Flying Lifeboat History Lives on at Seattle Museum of Flight
by Ptero Ray Copin 744
More than a few Pteros and a great many other visitors to the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field gathered on June 18, 2011 to witness the dedication of a new exhibit suspended regally from the ceiling of the museum’s great hall. HH-52A CGNR 1415, though tethered by the main rotorhead, looks as though all that is needed to turn the blades are a crew and some JP.
Twenty-three years ago, when CGAS Port Angeles transitioned from Seaguards to Dolphins, the commanding officer at the time, Ptero Terry Sinclair, Av 1453, with assistance from others, obtained approval to start a process of transfer of ownership of 1415 to the Museum of Flight. That administrative effort culminated on 9 September 1988 when Ptero Sinclair with copilot Ptero Doug Connor, Av 2131, landed 1415 at Paine Field, Everett, Washington, and shut down her rotors for the last time. The helicopter remained in storage there until last year when a volunteer effort began to spruce up the aircraft for display in the great gallery at the Museum of Flight. That effort culminated in June of 2011 when 1415 was transported to the museum and raised to her perch above a nearby former jet of the Blue Angels.
The Ancient Albatross of the Coast Guard, Ptero Gary Blore, Av 1850 and Thirteenth CG District Commander, spoke to two gatherings at the 1415 dedication on the 18th.
Prior to the normal museum opening, museum members were treated to an informal and very interesting presentation by Ptero Blore in which he described some of the rich history of the HH-52A fleet, the aircraft’s characteristics and a few of his own personal experiences in the aircraft.
He spoke again to an expanded crowd at the formal dedication after the museum was opened to the public. The word was previously passed by D13 that museum entrance for the day was without charge for active, retired, reserve and civilian members of the Coast Guard.
1415 was uniquely honored by the scheduling of a fly in by many military and civilian helicopters which parked outside the museum for public display all day. Joining the group were an HH-65 from CGAS Port Angeles and an HH-60 from CGAS Astoria
Judging from the comments of Coasties and non-Coasties alike, the addition of HH-52A 1415 to this fine museum will present a lasting and significantly positive Coast Guard image and will go far to inform the general public about some of the rich history of Coast Guard aviation.
Subject: LAST FLIGHT OF CG2133
Colleagues, On Monday the 6th of June, CG2133 took off, landed and taxied from US Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod for the last time. Under clear skies, LCDR Mike Lachowicz, AMTCM Keith Rees, AMTC Dan Hayward, AMTCS Troy Kalbach, AET1 Jamar Jones and I flew the HU-25 Guardian for its final flight before being retired.
CG2133 has flown a total of 15,371.4 hours in support of Coast Guard operations around the country since it was delivered to the Coast Guard by Dassault Falcon Jet Corp on 28 June, 1983. CG2133 has served three different times at Air Station Cape Cod for a total of 5275.4 flight hours of service to the First Coast Guard District. CG2133 is the first Falcon Jet to be retired at Air Station Cape Cod, and will join the CG7250 HU-16E Albatross on display at the front gate of the Air Station as a tribute to Coast Guard Aviation's rich past.
The last "Blue Sheet" entry comments read: "Last flight complete. Exceptional aircraft over three decades of service with a brilliant record of accomplishments. Bravo Zulu to the crews who flew on her during a remarkable career. Fair winds, calm air, and safe landings to all who flew on the 2133.
This aircraft will be displayed proudly at Air Station Cape Cod as a reminder to the years of faithful service rendered by the HU-25 Guardians and their crews.
Semper Paratus" Clear skies, safe landings, and with great respect, Dave Throop
Click on photos for full size view
Target Helo by Tom Beard as printed in Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Newsletter
By permission of the Naval Aviation Museum http://navalaviationmuseum.org/
Download complete article on pdf format
Coast Guard Aviator Sean O'Brian, CG Aviator 3501 awarded Daedalian 2010 Exceptional Pilot Award
The Coast Guard in San Diego
Author(s): Coast Guard Sector San Diego
UPDATE: CGAS Detroit held a memorial ceremony on 9 June 2010.
Fallen Coast Guard hero remembered
Friday, June 11, 2010
Written by: Christopher Lagan
LT Jack C. Rittichier stands beside his aircraft in this U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The women and men of Air Station Detroit marked a somber anniversary earlier this week and honored the memory of a fallen hero. On June 9, 1968, Lieutenant Jack C. Rittichier was shot down and killed in action while performing a search and rescue mission in “one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia.”
Rittichier, a plank owner of Air Station Detroit – where the main hangar bears his name, was serving as an exchange pilot with the Air Force 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARSS) when his helicopter was shot down while trying to save a fellow aviator. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry and devotion to duty during the mission.
LT JACK C RITTICHIER, United States Coast Guard, distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 9 June 1968. On that date, LT RITTICHIER attempted the rescue of a downed pilot from one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite intense accurate hostile fire which had severely damaged another helicopter, LT RITTICHIER, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, established a hover and persisted in the rescue attempt until his aircraft was downed by the hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, LT RITTICHIER reflected great credit upon himself and the United Station Coast Guard. (Silver Star citation for Jack C. Rittichier.)
On the anniversary of the mission, members of Air Station Detroit were joined by Bill Forsyth of Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Command (JPAC); retired Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jim Loomis; and Allan Kaupinen, a Kent State University classmate of Rittichier to honor the memory of the highly decorated Coast Guard hero.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit holds a memorial service for Lt. Jack C. Rittichier. Commemorating the event at the air station are (left to right): Cmdr. Daniel Travers, the station's commanding officer; Rear Adm. Michael N. Parks, Ninth Coast Guard District commander; Bill Forsyth of Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Command (JPAC); Lt. Cmdr. (Ret.) Jim Loomis; and Allen Kaupinen, a Kent State University classmate of Rittichier. Also shown are personal effects of Rittichier and a rotor blade belonging to his downed helicopter. The rotor and other related crash site items were recovered in 2002 by an archaeological team led by Forsyth. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chuck Reinhart)
The Coast Guard Aviation Association
http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/swimmers-celebrate-save-life-19010
Photographs of the festivities
The USCG Rescue Swimmer Program's 25th Anniversary Reunion Committee wishes to sincerely thank the officers, board, and all the Pterodactyls for the most generous support you provided during all stages of our event. Ptero Pres Mont Smith held “counseling” phone calls with us almost on a daily basis. Special thanks to Treasurer Ben Stoppe for tracking our donations, writing some checks, and providing us with weekly updates on our financial status.
The Plaque Dedication Ceremony presided over by VADM Currier was a memorable event. The Reception and motorcycle ride were well attended and exceeded our expectations for attendance.
The CGAA merchandise on sale at the reception was a big hit with the Rescue Swimmers both active and retired. $737.00 of merchandise was sold. We recruited heavily for Ptero membership.
Thank You,
Larry Farmer, ASMCM, Ret. RS # 6
Mrs. Christine Farmer
Joseph (Butch) Flythe, ASTCM, Ret. RS # 5
Mrs. Beth Flythe
Rick McElrath, AST1, Ret. RS # 17
Scott Dyer, ASTCM, USCG, RS # 8
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
Rescue Swimmer Drew Dazzo was awarded Canada's second highest award for bravery. Read the story at:
ALSE Technical Services in Elizabeth City, NC, in conjunction with an ALSE Conference coming up in March 2010, is planning a Rescue Swimmer Program 25th Anniversary event for April 2nd 2010. It will be a reception with invited speakers.
Please help us reach our final goal for this worthy tribute to Jack's memory."