The concept of joint Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary air training missions started as a vision in 1996. Outer Banks Flotilla 16-7 already had a full agenda with standard recreational boating safety and other activities. However, a small group of active members desired more.

Bill Draper, Flotilla Operations Officer (FSO-OP) was the driving force, proposing to Commander Sens, Commanding Officer, Group Cape Hatteras; and to Captain Walz and Commander Seabold of Elizabeth City Air Station that Auxiliary vessels could be used in place of Coast Guard vessels and crew as Avessels in distress for training of helicopter and C-130 missions.

The proposal was based on two premises: The flotilla had resources and knowledge of local operation areas, and; this would free up regular Coast Guard personnel for other urgent duties.

Air station personnel provided classroom training, while on-the-water training was provided using a 41-foot vessel from CG Station Oregon Inlet. This training led to the qualification of eight Auxiliarists to participate in an on-the-water demonstration. Using Auxiliary vessels and crew - the final test to determine if the concept was safe and efficient was scheduled.

In October, 1997 three Flotilla boats: a 21’, a 23’, and a 27’ were selected for day time trial runs in the Albemarle Sound. An Elizabeth City Air Station H60 helicopter supported the mission by briefing crews on safety and the kinds of hoists to be performed.

After day and night trials the Flotilla was then given the responsibility of creating and training a crew to participate in this new on-the-water activity.

Bill Draper's 27’ Sea Ray was the primary helo boat for three years. Tom Franchi’s 22’ Grady White became the Ahelo boat for the next two years. Tom Franchi then purchased a new 29’ Pro Sports catamaran. The new vessel named the “TOM KAT” has since provided outstanding helo mission support.

Currently Flotilla 16-7 supports the training of Elizabeth City Air Station helicopter crews - including pilots, flight mechanics and rescue swimmers. The vessel “TOM KAT” acts as a distressed vessel while the helo hovers close to the water, at a height of approximately 50 feet. Basket hoisting exercises are conducted either underway or dead in the water.

The Auxiliary also provides support standing by as a safety vessel while the helo rescue swimmers practice recovering victims from the water.

The normal boat crew for these exercises consists of four Auxiliarists including the operator, primary, secondary, and safety. A fifth person may be on board as trainee or observer. All must be in “strong voice” in order to be heard above the helo rotor.

Potential hazards associated with operating a boat under a helicopter with 100 M.P.H. wind and sprays are numerous. However, through proper training and practice the hazards are minimized.

There are currently 16 Auxiliarists in the Outer Banks Flotilla who are qualified to perform helicopter operations and another eight are currently being trained. The Flotilla continues to recruit new crew.

Helo ops are challenging and successful performance is its own reward, said Tom Franchi,. We Auxiliarists get a thrill whenever we see a helicopter or C-130 headed toward the Atlantic Ocean to what may be a real-life emergency and it is with a great amount of pride that we say Aa little bit of 16-7 goes with them.

Auxiliary participation in the helo program has been commended by command officers in the Coast Guard and citations are on file. Former Captain S. J. Walz, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City wrote, “It is with great pride and pleasure that I commend your boat crews for their unselfish support provided during our day and night training sorties. You may be justly proud of your contributions to the saving of 75 lives and assisting 167 others during the 355 Search and Rescue cases flown by Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City that year.”

Information sources:
Carl M. Berntsen, FSO-CM
Thomas A. Franchi

All photos were taken in the Albemarle Sound in conjunction with Air Station Elizabeth City.