"Airdales"

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Comment by David Wells on June 29, 2010 at 7:09am

Heard from Robert, USNS Mercy in Cambodia as part of Pacific Partnership 2010, he was doing flights when they got a call to get on deck for medvac. They landed, kicked off the passengers, unloaded seats, fueled, picked up three doctors and gear, and took off. Had to fly thru very heavy rains and fog to reach site of car wreck where wife of US Embassy public affairs officer was badly injured. To get to the site, both crewmen hung out the sides looking down because the pilots could not see the ground thru the fog, they were calling out the road and any thing they could see. Finally reached the village and landed in the street blowing umbrellas, tables, and shop merchandise around. They did IV"s and addressed breathing problems, she was in a coma. They loaded her up and took her to the helicopter, checked her IVs, put one doc on the gunner's belt, strapped the rest in, and took off thru the heavy rain and fog for the ship. After they transferred her to a gurney, they started to clean the blood from the helo, then got a call to fly to pick up the US Ambassidor and bring her to the ship. The patient was flown to an airport in Cambodia the next day where she was transferred to a plane and flown to a trauma center in Singapore. Robert said it was the most intense flying he has ever done, with over a thousand hours including combat ambulance service in Iraq and Kuwait. (Oh, and one pilot got vertigo in the fog). Now they have a few days of liberty in Singapore before heading to Indonesia.

Comment by Chuck on June 28, 2010 at 8:24pm

What's up with the Airdales?

Comment by Chuck on June 5, 2010 at 1:55pm

That's good stuff for our Navy to be doing!!!

Comment by David Wells on June 5, 2010 at 1:37pm

Lots of news in the Airdales group! HSC-23 Det4 arrived in Vietnam on Memorial Day aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy for two weeks of humanitarian service. The doctors and nurses are busy with surgery on board and clinics ashore. SeeBees are updating clinics, orphanages, and hospitals. Veterinarians are treating farm animals, dentists are hard at work. Everyone is busy except the pilots. Seems Vietnam does not allow US helicopters to fly in their airspace. My son, AW2 Robert Wells (aircrew and rescue swimmer), said he thinks it's something to do with my generation.... Actually, the flight crews are working with the SeaBees, but the next stop is in Cambodia, and there will be lots of flying.

Comment by Chuck on June 5, 2010 at 12:32pm

Andrew is fine except his computer died. No plans to buy one yet.

Comment by Chuck on June 5, 2010 at 7:11am

Ant news in the Airdale group???

Comment by Chuck on May 29, 2010 at 7:45pm

I agree with Jim. Thank God that no one was hurt!!

Comment by Brad on May 25, 2010 at 2:05pm

A quick note to say I posted some pics of my daughter's wedding to her Marine as she prepares to go to OCS herself June 3. I got all choked up saying the toast, especially when I had to announce my son missing this out on the USS Geaorge Washington which I was interrupted with appluse honoring him, then saying the e-mail he sent the night before for me to say to his sister. Afterwards, I asked all current and former military to stand, and before I could ask, the whole place erupted in thunderous applause. It was the hardest speech I have ever made, but I am so glad I did. I don't know, maybe I can post it somehow. Regardless, a moment to remember!

Comment by Chuck on May 18, 2010 at 3:20pm

I understand what you are saying Brad. Our sailor is to be deployed at the end of the year. The second son is dealing with the Navy recruiter and we have a couple of family events that will be happening in 2011. We will see how things play out. Will add your request to my prayer list.

Comment by Brad on May 18, 2010 at 10:29am

My son Garrett was sent back on the GW just as they were to leave for their three week or so initial cruise. Dissappointed only because he was to go on the Cowpens cruiser as one of 4 AW/Rescue swimmers, but it was down for service. We were hoping he could come home for his sister's wedding this Sat 5/22, since the Cowpens wasn't scheduled to leave until June. His sister understands though, she is marrying a newly commissioned 2nd LT in the Marines, and is scheduled to go to OCS for the Marines herself June 3rd to become a 2nd LT. Pray for nice weather in Central Florida on 5/22!! Let us remember Garrett's sacrafice at the wedding, along with all of your sailor's sacrafices to all of us every day.

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