The Official Publication of the Coast Guard Aviation Association The Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl

Sitrep 3-13 Fall 2013 AOP is a non profit association of active & retired USCG aviation personnel & associates

C O N T E N T S President’s Corner……………...... 2 CG Foundation Awards Dinner…...... 3 You Know You’re an Aircrewman if………………..3 Ancient Al Letter to Pteros….....……..…...... 4 A Selfless Calling……………………...... 4 “MacDee and Swede” by Ptero Tom Beard…6 Victor Utgoff, Russian ‘Ace’ in CG……………...... 7 2013 Roost Report..………………..……...…...8 Mail…………………...……………………………...... 14 AirSta Highlighted.……..…...... 15 Dilbert Dunker……..….……………….…………...... 16 ‘Guarding Alaska’ Book Review……………..17 ATTC Honor Grads & New CG Aviators……….....18 Tidbits of CG Aviation History…...... 18 Membership Application/Renewal/Order Form.19

Pthirty-seventh Annual Ptero ‘Roost’ Celebrated in Fine Fashion

Ptero Ancient Al’s Currier (L), Kunkel, Blore, Olson, Thorsen, and Thompson presented a ‘Retrospective of CG Aviation: Then & Now’ at Saturday’s Discourses.

Our 37th annual convention honoring Air Station Washington and Air Station Atlantic City from 26-29 September was a rousing success! Even though attendance was less than usual, everyone who attended thoroughly appreciated the hard work of the Roost Committee, the phenomenal Professional Discourse sessions, the awesome awards banquet, and the compelling comments on the state of the CG and CG aviation by the Commandant and Vice-Commandant. BZ to the Roost Committee for stepping up to the plate to ensure the success of the Roost down to the smallest detail: Co-chairs Ptero VADM Vivien Crea, Av. 1820, and Ptero Mont Smith, Av. 1520, Ptero Ben Stoppe, Av. 1646, Anne Stoppe, Ptero Prez Steve Reynolds, Av. 2863, Ptero VP Joe Baker, Av. 2511, Pteros Ray Copin, Av. 744, RADM Jim Van Sice, Av. 1777, Steve Goldhammer, Av. 1207, Marilyn Goldhammer, Sperry Storm, Av. 1111, Christa Storm, Dana Goward, Av. 1825, Dana Goward, Jerry Surbey, Av. 1271, Becky Surbey, Bob Powers, Av. 1458, Jay Crouthers, Av. 1360, Christine Hunt, Larry Hall, Av. 1923, Glenn Gebele, Av. 3103, Tony Hahn, Av. 3158, Bill Paradise, Av. 1895, Janis Nagy, Av. 2791, Les Smith, Av. 1676, and Stu Merrill, Av. 2841. Chris Martino, Av. 2701, also assisted the committee. Please see P. 8 for a full Roost Report.

DUES CURRENT ? — Please CHECK YOUR MAILING LABEL

Your mailing label includes the DATE to which YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE AOP DUES ACCOUNT is AOK. IF THE DATE READS June 2013, PLEASE PAY AGAIN NOW TO REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING. Check out page 19 or the website http://www.aoptero.org/htm/newmbr.html for the renewal application and current dues. Executive Board A Message from 2863 (CGAA/AOP President):

President Steve Reynolds Greetings, Fellow Pterodactyls: What a fantastic roost! The (703) 250-5143 Washington DC Roosts always turn out to be a great mix of ac- tive duty, retirees, spouses and sponsors, and this was no excep- ExecutiveVice President Joe Baker tion. From the professional discourse sessions, to Mr. Sean (808) 333-9689 O’Keefe’s incredibly moving luncheon speech, to the elegant awards dinner, and the Arlington Cemetery Ceremony, the Secretary Paul Milligan Roost committee exceeded every measure of success. In addition to catching up with (703) 730-3647 old friends, making new ones, and telling the standard mostly true “sea stories,” we were honored to have both the Ancient Albatross (VADM Currier) and the Ancient Treasurer Ben Stoppe Mariner (ADM Papp) attend the awards dinner to recognize heroic accomplishments (434) 989-2443 from across the USCG.

Board Members In the way of big news, the Board has followed through with discussions from last

Vice Pres. History year to create the Executive Director position. This will help add a sense of stability Vacant across the many elected positions. In terms of elected positions, we are forming a Scribe/Editor search committee to identify some candidates to take over the President and Vice Steve Goldhammer Vice Pres. Sponsorship President positions. If you have any suggestions or want to volunteer, please contact Vacant one of the board members. We’re looking forward to another busy and challenging Vice Pres. Communications/ year and I’m hoping to find some new and energetic volunteers to take the controls. Media Support Gary Gamble Steve Reynolds, Ptero 2863, Life Member Vice Pres. Museum Exhibits Vacant Historian Taps Tom Beard We regret to report that the following members have recently logged their last flight: Vice Pres. Annual Gatherings Jay Crouthers Gerald H. Hotchkiss, 949, 7/18/13 Vice Pres. Detachments Vacant Sylvia H. Hartman, (wife of Ptero Jeff Hartman, 1128) 7/20/13 Vice Pres. Membership Donald C. Addison, 982, 8/8/13 Hank Schaeffer Albert D. Young, Jr., 634, 8/23/13 John Pasch-at large Joseph C. Russo, 853, 8/24/13 Ancient Albatross John P. Currier-ex officio Nancy K. McPherson, (wife of Ptero Bill McPherson, 1226) 8/30/13 Enlisted Ancient Albatross Frank Carman, 944, __/__/13 Pete MacDougall-ex officio Ptero ‘Dave ‘Young, 634, USCGA ‘49, RIP PTEROGRAM is published three times annually as the official This photo of David, his wife Bonnie, & his rag-top T-Bird with the CGAA banner, compli- publication of The Ancient Order ments of http://jaysphotoshop.com/ Old Saybrook CT, was taken just prior to the Madison, CT of the Pterodactyl which 4th of July Parade. The Assn's banner raised much interest. Many stood along the parade route perpetuates recognition of USCG and commented on the "Flying since the World was Flat" with a rather large grin on their faces. aviation history and its personnel. Reproduction of Pterogram These fine patriots ranged in age from elementary school to grey beards. All appreciated the for further distribution logo and many clapped in appreciation for the job well done by so many CG pilots and crew. is authorized and encouraged. Being a shore line community, several could have been assisted Correspondence may be sent to: by the local CG units themselves; their gratitude was heartfelt. AOP Unfortunately, David passed away unexpectedly on 23 August. P.O. Box 222905, As his son-in-law and Parade driver (we've done a few), I can say, Chantilly, VA 20153-2905 he was proud to put on his CG uniform. He often shared with his or family, his enjoyment saying "The Ancient Order of The Ptero- Editor, Pterogram dactyl" how the name was just off key enough, making it a pleas- 4816 Powder House Drive Rockville, MD 20853 ant "inside" joke for those in the know. David's sense of duty, his Email: [email protected] dry humor and presence will be missed by all. Francois Pelletier CW3 SC, CTARNG

2 Pterogram - Fall 2013 lessly, AST2 Heller volunteered to re- main in the water with the remaining survivors, while they waited for addi- tional CG support to arrive. Prior to leaving the scene, the crew decided to deploy its own survival raft, into which Heller loaded the three re- maining survivors. Heller's presence in the raft helped the fraught sailors remain calm as he continually worked with a CG C-130 to guide a 47-foot boat from CG Station Kauai to their lo- cation. Heller's selflessness, technical The CG Foundation recognized mis- connection to the CG Foundation, and expertise, and physical strength were sion and individual excellence on Thurs- especially the New York Dinner. When critical in the success of this rescue case. day, October 10 in New York City at the he was a young lieutenant in 1982, Papp His instinctive, disciplined actions and 33rd Annual Salute to the U.S.C.G., a won the national award from his time as decisive leadership on scene saved seven national awards dinner which raised CO of the Cutter RED BEECH. lives that night. more than $1M. The honors for heroism “The challenges we face are real, but The crew of the Cutter MOHAWK and professionalism in the line of duty I’m optimistic, because I know our value was awarded for unit excellence for a were awarded to the crew of the cutter to the nation is enduring. I’m also opti- series of maritime law enforcement mis- MOHAWK for unit excellence, and mistic because of all of you. The Coast sions during the period of May 1, 2012 AST2 Abram A. Heller, a rescue swim- Guard and its people do fantastic work,” to April 20, 2013, which resulted in the mer, for individual heroic action. Adm. Papp said. He continued: “You seizure of 1,032 kilograms of cocaine, The dinner was MC’d by 13-time Emmy know that I’m tremendously proud of and 600 pounds of marijuana, which Winner, Al Roker, who knows the im- that, but we simply can’t do it alone. held an estimated street value of $35 portance of the CG’s mission, since he And it’s through the hard work and gen- million. MOHAWK worked in conjunc- serves as executive producer of the docu erosity of the Coast Guard Foundation tion with aircraft from Customs and Bor- -series CG Alaska and CG Florida. that we’re able to take care of our Coast der Protection, and the U.S. Navy. The program featured remarks from Guard people in the manner that they These heroes deserve our thanks. The , Gordon Loebl, as truly deserve. I want to thank you so 33rd Annual Salute to the U.S. Coast well as video messages from VADM much for all that you do for all of us.” Guard is a small gesture of gratitude for Robert Parker, commander of the CG’s AST2 Abram Heller was recognized the men and women who stand the Atlantic Area, and Commandant ADM for individual heroic actions for a night watch day in and day out, keeping our Robert J. Papp, Jr.who were unable to rescue off the coast of Hawaii involving shores and borders safe. attend the event. seven sailors who had been forced into Adm. Papp spoke of his long personal the ocean after their sailboat sank. Self-

‘You Know You’re an Aircrewman if…’ Courtesy of Ptero John Furqueron, P-3053 (his comments in green)

You've ever said, "Oh yes sir, it's supposed to look like that." Can't count the number of times. You've ever sucked LOX to cure a hangover. CGAD Napoli. Peroni beer will do you in. You know what JP4/JP5 tastes like. And 115/145. You belch for days after siphoning it into your car. You've ever used a piece of safety wire as a toothpick. But it will prick like heck if done wrong. You believe the aircraft has a soul. You talk to the aircraft. Doesn't everyone? ‘Come on baby, don't strip on me now…’ The only thing you know about any city is where the good bars are. Caviti City in the PI. Wow....! You can't figure out why maintenance officers exist. But Bob Houvener would let you know. You ever wished the pilot would just say, "Great aircraft!" Sometimes they would say, "No Gripes." You think everyone who isn't an Aircrewman is a wimp. Until you watch a 44 footer ride over the Columbia River Bar. You consider 'Moly-B' fingerprints on food an 'acquired taste.' Not so bad. You've ever been told to "go get us some prop wash, a yard of flight line or the keys to the ready aircraft. I had already been to find the sea locker and to get some bilge water on a ship earlier. Little yellow ear plugs are all over your house. And Orange ones too. You’ve ever preflighted in really bad weather only to learn that the flight was canceled hours ago. Nome Alaska comes to mind. CGC Northwind. (OLD GUARD HERE) If you’ve ever been tackled, duct taped to a tow bar, covered in PET and sand, egged, sour milked, peanut buttered and jellied, and slapped under the emergency wash station in 30 deg weather. (When I made Second Class AD) Feb 1974 (1974 is "old Guard"???). They also hung me in a harness from the ceiling, hosed me down with water when the Hangar door was open, and left me hanging for about 1/2 hour. Three days SIQ with pneumonia. Or thrown off the sea wall at Tongue Point in Astoria into the Columbia River.

Fall 2013 - Pterogram 3 Ancient Albatross Letter to Pteros By Ptero VADM John Currier, Aviator 1877, Vice Commandant and Ancient Albatross #23

on the Ancient Albatross panel. I must cus on certain few, high impact events to admit it was gratifying, being the young- make ours visible and meaningful. est on the panel, which is rare for me! Progress on the Duck recovery effort Throughout the Friday and Saturday by our folks and JPAC was productive sessions, there was good engagement from an investigative standpoint but was ranging from our youngest aviators to hampered by poor weather conditions at those few octogenarians present. The the glacier site. All indications are that Roost culminated with a grand dinner at the effort will continue next summer, which some very deserving Coast Guard perhaps commencing at an earlier date. men and women were recognized for I’d like to offer a special thanks to those feats of daring in rescue operations. We from the HQ staff and the aircrews sup- were also privileged to hear from our porting for an outstanding effort to Commandant, ADM Bob Papp who dis- honor our wartime heroes. cussed the state of our Coast Guard. A Again, thanks to our volunteers, sup- particular thanks to the many industry porters and sponsors for their contribu- Greetings Fellow Pteros! sponsors who supported the Roost de- tions in making the 2013 Roost a great First, a hearty congratulations to Mont spite trying economic times. success! Keep the ball in the middle and Smith, Vivien Crea and all of the Pteros, I would like to continue the dialogue your turns up! . sponsors and supporters who made the amongst all Coast Guard aviators, past I’ll end with a quote from antiquity DC Roost a resounding success. By all and present, about the upcoming cele- which is particularly germane to a chair- indications there was a robust presence bration of our 100th anniversary, which bound aviator: of attendees made up of a mix of active is fast approaching in 2016. Although “When once you have tasted flight, you duty, retired, and even some air Auxil- we participated in the Centennial of Na- will forever walk with your eyes turned iarists. This year’s Roost combined val Aviation year-long string of events skyward, for there you have been, and healthy discourse regarding our hard- in 2011, I’m certain that we all feel the there you will always long to return.” ware, how we operate and what the fu- need to honor those heroes of our past in Leonardo Da Vinci ture holds. Speakers and panel discus- our own unique way in 2016. Their ef- sions covered a broad range of topics, forts set the stage for the incredible ac- Respectfully, including a few recollections (totally complishments that we see from our VADM John Currier unembellished) from flight when the young professionals today. While we Ancient Albatross #23 world was flat. Pteros Deese and Howie don’t have the resources to proximate stole the show recounting great stories the earlier commemoration, we can fo-

A Selfless Calling By Ptero John ‘Bear’ Moseley, Aviator 743

FAC), was designating targets along the consisting of two A-1 Skyraiders (Code he goal of the combat rescue and T Ho Chi Min Trail, for ground interdic- name Sandy) and two HH-3E Jolly recovery units during the Vietnam con- tion strikes when he experienced engine Green Giant (Code name flict was to get to those in peril before failure due to antiaircraft fire. A MAY- Jolly) were on scene. The helicopters the enemy did. Whether the mission was DAY was broadcast and the two crew- went into orbit. One helicopter referred an extraction or the pickup of a downed men ejected at low altitude and para- to as “low Bird” would make the rescue airman, each time they were successful chuted down into the mountainous Lao- attempt and the second referred to as it was a win! This was called a “save,” tian jungle terrain. Misty A, Capt Jack “high bird” would remain in a 3000 ft but a “save” was much more than a sta- Clapper and Misty B, 1Lt Don Mueller orbit as backup. Before sending in “low tistic to these men. A “save” was a per- were separated by about 800 yards due bird,” the A-1s trolled the area but their son, and they took it personally. There to the programmed delay in the ejection repeated passes brought no response. were 11 CG Aviators that flew with sequence between the front and rear Lt. Dick Butchka, USCG, in the high these rescue forces in Vietnam between ejection seats. Each was equipped with a 1968 and 1972. They were all volunteers bird slot watched as Capt. Charles battery-powered radio and was contacted Langham, USAF, descended for the re- – they were all highly praised. The fol- by Nail 07 (FAC), who had heard their lowing relates a mission that involved covery. Langham came to a hover over pre-ejection call and was working in the Misty 11B and lowered his PJ, TSGT two of these gentlemen and illustrates area. He said that he would notify search that if at all possible - No one was left Donald G Smith, by hoist. Smith imme- and rescue. Misty B (Muller) informed diately had the downed airman on the behind. Misty A and the FAC that his leg was forest penetrator and gave the cable-up October 24, 1969: badly broken. signal. Less than a minute had elapsed. Misty-11, an Air Force F-100F (Fast In less than two hours, a rescue team When the penetrator was approximately

4 Pterogram - Fall 2013 10 feet off the ground, the helicopter The element of surprise was no longer came under fire. Butchka saw three sides there and the North Vietnamese had re- of the blind canyon twinkling. Langham positioned. Sandy lead called the ap- had flown into a “flak-trap.” The A-1s proach off and both AD-1s made several rushed in to suppress the fire, but the suppression runs. opening volley had shot the hoist assem- Ritchie commenced his third approach bly off its mounting, sending it crashing immediately after the suppression runs. into the flight engineer’s chest. Realiz- He said it was much quieter this time ing the hoist was inoperative, the flight and he came to a hover over Misty 11A. engineer hit the switch cutting the cable As the penetrator went down, the ground and yelled to Langham to pull off. fire became much heavier and the heli- Seeing Langham’s aircraft smoking The U.S. Air Force developed the Sikor- copter was taking numerous hits. The and throwing fluid, Butchka told him to sky HH-3E helicopter, nicknamed the utility hydraulics to the hoist was dis- put it on the ground. Langham searched "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat abled due to ground fire damage to a for a clear spot and put the aircraft into a pressure line and fluid flow was lost. search and rescue (CSAR) to recover small bowl-shaped valley. Meanwhile, Unable to complete the pickup, Ritchie Butchka had punched off his aux tanks downed Airmen during the SE Asia exited the area. Two additional tries to and had begun an emergency descent. War. The HH-3E was the first air- pick up Misty A were made to no avail. Dick said he knew that time was of the refuelable helicopter to be produced. A third attempt was made while a tropi- essence and he had to get Langham and The HH-3E's retractable fuel probe and cal thunderstorm passed through and, as his crew before “the bad guys” did. The external fuel tanks gave it the capability the storm subsided, the Jollys were able Jolly crew jumped out of the helicopter to conduct CSAR operations anywhere to pick up Misty 11A into the elephant grass looking up for in the Southeast Asia Theater of opera- The Air Rescue forces in SE Asia did- high bird. They did not have far to look. n’t get all of the downed airmen, but no tions. It was armed with two 7.62 milli- Butchka’s helicopter was in a 20 foot one can say they didn’t try. They did get hover on the left side of Langham’s with meter M60 machine guns; had self- 3,883 and provided the world with thou- its cable waiting. Butchka expected sealing fuel tanks and carried titanium sands of examples of unselfish human- ground fire at any minute. armor plating. ity. A report prepared by the Air Force With the men safely on board, the next Inspection and Safety Center, summariz- problem was getting out of there. As he cleared the ridge line, the Jolly ing helo use in combat rescues, noted Butchka did not want to go back out the immediately came under heavy ground that during the , between way he came in because of heavy enemy fire from a different direction. The heli- 1965 and 1972, helos came under sig- fire. It was hot and humid; the pressure copter was hit but damage was not se- nificant hostile fire in 645 opposed com- altitude was high, and the only other vere. Butchka proceeded to Da Nang. bat rescue operations involving downed way out presented him with a vertical There were now three men on the aircraft. Crews were rescued in six hun- face of about 130 feet. It was decision ground to rescue: Misty A, Misty B and dred and one, or 93 percent, of these time! Butchka said; “I headed for the the PJ, TSGT Smith. Smith directed air cases. This was not accomplished with- face, – pulled every bit of power I had, strikes that bracketed his position and out cost. The 37Th ARRS lost 28 men, didn’t worry about over torque, and with that of Misty A. Jolly 76, out of Udorn including Lt. Jack C. Rittichier, USCG. a little bit of airspeed, -- drooped the made three recovery attempts, but each rotor to 94%, -- and just cleared the top.” time he received intense ground fire, resulting in extensive battle damage. [Many of our present members are fa- Jolly 76 had to withdraw. miliar with the fact that some Coast Guard Aviators were ‘Jolly Greens,’ but Later that afternoon, the Jollys tried most are probably not familiar with the again. LTJG Rob Ritchie, USCG, was details. Most likely, among the active “low Bird” in Jolly 15. Rob said; “The duty folks, knowledge of this chapter in previous attempts that day were all into Coast Guard Aviation is limited. Be- the wind approaches. I chose a down- tween 1968 and 1972 there were eleven, wind approach because all indications all volunteers, who served. They per- were the ‘bad guys’ were set up for us to formed with distinction and were highly come into the wind and were waiting.” decorated. Four of these gentlemen; Air Force Skyraiders in Southeast Asia The Sandys made suppression runs and LCDR Lonnie Mixon, LT Lance Eagan, are probably best remembered for their laid smoke as had been requested. LT Jack Rittichier and LTJG Rob Ritchie support of search and air rescue mis- Ritchie used the smoke for cover, were awarded Silver Stars. These are sions. Operating under the call sign swooped in fast and quickly put the air- the only four Silver Stars that have been Sandy, the A-1's ability to fly over a craft into a hover over Sergeant Smith awarded to CG Aviators in the perform- downed Airman for an extended period and got both Smith and Misty B on ance of aviation duties. complemented its massive firepower. board with only slight damage to the Armament consisted of four 20mm can- aircraft. During Ritchie’s next approach [See ’A Selfless Calling’ on P. 19] nons and a wide assortment of bombs, to pick up Misty A, they began taking rockets and gun pods. very heavy ground fire on the way in.

Fall 2013 - Pterogram 5 “MacDee” and “Swede” By Ptero Tom Beard, Aviator 1104 lieved some officers, with a definite nod toward MacDiarmid, distracted the Coast Guard from dedicating attention to The Coast Guard had two dreamers stumbled along at the beginning of a rotor-winged era, while MacDiarmid developing the helicopter, which he emerge from World War II. Each bore a deemed was rightly the aircraft of the vision for the future of Coast Guard shoved the past its zenith, watching unknowingly as it slowly van- future for Coast Guard aviation. Among aviation. Both were dynamic. Each had Coast Guard officers, loyalties were split an unwavering conviction with a “don’t ished from the aviation world, he believ- ing all the time in its longevity. The un- between these two men— with most on get in my way” bull-headedness. Both the side of MacDiarmid — creating a rift were indoctrinated simultaneously with challenged leadership of MacDiarmid conducted the seaplane’s offshore that was evident even two generations the early Coast Guard traditions of sea- later. As the war wound down, Coast plane rescues offshore. One had an im- evaluation, a mission long urged by him. Landing aircraft on runways is typi- Guard aviation suffered a schism in air- mediate solution; the other still believed craft philosophy and wandered off in in a dream of a little machine that one- cally done into the wind for a minimum touchdown speed. At sea, wind drives a two self-destructive ways. The helicop- day could do the job. The CG aviation ter was not ready and would not be for officer corps, divided as the aviation wave system before it, making landing into the wind like crashing into a series years, not until the coming of the turbine program itself, moved into uncertainty engine, and the seaplane was a dinosaur following World War II. Battles ensued of onrushing walls. Early ’ speeds were low enough that small light- collapsing under its own massiveness, its between the two groups — at times with ongoing usefulness restricted by limited bitter acrimony. Most officers, following weight aircraft could land and takeoff seadromes. service tradition, sided with the seaplane between crests. For larger seaplanes, despite its inherent problem of being however, MacDiarmid relied on a tech- For three years, MacDiarmid experi- mented with the Mariner in offshore unable to land on the open sea. nique developed by Pan Am clipper pi- conditions on the ocean near San Diego. Commander Frank A. Erickson’s heli- lots for landing in the troughs and paral- lel to the wave line. This overcame the He developed techniques utilizing re- copter school had just started. A handful versing propellers for stopping and ma- of pilots were beginning to learn to fly dangers of crashing into the face of an oncoming wave but confronted the prob- neuvering on the water and JATO rocket this newfangled contraption. At the same motors to accelerate the seaplane’s take- time, civilian test pilot Harry Crosby lem of landing crosswind and on an un- level surface. off. MacDiarmid’s dogged pursuit, took the initial steps in the United Erickson believed, distracted the Coast States’ challenge for space with his first MacDiarmid believed the PBM Mari- Guard from developing the helicopter. fight in Northrop’s MX-324, the coun- ner offered a far better solution for Coast try’s first rocket-powered airplane. And Guard rescue missions since its long- Bitterness within the Coast Guard still also in that month of July 1944, came range ability let the airplane land far out held Erickson at bay. Yet seaplanes were the beginning of the end of the Coast to sea to retrieve downed flyers and slowly becoming expensive behemoths Guard’s use of seaplanes, although no shipping-disaster victims. He was going to operate, while wholesale post-war personnel cutbacks substantially reduced one was yet aware of it. to prove it. The consensus among Coast the number of crews available at Coast The Chief of Naval Operations as- Guard aviators was the future of Coast Guard aviation required seaplanes and Guard air stations — adding further signed the Coast Guard a task of con- hardships on the limited crews. ducting off-shore landing tests for sea- these needed to operate on open seas. planes, with CG CAPT Donald Bartram MacDiarmid’s experiments encouraged MacDiarmid in the early 1950s was MacDiarmid in charge. Erickson and this supposition. still firmly convinced of the seaplane’s MacDiarmid had similar backgrounds: However there were technical difficul- future. Erickson and his followers were both joined the Navy as seamen in the ties MacDiarmid had to overcome. The equally convinced of the helicopter’s 1920’s, served aboard battleships and design and manufacturer specifications superiority. The Officers’ Mess at later were Coast Guard Academy gradu- of the PBM, as with all the modern large CGAS Elizabeth City, with MacDiarmid ates. But each led Coast Guard aviation seaplanes of that period, required only in charge, and where Erickson com- in a different direction. Equals in stub- that seaplanes be able to land and take- manded a small helicopter test unit fol- bornness, each chased their goals. Both off in tame waves typical of protected lowing the war, became a battleground for the two quite dynamic, clashing per- were tough, unrelenting adversaries. waters. Waves this small are seldom found in open oceans. MacDiarmid’s sonalities and philosophies. Many pilots, It was no coincidence MacDiarmid trained under Erickson and now serving was chosen for the offshore seaplane unwavering pursuit toward maintaining the past glories of the “flying lifeboat” under MacDiarmid, walked a narrow tests. The charismatic and typically out- line while hedging on their opinions. rageous MacDiarmid was a true legend was driven by an alarm. He believed, in his own time and better known among based only on suspicions, the Navy The battle was decided finally by the Coast Guard troops than even the would assume the Coast Guard’s avia- events rather than by arguments. commandants they served. MacDiar- tion search and rescue responsibilities at [See P. 23 of Pterogram 3-12 for Tom mid's hubris and the success it achieved war’s termination, ending what, after Beard’s Bio Statement...Ed] led both his admirers and rivals to ele- three decades, was a rag-tag attempt by vate “Mac Dee” to the realm of a near- the CG at maintaining a viable air force. fictional character. Meanwhile Erickson, with unremitting Erickson, called ‘Swede’ by most, arrogance and single-mindedness, be-

6 Pterogram - Fall 2013 Victor V. Utgoff: Imperial Russian “Ace” couraged Sikorsky to design a new air- craft and volunteered the use of his farm in the U.S. Coast Guard and house for Sikorsky’s factory and By Ptero C. Douglas Kroll, Ph.D., P-3160 home. After some hesitation, Sikorsky accepted Utgoff’s generous invitation. Turkish naval base at Trebizond, Utgoff Sikorsky’s first airplane, built in the received a promotion to Captain and was United States, the S-29A, was con- made second in command of the Russian structed in 1923 on Utgoff’s chicken air arm. farm near Roosevelt Field, Hempstead, He came to the United States in 1915 Long Island. That same year Sikorsky and 1916 as an inspector of seaplanes founded Sikorsky Aero Engineering built by the Curtiss Airplane Company Corporation. Utgoff’s role in the start of for the Russian Navy. His continued Sikorsky in America is little known.2 industry---by now flying seaplanes on In November 1929, he joined the bombing raids against the Bulgarian port fledging aviation division of the U. S. of Varna---received further recognition Coast Guard at Ten Pound Island, in August 1916, this time by means of Gloucester, , entering as a the Golden Sword of St. George. He Chief Boatswain's Mate (BMC). Al- would also be awarded the Order of St. though he never became an enlisted pilot Vladimir, the Order of St. Stanislas with or Coast Guard aviator, Utgoff contin- swords and the Cross of St. Anne by his ued to enjoy flying in his off duty time. native land, the Order of St. George by He was killed on 11 October 1930 when Great Britain and the Chevalier de la his civilian American Eagle aircraft Legion d-Honneur by France. crashed and burned on a flight from In June 1917 Utgoff was assigned to Boston to . His funeral the seaplane tender Imperator Nicolai liturgy was held at the newly founded St. Peryyi, about twenty-five miles off Con- Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in stanza in the Black Sea. Constanza was Washington, D.C. on 16 October and he then held by the Germans and the Bul- was buried with full military honors at gars. By the time of the October 1917 Arlington National Cemetery that after- ictor Victorovich Utgoff, while not a V Revolution, in which the Bolsheviks noon. Rear Admiral Frederick C. Bil- recognized air ace, was nevertheless one seized power in St. Petersburg, Utgoff lard, Commandant of the Coast Guard, of the most decorated Russian pilots was in command of the mobile seaplane and several officers from Headquarters during the First World War. Born on 14 forces of the Black Sea Fleet. Despite attended his burial at Arlington. He was July 1889 in what is today Lodz in Po- explicit orders from the new Bolshevik survived by his widow, Leda (Lydia) land, he enlisted as a naval cadet in the regime, he continued to carry on with his and their four children.3 pre-war Russian Navy. Entering the fighting---now having to watch not only One child, Victor, became a U.S. Navy Russian Naval Academy, in St. Peters- the enemy but his own men, many of aviator and died in a seaplane crash in burg in 1903, he was a classmate and whom supported the new Bolshevik 1955 at Patuxent River, Maryland. An- friend of Igor Sikorsky, the future legen- government. One day, flying his Grig- other one of his sons, Vadym, graduated dary helicopter pioneer. Utgoff went on orovich M-9 seaplane (Curtiss Flying from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1939 to serve with the Russian Black Sea Boat Model F), he returned to his ship, and had a distinguished career as a naval Fleet. spotted and attacked a German U-boat aviator, seeing combat in both World With the establishment of an air ser- that was nearby. Instead of being War II and the . He retired vice attached to the Black Sea Fleet in cheered for saving his ship, he was criti- with the rank of Captain in 1963 and is 1912 Utgoff seized his opportunity to cized by a Bolshevik officer for attack- now deceased. gain air training, gaining his pilot's li- ing the U-boat.1 cense in July the same year. He is be- In 1918, Utgoff returned to the United lieved to be the first Imperial Russian States and was assigned to the office of Notes: Navy pilot. the Naval Attaché at the Russian Em- 1. Negley Farson, The Way of the Nine hours after Germany had de- bassy in Washington. With the defeat of Transgressor (London: Camelot Press, clared war on Russia in August 1914, the White Russians in 1921, the embassy 1935) attached to the Black Sea air service and was closed. Utgoff would make the flying seaplanes, he became the Russian United States his new home. With a 2. Sergei Sikorsky, The Sikorsky Legacy Navy's first wartime pilot, and the first wife and four children to support, he (New York: Acadia Publishing, 2007) man to fly from a ship during the World drove a taxi in New York City for a War. March 1915 brought Utgoff a while, and then turned to chicken farm- fresh challenge, that of flying combat ing on Long Island. However, he eventu- 3. E. F. Clark, “Archangel to Arlington” missions against Turkey. A recipient of ally returned to aviation. U.S. Coast Guard, 1930. the Order of St. George for his unusual In 1922, Utgoff met his old classmate courage in attacking and damaging the and friend, Igor Sikorsky. Utgoff en- Fall 2013 - Pterogram 7 Ptero Roost 2013 After Action Report By Ptero Steve Goldhammer, Aviator 1207, with Photos by Ptero Bob Powers, Aviator 1458

Prior to the actual Roost, there was a Pteros Bob Workman, Aviator 914, and rousing Pizza Pep Rally at the CGHQ Jeff Hartman, Aviator 1128, gave inter- cafeteria on 5 September to drum up esting presentations on their books and interest in Roost attendance among the autographed copies at the Hospitality active duty aviators at HQ. As an exam- Suite on Thursday night. ple of the illustrious history of CG avia- tion, Ptero Prez Emeritus Mont Smith, Aviator 1520, regaled the troops with his adventures in Key West in 1980 as OIC of the Air Detachment during the Cuban Mariel boatlift. He even showed the sign First Place Team: Thomas (L), that had hung over the door to the CG Ops Center at the NAS Key West han- Durr, & Burdette (‘Cub’ gar. Vice-Commandant and Ptero An- Schlatter not pictured). cient Al VADM John Currier, Aviator 1877, followed up on Mont’s story with tor 3550, Brad Apitz, Aviator 3571, and one of his own about collecting conch Andrew Behnke, Aviator 3720. Closest shells to take home as souvenirs from to the pin honors went to Mel Bouboulis Ptero Workman their TDY at Key West and how they and the Longest Driver was Shane Autographs attempted to void the conchs of their Walker. Congrats to the winners and his Book. thanks to Ptero Ben Stoppe for orga- nizing this fun event. Ptero Prez Steve Reynolds called the Business meeting to order at 0812 on Friday. The Airman’s Prayer and ‘Taps’ list of those who passed away in the past year were read by Ptero Steve Goldham- mer. Ptero RADM Bob Johanson, Avia- Photo by PA2 Kelly Parker, USCG tor 869, gave us an update on the Phoe- nix Project to hang an HH-52A at the contents with spectacular results. Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Mu- He also passionately encouraged CG seum near Dulles Airport. He said it Aviation Association membership and would be a quick update on a not-so- active duty attendance at the Roost, es- Longest Drive: Walker (L), quick project. The project was started by pecially for the Professional Discourse Closest to Pin: Bouboulis. Ptero Tom King, Aviator 1775, a few sessions. years back. Several candidate aircraft It was a glorious day for golf when the were located and evaluated and deemed first event of the 37th annual Ptero Roost not in good enough condition to restore. kicked off on Thursday, 26 September. Conversations at the 2012 Sacramento 41 intrepid Pteros or potential Pteros of Roost revealed the existence of HH-52A various degrees of expertise assembled CGNR 1426 that was being used as a at the South Riding, VA Golf Course in training aid at the Airframe & Power- for a scramble tournament. After fol- Ben Stoppe plants school in Van Nuys, CA and was lowing each other around the course for still flyable. An evaluation of the 1426 five hours of triumph and frustration, we organized a was conducted by several current and all gathered over a cold one for the pres- fun event. retired H-52 maintenance folks and it entation of awards. The First Place team, was found to be in excellent condition. with a 57 (probably the benefit of many The Smithsonian Institution has ap- purchased mulligans), was Ptero Jim proved it as a viable candidate for dis- Thomas, Aviator 1950, John Burdette, play at Udvar-Hazy. A team at CGHQ is Ptero ‘Cub’ Schlatter, Aviator 2499, and working on an acquisition plan. The goal Bryan Durr, Aviator 3331. Second Place is to have the 1426 displayed for the went to Toby Holdridge, Aviator 3416, 100th anniversary of CG aviation in Walter Armstrong, Aviator 3565, MC 2016. However, after its acquisition, a Len Barbazon, and ASTCM Shane Anne Stoppe (C) & Larry Hall restoration team and an unspecified Walker. Third was Daniel Warren, Avia- amount of funding is needed. check in Liz Petterson.

8 Pterogram - Fall 2013 Ptero Enlisted Ancient Al AMTCS during the business meeting, and there Ptero Board approved the revised Roost Pete MacDougall, P-2900, remarked that were no objections to the proposed schedule for 2014 and 2015. We’ll be at he is proud to be a part of this awesome changes. Therefore, the by-law change the Cape 18-21 September 2014.] community. The young CG people on was adopted as proposed in accordance Prez Reynolds announced that next the hangar decks are super dedicated and with article IX of the By-Laws.] year will be the Year of the CG at the passionate. The long blue line continues Regarding the vote on the proposed Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. with great feeling and love for what we slate of officers for the next two years and solicited donation of aviation-related do. He said it’s a pleasure to serve as the that was published in Pterogram 2-13, items for that display. representative for all of the aircrews in Prez Reynolds said that he and VP Ptero The Professional Discourse sessions the CG. Joe Baker, Aviator 2511, discussed the began with a State of CG Aviation brief- Treasurer Ptero Ben Stoppe reported situation with other people and Prez ing by Ptero Mitch Morrison, Aviator that the Association’s finances are stable Emeritus Smith. It was decided that 3014, Chief of Aviation Safety (CG- but expenses for the Roost will be much Reynolds and Baker will stay on as Prez 1131), Mel Bouboulis, Aviator 2915, higher than the income. Fortunately, and VP, but there will be a search com- Chief of Aviation Engineering (CG-41), we’ve had significant sponsor contribu- mittee established to select a new Prez and Chris Martino, Aviator 2701, Chief tions for the Roost. The Petty Cash fund and VP over the next couple of months of Aviation Capabilities (CG-711). still exists. Ptero Bob Workman verified who will assume their duties by the end There are 26 CG aviation units operating that the lock washer is accounted for. of 2013. Prez Reynolds solicited volun- about 200 aircraft. The last HU-25 will Regarding the Centennial of CG Avia- teers to assume the Prez duties. retire by 1 October 2014. Unmanned tion in 2016, Ptero Prez Emeritus Smith Ptero Jay Crouthers, Aviator 1360, Aerial Systems (UAS) is on the horizon. solicited ideas for exhibits, especially proposed Hawaii as the site of our next Its pilots are at least second tour avia- from the active duty folks. A traveling Roost. He said that Ptero Rick, Aviator tors, mostly from AirSta Corpus Christi. exhibit is planned to visit each air station 1396, and Marie DiGennaro volunteered They also maintain their operational in 2016 and terminate at the Roost at to help with Roost preparations. Jay said aircraft qualifications. CAPT Martino ATC Mobile. He asked for donation of he will look for a volunteer Roost Com- said we’re still the best pilots and main- artifacts for that exhibit. There is also a mittee chairman and committee mem- tainers in the world; we need to continue plan to update the poster containing all bers if Hawaii is approved. Ptero Ben to be as professional as possible. The current and prior CG aircraft that was Stoppe said we have to have a commit- J2F-4 ‘Duck’ recovery mis- created for the 75th anniversary in 1991. ment from the local retired Pteros in sion is now a DOD Joint POW/MIA He urged the CGAA to stand up a team Hawaii to host the Roost before approv- Accounting Command (JPAC) mission now to properly prepare for this momen- ing that venue. Jay said there will be since it involves the recovery of remains tous occasion. people there to make it work. Ptero Bob of wartime aviators. The 2013 survey Prez Reynolds said that, for the first Workman suggested that the CGAA did not reveal a large intact airframe as time, all of the Roost Professional Dis- charter a flight from San Francisco for initially anticipated. The marker left at course sessions will be broadcast on a Roost attendees to fly aboard for the the site last year was finally located un- webcast to about 30 sites that have Hawaii roost. Ptero Prez Reynolds pro- der 7-8 feet of snow on about the sixth signed up for it. Thanks to Price, Water- posed that the 2015 Roost be at Cape day of this year’s expedition. The team house, Coopers for arranging, conduct- Cod. There were no objections. Jay had to abandon the site three times this ing, and funding the broadcast. They can made a motion that the next three Roosts year due to hurricane conditions. The be accessed on the Ptero website, aop- be in Hawaii 2014, Cape Cod 2015, and ‘Duck’ recovery is JPAC’s #1 priority tero.org. Regarding the proposed By- at ATC Mobile in 2015. Jeff Hartman for missions next year. laws change to establish the position of seconded the motion. The motion was The CG and its Strategy in the Arctic Executive Director who will be paid a approved. Region was briefed by Dr. John T. nominal annual stipend to be determined [Subsequent to the Roost, Jay reported Oliver and LCDR Iain McConnell, by the CGAA Executive Board, Prez that a suggestion was made that the Ha- Aviator 3563. Dr. Oliver said there’s Reynolds said a vote on the proposal waii Roost by delayed until 2015 and a serious oil and gas exploration now in will be conducted via the Pterogram and/ cruise package would allow us to have a the Arctic and the potential for numer- or via email sometime in the near future cheaper airline fare with everything in- ous shipping routes. There’s a cornuco- as will designation of the Executive Di- cluded in the one price per person except pia of mineral wealth in the Arctic: 13 % rector if the proposal is approved. Ptero their alcoholic beverages. This would of the world’s undiscovered oil and 3 % Communications VP Gary Gamble, allow us to make a PTERO-CATION of the world’s undiscovered gas. About Aviator 1826, encouraged approval of out of the Roost and people could even 1.5M people went to the Arctic in 2013 the Executive Director position to estab- bring kids along; that might make it bet- for ‘adventure tourism.’ The CG wants lish continuity in the Association. [After ter for our younger Pteros with families. to ensure safe, secure, and environmen- the business meeting, various Board The possibilities are exciting and the tally responsible maritime activity in the members conferred with President Rey- delay would allow families to work the Arctic. LCDR McConnell said that Rus- nolds about the proposed changes to the week-long Pterocation in early Septem- sia’s National Security Staff has agreed by-laws regarding the Executive Direc- ber 2015 into their long-term budget/ to cooperate fully with the U.S. National tor position. The proposed changes were plans. Jay further reported that Ptero Joe Security Staff on the Arctic Maritime published in the Pterogram in advance of Amaral, Aviator 1030, has volunteered Initiative. the business meeting, were discussed to ramrod the Cape Cod Roost. The Ptero Les Smith, Aviator 1676, chaired

Fall 2013 - Pterogram 9 a panel on Emerging Technologies. 2012, LCDR Steve Cerveny, Aviator Interoperable with many Agencies’ Other panelists were Chris Lutat, Presi- 3509A, who piloted the H-60 responding panel. The panelists were Chris Martino, dent of Convergent Performance, LLC, to the HMS Bounty sinking, AET1 Josh Ptero Mike Emerson, Aviator 2799, and LCDR Jeff Vajda, Aviator 3568, the Adams who was a crewman on the C- Chief of Interoperability for the Dept. of UAS Platform Manager. Les mentioned 130, AST2 Randy Haba who was the Homeland Security, CAPT Tom Swan- the improvements in FAA instrument Rescue Swimmer on the H-60, LCDR berg, Aviator 3065, and LCDR Zach approach equipment and capabilities. Brian McLaughlin, Aviator 3618, who Mathews, Aviator 3695, Ops. Officer of Chris told us how CG aviation became a flew on the Alaskan Ranger sinking 200 the National Capitol Region H-65 inter- plankowner in automation airmanship. miles off St. Paul Island and 150 miles diction program. We now have liaison Jeff gave us a status report on UAS. The west of Dutch Harbor, Alaska in 2008, officers assigned to many agencies. The mission of UAS is to get the right sen- and Ptero Mont Smith. CG and the Customs and Border Patrol sors in the right place at the right time are working well together. The CG for a long time. has a visible presence in the air over All discourse attendees enjoyed a deli- D.C. as part of the National Capital cious buffet lunch sponsored by Gulf- Region Air Defense umbrella. stream Aerospace Corp. CAPT Emerson said DHS has a lot The keynote speaker was the Hon. of enthusiasm for aviation common- Sean O’Keefe, Chief Executive Officer, alities now; there’s a constructive EADS North America. His topic was climate. We’re building on small successes. CAPT Swanberg said Customs and Border Patrol loves the Vic’s case took 12 hours in an HO4S CG. CAPT Martino said there are oppor- with one pilot and one crewman when tunities for overlap and economies of he was 22. The helo never shut down scale; that’s needed in this budget cli- while refueling. He was the first un- mate. designated CG Rescue Swimmer. LT Everyone enjoyed the food and fellow- Myers and LCDR Cerveny gave riveting ship at the ‘Stand-up Dinner’ on Friday descriptions of their Bounty rescue ef- night sponsored by forts that saved 14 of 16 crewmembers. Company. Ptero Prez Reynolds pre- LCDR McLaughlin spoke about how sented Sikorsky Rep. Ptero Dave 42 of the 47 souls on the Alaskan Spracklen, Aviator 2387, a plaque com- Ranger were saved. Ptero Mont de- memorating 70 years of CG teamwork Risk Management: dealing with things scribed the sinking of the that happen without notice, e.g., loss of 600ft. ‘Marine Electric’ the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. He off Chincoteague, Vir- said we have to practice due diligence ginia in 1983. Thirty and establish parameters of risk that are lives were lost and there ‘acceptable’ based on historical factors. were three survivors. He We have to consider the mundane, not said the frustration of not just the obvious. Risk is the invisible co- being able to hoist the pilot in every cockpit on every flight. helpless survivors led to You have to constantly test your stan- the establishment of the dards. Don’t be complacent or reckless. CG Rescue Swimmer He said his presence at the luncheon was program. with Sikorsky. Sikorsky provided nap- a personal obligation of his because he ASTCM Shane Walker, director of the kins and keepsake wine glasses and owes his life to CG aviation. The CG Rescue Swimmer program from CG-711 Dave handed out a 70th anniversary com- rescued him from an aircraft crash in who rescued 129 people after Hurricane memorative coin to all attendees. I call it Alaska despite terrible weather condi- Katrina in 2005, briefed us on the begin- the ‘Jim Thach Memorial’ coin since tions. He said he’s darn grateful for what nings of the advanced Rescue Swimmer Jim was the beloved Sikorsky Rep. to the CG does every day. Ptero Prez Rey- program in 1996 and the new Rescue the CG for over half of those 70 years. nolds presented Mr. O’Keefe with a Swimmer facility in Elizabeth City, NC copy of ‘Float Planes & Flying Boats.’ that opened in 2012. [See related story CAPT Jim O’Keefe, Aviator 3008, on P. 13 of Pterogram 1-13] It has state- moderated the Significant SAR Cases of-the-art full storm effects including 60 discourse session. The panelists were kt. Winds and a three-foot chop. Its real- AM2 (Ret.) Vic Rouland who rescued ism brings back memories of the 9D5 66 people in the Yuba City, CA flood on Dunker, the adventure that’s better than 24 December 1955, LT Mike Myers, any ride at any amusement park any- Aviator 3835A, who piloted the C-130 where. Pteros VADM John Currier responding to the HMS Bounty sinking Ptero RADM Jim Van Sice, Aviator (L) and RADM Dave Belz, Av. in superstorm Sandy on 28 October 1777, moderated the ‘CG Aviation- 1579, swapping sea stories.

10 Pterogram - Fall 2013 municate.’ A safety culture needs to be ated by Ptero Craig Hoskins, featuring present. Proficiency needs to be incen- six distinguished Ancient Albatrosses tivized through performance evaluations. (some more ‘ancient’ than others): There needs to be demonstrated leader- Pteros VADM Deese Thompson (AA ship in the competency you chose. We #10), Aviator 683, VADM Howie need to take smart risks; dumb risks are Thorsen (AA # 13), Aviator 776, RADM dereliction of duty. The probable loss of Jim Olson (AA # 19), Aviator 1563, crew is not warranted. Warranted risk is RADM Dave Kunkel (AA # 20), Avia- deviation from normal operations after tor 1726, RADM Gary Blore (AA # 22), fully considering the situation. Risk ag- Aviator 1850, and VADM John Currier gregates; some is controllable, some is (AA # 23), Aviator 1877. They focused not. Everyone needs to understand the on comparing the culture of aviation; Roost Photographer Ptero Bob Powers (r), spectral nature of operational risk. where it was and where it is now. Now, & Alma Powers with Ptero Rob Hardman, We learned from the seven fatal CG you do have to come back. VADM Av. 1709, & Sue Hardman at cocktail party. accidents in the past few years that the Thompson said he used to fly with peo- mishap investigation system was broken. ple that, just getting into the airplane Saturday’s Professional Discourse It’s now more timely and relevant. We with them was an unwarranted risk. It’s sessions kicked off with the CG and the owe the taxpaying public professional fortunate that this session was recorded. Just Culture by Pteros Mont Smith and behavior. He said he thanks God every It was a fascinating treasure trove of Craig Hoskins, Aviator 2725. Mont said day that he was blessed to be a CG avia- reflections and anecdotes about CG he and Craig are trying to improve the tor. We are the stewards of CG aviation. aviation history and cultural changes. safety concept in U.S. aviation. ‘A Just We were briefed during our box lunch Culture’ is a way of looking at the be- by Ptero CDR Frances Messalle, Aviator havior of people: deviations from nor- 3351, AirSta Washington CO, about her mal and expected behavior, and chang- unit. She said that she loved that a ing the safety culture of an organization FW’er was giving a lecture that included for the better. There are generally three box lunches. LCDR Zach Matthews, types of human behavior and associated Ops. Officer of the National Capitol remedial actions: we console human Region H-65 interdiction program, rep- error, we coach and mentor to correct ‘at resenting AirSta Atlantic City CO CAPT risk’ behavior, and we do not tolerate Pete Mingo, Aviator 3262, who was on reckless behavior (a behavioral choice to TAD, briefed us on the role of the CG in consciously disregard a substantial and defense of the Nation’s Capitol area. He unjustifiable risk.) There needs to be a said that the people of AirSta Atlantic focus on pro-active management of sys- City are the ‘A Team.’ tems design and encouragement of Our final discussion was on the plans proper behavioral choices. This supports for the new National CG Museum in a reporting culture and, hence, a learning New London, CT and how we can help culture. We want people to report off- Ptero Enlisted Ancient Al MacDougall that effort. Panelists included RDML normal events or observations on a vol- said he supports the risk management Steve Poulin, Director of CG Govern- untary basis. Management decisions process but he’s concerned about the mental and Public Affairs, Scott Price, need to be based on where limited re- value of trust between pilots and air- Deputy CG Historian, Arlyn Danielson, sources can be applied to minimize the crewmen. It’s been devalued, and that’s CG History Collections Manager, Ptero risk of harm. We have to address system a mistake. It’s the most important thing Jack McGrath, P-2666, CG Heritage risk and behavioral risk. Craig said in the aircraft. A mission is like a dance; Museum Board President, Ptero Tom ‘aviation is the same circus; it’s just a everyone needs to be listening to the King, former CGAA VP for Museums, different set of clowns.’ Risk=severity music. If not, trust suffers. High Year and Ptero Tony Hahn, Aviator 3158, CG vs. likelihood. Safety approximates the Tenure is hitting us like a freight train in Public Affairs Division Chief. reasonableness of risk. Training sets us CG aviation; we need to hold on to our up for success. We have an obligation to valuable people. The guys on the hangar be accountable for our actions. The chal- deck are concerned about their careers; lenge is to become pro-active in risk it’s a very dangerous situation. They management. Policy, procedure, and need to be focused on what they do and practice need to be aligned. build and maintain their confidence Ptero VADM Currier spoke to us on level; and CG leadership needs to focus ‘The Management of Risk.’ He said the on that. It’s critical to the environment Pteros have a valued relationship with of risk and trust. We need to develop the RDML Poulin said the CG Museum the aviation enterprise. Aviation is much relationship to enhance our unique situa- project started in ’99; we’re the only more complex now, and so are the mis- tion in the aircraft. military service without a museum. Con- sions. The fundamentals of aviation The next panel was a ‘Retrospective of gress didn’t allow use of CG appropri- haven’t changed: ‘aviate, navigate, com- CG Aviation: Then and Now,’ moder- ated funds except, as necessary, for op-

Fall 2013 - Pterogram 11 erations and maintenance. The updated BEYOND TO LOCAL SURFACE The Chief Oliver Berry Aviation plan is going to Congress in February. UNIT OPERATIONS, SERVICE- Maintenance Award was presented to The cost is $80-$100M. The State of CT WIDE MH65 OPERATIONS AND AMTC Kevin Deininger from AirSta has pledged $20M. The National CG THE BROADER Barbers Point. Museum Assn. is doing fundraising. COMMUNITY. THEY WERE PROAC- Estimated completion date is 2017. It TIVE, INNOVATIVE AND PERSIS- will be a hub for CG history and heritage TENT IN THEIR CONSISTENT EF- and a place that we can call home. FORTS TO SHARE AND INSTILL Ptero Bob Workman said today’s op- PRINCIPLES OF SAFETY AND RISK erations are tomorrow’s history; the ac- MANAGEMENT RESULTING IN A tive duty folks need to remember that ROBUST AIR, GROUND AND OC- and give more support to the historians. CUPATIONAL SAFETY PROGRAM CAPT Bouboulis (L), Prez Rey- The website is coastguardmuseum.org. CONSIDERED BY THE COMMAND nolds, Ancient Al’s MacDougall & Ptero Tony Hahn briefed us on the TO HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IN- VADM Currier, AMTC Deininger, restoration of HH-52A CGNR 1415 by CREASED THE SAFETY AWARE- & ADM Papp. AirSta Port Angeles active duty and NESS OF SECTOR PERSONNEL IN Ptero volunteers for the Seattle Museum OPERATIONS AS WELL AS NON- He was commended for DEMON- of Flight. He said that we have twenty OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES BOTH STRATED EXEMPLARY PERFORM- thousand CG artifacts in our collection ON AND OFF DUTY. THEY AU- ANCE, TECHNICAL EXPERTISE that are worth about $100K. Ptero King THORED SEVERAL WELL RE- AND LEADERSHIP AS THE HC-130H briefed us on the Log Book, Aircraft CEIVED ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN METAL SHOP SUPERVISOR, COR- Assignment History, and Flight Manual COAST GUARD AND NAVAL AVIA- ROSION PREVENTION PROGRAM preservation projects. The Log Books of TION PERIODICALS AND MADE COORDINATOR, PRIMARY QUAL- 60 early CG aviators have been copied. VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ITY ASSURANCE INSPECTOR AND Ptero Prez Reynolds presided at a COAST GUARD NATIONAL FLIGHT NIGHT SHIFT SUPERVISOR. HE sumptuous Awards banquet enjoyed by SAFETY CONFERENCES AND OVERSAW THE WORK OF 15 223 Pteros, spouses, awardees, and TRAINING PROCEDURES. THEY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL guests. A wonderful collection of vin- CREATED A UNIT SAFETY PUBLI- ACROSS TWO SHIFTS AND WAS tage photos of CG aircraft, bases, and CATION AND PROMOTED LOCAL RSPONSIBLE FOR ALL CORROSION aviation personnel prepared by Ptero AWARDS WITHIN THE SECTOR RELATED MAINTENANCE ON Mont Smith was shown to the audience. FOR INDIVIDUALS NOTING, COR- FOUR OPERATIONAL AIRCRAFT In his comments, Ptero VADM Currier RECTING AND REPORTING HAZ- STAGED IN THE FLEET’S WORST said the value of the Ptero Roost and the ARDS. THEY PARTNERED WITH ENVIRONMENT FOR CORROSION. Pteros is incalculable. They’re the REGIONAL FAA AND WEATHER AN EXCEPTIONAL MENTOR, HE guardians of our traditions. He said SERVICE PERSONNEL TO EN- PERISTENTLY AND ADROITLY Ptero Bob Workman’s book, ‘Float HANCE INTERAGENCY COMMUNI- CHALLENGED JUNOR PETTY OFFI- Planes and Flying Boats,’ is magnifi- CATIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS CERS IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL cent. Everyone should read it, especially AIMED AT REDUCING HAZARDS. DEVELOPMENT. AS AN EXAMINER junior officers, to understand and value THEIR COMMANDING OFFICER OF UNIT LOAD MASTERS AND their heritage.’ He said to ‘never com- EXPRESSED THAT THEIR IMPRES- DROP MASTERS, HE PERFORMED promise the fact that we’ll get the job SIVE LEADERSHIP AND CONTRI- INSTRUCTOR, STANDARDIZATION done; but take smart risks, not dumb BUTIONS HAVE BEEN FELT WELL AND UPGRADE FLIGHTS. HE WAS ones. We’re in the worst budget times BEYOND AIR STATION NORTH A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT that we’ve ever seen. CG aviation has a BEND AND HAVE HAD POSITIVE COACH FOR THE SERVICEWIDE bright future. Never have we been more INFLUENCES ON THE MH-65 RATING PERFORMANCE QUALIFI- relevant in the minds of the taxpayers FLEET, CG AVIATION AS A WHOLE CATION SYSTEM LEADING TO 20 than we are now due to our professional- AND OUR PARTNERS IN BOTH THE PETTY OFFICER QUALIFICATION ism. We ask a lot of our spouses; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND SIGNOFFS AND TIMELY COMPLE- they’ve earned our gratitude. Let’s band ALLIED NATIONS. TION OF ALL ADVANCEMENT RE- together to honor the 100th anniver- QUIREMENTS FOR 5 JUNIOR sary of CG aviation and our past.’ PETTY OFFICERS UNDER HIS The CAPT Marion ‘Gus’ Shrode DIRECT SUPERVISION. HIS Flight Safety Award was presented EFFORTS ENSURED THAT 66 to LCDR Jason Gelfand, Aviator AVIATION ENGINEERING 3676A, and LT Caroline Kearney, MEMBERS WERE ELIGIBLE Aviator 4329, from AirSta North TO TAKE THE MAY SERVICE- Bend. They were recognized for WIDE EXAM. IN ALL OF HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORM- MANY DUTIES, HE MET OR ANCE NOT ONLY WITHIN AIR CAPT Martino (L), Prez Reynolds, Ancient Al’s EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTA- STATION GROUND AND AIR MacDougall and VADM Currier, LCDR TIONS, DEMONSTRATING EX- OPERATIONS BUT EXTENDING Gelfand, LT Kearney, and ADM Papp. TRAORDINARY STEWARD-

Fall 2013 - Pterogram 12 SHIP, SUPERIOR DEDICATION AND TIMES TAKE THE DECK OUT WITH THE SURFACE AT 300 FEET. OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AS FROM UNDER THEIR FEET, THEY IMMEDIATELY VETORED BY C-130 WELL AS SUPREME TECHNICAL MADE A NON STANDARD DROP TO A SURVIVOR FLOATING KNOWLEDGE. OF THE LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT FREELY IN A SURVIAL SUIT WITHIN PA- AMIDST THE DEBRIS FIELD OF RAMETERS BOUNTY AND REALIZING THAT NEVER PRAC- CONDITIONS WERE WORSE THAN TICED NOR EXPECTED, RESCUE SWIMMER CHARTED IN C PETTY OFFICER HABA WAS -130J MANU- LAUNCHED INTO GALE FORCE ALS. AFTER WINDS AND 30 FOOT SEAS TO THE DROP, RESCUE THE SURVIVOR. AFTER THE CREW IN TWO FAILED ATTEMPTSS DUE TO THE CARGO THE LARGE WAVES AND STRONG BAY CURRENT, LCDR CERVENY AG- CRAWLED GESSIVELY MANEUVERED THE The CDR Elmer Stone Fixed Wing FORWARD REQUESTING THE PI- HELO INTO POSITION FOR THE Rescue Award was presented to the crew LOTS TO RAISE THE RAMP FROM SUCCESSFUL HOIST OF THE SUR- of HC-130J CGNR 2004: LT Frank THE COCKPIT DUE TO THE SE- VIVOR AND SWIMMER TO McIntosh, LT Michael Myers, Av. VERE TURBULENCE. REACHING SAFETY. 6012 THEN INVESTI- 3835A, AET1 Joshua Adams, AMT1 MINIMUM FUEL TO RETURN, 2004 GATED TWO EMPTY RAFTS AND Hector Rios, AMT3 Jesse Embert, PROCEEDED BACK TO RALEIGH- LOCATED THE REMAINING AMT3 Eric Laster, and AET3 Joshua DURHAM, WHILE BRIEFING A RE- BOUNTY CREW SHORTLY AFTER Vargo. 2004 LAUNCHED FROM RA- LIEF C-130J AND TWO MH-60T DAW IN IN TWO OTHER LIFE LEIGH-DURHAM INTERNATIONAL HELOS EN ROUTE THE SCENE. THE RAFTS. WITH LT PENA MONITOR- AIRPORT, THE STAGING AIRPORT AIRMANSHP AND ACTIONS OF ING ALTITUE CORRECTNESS FOR FOR HURRICANE SANDY, ON THE THE CREW OF 2004 WERE ESEN- INCOMING WAVES, PETTY OFFI- MORNING OF 29 OCTOBER 2012 IN TIAL IN BEGINNING THE SE- CER LUFKIN EXPERTLY CONNED RESPONSE TO THE DISTRESS OF QUENCE OF EVENTS ULTIMATELY THE PILOT TO POSITION THE AIR- HMS BOUNTY FOUNDERING 80 RESCUING 14 MARINERS FROM CRAFT AND LOWERED THE SWIM- MILES OFF CAPE HATTERAS DUR- THE WRECKAGE OF BOUNTY. MER INTO THE CHURNING DE- ING THE STORM. 2004 DEPARTED BRIS. DEMONSTRAT- INTO COMPLETE DARKNESS, ING DETERMINA- MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBU- TION, FLAWLESS LENCE, 60 KNOT WINDS AND TOR- TEAMWORK, CREW RENTIAL RAIN. DESPITE AIR- COORDINATION AND CRAFT SYSTEM FAILURES TO THE EXCEPTIONAL AE- PROPELLER ANTI-ICE AND RADAR RIAL SKILL, THE EQUIPMENT, THE CREW OF 2004 CREW SUCCESS- PROCEEDED TO BOUNTY AND FULLY RESCUED WITH WORSENING CVONDITIONS FOUR SURVIVORS AND TURBULENCE, DESCENDED DESPITE THE SWIM- TO 500 FEET ABOVE THE TURBU- MER LOSING HIS LENT WATER WITH VISIBILITY OF MASK AND SNORKEL ONLY ONE MILE IN THE DARK The CAPT Frank Erickson Rotary IN THE BREAKING WAVES. THEIR AND RAIN. SENSING THE UR- Wing Rescue Award was presented to METICULOUS SEARCH OF GENCY OF THE SITUATION BASED the crew of MH-60T CGNR 6012: BOUNTY WRECKAGE SET THE ON CONDITIONS AND THE LCDR Steve Cerveny, Av. 3509A, LT STAGE FOR THE RAPID RECOV- BOUNTY CAPTAIN’S RADIO Jane Pena, Av. 4330, AST2 Randy ERY OF THE REMAINING NINE TRANSMISSIONS, 2004 URGED THE Haba, and AMT3 Michael Lufkin. SURVIVORS AFTER 6012 WAS DISPATCH OF ADDITIONAL RES- ALERTED TO THE SERIOUS SITUA- FORCED TO DEPART SECENE DUE CUE ASSETS. WHEN BOUNTY RA- TION OF HMS BOUNTY OFFSHORE, TO FUEL REMAINING. DURING DIOED HAVING TO ABANDON 6012 LAUNCHED ON THE MORN- THE TWO HOUR RETURN FLIGHT SHIP, 2004 PREPARED TO AIRDROP ING OF 29 OCTOBER 2012 INTO THROUGH 60 KNOT WINDS AND TWO LIFE RAFTS AND A MARKER DARKNESS, TURBULENCE, 60 TURBULENCE, PETTY OFFICER BUOY. PO’S LASTER AND EMBERT KNOT WINDS AND DRIVING RAIN HABA CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MOVED AFT IN THE AIRCRAFT BANDS. THE FIRST RESCUE HELO MEDICAL CARE TO THE FIVE SUR- POSITIONING TWO 60-POUND 8- TO REACH THE SCENE, 6012 EXE- VIVORS UNTIL THEY COULD BE MAN RAFTS TO DEPLOY. FIGHT- CUTED AN INSTRUMENT DE- TRANSFERRED TO AWAITING ING AIR SICKNESS AND SEVERE SCENT UNDER NO ILLUMINATION EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSON- TURBULENCE THAT WOULD AT AND GAINED VISUAL CONTACT NEL. [See ‘Roost Report’ on P. 17]

13 Pterogram - Fall 2013 Mail Call! This issue’s mail is brought to you by Air man Duck crew and B- Ptero Prez Emeritus Mont Smith, 17 crewman who flew Aviator 1520 Sta Brooklyn’s September 1947 Gander Rescue HNS-1 into eternity. helicopter; From l to r: Lt. A. N. Fisher, USCG Cape Cod Our “Ancient Al’s Sikorsky ‘Winged S’ Lady Mass. [;] Lt. Stewart R. Graham, Long Island, N.Y. [;] Panel,” moderated by a Oliver F. Berry, ACMM [;] Leo Brzycki, ACMM, Chi- gifted aviation profes- I retired in 1977 and, over the years, cago, Ill. [;] Cozy Eldridge, ACMM, Macon, Ga. [;] Mer- sional, gave proof that somehow my ‘Winged-S’ pin had disap- win Westerberg, AMM1c, Cromwell, Conn." “Semper Paratus” is a peared. I called Sikorsky Aircraft, asked USCG photo by "Donohoe."[Photo courtesy of Ptero Jerry motto passed from gen- for the person who could help me find a Mohlenbrok, Aviator 951...Ed]The Lockheed EC-130V Her- eration to generation as replacement, and was directed to a gra- technology and mis- cious lady named Christine Gentile. We sions change. talked for quite a while, including a dis- We heard from the cussion of the AOP (aka the Coast leadership cadre of the Guard Aviation Association), and I was air stations we recog- surprised to learn she had never heard of nized…both of which our august organization. are engaged in special I recently received my replacement missions of high na- ‘Winged-S’ pin, true to her word, and I tional significance. offered to put her in touch with the We heard of vast im- Pterodactyls. It also occurs to me that provements in risk there may be other Pteros who have mis- management, threat and placed their pins over the years, and per- error management, and haps it would be helpful to publish the Just Culture. Our Christine's contact info in the next issue historians and govern- of the Pterogram. And it would be very ment/public relations thoughtful of us to invite Christine to staff gave us insight become an honorary member. In any MAIL into new horizons just case, here is her contact info: around the corner in- Christine Gentile, Sikorsky Aircraft Roost 2013 Reflections cluding a new headquarters and a Na- Corp, 203-383-7954, tional CG Museum in the offing. [email protected]. As co-chairmen of the planning com- Most especially, we showcased the Ptero Tom Finnegan, Aviator 834 (Lifer) mittee, and with profound gratitude for men and women who set incredibly high Christine just moved to a new job and your selfless dedication to a highly suc- standards and exceeded them…keeping her replacement has not been named yet. cessful annual meeting of the CG Avia- our aircrews safe and our aircraft reli- Her recommendation is to email requests tion Association, VADM Vivien Crea able…so that two of the many fine for replacement Winged-S awards to and I salute you and wish to express our crews could rescue 14 lives in terrible [email protected]. This pride in the close teamwork between our conditions on the high seas. And, in the way, no matter who has the job, there is organization and today’s U.S. Coast absence of appropriated funding, we a central communication path to request Guard. Your commitment to planning brought our awardees together and sus- a replacement Winged-S. and coordination excellence was evident tained them through fiscal planning and Another path is www.sikorsky.com and throughout the past seven months and fiduciary responsibility, ever mindful of click on the Awards Section in the lower this past weekend. I have always advo- CG ethics and standards of conduct. left corner of the page. You can apply cated de-centralized management…I like Finally, on a serene Sunday morning, for Rescue Awards, etc. there. to give people the task and resources, we met at Arlington National Cemetery Ptero Dave Spracklen, Aviator 2387 and watch with satisfaction as they soar in silent reverence for the ultimate sacri- to high accomplishment. You outdid fice made by over 200 of the CG Avia- HH-3F Sighting yourselves this weekend. tion community who gave their lives I have received dozens of expressions through the years in the line of duty. My cousin, Jim, sent me this picture of of admiration for our Commandant, who Our Ancient Al and CGAA president an HH-3F at the Freedom Museum USA honored us and showed the true devotion spoke eloquently of their contributions in Pampa, TX. I didn't find it listed on and compassion of the meaning of a to our lore and our reputation for excel- the aoptero.org site. He didn't have a shipmate. lence. Our Honor Guard radiated profes- number. Looks in pretty sad shape. Sean O’Keefe inspired us to hold our sionalism and military bearing. Ptero Gary Grow, Aviator 1205 flag high. His respect for our service As an old cowboy, this will be my echoed over and over throughout his last rodeo. I’ll still be a supporter, but remarks. it’s time for me to take a seat way in We heard of changing environmental the back of the theater. As Kenny conditions and geo-politics of the high Rogers once sang, “You have to know Arctic, and were updated on the JPAC/ when to hold ‘em, and know when to CG mission to recover the J2F-4 Grum- fold ‘em.” God bless you all.

14 Pterogram—Fall 2013 Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod By Ptero LTJG Travis Christy, Aviator 4471

Northeast Regional Fisheries Training developing new capabilities is an essential Center, Port Security Unit 301, Marine part of doing business. To illustrate this, Safety Detachment Cape Cod, ASCC still upholds its primary capability Communications Station Boston, of launching aircraft within 30 minutes of Forcecom Armory Cape Cod, Electronic a call, day or night in the most severe Support Detachment Cape Cod, and the weather the Northeast can dish out in Coast Guard Exchange and Commissary. addition to honing its abilities as the This cycle of development and premier Airborne Use of Force platform adaptation over time is equally apparent on the East Coast and while standing up when one looks at ASCC’s aviation new aircraft and facilities for the HC-144 The Coast Guard is renowned for many assets. From the cradle of Ten Pound program. things, but perhaps most of all, for its Island came three Loening OL-5 With an area of responsibility (AOR) ability to balance a rich history and amphibious aircraft, painted in a brilliant that stretches from the Canadian border to challenging future along the fine meeting yellow, and purchased with funds the coast, ASCC has a point of the present. At Air Station Cape appropriated by Congress in the amount coverage area that is as diverse as its Cod (ASCC), this is no less true. In fact, of $152,000 (total). From this meager mission set. Due in part to this expansive despite changing facilities, air assets, and starting point, the air station expanded its AOR and in part to the unflinching mission sets, the station’s tenacity to inventory to include multiple fixed and readiness of its personnel, in an average deliver high quality and professional rotary wing assets. year, ASCC will conduct 250 search and service has proved a lone constant in an rescue cases, save 58 lives, MEDEVAC otherwise dynamic operating 50 people, and provide assistance to 89 environment. others in distress. These numbers are a Coast Guard aviation roots trace as far testament to the decades of adaptation that back as May 1925 and as far away as Ten ASCC has endured on all fronts, in order Adding to the station’s legacy aircraft, Pound Island (near Gloucester, MA). to perform at a level of excellence that ASCC recently discontinued its use of the Since then the location of ASCC has places them at the very height of their HU-25 Falcon after over three decades of never stopped adapting. Forced by profession. service. At the unit’s main gate, a Falcon expansion to abandon its original home on Despite numerous changes in facilities, and a beautifully renovated HU-16E Ten Pound Island in 1935, the air station aviation assets, and mission requirements Albatross (CGNR 7250, the last relocated to Salem, MA with a meager over the years, Air Station Cape Cod has amphibious fixed wing aircraft in the U.S. staff of 35. Years later, the advent of the kept three things constant. The first is its military arsenal) stand as a testament to helicopter caused the station to once more promise to the public “to protect life, ASCC’s rich aviation history. seek a new location in favor of one that property, and the marine environment in Today, the air station maintains a was both larger and more centralized. complement of four MH-60T helicopters These requirements led to a partnership and three HC-144 medium range with the Department of Defense in 1968 surveillance aircraft (all painted in the and a new Coast Guard air station on the now iconic Coast Guard orange and Massachusetts Military Reservation white). Both fixed and rotary wing assets (MMR) where Otis Air Force Base are markedly improved from their conducted flight operations at Otis predecessors in terms of avionics and Airfield. Nestled between the towns of mission capabilities, putting the men and Sandwich, Mashpee, and Falmouth, Air women of ASCC on the cutting edge of Station Cape Cod was officially aviation technology. established two years later, on August 29th The final area in which adaptability has 1970. become the hallmark of Air Station Cape Today, Otis Air Force Base is now Otis Cod is its mission set. Despite a constant Air National Guard Base and no longer service to the [people] and our country.” and often high profile search and rescue flys jets but conducts intelligence The second is its promise to the military presence, ASCC is by no means a one operations. “Otis Tower” is now “Coast community “…[to] strive for excellence in trick pony. In fact, from the early days of Guard Tower” and Air Station Cape Cod serving New England military personnel Prohibition, when aircraft patrolled the owns and operates all airfield functions. with the finest in community service and coast in search of rum runners, to the anti- Even the MMR was renamed in July 2013 quality of life support.” The last is a submarine patrols of World War II, the to Cape Cod to reflect the personal and professional promise that missions of ASCC’s earliest predecessors variety of services jointly operating on the every Air Station Cape Cod member were as diverse as they were challenging. grounds. Currently, 520 Coast Guard makes when they step out upon the flight In the current operating environment, personnel from seven commands in line. The promise to be, “Always Ready this ability to perform legacy missions addition to the air station are attached to and First to Fly,” no matter what the while simultaneously branching out and Joint Base Cape Cod including the future might hold.

Fall 2013—Pterogram 15 Dilbert Dunker directed him to NAS Pensacola, where he was tasked with putting his engineer- By Hill Goodspeed, National Naval Aviation Museum Historian ing knowledge to work developing a [Re-printed with permission from the Fall 2013 issue of ‘Fly-By,’ training device to, as Kaneb remembered The Magazine of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation...Ed] one senior officer commenting, “Teach them what it is like to be drowning.” pecting some of them to have to With all due respect to that officer, ditch in the water, the Navy in- Kaneb’s objective was not to simulate stalled equipment on the planes in drowning, but to teach the trainees to the event of such an occurrence, orient themselves underwater, though including a hydro vane fitted for- even he later recalled that this was ac- ward of the to pre- complished with “water in every sinus” vent the plane from nosing over of those under instruction. Setting to on impact and flotation bags be- work, Kaneb led a team of engineers in neath the wings that the pilot developing a mock-up of what he called would trigger in order to keep the the “Underwater Cockpit Escape De- plane afloat long enough for it to vice.” Borrowing the name from the be salvaged. cartoon character of an aviator who As evidenced above, while there never did anything right that was fea- was great interest in preserving tured in training literature, the device Dilbert, the cartoon character depicting an aviator the aircraft, there was no special- was from its earliest days called the that was featured in training literature beginning in ized training for the pilot, even “Dilbert Dunker.” WW II, finds himself underwater. into the early months of World In an April 12, 1944, letter to the Chief War II. At the Battle of Midway, of the Bureau of Aeronautics describing a number of F4F-4 Wildcat fighters from the device, the commanding officer of Although it was Hollywood that intro- Fighting Squadron (VF) 8 off the carrier NAS Pensacola wrote that the “Dilbert duced the device to the general public in USS Hornet (CV-8) were forced to ditch Dunker” was “an attempt to simulate an the motion picture An Officer and a because of lack of fuel. The after action actual water crash landing in which the Gentleman, for generations of Naval report filed by one pilot, Lieutenant aircraft somersaults and sinks, and from Aviation personnel the “Dilbert Dunker” (junior grade) John Magda, later a flight which the pilot must free himself in the that sent them plummeting into a pool leader of the famed Blue Angels, con- most expedient manner.” In order to during water survival training was a rite tained the following suggestion. “There make the training as realistic as possible, of passage. Whether they enjoyed the should be a landing in water ‘check-off the original dunker featured the sur- ride or dreaded the experience, everyone list’ in every plane, because at a time veyed forward fuselage section of an who took the plunge owed this aspect of like that there are a few things you may SNJ Texan that contained “all equipment their training to a World War II era Mas- … forget that prove to be a very dear in the cockpit that would hinder a pilot’s sachusetts Institute of Technology engi- mistake. There is very little time to do exit from the cockpit.” This included the anything after the plane hits the water — neer. instrument panel (minus the instruments 30 seconds at the most.” Lieutenant themselves) and the stick, rudder pedals The prospect of making a forced land- (junior grade) H.L. Tallman, another VF ing at sea was something that resided in and brake pedals, which were spring -8 pilot, wrote, “Shock of landing is not loaded to simulate actual conditions by the backs of the minds of every Naval bad, but the water that gushes into [the] Aviator who climbed into a cockpit be- holding them in place. In operation, the cockpit and the splash caused by the “Dilbert Dunker” rolled down a track at ginning with Lieutenant Theodore G. impact leads one to believe at the mo- Ellyson, the Navy’s first aviator. On 31 a 45 degree angle, reaching a speed of ment that the plane is going right on 25 miles per hour when it hit the water July 1912, during experiments with an down. Actually, by the time you’ve re- early catapult system at Annapolis, and overturned, coming to rest underwa- covered your senses (1-2 seconds) the ter in the inverted position. Maryland, the A-1 Triad that Ellyson water is up to your neck.” was flying reared up and was caught in a Kaneb’s design appeared at Pensacola crosswind, sending him and the airplane While words could convey some guid- and other locations in the training com- plunging into the Severn River. During ance on ditching at sea complemented mand, each device handmade and indi- Naval Aviation’s earliest years, Naval by coverage of the subject in the popular vidually tested. The opinions of those Aviators could take comfort in the fact Dilbert posters and “Sense Pamphlets” who rode it were captured in a Septem- that the sea service primarily operated introduced during the war, the Navy ber 1944, article in Naval Aviation seaplanes and flying boats that were realized that there was a need to simu- News. “First trippers usually register equipped to land on water. That began to late the experience during training. Enter fear, but a survey of ‘veteran’ dunkers change in 1919 when the Navy em- Ensign Wilfred Kaneb, who received his showed recently that out of 311 riders, ployed surplus foreign-built World War commission in the Naval Reserve in 306 expressed approval of the device as I era fighters in experiments operating March 1943, as an A-V(S), the wartime an aid in training them how to get out of wheeled aircraft from temporary wooden designation for an aviation officer quali- a cockpit.” fied for specialist duties. His orders soon flight decks erected on battleships. Ex- The “Dilbert Dunker” was not the 16 Pterogram — Fall 2013 only method of water survival training to ‘Roost Report’ from 13 appear during World War II and after- THE CREW OF 6012 RECONCILED wards. In both the Navy and Army Air RISK MANAGEMENT WITH OP- Forces, fuselage sections of aircraft like ERATIONAL IMPERATIVES AND the B-29 Superfortress and TBM Aven- COMPETENCE UNDER EX- ger were dropped into the water with TREMELY CHALLENGING AND crews aboard for the purpose of instruct- DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. ing them on each man’s tasks as they The Banquet’s Honored Guest was exited the airplane, especially retrieving Commandant and Gold Ancient Mariner life rafts. Today, a helo dunker provides ADM Robert J. Papp. After a hilarious underwater egress training for rotary- A sailor tests the Dilbert Dunker at introduction by VADM Currier, ADM wing platforms. As for the “Dilbert NAS Pensacola in 1943. Papp said that Pete MacDougall is the Dunker,” it lives on only as an artifact in only guy who has been in his job longer the Museum collection and in the memo- than him. He commented that he knew ries of those who trained in examples of and had sailed with the Master of the the device during their days in Naval Bounty who was one of the two crew- Aviation, from aviation cadets to astro- men who perished. He noted that all of nauts, the latter completing the water the survivors were wearing CG- survival element of their training at NAS approved survival gear. He said that ‘we Pensacola. celebrate and take pride in our CG com- (Some of the background material for The ‘real thing;’ an F4F-4 Wildcat munities who work together to accom- this article came from the Wilfred Kaneb of composite squadron (VC) 11, plish the mission. The world looks at us Papers, which he recently donated to the as what a maritime governance organi- ditches during USS Altamaha (ACV Museum. Now over 90 years old, the zation should be.’ He said he’s proud of inventor of the “Dilbert Dunker” lives in -18) flight ops in the Pacific in 1943. that and all of us. He presented VADM Ontario, Canada.) Currier with a certificate designating him an Honorary Cutterman. He said ‘don’t ever consider losing people as the price of doing business. It will happen, ‘Guarding Alaska’ one interested in Alaska or the CG, but but we need to minimize it. Proficiency also of significant value to pilots, air- By Ptero Jeffrey Hartman, Av. 1128 gives you the confidence to adjust to the crews and sailors ordered to or who may unexpected; it applies to all professions.’ Book Review be ordered to duty in Alaska, and, in He said he’s ‘proud of our professional By Ptero Ray Copin, Av. 744 addition, it would serve as a great refer- reputation in the world, and all of us.’ ence on shelves of school and cruise Ptero Prez Reynolds presented ADM ship libraries. With excellent graphics, Papp with a certificate designating him photographs and a clear, no nonsense an Honorary Pterodactyl. writing style, the author’s description of Four wreaths were laid at the CG geographic and socio-economic features World War Memorial on CG Hill at Ar- of Alaska and its history is super project lington National Cemetery on Sunday material for a student of geography. The morning by Ptero Ancient Al and CG book covers each mission of the CG Vice-Commandant VADM John Currier with tales drawn on personal experience and Ptero Prez Steve Reynolds to honor or exacting research. Stirring stories of the memories of Elmer Stone, Av. 1, environment protection and rescue hero- Jack Rittichier, Av. 997, John Pritchard, ism and exceptional skill are inter- Av. 82, PO1 Benjamin Bottoms, and the spersed contributing effectively to the 220 other CG and 15 CG Auxiliary avia- telling of how it is to live and fly and, tors/aircrewmen who perished in the line yes, Guard Alaska. This is a great gift of duty. Prez Reynolds said they were for family members and friends, high ordinary people who were called upon to school to grandparent age. do extraordinary things in extreme cir- Ptero Ray Copin cumstances. VADM Currier said they’re [Jeff’s book is available at Amazon.com. enshrined in our nation’s most hallowed Cover price is $19.95. E-version is ground. An MH-65T flew nearby to add $4.99. You can order from him and he poignancy to the service. Here is my reply to the question, will dedicate and autograph it. Price Several ‘Roosters’ enjoyed brunch “What do I think of Jeff Hartman’s book from him includes 9% Washington sales back at the hotel before heading home about Alaska?” In short, it is terrific. tax = $21.75. Total with postage and with their memories of a great experi- Ptero Jeff, CG Aviator 1128, has com- packaging is $25 from him. Address is: ence. Thus ended Roost # 37. piled a multi-mission treatise which not Captain Jeffrey Hartman USCG (ret) 41 [See the Ptero website, aoptero.org, for only will be an interesting read for any- Wellington Court Port Townsend, WA many more Roost photos...Ed.] 98368...Ed] Fall 2013 — Pterogram 17 Aviation Technical Training Center Honor Graduates

The CG has three aviation ratings: Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), Avionics Electrical Technician (AET), and Aviation Survival Technician (AST). The AMT and AET Schools are 20-weeks long and a typical class has 20 students. The AST School is 18-weeks long and a typical class consists of 12 students. In recognition of active duty aircrews, the Executive Board approved spe- cial recognition for ATTC school honor graduates with a dues-free initial year of membership in the association. Here listed are mid -2013 Honor “grads” which we are proud to salute. In honor of the dedication and skill of every CG aviation air crew member, we congratulate the honor graduates. We view each of them as representing all their respective classmates. We welcome them all to the exciting and rewarding world of CG aviation and extend our heartiest wishes for many satisfying years of performance in their vital roles in the rich and continuing CG aviation history ahead. We recommend and hope the graduates listed here will continue as mem- bers and will help grow the association with new members. Congratulations and Welcome Aboard!! Honor Graduate Assignment Honor Graduate Assignment AST3 Matthew J. Yee North Bend

Newly Designated Aviators

The following pilots have been designated as Coast Guard Aviators and have been provided with a first year dues-free membership in the Association. Welcome aboard, Pterodactyls!! We salute you and wish you safe flight. We envy the thrills, opportunities and satisfaction which are on and beyond your individual horizons. As you settle in at your initial and subse- quent assignments and carve out future CG aviation history, we hope you will maintain your membership and stay tuned to your rich heritage. As busy and focused as you are on many things, you are history-in-the-making, and you will want to preserve that history as well as that of those before and around you today. Your modest annual dues will help to keep you informed and make possible active duty awards, memorials and CG aviation history-preserving-projects. Congratulations and Welcome Aboard!!!

CG Aviator Nr. Assignment CG Aviator Nr. Assignment 4476 Jesse A. Cremeans North Bend 4477 Kevin B. Carmichael Sacramento 4478 Gregory B. Snow Miami 4479 Stephen D. Bondira Atlantic City 4480 Ian M. Sibberson Clearwater 4481 Michael B. Wightman Miami 4482 Joshua D. Rice Cape Cod 4483 Alex D. Johns Savannah

Tidbits of CG Aviation History Senior Officer in the 7th Naval B. Hall USCG? They subsequently District, retiring once again in graduated from Pensacola. Olsen went By Ptero Mont Smith, Aviator 1520 1946 as Captain, but receiving on to become the first CG Aviator to The following gems of CG aviation only LCDR retiree pay? receive a graduate degree; he studied at history were obtained from my recent We know that Philip Eaton, Aviator 9, the Naval Academy and under Professor review of the Service Records of several commanded Chatham Aviation Station Theodore Von Karmen, eminent physi- early CG aviators: in WWI. Did we know that Eaton cist, at the California Guggenheim Insti- Did we know that Art Hesford, Avia- “dodged a bullet” following the Court of tute. Olsen later achieved flag rank. tor 28, received two Silver Lifesaving Inquiry into the circumstances surround- Did we know that Burke was Secretary Awards (1932 and 1937) for saving a ing the crash of USN , includ- Morgenthau’s personal pilot from 1932 total of three people from drowning? ing the plea from a Mr. Howard to Sec. to 1940? He flew the PT-11B, Lockheed Did we know that Richard L. Burke, of the Navy Josephus Daniels requesting RD-4, Northrop R30-1, Lockheed Elec- Aviator 15, received a Silver Lifesaving to know how the Navy disposed of the tra and other aircraft. He was awarded 2 Award from the Secretary of the Treas- man who “sent (his) son to a watery DFCs, one for wartime command of ury (Morgenthau) for nearly dying try- grave?” CGAS Elizabeth City and open sea land- ing to rescue Gunner Thrun? Did we know Eaton returned to the ings including the rescue of a seaman Did we know that several early avia- Coast Guard’s Engineer Corps, becom- from a torpedoed tanker (ADM E.J. tors applied to “open” the first official ing as RADM the Assistant Engineer of King commendation) and the rescue of 7 German survivors of a sunken U-boat. CG Air Station at Morehead City, but the CG in wartime? He also set two world records in 1935. Charles Sugden, Aviator 4, was selected Did we know Carl Olsen, Aviator 20, because of his war record? and Richard Burke, Aviator 15, failed Did we know that Stanley Parker, Aviator 7, commanded Naval Air Sta- Did we know that William Wishaar Elimination Flight Training at NAS/ tion Key West and Naval Air Station (later “Wishar”), Aviator 5, was medi- NOB Norfolk, but were granted an extra Montauk Point during WWI? Sadly, at cally retired as LCDR after 21 years of five days training after pleading their Montauk Point, a fire burned down the service but was recalled to active duty in case to CAPT Ernest J. King USN, 1941 and served as Deputy to the CG Commanding Officer, and CDR Norman hangar during his command. He wrote a [See History Tidbits on P. 19] 18 Pterogram - Fall 2013 Dues are tax deductible CG Aviation Association Multi-mission Form Apply for or Renew Membership / Update Data / Order Stuff  New Member  Renewal  Update Information  Ordering Items Please check all below that apply:

Name ______Rank/Rate______ CG Active  CG Retired  CG Reserve  Former CG(not ret) Address:______ CG Auxiliary  Other Supporter ………………………………………. City:______State____Zip______ CG Aviator ( Data if known:) Designation Nr:______Date: ______CHECK BOX(es) IF Spouse, Phones or Emails NOT to be listed in Directories Helo Nr: ______Date: ______Spouse:______ TP Res. (____)_____-______ ……………………………………….. Email Res.______ TP Work (____) _____-______  CG Aircrew  CG Flight Surgeon Email Work:______ TP Cell (____) _____-______  Exchange Pilot Sign me up for: Service______Country_____  Life Membership $ 250 (includes a Ptero Pin) CG dates served:  Annual Membership $ 30 (Active Duty $15) ______to ______………………………………………. Ptero Ball Cap $ 20 (includes postage)   Other:______Chronological History of CG Aviation 1915-2010 CD $10 

Book: So Others May Live (includes postage) (Paperback only, $14)  Please send me how-to-help info!  ‘Float Planes and Flying Boats’ by Ptero Bob Workman, Jr. $30.00 Shipped  Current Ptero Patch, 4 inch $8 Old Ptero Patch $7 Total Enclosed: CG Aviator/Aircrew/RS Pennants $25ea. (includes postage) MAIL TO: Ptero Bumper Stickers $3 each, 2 for $5 The CG Aviation Association Ptero Challenge Coin.. $10ea., 2 for $18, 3 for $25 (includes postage) P.O. Box 940, (Visit www.AOPtero.org, click on “Store” for more)  Troy, VA 22974 Oct2013 Please make copies of this form and pass it on. $

‘A Selfless Calling’ from 5 ‘History Tidbits’ from 18 Ptero Seeking 1953 General Howell M. Estes, Jr., USAF, rebuttal to the Court of Inquiry stating Hurricane Flight Info Commander, Military Airlift Command, that he directed the culprit in two accept- made the following statement about able ways to dispose of the “bomb.” The I’m seeking information about a PBM them: event caused Parker to consider request- Hurricane Flight: I was stationed at CGAD, Bermuda from 1952 to 1954. In “I am personally aware of the distin- ing to leave aviation. Parker went on to guished record achieved by the Coast become a RADM in WWII and COTP September 1953, Hurricane Carol threat- Guard pilots flying in combat with our New York, for which he received the ened the island and both of the AF Weather Squadrons at Kindley AFB had Jolly Greens. They have flown many . to fly away or evacuate their B-29’s and difficult and challenging missions and the AirDet had to fly away one PBM to have consistently demonstrated their the States for refuge. unreserved adherence to both our mot- toes, --- Always Ready and That Others The AirDet CO waited almost until the May Live –They are indelibly inscribed Hurricane fringe was striking the island for his decision. I was ordered to make in the permanent records of the stirring the flight. I used a minimum crew as by and moving drama of combat air crew then it would be necessary to fly through recovery in Southeast Asia.” the Hurricane. The only crew member I The performance of these Coast Guard can remember, after all these years, is Aviators was of such a high level that my CP, (late) CGA’46 classmate, Phil they were inducted as a group into the Hildebrandt. Coast Guard Aviation Hall of Honor. I’m looking for input from my crew The story of the CG Aviators in Viet- members ,and/or any Bermuda officers nam is on the Ptero History Web Page. and men who either participated in the http://uscgaviationhistory.aoptero.org/ event or have a recollection thereof. images/U.S.%20Coast%20Guard% New Ptero Challenge Coin. $10 ea, Thank you for your help. 20Aviation%20in%20Vietnam.pdf ...Ed] 2 for $18, 3 for $25 Please respond directly to Jim Iversen, Order on Form Above. Aviator 534, at [email protected] Fall 2013 — Pterogram 19 NON PROFIT ORG. The Ancient Order of The Pterodactyl US POSTAGE 3658 Bracknell Drive PAID Woodbridge, VA 22192-7465 Woodbridge, VA PERMIT # 9

Address Service Requested

VADM Currier designated an Honorary Cutterman by ADM Papp (above) & ADM Papp designated an Honorary Ptero by Prez AirSta Cape Cod Pg. 15 Reynolds (below) at the Roost.

Victor Utgoff, Imperial Russian ‘Ace’ in USCG Pg. 7

2013 Roost

Report Pg. 8 Wreath-laying at Arlington Cemetery. MAIL Pg. 14 THAT’S NOT ALL !!