Preamble:

“The Commander Elmer Stone award recognizes Fixed-Wing aircrews who have demonstrated exceptional performance while engaged in search and rescue operations.   This year’s recipients are the Lockheed Martin HC-130J Crew of Air Station Kodiak CG2010:

Aircraft Commander – LCDR Thomas HumphreyCo-Pilot – LCDR Derek Kelley
Loadmaster – AMT3 Josh Carwell
Dropmaster – AMT3 Antony Naleo
Mission Systems Operator – AET3 Ian Angell
Mission Systems Operator – AET3 George Beltran Negron
Basic Aircrewman – AET1 David Segal
Physician Assistant – LT Brian Wilson

Citation: 

“On March 20th, 2022, Air Station Kodiak received a launch request for the non-maritime MEDEVAC of five critical patients from Dutch Harbor, AK, 528nm Southwest of Kodiak.

The crew of CGNR2010 identified this case as a high-risk life-saving mission due to blizzard conditions in Dutch Harbor and implemented creative risk-mitigation techniques for an approach to the airfield in extremely dangerous terrain. Maneuvering the aircraft at the margins of its operating envelope, the crew of CG2010 expertly navigated Iliuliuk Bay amidst 54kt gusting crosswinds and severe low-level turbulence that caused un-commanded descents of up to 100 feet. Landing on the short, 3900’ runway just seconds before blowing snow reduced visibility to zero, CG2010 embarked the five patients in a maelstrom of snow, ice, and near- zero visibility. Observing a short break in the weather, CG2010 conducted a takeoff between snow squalls, negotiating the treacherous conditions yet again to ensure life-saving medical care.  Superior airmanship, comprehensive flight planning, diligent operational risk management, and careful crew coordination all combined to successfully complete this extremely challenging mission. The crew accepted this mission at great personal risk and selflessly performed their duties, resulting in five lives saved, including a newborn baby.”