"Editor’s note: I received the following article a few weeks ago with an additional comment from the submitter that the author, a long-time, dedicated Auxiliarist was in the final stages of terminal cancer. I decided, at that time, to run the article without mention of his health, hopefully that Tim would see his work in National print. Sadly, that has not come to pass. I just received word that the author, Tim Kelly, crossed over the bar on the same day that his article was published. Please consider this article and photos to be a tribute to his life-long patriotism and dedication to our Auxiliary. In September 2005 Tim was awarded the Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award for his selfless contribution to the Auxiliary."

Tim Kelly

In February, Gary Nepple, Flotilla 76 Commander, D13 started planning a joint operation between Air Station Astoria and our local Division 7 Auxiliary.

On May 19th, it came to be a reality for us as final plans were made and all preliminary briefings were completed. The crew went out the door of the Station’s Ready Room a little nervous and apprehensive.

The crews consisted of Tim Kelly, coxswain, Dan Gulbrandson, owner/operator, and new members Byron Pinkney and John Poulson. Auxiliarists Pinkney and Poulson recently graduated from our Crew/Coxswain Academy. Since none of us had ever worked under a "Bird" before, BM1 Travis Frasier, USCG, came aboard as an advisor.

Auxiliary in action.

As it so happened, the helicopter arrived on time only to be diverted to River Place to respond to a report of a man in the water at a nearby restaurant. Our BM1 was dispatched to the search and rescue (SAR) as well.

The helo returned and gave us final instructions for the basket delivery. Our CG advisor did not return so the Aircraft Commander gave us instructions as to what was going to take place and the order of precedence. He then asked if we had any questions or comments. I told him the only thing we had was a bad case of apprehension. He said, "We'll work you through it", and we started the evolution.

USCG Helo with Aux Facility in Portland, OR

He moved in, lowered the trail line, dropping the weight on the deck, and my two crewmen ran out and grabbed the trail line. After giving it time to ground they proceeded to pull in the line. John pulled in the slack and Byron coiled the line in his hands as per instructions.

The basket came out and was lowered to the deck, John tending the basket as it came down. We had the basket on deck for a few moments and then it was lifted. All of this amidst a terrific wind like we had never experienced before. That was our practice run, followed by five more evolutions, both underway and DIW (dead in the water).

Tim Kelly

The SAFE Boat arrived as we were doing our last two evolutions and shot video of the operation. The Aircraft Commander gave us a hands down "well done" and stated that we performed everything efficiently, safely, and properly. He said that he was pleased to work over such a stable platform.

Our new crewpersons, Byron and John, were ecstatic for the opportunity and the training that they received that day. Their performance made us all proud.