A Search and Rescue (SAR) team from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station was called Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 for a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) flight of a 63-year-old man in cardiac infarction. NAS Whidbey Island’s SAR crew picked the man up at Orcas Island using an MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter and flew him to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Bellingham, Wash.
“Poor weather throughout the area made the mission difficult, but the crew did a great job working together to safely execute the MEDEVAC,” said Lt. Robert Merin, Helicopter Aircraft Commander, in response to fog throughout the area. “We also received great help from Whidbey and Victoria approach controllers.”
NAS Whidbey Island SAR has launched on 22 search and rescue missions and four medical evacuations this year, resulting in 38 lives saved.
The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60 helicopters from NAS Whidbey as search and rescue platforms for the EA-18G aircraft as well as other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation. The base also has an agreement to assist Washington State with medical evacuations and search and rescue activities.