"Airdales"

Comment

Comment by Otto Mueller on April 3, 2011 at 12:43pm

Not much...ship is in dry dock

Comment by Chuck on April 3, 2011 at 12:33pm

What's up with your sailors?

Comment by Chuck on March 30, 2011 at 5:25am

VP-4 is finishing up a part of operation Tomodachi

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/media/news/articles/2011/mar/mar29_VP4_Misa...

Comment by CathieRenee on March 23, 2011 at 4:19pm

The only rating that is aircrew is AW. The AE, AT, AV, AM, etc. ratings are no longer aircrew. The consolidation began in 2005 with helos and completed in 2009 with fixed wing.

Be aware that some internet sites, especially about.com, do not reflect the aircrew ratings consolidation.

So sadly, no...and AV rating will not qualify as aircrew. Here's a link to Enlisted Aviation Assignments.

 

Comment by Chuck on March 16, 2011 at 9:04pm

Her is a link to a Navy article about the VP-4 Skinny Dragons

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/media/news/articles/2011/mar/mar16_VP4_SAR....

 

Comment by Brad on March 15, 2011 at 8:01am

Garrett called last night.  He had the day off after working 20 hours the day before.

HS-14 sent helos up to evacuate 600 people from Takata.  The early helos were able to move people out.  This was supported by other helos from the Japanese and other commands.

From what we can figure out...  As the set of 6 additional copters from Atsugi approached, the mission changed from evacuation to SAR.  The flight up north of Sendai took 2.5 hours.  They had to go around a "no-fly" zone to stay away from the reactors.  They landed once to refuel at a Japanese Army base.... Once in the area Garrett's group of 6 helos split up and searched different grids.  Garrett said there were SOS signals everywhere.  The people would wave, give peace signs, and smile as they approached.  No injuries.  The victims mostly needed supplies and water... They landed in a backyard (talented pilot supported by the guys in back) and as crew chief, Garrett stayed on board.  The air crewman acting as rescue swimmer went to talk to a group of men.  One or two spoke English fairly well.  Their house was undamaged and they didn't want to evacuate.  A mom and little girl were taking pictures of the Americans from their upstairs bedroom window next door!  Garrett's crew left to fly around looking for some resources for them  A set of fire trucks and other rescue vehicles were spotted.  They landed and talked to the Japanese.  They were doing extractions from the rubble.  No food.  No water to send.  The helo went back to the original group and gave them 10 blankets and all the food and water they had on board.

The Navy sent a photographer with them on their helo.  Those pictures will probably make it to the Navy Newsstand soon.  They also use the pics to inform the next flights that go out - which areas were covered, which areas needed food/water.  Flights left Atsugi right away after they debriefed.  So you can say that they are working round the clock.

Garrett's evaluation of the area is that these people (could be as many as 1000) are totally stranded.  the ocean is on one side, there are heavily forested mountains on the other.  The only roads are impassable.  The only way they will get supplies/rescue is by air.  There are boats on top of houses.  If a house is standing, it might have debris 15' high piled up around it from the swirling waters.  In some places it looks like the only reason the tsunami stopped is cause it rolled into the mountains.

Everyday since Friday there have been other earthquakes.  Tsunami warnings have been issued... While we were talking, the base lost power with the rolling blackouts to conserve energy.  Garrett and others have been told to stay indoors because radiation levels have been detected.

I told Garrett about the phone calls and e-mails and prayers here within our circle of friends.  He loves to hear about you as well.  He is grateful for your concern and support.

Comment by Chuck on March 15, 2011 at 6:48am

God speed to Garrett and safe trip to Jim.

Comment by Brad on March 14, 2011 at 11:37am

My son, Garrett is an AW rescue swimmer stationed with HS-14 in Atsugi Japan. He just texted me overnight saying they were leaving out on a mission to a town to save 100+ people. This is what they have trained for. We pray God uses them in a mighty way and brings them all back safe. God Speed.

Comment by Chuck on March 14, 2011 at 11:31am

What's going on with thw Airdales and their families?

Comment by Chuck on February 24, 2011 at 8:24am

Andrew,

  Jim's advice is sound.  You will still be able to stand up and know that you did it right. 

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