KBR Aircrew Recognized for Search and Rescue Missions for U.S. Navy
Completing the Mission, Regardless of Terrain
In the heart of China Lake, California, four KBR aircrew fly search and rescue helicopters for the United States Navy at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE ONE (VX-31). The team, led by Kenneth Gilbert, provides highly experienced aircrew who guide, instruct and qualify U.S. Navy search and rescue personnel in mountain flight as well as stand ready for the call to rescue. The team has served on rescue missions on all terrains, from snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to remote desert locations of Death Valley National Park. They conduct helicopter hoist and rappel operations, medical first response, and airlift missions to medical facilities. Their support goes far beyond military aircrew – saving both life and limb for civilians as well.
Mission in the Mountains
As a Search and Rescue Hoist Operator on RESCUE 465, Hermilo Perez and crew were called to perform a rescue of a hiker with a head and shoulder injury in the vicinity of Heart Lake above Independence, California and high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Milo conducted a thorough pre-flight inspection to remove excess gear and reduce gross weight for the high-altitude rescue operation. On-scene, Milo deployed wind-finding devices and assisted with flight path analysis to determine the best route to rescue the injured hiker due to narrow power margins and steep mountainous terrain. After several unsuccessful approaches to a one-wheel approach near the survivor, Milo called the helicopter to land at a small nearby landing zone. Once on the ground Milo assisted the crew medic when he returned with the survivor for recovery. With all onboard, Milo assisted the pilots with aircraft clearance calls during a challenging departure off the mountain.
Snow-Covered Ground in Death Valley
While serving as a Search and Rescue Hoist Operator, Jesse Peterson and the COSO 464 crew answered the call to rescue four stranded civilians fighting for their lives during a record Death Valley blizzard. As the crew approached the rescue zone, a low cloud layer and icing conditions prevented access. Unable to proceed, the crew landed near the recovery area to conserve fuel and monitor the weather. After an hour, the cloud layer lifted slightly, allowing the crew to attempt flight to locate the survivors. Jesse, acting in the crew chief position, directed the helicopter to hover in a position near the survivors, readied his medic in the rescue basket and lowered him to the deep snow-covered ground. As the aircraft departed to allow the medic to assess the situation, Jesse prepared the cabin for recovery operations. During two more approaches to the side of the mountain, Jesse directed the pilots into position and then conducted hoist recovery of four cold, hypothermic survivors and his medic. Once onboard, he assisted with medical evaluations and infight care to all four survivors enroute to the hospital.
High-Risk, High-Altitude Rescue
Matthew McDermott was serving as a Search and Rescue Pilot on a civilian search and rescue mission where he had to balance critical crew management as well as skilled pilotage during the execution of two high-risk, high-altitude search and rescue missions. Matthew and his crew performed a rescue of a 25-year-old National Guardsman from Utah who had impaled himself on a tree while cross country skiing near Cottonwood Pass, California. The next evening, Matthew and his crew were called upon to rescue avalanche victims near Taboose Pass, California. Both missions were performed at the limits of the MH-60S performance capability, totaling over seven hours of nighttime low-light levels in hazardous mountainous terrain and freezing conditions. Matthew’s cockpit management, exceptional crew resource and real-time operational risk management directly resulted in successful approach, deployment and recovery operations, demonstrating outstanding airmanship and performance under pressure.
When the mission can’t fail, THINK KBR.
Pictured above left to right: Ken Gilbert, Hermilo Perez, Jesse Peterson, and Matt McDermott
