERYONE PLEASE RISE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE DEPARTURE OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY.”
CHAPLAIN: Proceed to lectern. When all people are standing, deliver benediction. “LET US PRAY. . . . . .AMEN”
XO oders CDR Lyons: “OPERATIONS OFFICER, PREPARE THE STATION FOR DISMISSAL.”
CDR GORMAN: “NOW, DISTRICT FIVE DEPARTING…..NOW, AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY ACTING DEPARTING.”
CDR Lyons: About face and order: “SECTION OFFICERS, HAND SALUTE,” Execute about face and hand salute.
CDR Lyons: After RADM Rosa has exited the honors area, order, “READY TO.”
CDR GORMAN: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS CONCLUDES TODAY’S CEREMONY, PLEASE HAVE A GOOD AFTERNOON.”
CDR Lyons: After official party departs, execute about face and order: “SECTION OFFICERS, DISMISS YOUR SECTIONS.” Return hand salute.
Section Officers: On command, execute salute, about face, and dismiss your sections and advise them they are invited to the reception.
MUSIC MONITOR: (AET3 Meseke) After RADM Rosa has exited the honors area, play “Stars and Stripes Forever” as the formation breaks up.
- Approximate time of ceremony completion.
1101 Van arrives outside hangar 55 training room.
1115 Lunch at the galley.
From US Senator Bryon Dorgan
NORTH DAKOTA NATIVE HONORED FOR BRAVERY
For Immediate Release CONTACT: Barry Piatt
Wednesday or Brenden Timpe
December 19, 2007 PHONE: 202-224-2551
Williston native receives heroism medal from Coast Guard:
NORTH DAKOTA NATIVE HONORED FOR BRAVERY
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) applauded a Williston native for his work of heroism and skill as a member of the Coast Guard, to save the lives of foundering sailors during a tropical storm.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Aaron Nelson was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal Wednesday for actions and aeronautical skills "essential in saving three lives" the Coast Guard said. Serving as the co-pilot on the MH-60 helicopter on May 7, 2007, Nelson and the rest of the crew are credited with scooping from the ocean three sailors who had to abandon their ship during sub-tropical storm Andrea.
Lieutenant Nelson grew up in Williston and graduated from Williston High School.
Based at Air Station Elizabeth City in Elizabeth, North Carolina, the crew rescued the sailors during seas that climbed to 50 feet and winds that reached 70 knots. Lieutenant Nelson maintained a steady hover 100ft over the ocean in the trying conditions while skillfully lowering the rescue swimmer into the water to recover the sailors. It was necessary for Lieutenant Nelson to repeat this feat twice more so the sailors could be saved and the rescue swimmer could be recovered safely.
The medal was presented by Rear Admiral Fred Rosa, Commander of the Coast Guard Fifth District today at the Coast Guard Air Station in Elizabeth City, NC.
"Aaron Nelson is a true credit to North Dakota and the Coast Guard. His actions saved the lives of three people who are undoubtedly grateful, but so are the rest of us to know that we have such a dedicated person serving our nation," Dorgan said. "I'm so proud to say that Lieutenant Nelson has been recognized for his heroism. He makes North Dakota proud."
-- END –
ONCE AGAIN OUTSTANDING JOB AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!RS
Robin Storm previous s/v Sean Seamour II posts:
Summary of Action for CG6014 for the S/V SEAN SEAMOUR II- REDUX - Plus
WebExclusive EPIRBs and the s/v Sean Seamour II - Part III
WebExclusive EPIRBs and the s/v Sean Seamour II - Part II
EPIRBs and the s/v Sean Seamour II
NHC Report on Subtropical Storm Andrea
Cheating Death On The High Seas
The s/v Sean Seamour II & The Hatteras Trench
High Sea's Update On Sean Seamour II
The Story of the Sailing Vessel Sean Seamour II
gCaptain previous s/v Sean Seamour II posts:
gCaptain Exclusive - Sailing in Severe Weather Lessons Learned
NASSG Oceanographers Guide Ships Through the Storm 
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