A Search and Rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island conducted three different missions on Saturday, Aug. 8. Following a search in conjunction with the US Coast Guard, Oak Harbor Fire Department, and Border Patrol for a missing Sailor whose boat capsized in Crescent Harbor, the Navy SAR unit was called for two additional flights.
At around 8 p.m., the crew received a call from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s department requesting assistance with the rescue of a 20-year-old male who had fallen near Coleman Glacier on Mount Baker, sustaining multiple life-threatening injuries. Despite difficult night-time conditions, severe winds and encroaching clouds, the crew moved into position and recovered the survivor at 5500 feet. Once onboard, the SAR Medical Technician worked to stabilize the patient while they transited to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham for transfer.
Upon their return to NAS Whidbey Island, the crew received another call, this time to assist the medical team on the San Juan Islands with a Medical Evacuation of a 50-year-old female in critical condition. After a quick transfer from the ambulance to helicopter at the Friday Harbor Airport, the crew took off and proceeded to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where they landed around midnight.
“It was a very busy day for our crew, but we relied on our training and went back to the basics to complete these missions safely,” said SAR Mission Commander, LT Jared Wada. “Our maintenance department was crucial in ensuring our aircraft was ready for whatever happened this weekend.”
This year, NAS Whidbey Island SAR has launched on 24 SAR/MEDEVAC missions, resulting in 18 lives delivered to higher level care.
The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60S helicopters from NAS Whidbey Island 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.