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Sikorsky Aircraft
The President of the Coast Guard Aviation Association takes pleasure in presenting the President’s Award to Sikorsky Aircraft, in recognition of their 100-year anniversary and their extraordinary role and enduring partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard’s 80-years of rotary-wing aviation. A flight demonstration of Igor Sikorsky’s VS-300A helicopter at Bridgeport, Connecticut on April 20, 1942, started an air-sea rescue revolution in the U.S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard CDR William J. Kossler, a member of the Inter Agency Board established to research and incentivize rotary-wing aviation development, attended a very impressive flight demonstration and was convinced that the helicopter was the rescue vehicle of the future and would fulfill the Coast Guard’s future needs. In June 1943, LCDR Frank Erickson began helicopter flight training in the XR-4 at the Sikorsky Plant. On June 16, 1943, he soloed after three hours of dual flight training with Sikorsky’s chief test pilot Les Morris, thus becoming Naval Aviation’s first designated helicopter pilot and Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot Number 1. A few months later, on January 6, 1944, LCDR Frank Erickson and AMM1c Gus Jablonski took off in a Sikorsky HNS-1 helicopter to complete the first helicopter lifesaving mission delivering blood plasma from Manhattan, New York to Sandy Hook, New Jersey for victims of the USS TURNER explosion in challenging Nor’easter conditions. VADM Howard Thorsen once wrote “To those in peril on the sea, the sight and sound of a helicopter approaching – surely the answer to fervent prayer – is often the first sign of help.” More often than not over the last 80 years that helicopter has been a Sikorsky product. From the fragile HNS-1 to the venerable HH-52A and HH-3F to the modern MH-60T – from the USS TURNER to Hurricane KATRINA rescue efforts and beyond, the Sikorsky Aircraft and Coast Guard team has pioneered the use of the helicopter as a rescue vehicle. The Sikorsky Aircraft and Coast Guard partnership has proven time and time again, Igor Sikorsky’s prediction that the helicopter would prove to be a unique instrument for the saving of human lives. The innovation, pride and professionalism displayed by Sikorsky Aircraft over the last century had a tremendous impact on U.S. Coast Guard Aviation and earned the grateful appreciation of the Coast Guard Aviation Association.”
Chief Avionics Electrical Technician
Jonathon Harper, CGAS Cape Cod
Preamble:
The CHIEF AVIATION MACHINIST MATE OLIVER F. BERRY AVIATION MAINTENANCE AWARD is presented annually by the Assistant Commandant of Engineering and Logistics and is sponsored by the Coast Guard Aviation Association. The award is presented to an aviation technician who has demonstrated exceptional performance and enhanced the overall quality of Coast Guard aviation maintenance. This year’s recipient is Chief Avionics Electrical Technician Jonathon Harper of Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.
Citation:
“Dear Chief Harper,
It is my great pleasure to congratulate you as the 2023 recipient of the Chief Aviation Machinist Mate Oliver F. Berry Aviation Maintenance Award. “Go Ask The Chief.” Words that you have truly embodied so that you can answer the call when called upon. Chief Harper, you have truly become the physical representation of how the Service expects our senior enlisted members to mature. Masterful execution of all support shops within your trade, taking the helm of organizing a unit’s aviation maintenance program in collaboration with Operations, advancing your professional development to expand the envelope of situations you can be called on to help with, and most importantly, empathically leading those you are charged to lead and manage. … Your outstanding contributions and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
Sincerely,
Rear Admiral Amy B. Grable
U.S. Coast Guard, Chief Engineer”
2022 Petty Officer Ryan G. Hambrick
2020 AMT2 Jaime J. Marrero, Air Station Sacramento
2019 AET1 Brittany Bryant
2018 AET2 Zoltan Peter, C-27 Asset Project Office (APO)
2017 AMT1 John Levi T. Berg, Aviation Logistics Center
2016 AMT1 Jeremiah D. Branscomb, Aviation Logistics Center
2015 AMTC Joshua E. Vogan, CGAS Barbers Point
2014 AMT2 Christopher J. Roode of CGAS Elizabeth City
2013 AMTC Kevin Deininger, CGAS Barbers Point
2012 AMT1 Lawrence Peranto, CGAS Kodiak
2011 AMT1 Jacob Linder, CGAS Humboldt Bay
2010 AMT1 Frank Fontanez, ATC Mobile
2009 AMT2 Brandon Smith, CGAS San Diego
2008 AMT2 Bryan Patrick, CGAS San Francisco
2007 AMT2 David Parker, CGAS Houston
2006 AMT1 Cletis Milan, CGAS Elizabeth City
2005 AMT1 Randy Losada, CGAS Miami
2004 AM1 Brad Barrington, CGAS San Diego
2003 CWO Pete Fonticoba, CGAS Miami
Commander Jesse Hyles, CGAS Elizabeth City
Preamble:
The CAPT WILLIAM J. KOSSLER AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER AWARD, presented annually by the Assistant Commandant of Engineering and Logistics and sponsored by the Coast Guard Aviation Association, recognizes individual accomplishments and achievements within the Aeronautical Engineering Program. This year’s recipient is Commander Jesse Hyles of Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
Citation:
“Dear Commander Hyles,
It is my great pleasure to congratulate you as the 2023 recipient of the CAPT William J. Kossler Coast Guard Aeronautical Engineering Officer of the Year Award. You distinguished yourself through unmatched professional competence, outstanding performance, and servant leadership. You helped propel a major block upgrade for the entire C-130 fleet while also managing an operational unit’s hangar deck and Prime Unit activities for two airframes. More impressive is how you maintained your mastery of craft, passed on valuable tutelage to up-and-coming aircraft commanders as an instructor, and still found time to dedicate your personal attention to countless work and personal matters on which your team sought guidance. Your dedication to your people, the Service, and airworthiness is a testament to the outstanding character you embody daily as a military officer.
Your devotion to duty is most heartily commended and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
Sincerely,
Rear Admiral Amy B. Grable
U.S. Coast Guard, Chief Engineer”
This annual award, presented by the Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics, and sponsored by the Coast Guard Aviation Association (CGAA), recognizes individual accomplishments and achievements within the Aeronautical Engineering Program.
2022 Commander Matthew K. Matsuoka
2020 LCDR Sean T. Groark
2019 CDR Jerry J. Krywanczyk
LT Cody Eager, CGAS Sitka
Preamble:
The Coast Guard Aviation Association annually presents the Captain Marion “Gus” Shrode Aviation Safety Award to recognize superior performance and outstanding contributions to Coast Guard aviation safety. This year’s recipient is LT Cody Eager of Coast Guard Air Station Sitka.
Citation:
“The 2023 Captain Marion Gus Shrode Aviation Safety Award recipient is Air Station Sitka. Air Station Sitka has incorporated safety into all facets of mission readiness and has leveraged a deep Flight Safety Officer skill base among unit members to create a “safety net” and truly inculcate safety into the culture of Air Station Sitka. LT Cody Eager, Air Station Sitka’s Command Safety Officer, utilized the safety net to identify a lack of understanding amongst the unit on the intricacies of risk management. LT Eager created quarterly newsletters featuring risk management topics and provided enhanced risk management training to ensure the unit successfully incorporated risk mitigation techniques during all evolutions. LT Eager further identified operational hazards and created a “most wanted” list based upon safety survey feedback and suggestions from the field. By prioritizing operational hazards, Air Station Sitka completely revised their aviation engineering watch schedule which resulted in a 22% reduction in maintenance labor hours and a 99.3% B-0 availability rate. Also, guided by the “most wanted” list, LT Eager boosted OMSEP compliance by 70% in a 3-month period and developed a three-phase plan, to not only recover from previous noncompliance, but to set the program up for future sustainability. Air Station Sitka’s commitment to safety transformed policy into practice; turning safety culture and their safety management system into tangible, actionable practices, in which the entire unit can participate and take pride.”
The Coast Guard Aviation Association annually presents the Captain Marion “Gus” Shrode Aviation Safety Award to recognize superior performance and outstanding contributions to Coast Guard aviation safety. Captain Shrode was a pioneer in the development of Coast Guard aviation standardization programs, including publication of the Coast Guard’s first aircraft standardization manual. Captain Shrode was also instrumental in creating the Coast Guard’s Aviation Training Center in 1966, served as the Aviation Safety Chief, and completed seven years of continuous aviation command with distinction.
2022 Sector Columbia River/Air Station Astoria Safety Department
2020 Air Station Houston Safety Department
2019 Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile Safety Department
2018 Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) LCDR Jessica S. Davila, LT John R. Sauve, LT David H. Blue, LT Joseph P. Rozycki, LT Thomas E. Horejs and Lt Michael J. Gereau
2017 LCDR Heather Majeska, LCDR Dave McCarthy, LT Dustin Burton, LT David Wright, LTJG Carter Schlank, AND MST1 Lizette Guiterrez, AirSta Clearwater Av Safety Dept
2016 LCDR James Cooley, CGAS Astoria
2015 LT Daniel Crowley, CGAS Houston
2014 Air Station Cape Cod Safety Department: LT Arthur Mahar, LT Garin Kirkpatrick, LT Kimberly Hess
2013 AS North Bend Safety Department: LCDR Jason Gelfand, LT Caroline Kearney
2012 AS Humboldt Bay Safety Department: LT Kelly Deuterman, LT Terrance Herdliska
2011 AS E-City Safety Department: LT Jeremy Davis, LT Thomas Huntley, LT Nicholas Hazlett
2010 AS Los Angeles Safety Department: LT Patrick Dill, LT Barry Miles, LT Joel Cooper (RAN)
2009 LT Robert Fitzgerald, CGAS San Francisco
2008 AS Clearwater Safety Department: LT Rob Donnell, LT Josh Fitzgerald, LTJG James Bates and MST1 Jon Gebo
2007 AS Atlantic City Safety Department: LT Brian Potter and LT Frank Fusco
2006 Sector Corpus Christi Safety Department: CDR John Danaher, LT Juan Posada and Ms Jammie Fisher
2005 LT Sean O’Brien, CGAS Houston
2004 AS Kodiak Safety Department: LCDR Brian Washburn, LT Jeremy Smith, LT Timothy Eason and Mr. Scott Tobias
2003 LT Richard Bates, HITRON Jacksonville
2002 LT Charles Carrulo, AS Atlantic City
2001 LT John Rivers, CGAS Miami
2000 CWO Chirstopher Toupin, AR&SC
1999 LT Randy Emery, CGAS Atlantic City
1998 LT David Scott, CGAS Borenquen
LCDR Jared Rispens of CGAS Clearwater
Preamble:
The Coast Guard Aviation Association and co-sponsor Dr. Arthur J. French awards the Aviation Flight Surgeon of the Year award for the Flight Surgeon who best demonstrates commitment and service to aeromedical medicine and operational support of Coast Guard Aviation. This year the award is presented to LCDR Jared Rispens of Air Station Clearwater.
Citation:
“For superior performance while serving as Senior Health Services Officer and Flight Surgeon to Air Station Clearwater, FL. As the lead Medical Officer at the CG’s largest and busiest air station from June 2022 to May 2023, LCDR Rispens safeguarded the medical readiness for 31 CG commands in the Central Florida area, which serves approximately 1,400 active duty and reserve personnel. His leadership of three Physician Assistants and 14 enlisted clinic staff preserved access to critical medical care for members and ensured continued mission capability for search and rescue during Hurricane IAN, the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since 1935. LCDR Rispens stationed medical personnel at the unit’s evacuation site of Palm Beach, FL and embedded EMTs into evacuation aircrews. He then led a reconstitution team to rapidly resume clinic services just 48 hours after storm passage. His efforts prioritized aircrew readiness before, during, and after the storm, which directly contributed to the unit’s ability to rescue 130 people from the destruction. Prioritizing unscheduled medication access for operational crews, LCDR Rispens created a “medical go-bag” program with common prescriptions for deployed aircrews located 644 nm away from home station with no access to medical facilities. This effort has drastically improved readiness of the site at the minimal cost of less than $400 a year. With the utmost care for members, LCDR Rispens sacrificed his personal time to follow-up on hundreds of health issues and intervened on several members in crisis, personally saving their lives. LCDR Rispens’ professionalism and devotion of duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Aviation Association.”
LTJG Mikel Vartanian, ATC Mobile
Preamble:
The Coast Guard Aviation Association and co-sponsor Dr. Arthur J. French awards the Aviation Physician’s Assistant award for the Aviation Physician Assistant who best demonstrates commitment and service for aeromedical medicine and operational support to Coast Guard Aviation. This year the award is presented to LTJG Mikel Vartanian of Aviation Training Center Mobile.
Citation:
“As ATC’s sole Designated Aviation Physician Assistant, LTJG Mikel Vartanian was crucial in the unit’s ability to maintain medically ready crews in support of the unit’s training and operational missions. LTJG Vartanian deployed for 30 days in support of the Joint Interagency Taskforce Southeast’s operation Vigilant Sentry amidst an unprecedented surge of illegal maritime migration in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, and Mona Passage. As a Deployable Medical Officer, LTJG Vartanian served aboard multiple cutters working tirelessly to treat acute illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and screen over 100 migrants, including children. In addition, LTJG Vartanian utilized Flight Surgeon training to coordinate with the USCGC RESOLUTE and an Air Station Clearwater MH-60 for the medical evacuation of a patient experiencing seizures off the coast of Florida. An advocate for the advancement of Coast Guard healthcare professionals, LTJG Vartanian served as the ATC Clinic’s Training Officer and weekly training modules resulting in a two-fold increase in the number of ATC Health Service Technician’s eligible for the Service Wide Advancement Exam. Additionally, LTJG Vartanian mentored five members pursuing a career in Coast Guard medicine by sponsoring applications to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program and facilitating over 200 hours of clinical shadowing. LTJG Vartanian’s dedication, commitment, and service to the Coast Guard aviation community is commendable and a credit to the outstanding reputation of Coast Guard aeromedicine professionals.”
Air Auxiliary Aircraft Commander/Flight Examiner
Judy Redlawsk
Preamble:
“The Coast Guard Aviation Association annually presents the Commander David H Barlett & Commodore Lloyd T. Nichols Auxiliary Aviation Award of Excellence to an Air Auxiliary Crewmember who has demonstrated exceptional performance and enhanced the overall quality of Coast Guard Air Auxiliary Program. This year’s recipient is Air Auxiliary Aircraft Commander/Flight Examiner Judy Redlawsk.
Citation:
“Ms. REDLAWSK is cited for exceptional achievement and operational skill in her performance of duties as Auxiliary Aircraft Commander, District Flight Safety Officer and Branch Chief of Flight Safety from October 2022 to September 2023. Demonstrating superior professional competence and commitment, Ms. REDLAWSK consistently performed above and beyond expectations to ensure her assigned aviation missions and projects were achieved with excellence and has made exceptional contributions to Coast Guard Aviation. During this time frame, demonstrating her commitment to the Auxiliary’s mission, Ms. REDLAWSK completed 100 sorties, totaling almost 500 mission hours of flight time in service to Coast Guard Aviation. Ms. REDLAWSK has participated in maritime observation support missions, observing recreational and commercial boating, searching for environmental pollution, conducting search and rescue missions, and Rotary Wing Air Intercept training missions. Working closely with AIRSTA ATLANTIC CITY. Ms. Redlawsk has made major contributions in certifying and training Auxiliary Aviators and Aircrew. Her knowledge and 30,000 flight hours as a professional aviator have improved the quality of skill sets and the professionalism of the Auxiliary Aviation program. Additionally, as Branch Chief of Flight Safety for 6 years, she was instrumental in upgrades to training and professionalism of crews. Ms. REDLAWSK continually disseminates relevant Flight Safety topics to the Auxiliary, teaching 4 different courses. A majority of her time has been donated to Crew Resource Management training and she has been providing classes for over 12 years to Auxiliary aviators and crews throughout the nation. She diligently works to enhance the Auxiliary Flight Safety Program. Ms. REDLAWSK’s dedication, judgment, perseverance, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United Stated Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.”
Aircraft Commander – LCDR Thomas Humphrey
Co-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
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.”
The Elmer Stone Award recognizes Fixed-Wing aircrews who have demonstrated exceptional performance while engaged in search and rescue operations:
2022 USCG Air Station Kodiak, AK – Crew of HC-130 CG-2006: CDR Stephen W. Pittman, USCG – Acft. Cmdr., LT Austin S. English, USCG – Copilot, AMT1 Julio A. Guillermo, USCG – Loadmaster, AET2 Mykola O. Polovko, USCG – MSO, AET2 Corey J. Walker, USCG – MSO, AMT3 Ian R. Tuel, USCG – Dropmaster, AET3 Michael E. Madrigal, USCG -Basic AC
2020 AIR STATION CAPE COD CREW OF CGNR 2313: LCDR CHRISTOPHER MCKAY, LTJG BANNING S. LOBMEYER, AMT2 JESSE R. OUDMAN, AMT3 BRANDON E. SABALA, AET3 CONNOR D. SHANNON, AET3 NICOLAS G. STEWART
2019 CREW CGNR 1720: LT ERIK WYRICK, LT TERRELL JACKSON, AMT2 GREG KNIGH,T AT2 TRENTON GARZA, AMT2 GARTH BOOYE, AT3 KEVIN BLAIR, AMT3 COLBY SMITH
2018 AIR STATION BARBERS POINT CREW OF CG-1703 LCDR SEAN H. BARTONICEK, LTJG EVAN C. SWINGHAMER, AET2 BEAU F. FISCH, AET2 ANDREW M. DAVIS, AMT2 RYAN A. CABRERA, AET2 JEREMIAH J. STROMBECK, AET3 SHAWN M. FELEPPA
2017 CREW OF HC-130 1790, CGAS BARBER’S POINT LCDR ANTONE ALONGI LT MATTHEW CHASE, AMTC JAMES STARR, AET1 CLASS WILLIAM OSTERHOUT, AET2 CLASS ROBERT WANDELL, AMT2 CLASS JEREMY ANDREWS, AMT2 DAELYN CHANEY
2016 CREW OF HC-130 1790, CGAS BARBER’S POINT LCDR ANTONE ALONGI LT MATTHEW CHASE, AMTC JAMES STARR, AET1 CLASS WILLIAM OSTERHOUT, AET2 CLASS ROBERT WANDELL, AMT2 CLASS JEREMY ANDREWS, AMT2 DAELYN CHANEY
2015 HC-144 CGNR 2309 CREW, CGAS CAPE COD LT JAMISON R. FERRIELL, LT ERIK J. PRICE, AMT3 ERIC C. WOODS, AMT3 CHRISTOPHER S. LELYO
2014 HC-144 CGNR 2309 CREW, CGAS CAPE COD LT DUSTIN LEE, LT STEVEN VANDERLASKE, AMT1 STEPHEN UNDERWOOD, AMT3 ERIC WOODS
2013 HC-130J CGNR 2004 CREW, CGAS ELIZABETH CITY LT MICHAEL MYERS, LTJG FRANK MCINTOSH, AMT3 ERIC LASTER, AMT3 JESSE EMBERT, AMT1 HECTOR RIOS, AET1 JOSHUA ADAMS, AET3 JOSHUA VARGO
2012 HC-130 CGNR 1790 CREW. AS KODIAK LT ISRAEL YOUNG, LT JEANINE MENZE, LCDR MICHAEL BENSON, AET1 RODERICK HANSON, AMTC PAUL HENNING, AET3 DANE BUTLER, AMT1 JARED MORRISON, AET3 CLARK PATTERSON
2011 HC-144 CGNR 2306 CREW, AS MIAMI LT STACIA PARROTT, LTJG DANIEL FEIRMAN, AET1 THOMAS MORRELL, AMT2 CASEY GREEN, AMT2 JACOB EIDE, AET3 JEREMY CHURCH
2010 HC-130 CREW, AS BARBERS POINT LT DAVID SHOOK, LTJG PHILLIP ORTEGA, AET1 ROBERT BLUME, AET2 MICHAEL HOUSE, AMT3 CASE MCCRODEN, AMT3 PAUL JOHNSON
2009 HC-130 CREW, AS SACRAMENTO LCDR CHE BARNES, LT RANDALL BLACK, AMT1 ANDREW KASTEN, AMT1 RANDALL PURDY, AMT1 JASON FERGUSON, AET2 NATHAN LACROIX, AET2 BRENNAN BRIDGEFORD, AMT3 JOSEPH MACKEY
2008 HC-130 CREW, AS KODIAK LT STEVE MCKECHNIE, CDR PAUL TITCOMBE, AMT1 SHAWN CALLIS, AET1 KEVIN DURYEA, AET3 JASON MADDUX, AMT3 COREYT STROBEL, AMT3 COLLIN SPENCER
2007 HC-130 crew, AS Elizabeth City LT Paul Beavis, LT Edward Ahlstrand, AMT1 Trey Jones, AET3 Jesse Bennett, AMT2 Stacey Sorenson, AET3 Ryan Cantu, AMT3 Casey Green
2006 HU-24 CREW, ATC MOBILE LT ANTHONY CELLA, LT STEVEN TALICK, AMT2 RALPH TURNER, AMT3 BOBBY ACREE, AET2 ANDREW GOODISON
2005 HC-130 CREW, AS KODIAK LCDR TODD SCHMIDT, LT STEVEN MCKECHNIE, AMT1 KEVIN KEARNS, AET1MARTIN, AMT2 NORIEGA, AMT2 THOMAS AUITO, AET2 SCOTT MARET
2004 HC-130 CREW, AS KODIAK LCDR Timothy Tobiasz (Aircraft Commander), LCDR Kenneth Harman (Flight Surgeon), LT Eric Storch (Copilot), AMT1 Curtis Jones (Dropmaster), AMT2 Bryan Stewart (Flight Engineer), AET2 Kevin Martin (Navigator), AET2 Daniel Buress, (Radio Operator), AMT3 Anthony Zalocki (Loadmaster) and HS2 Christopher Burnside (Aviation Mission Specialist—Corpsman)
2003 HC-130 CREW, AS ELIZABETH CITY LCDR MICHAEL CALLAHAN, LT ALAN HANSEN, AMTC HOWARD REED, AVT2 PHILIP BENTON, AVT3 BEAU STOUGH, AVT2 BENNET DURHAM, AMT3 CHRISTOPHER TEALL, AMT1 THOMAS BAUGH, AMT3 WENDY MUSSER
2002 HU-25 CREW, AS CAPE COD LT CURTIS SUMROK, LTJG ROB BARTHELMES, AMT2 THOMAS ARNETTE, AVT2 WILLIAM SHRADE
2001 HC-130 CREW, AS CLEARWATER LCDR KIRK BARTNIK, LCDR GEOFF BORREE, LT RONALD DEWITT, LT JONATHAN SPANER, AMT1 STEPHEN
2000 HC-130 CREW, AS ELIZABETH CITY LCDR BILL THOMPSON, LCDR JOHN KEETON, AMT1 JOHN NICHOLSON, AMT1 TIM WALLER, AT1 MIKE MCCLEARY, AMT2 ED HOLLAND, AT2 PAT MUDGE
Aircraft Commander: CAPT Nate Coulter
Copilot: LT Chris Guernsey
Flight Mechanic: AET2 David Belt
Rescue Swimmer: AST3 Kimble Peterson
Preamble:
“The Captain Frank Erickson award recognizes Helicopter aircrews who have demonstrated exceptional performance while engaged in search and rescue operations. This year’s recipients are the Sikorsky MH-60T Crew of Air Station Kodiak CG6027.
Aircraft Commander: CAPT Nate Coulter
Copilot: LT Chris Guernsey
Flight Mechanic: AET2 David Belt
Rescue Swimmer: AST3 Kimble Peterson
Citation:
“On the evening of September 19, 2022, the crew of CG6027, deployed to Forward Operating Location Kotzebue, AK, was notified of an urgent MEDEVAC for a hunter experiencing chest pains, vomiting, and unable to walk without great difficulty. Located approximately 100nm northwest of Kotzebue, the hunting party reported on-scene visibility of one-quarter mile.
Due to the condition of the hunter, a civilian paramedic from Kotzebue was brought along as part of the aircrew to assist with rendering medical care to the critical patient. During the transit, widespread fog limited visibility to less than one mile with the cloud ceiling at 150 feet. The pilots brought the helicopter into a low hover over the Ipewik River and expertly navigated the mountainous terrain in demanding low-light conditions and a 20-knot tailwind, placing the helicopter in an unusual performance envelope. After navigating approximately 40nm in this low visibility, the crew located the hunters’ campsite, 800’ above the helicopter in the clouds. The pilot in command skillfully hover taxied up the side of the mountain in less than one-eighth mile visibility. Arriving at the campsite, three bears were detected and repelled before landing. After successfully embarking the patient, the crew departed into the clouds for the return transit to Kotzebue. During the climb, the helicopter began to accumulate ice and the left windshield anti-ice system failed, rendering the window completely opaque. During the transit, the crew tended to the hunter and treated him with an IV to relieve his heart attack symptoms. Regaining visual flight, the helicopter landed at Kotzebue and disembarked the hunter to local EMS care. Incredible airmanship, decision-making, and teamwork allowed the crew of CG6027 to complete one of the unit’s most challenging cases in recent memory, saving one life.”
The Frank Erickson Award recognizes Rotary-Wing aircrews who have demonstrated exceptional performance while engaged in search and rescue operations:
2022 USCG Air Station Kodiak, AK – Crew of MH-60 CG-6037:
LCDR John A. Filipowicz, USCG – Acft. Cmdr., LCDR Alex C. Martfeld, USCG – Copilot, AMT2 Christian R. Sandberg, USCG – Flt. Mech., AST3 Robert R. Burke III, USCG – RS
2020 Sector Humboldt Bay crew of CGNR 6561:
LCDR Derek L. Schramel, LTJG Adam J. Ownbey, AMT3 Tyler S. Cook, AST1 P. Graham McGinnis
2019 Aircraft CGNR 6032
LCDR William J. Burwell, CP: LT Katelyn M. Dacimo, RS: AST2 Michael W. Kelly, RS: AST3 Luke M. Headley, FM: AMT1 Devin R. Lloyd
2018 Air Station Kodiak crew of CG-6593
LCDR Daniel A. Schrader, LCDR Adam L. Mullins, AMT2 Jentzen D. Green, AET1 Gregory K. Mayes, AET2 Jacqueline V. Gutierrez
2017 North Bend crew of CGNR 6559
LT Zachary Wiest, LT Wesley Jones, AMT2 Jason Caristo, and AST3 Chad Morris
2016 CGNR 6032 crew, AS Sitka
LCDR Christopher S. Stoeckler, LT Matthew R. Herring, AET3 Class Jeremy A. Reed, AST2 Class Brendan D.Dent, HS2 Class Ryan F. Ransom
2015 MH-60 CGNR 6033 crew AS Cape Cod
LT John D. Hess, LT Matthew R. Vanderslice, AMT2 Derrick P Suba, AST3 Evan A. Staph
2014 MH-65 CGNR 6515 crew, AS San Francisco
LCDR James Kenshalo, LT Beau Belanger, AST3 Corey Fix, AMT2 Travis Swain
2013 MH60T CGNR 6012 crew, Elizabeth City
LCDR Steven Cerveny, LT Jane Pena, AMT3 Michael Lufkin, AST2 Randy Haba
2012 HH-60 CG-6010 Crew, AS Kodiak
CDR Matthew Breckel, LT John Filipowicz, AMT2 Joshua Harris, AST2 Steven Fischer
2011 HH-60 CG-6013 crew, AS Kodiak
LCDR JAMES HARKINS, LT CHRISTOPHER STOECKLER, AET2 DAVID BALL, AST2 MICHAEL GERENT
2010 HH-65C crew, AS Atlantic City
LCDR Sean O’Brien, LT Neal Corbin, AMT2 Ian Berg, AST2 David Downham
2009 HH-60J crew, AS Clearwater
LCDR Mark Turner, LTjg Daniel Cathell, AMT2 Jason Menezes, AST3 Jon Geskus
2008 HH-65 crew, AS Kodiak
LT Timothy Schmitz, LT Greg Gederner, AMT2 Alfred Musgrave, AST2 Abram Heller
2007 HH-65 crew, AS Kodiak
LCDR Joseph Carroll, LT Devin Townsend, AST1 Willard Milam, AET2 John Maghupoy
2006 HH-60 crew, AS Sitka
LCDR William Simmons, LCDR Walter Horne, AMT3 Karl Schickle, AST3 Jon Houlberg
2005 HH-65 crew, AS Kodiak
LT Timothy Eason, LT Robert Kornexl, AMT3 Gibbons
2004 HH-60 crew, AS Kodiak
LCDR Joseph Uxmann, LT Jeremy Smith, AMT2 Joseph Triechel, AST2 Joshua Mitcheltree, HS2 Marc Capra
2003 HH-65 crew, AS Humboldt Bay
LVCDR Even Grant, LT Andrea Sacchetti, AMT2 Raymond Morris
2002 HH-65 crew, AS North Bend
CDR Douglas Kaup, LT Steven Detton, AVT3 Benjamin Berman, AST3 Erick Biehn
2001 HH-65 crew, AS Savannah
LT Lance Belben, LT Sean Morrisey, AMT3 Curtis Winn, AST2 Jason Mathers
2000 HH-60 crew, AS Sitka
LCDR Robert Yerex, LT james O’Keefe, AMT1 Christian Bloanco, AST3 Noel Hutton
Alda Siebrands
Preamble:
The Victor Roulund Meritorious On-Scene Performance Award recognizes quick-thinking individuals within U.S. Coast Guard Aviation, who have taken risks and improvised in extraordinary circumstances, with the intent to save lives. The Victor Roulund Award is co-sponsored by Mr. Roy Vander Putten, and the Coast Guard Aviation Association. This award is named in honor of AD2 Victor Roulund, USCG, who, on 24 December 1955, was part of the augmented crew of an HO4S (a variant of the Sikorsky H-19) helicopter, deployed to Marysville, in Northern California. PO Roulund’s crew faced daunting weather and rescue challenges in the vicinity of the Yuba River, where countless people were seriously stricken in sudden, extreme flooding conditions. Within a 12-hour span, PO2 Roulund and his three fellow crewmembers, rotated in and out, hoisting a total of 138 people. The second Roulund award recipient is Alda Siebrands.
Citation:
“Just before noon, on 5 March 1994, LT Alda Siebrands, aircraft commander of the MH-65A CG6503, sized-up her 3-person crew’s uncommon challenge. A weak, likely hypothermic, 73-yr-old man was on the water’s surface, clinging to the rescue basket below her helicopter. Time was running out and the CG6503 lacked a rescue swimmer on board. The survivor’s continued exposure to 45 deg water and battering seas could quickly lead to his unconsciousness, and it became clear that the crew of the 6503 was this person’s last chance. Passing the control of the aircraft to her copilot, LT Siebrands left the helicopter, entered the salt water of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and despite great difficulties, placed the survivor and herself into the basket. Once delivered to a sandbar, LT Siebrands determined that the survivor had no vital signs. She and the helicopter’s flight mechanic conducted CPR for nearly 25 minutes until an EMS crew arrived. Once the EMS crew defibrillated the patient, he started breathing on his own. Like PO Victor Roulund in 1955, LT Alda Siebrands’ efforts as the survivor’s “one last hope” place her among the other excellent, quick-thinking Coast Guard performers who improvised in extraordinary circumstances, operated well outside of what was routinely regarded as normal “crew duties,” and took personal risks to save a life.”
2021
AST2 James A. Chandler, USCG
AST2 James Chandler
Preamble:
The Victor Roulund Meritorious On-Scene Performance Award recognizes quick-thinking individuals within U.S. Coast Guard Aviation, who have taken risks and improvised in extraordinary circumstances, with the intent to save lives. The Victor Roulund Award is co-sponsored by Mr. Roy Vander Putten, and the Coast Guard Aviation Association. This award is named in honor of AD2 Victor Roulund, USCG, who, on 24 December 1955, was part of the augmented crew of an HO4S (a variant of the Sikorsky H-19) helicopter, deployed to Marysville, in Northern California. PO Roulund’s crew faced daunting weather and rescue challenges in the vicinity of the Yuba River, where countless people were seriously stricken in sudden, extreme flooding conditions. Within a 12-hour span, PO2 Roulund and his three fellow crewmembers, rotated in and out, hoisting a total of 138 people.
Citation:
“During an urgent MEDEVAC, Petty Officer CHANDLER immediately recognized the patient’s critical condition and instructed the Flight Mechanic on the use of a bag valve mask to provide her with supplemental oxygen, allowing Petty Officer CHANDLER to focus on chest compressions, providing CPR for the 30-minute transit to Ellington Field. There, the patient was transferred to an ambulance.
Due to the severe lack of available medical personnel, the ambulance crew requested that Petty Officer CHANDLER continue to provide lifesaving care in the ambulance for the 45 minutes en-route to a hospital. Once there, the patient was stabilized. As a leading member of the response during multiple intense rescue operations, his efforts directly resulted in the saving of this patient’s life. Petty Officer Chandler’s professional skill, judgment and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Aviation Association.
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