Home

During the summer of 1983, we flew two aircraft to the U. S. Coast Guard Station in Arcata, on the northern California coast, to practice using our new High-Performance Rescue Hoists to lift people from boats.  As part of our experience, we also got to be hoisted ourselves.

Shot from the left seat of our UH-1V, this is the Coast Guard cutter we're approaching to perform our practice hoists.

Pictured here is my co-pilot, Major George "Flash Dance" Wagner, commander of the 126th at the time.

Here in the foreground is SGT Gerry Mack (Crew Chief), who is still in the unit.  He, like myself, remains unchanged with the years.

This is CW3 Mike Banek piloting our other aircraft on this trip. 

Later, we boarded the cutter and headed out to witness how the Coast Guard operated their basket hoist.  L-R:  Unknown crew member (let me know if you recognize him), SP/5 Joe Guerra (medic), can't see this guy's face, and CW3 Ken Ulrich.

Back to History Contents Page