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The Coast Guard's ability to complete missions across the globe
is contingent upon capable platforms and, most importantly, Coast
Guard members with the proper skills, knowledge, and experience.
Prior to deployments, Coast Guard cutters and aircraft crews
hone their proficiency through rigorous training programs and
practice. Providing the most realistic and high fidelity training
environment to practice shipboard helicopter operations, Coast Guard
Cutter Venturous led a Deck Qualification Landing (DLQ) exercise,
also known as a DLQ Roundup, off the coast of Miami.
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November 2016 - A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew
conducts a landing approach to Coast Guard Cutter Venturous's flight
deck with the Miami skyline in the background. (U.S. Coast Guard
photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Macaraeg)
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“Operating with cutter-based helicopters allows the Coast Guard
to expand search capabilities, but landing a helicopter on our
flight deck it is one of the most dangerous things we do,” said Lt.
Lelea Seymour, operations officer of Venturous. “DLQ Roundup
provided both aviators and cutter personnel the opportunity to
practice the skills needed to safely accomplish our missions.”
Collaboration and teamwork were on full display as members from
Coast Guard cutters Spencer, Seneca, Valiant, and Diligence reported
aboard the Venturous to learn and practice the cutter side of
helicopter operations. Aircrews from Coast Guard air stations Miami,
Traverse City, and Corpus Christi, as well as an aircrew from Coast
Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) were staged
out of Coast Guard Air Station Miami to learn and practice landing
the Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter on Venturous's flight deck.
While cutter members on the flight deck practiced their hand
signals to direct the helicopter to safe landings, secure the
helicopter to the flight deck, and safely refuel it, while others on
the cutter's bridge, learned how to direct and safely execute the
operations.
Dolphin helicopter instructor pilots coached their trainees in
the difficult and delicate art of guiding the helicopter within the
24-foot diameter touchdown circle, ensuring proper rotor obstruction
clearance and positioning of the “tail stinger” over the flight
deck.
“It is amazing what the Coast Guard can accomplish when
we work together,” said Chief Petty Officer Antony Grullon, the
senior member in charge of the personnel on the flight deck.
The cutter and the air crews completed 165 evolutions, including
landings, take-offs, touch-and-gos, and on-deck refueling. Several
of the evolutions were conducted at night in complete darkness using
only night vision goggles.
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November 2016 - Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crewmember
and Coast Guard Cutter Venturous fueling team members refuel the
helicopter while the rotors are turning, executing a hot refueling
evolution. Helicopter tiedown members observe the evolution for
safety. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Richard
Macaraeg)
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Preparing for the worst the crews also practiced their
response in the event of a helicopter crash on deck.
“Both cutter and aircraft personnel performed superbly,
demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the
DLQ Roundup,” said Cmdr. Mike
Gesele, commanding officer of Venturous. “Although the
weather prevented completion of some of the evolutions, the
return on investment will be felt with increased proficiency
of both cuttermen and aircrews.”
Coast Guard cutters
and aircraft have proven to be an incredible force in
thwarting illicit traffickers, setting records in 2016 for
counternarcotics operations. The Coast Guard trains as a
team because is executes missions as a team. Events like the
DLQ Roundup emphasize teamwork and collaboration while
developing professional competence and enabling future
mission success.
By U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. J. Sky Holm, Coast Guard Cutter
Venturous executive officer
Provided
through
Coast
Guard
Copyright 2017
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