On 14 November, 2018, LCDR Burwell and the crew of CG 6032 were notified of the Fishing Vessel Aaron and Melissa II taking on water and its 4 crew abandoning ship in high seas, fomented by a Nor’easter with 50+ knot winds. In light of the reported 20+ feet seas, the decision was made to bring an additional rescue swimmer and heavy weather rescue equipment. Airborne within 20 minutes, the crew discussed all rescue options across varying scenarios that they might encounter once on-scene. Throughout the 140 mile commute, the crew calculated fuel requirements, programmed search patterns into the flight computer, and communicated with the HC-144 crew providing overhead cover. As the helicopter neared the last reported position, the conditions worsened, inducing jarring turbulence and gusts up to 60 knots.

The pilots tuned the direction finding equipment while the Rescue Swimmers operated the FLIR in attempts to locate the survivors. A 406-EPIRB signal was received and almost simultaneously LT Dacimo announced, “Raft, 10 o’clock. Mark-mark-mark.” LCDR Burwell marked the position, relayed the coordinates to the fixed-wing cover aircraft, and entered a hover to commence the rescue sequence. A 60′ hover showed the seas were now up to 25 feet. The storm battered raft showed no obvious signs of life.

AMTl Lloyd began conning 6032 forward to provide AST2 Kelly a downwind swim to the raft. The sea spray was assaulting the raft and extreme care had to be taken to keep the helicopter’s rotor wash away. As AMTI Lloyd sent AST2 Kelly out the door, it was clear the wind was going to sweep him aft – AMTl Lloyd adjusted appropriately. LT Dacimo announced a coming wave crest and AMTl Lloyd took this opportunity to position AST2 Kelly for his release from the sling. With the swimmer in the water, the aircraft backed away to gain visual contact with both the raft and the swimmer. The raft had been swept further away during the deployment and AST2 Kelly would have fight the towering waves to reach the raft. Swimming with all the strength he could summon, he was able to grab the sea anchor line and pull himself to the raft, discovering 4 hypothermic survivors. Relaying their condition to the helicopter above, he asked them to remain calm and ascertained that two of the boat crew did not know how to swim and that their suits had filled with water.

As AMTI Lloyd hoisted down the rescue basket, it sailed well aft of the aircraft. Fighting the winds, he skillfully delivered the basket within feet of the swimmer. AST2 Kelly loaded the first survivor and attempted to hang on to the basket to stabilize it as it came out of the water. As he held on, the wave dropped out from beneath him, leaving him to hang in the air and then fall onto his back. Upon resurfacing, he gathered the next survivor to enter the water with him. The next survivor’s mustang suit was damaged and filled with water, presenting him an arduous tow to the drifting basket. With the second survivor on his way up, AST2 prepared the third to enter the water. His suit was completely full of water and he could not swim–causing him to become frantic. By this time, AST2 Kelly was feeling nauseous and exhausted. He had reached the limit of his endurance, but was determined to finish the job two more times.

Despite the raging seas and howling gale, the crew of CGNR 6032 was able to maintain station and complete the rescue hoists of all 4 survivors. Their heroic efforts undoubtedly saved the 4 crewmembers of the F/V Aaron and Melissa II and are unquestionably worthy this prestigious award.