The USCG Air Station Atlantic City had a problem. They have more than doubled the size of their helicopter fleet along with crews. There is now an urgent need to keep these highly trained pilots and crews current in their training requirements.

It is costly for the Coast Guard to launch a 47’ motor life boat (MLB) to assist the Air Station with their helicopter drills over the ocean. It also takes up boat crew time of the local boat stations.

Station Atlantic City under the guidance and supervision of LT Jason Ingram, USCG, was able to procure a 27’ Boston Whaler and refit it with twin 150 4 phase Honda engines. A bar platform was constructed, covering the engines which acts as a platform for the Helo basket.

A call went out to Auxiliarists in Division 8, D5-NR, who might be interested in a pilot training program. The training would allow them to work with the active duty and a potential qualification to be a crew person or coxswain on the station’s larger boats.

By having Auxiliarists available to assist in the helicopter operations program, using the 27’ CG facility, it would considerably bring the cost down compared to using active duty personnel and a larger station boat. It would also free up sea time for the active duty station personnel making it easier to get boats underway for search and rescue and Homeland Security issues.

The training involved getting an Auxiliary crew certified aboard the Coast Guard 27 footer. It consisted of both classroom study and on-water training, including helicopter operations time on the 47 foot boat.

The first helicopter operations class consisted of units from Flotillas 81, 82, 84, and 85. The lead instructor and mentor from Station Atlantic City was BM1 Hitchner.

When this helicopter operations training is completed the Auxiliary will, without on-board active duty supervision, utilize the 27’ boat on a year round basis. The 27 footer will remain a Coast Guard facility although they said there will be a blue Auxiliary stripe painted on the sides.

The Coast Guard's greatest concern is for our safety and every precaution is being taken. This includes the necessary safety equipment such as helmets, goggles, gloves, life jackets and vests.

A detailed risk assessment check list is carried out before the facility leaves the dock. Communications with the station is on a 15 minute basis and communication with the helicopter is constant during the entire training evolution.

Currently our training continues on a weekly basis. Recently, in June, we had a little Nor’easter and the ocean was a bit lumpy. We wore mustangs and goggles so the whipping water from the 60 mile per hour rotor down draft didn't bother us. As we train so to does the air crews from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City.

Soon the Commanding Officer of Station Atlantic City will accompany us to check our qualifications and capabilities. Once our Auxiliary helicopter operations program is in place and operating successfully, then the established crews will begin training other Auxiliarists to enlarge the operating crew base.

It's great to be working along side the active duty Coast Guard. It's a win-win situation.