Updated at 4:58 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Hawaii Coast Guard crew logs 1 million flight hours
Advertiser Staff
A Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point recently completed the fleet's 1 millionth flight hour."This major accomplishment was made possible by hard work, dedication and unselfishness on behalf of the crew at Air Station Barbers Point," Chief Warrant Officer Mark Hannon, Air Station Barbers Point HH-65 Maintenance Officer, said in a news release issued today.
On Sept. 20, the Dolphin rescue helicopter crew located a Taiwanese-based longline fishing vessel Darlong Hsing 21 about 176 nautical miles east of Hilo. After a hoist from the vessel in six-foot seas, the aircrew transported the 50-year-old patient, who was experiencing chest pains, to a waiting emergency medical services team at Hilo International Airport.
"The HH-65C is truly a reliable and capable asset that forms the 'backbone' of Coast Guard Aviation," Barbers Point Executive Officer Cmdr. Thomas G. Nelson said in the news release.
The Coast Guard recently upgraded all 95 of its operational helicopters to the HH-65C re-engined model as the first of three phases. This particular upgrade provided two Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG turboshaft engines that deliver approximately 40 percent improved performance and reliability. These upgrades also allowed for safety and easier maintenance for the Dolphin fleet. When the second and third phases of the upgrade is complete, the HH-65s will be designated Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopters (MCH).
