Coast Guard Foundation to honor Coast Guard heroics and excellence

by Jennifer Crowley Fyke on 8 Oct 2014 The Coast Guard Foundation revealed today that at the upcoming 34th Annual Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in New York City on October 9th, an aircrew from Air Station San Francisco, California and a motor lifeboat crew from Humboldt Bay, California will receive special awards.

Lieutenant Commander James Kenshalo, Lieutenant Beau Belanger, Petty Officer Third Class Travis Swain and Petty Officer Third Class Corey Fix will be given the Coast Guard Foundation Award for their actions on the night of July 30, 2013. The helicopter crew of CG-6515 saved the lives of six hikers stranded in the remote cliffs near Point Reyes, California in incredibly difficult flying conditions. Facing thick fog and limited visibility, the flight crew had to fly below the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridges.

Subsequently the crew had to use night vision goggles and radar equipment to locate the stranded hikers. Cliffs, steep-walled bluffs, shifting winds and the need to refuel mid-mission made the situation even more challenging. Despite these hardships, the aircrew relied on their training and expertise to save six lives while exemplifying the professionalism that is the core of the service.

The crew of Motor Life Boat (MLB) 47212 from Station Humboldt Bay, California is receiving the 2014 Coast Guard Foundation Award for their rescue of two mariners from the frigid surf. On May 23, 2013, the two boaters capsized in the heavy surf of Humboldt Bay. The crew consists of Petty Officer Second Class Victoria Hansen, Petty Officer Second Class Louis Ciccoli, Seaman Jacob Roberbs and Seaman Noah Perry. Using expert seamanship, the crew was able to get a rescue throw bag to the boaters who were beginning to suffer from advanced hypothermia and retrieve them from the pounding sea.

The crew treated the boaters for hypothermia as Petty Officer Hansen piloted the motor lifeboat back to safety where they were transferred to emergency medical personnel waiting on shore. Due to their leadership and handling of the boat, the two boaters' lives were saved.

'We are humbled to recognize these individuals for their exceptional commitment and sacrifice,' said Anne Brengle, president, Coast Guard Foundation. 'Although we are highlighting the actions of helicopter aircrew CG-6515 and Motor Life Boat crew 47212 for their incredible heroism and professionalism, our salute to the Coast Guard is about honoring all of the men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect others.'

The Coast Guard Foundation’s 34th Annual Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in New York City will take place on Thursday, October 9th at the Times Square Marriott Marquis. For more information on this year’s tribute please click here. To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, click here.