The Real ResQ Podcast

Episode 195 U.S. Coast Guard Crew Saves Six Lives From the Sailing Vessel Barlovento

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by an entire U.S. Coast Guard Crew: Pilots Ryan O’Neill and Adam Ownbey; flight mechanic Peter Gaudet; and Spencer Manson, Rescue Swimmer No. 999. 

The crew recounts their experience of saving six lives during a rescue mission. Facing challenging conditions, including hurricane-force winds and 20-foot seas, as they located a disabled sailboat with six people on board. 

The crew had to devise a plan to hoist the rescue swimmer, Spencer, down to the water and then onto the moving sailboat. The team worked together to overcome the obstacles and successfully rescued all the survivors. 

The crew members were recognized for their heroic actions and awarded Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross. 

Spencer recounts his experience of being hoisted in the water and his struggle to climb onto a passing sailboat. The helicopter crew had their own concerns about fuel and the decision to send the rescue basket to retrieve Spencer.

Once the crew successfully hoisted Spencer and a survivor from the water, they made their way back to shore; however, the rescue did not end there. As soon as they landed, the crew needed to prepare to go back out to help rescue the remaining people on the boat. 

The crew discusses details of the rescue operation and reflects on what they would do differently if they ever found themselves once again in a similar situation. They talk about the challenges of communication and coordination with multiple assets involved in the rescue. 

The crew emphasizes the importance of training outside of their comfort zones and practicing new techniques. They also highlight the need to carefully consider the risks and benefits of disconnecting the swimmer from the hoist cable. Overall, the team shares their experiences and lessons learned from the rescue. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 194 Adam Sustachek - U.S. Coast Guard Flight Mech

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Adam Sustachek, a United States Coast Guard flight mechanic.  He shares his experiences and rescues during his 25-year career in the Coast Guard. 

Sustachek discusses his background and how he joined the military. He talks about his time stationed in various locations, including Sitka, Alaska, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He recounts his first rescue and the challenges he faced during the mission. He also shares the details of a daring night rescue in severe weather conditions, which earned him a Coast Guard Commendation Medal. 

We discuss his experiences during Hurricane Katrina and his deployment to New Orleans. He talks about the challenges they faced, including the long flight from San Diego to Louisiana, and the limited tools and facilities they had. He also describes the devastation they witnessed and the rescue missions they conducted, including finding an elderly man who had been stranded in his flooded house. He emphasizes the resilience of the people of Louisiana and the support they received from the local community. 

Sustachek recounts a rescue mission where they had to navigate treacherous conditions to save three fishermen stranded on rocks, and one where he had to rescue a group of people stranded on a foggy island. 

Sustachek also discusses the emotional toll of losing colleagues in helicopter accidents and the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance and preparedness in the field. He emphasizes the opportunities for personal and professional growth in the Coast Guard and encourages others to step outside their comfort zones. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 193 Curt Newport Recovery Diver and Author

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Curt Newport, a deep ocean search and recovery expert in salvaging wreckage from underwater incidents. 

Newport discusses his background growing up in a military family and how he got into diving and deep water recovery. He recounts his first salvage operation after Air India Flight 182 went down off the coast of Ireland in 1985. He also talks about his involvement in the recovery of fragments from the Challenger space shuttle and TWA Flight 800. 

Newport's book, 'Ready to Dive,' provides detailed accounts of his various operations. Working on recovery missions for military aircraft and torpedoes. The challenges of working in the Gulf Stream and the current and weather conditions they had to navigate. He also shares anecdotes about his time on the recovery ships.

Newport also mentions his involvement in the recovery of a C-2A Greyhound aircraft in the Philippine Sea and the difficulties they encountered in recovering the remains of the flight crew. He shares stories of crashes and the difficulties of recovering wreckage from the ocean floor. Newport also mentions his interest in racing and his experiences as a racing driver. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 192 John Whiddon U.S. Coast Guard Pilot (Ret)

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by John Whiddon, a former United States Coast Guard pilot. 

Whiddon shares experiences and stories from his career. He talks about his journey to becoming a pilot and the training that he received from experienced veterans. He recounts his first rescue as a pilot, which involved the famous band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He also shares a humorous story about an incident involving a relief tube in the cockpit. 

Whiddon also discusses his time in Alaska and the challenging rescues he was involved in. These rescues earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his heroic actions. One of the first missions involved the rescue of 20 survivors from a stricken passenger vessel that had caught fire in the Gulf of Alaska. Despite challenging weather conditions and limited visibility, he skillfully guided the helicopter to safely hoist the survivors to safety. 

Our conversation continues with a story where Whidden and his crew faced extreme weather conditions and saved two lives from the fishing vessel Bluebird. As we discuss this mission, he highlights the challenges of hovering over the ocean at night and the importance of having a rescue swimmer. Whiddon emphasizes the role of faith and divine intervention in the successful outcome of the mission. The crew received numerous awards and recognition for their heroic actions. John also discusses the importance of creating a safe environment for pilots and aircrew to seek help when needed. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 191 Sean Daniell - Canadian SAR Tech #529

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Sean Daniell, a Canadian SARTech (search-and-rescue technician). They discuss Daniell’s background, his training as a SARTech, and some of the intense experiences he has had in the field. 

Daniell shares stories of rescues, survival training, and his work as a paramedic. He highlights the physical and mental challenges faced by SARTechs and the importance of their role in saving lives. Daniell discusses his training as a SARTech and his experiences in the field. He talks about the importance of acclimatizing to the cold and learning survival skills in the Arctic. He also shares his training in diving, water survival, and parachuting. 

Daniell recounts his first rescue mission, which involved a plane crash, and discusses the challenging and sometimes gruesome aspects of search-and-rescue operations. He discusses his progression as a SARTech and the responsibilities that come with different roles. He shares a rescue mission that haunted him and reflects on the experience of pronouncing someone dead. He also talks about his training at the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria, Oregon, and the valuable skills he learned there. He mentions the camaraderie between Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers and the importance of specialized training.

In this final part of the conversation, Daniell talks about a rescue mission in the mountains where they had to perform a vehicle extraction and rope rescue. He also shares a training scenario in Okanagan Lake where they ended up getting stuck in the mud. Daniell discusses the importance of cross-training with other countries and shares his experiences working with the Swiss, and also the country of Iceland. He concludes by talking about his own injuries and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 190 Luke Johnson U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #766

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Luke Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #766.

Johnson shares many of his experiences and rescues. While stationed in Puerto Rico, he recounts a rescue mission involving 34 illegal immigrants, who had been abandoned by smugglers on Isla Monito. Johnson also describes a cruise ship rescue where he hoisted an elderly heart attack victim from the ship. Additionally, he shares a unique experience of being left on Palomino Island after rescuing a fisherman. Stranded on the island, he was forced to row a boat back to shore in the Caribbean. Another story focuses on a more intense rescue operation where Johnson saved three lives after a boat capsized in rough waters.

We had fun talking about his experiences working in Hollywood, participating in the Amazing Race, and training with NASA. He also discusses his transition out of the Coast Guard and his current career in safety and risk management. 

Johnson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of military skills in the civilian world and being open to new opportunities. He also highlights the significance of CPR training and the potential to save lives in emergency situations. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 189 [Full] Harry Knight USN Rescue Swimmer and Volunteer EMT in Maryland

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined once again by Harry Knight, former Navy Rescue Swimmer.  

In this part of the conversation, Jason and Harry discuss Harry's passion for CPR and his extensive volunteer work. Harry shares his personal experiences with CPR and how it has made a significant impact on people's lives. He also talks about the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal that he received for his volunteer service. 

Despite going through tough times, Harry turned them into a positive by dedicating his time to help others. Harry discusses his experience as a volunteer in the Southern Maryland fire and emergency medical services. He talks about the importance of volunteering and the training opportunities that it provides. He also shares stories of his first EMS call and a memorable call involving a child.

Harry emphasizes the need for constant awareness and readiness as a first responder, as well as the importance of communication and coordination with law enforcement. In this part of the conversation, Harry shares two significant incidents that he witnessed. The first incident occurred in 1996, when he responded to a car crash and saved a woman's life. 

The second incident happened in 2022, when he witnessed a fatal head-on collision involving a semi-truck. Harry emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support for mental health after experiencing traumatic events. The conversation also touches on Harry's recognition in a Navy magazine for his work in the Office of Naval Intelligence. He also discusses his experience as a disaster preparedness officer and the importance of having a medical response team in the workplace. 

Harry shares stories of responding to multiple medical emergencies within a short period of time and highlights the value of having trained personnel on-site. Harry also talks about the unique opportunity to work alongside his son, who is a paramedic, and the memorable calls they ran together. He concludes by offering advice to listeners, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reach out for help when needed. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 188 [Full] Ryan Beard, U.S. Coast Guard Flight Mech

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Ryan Beard, a flight mechanic in the United States Coast Guard. 

Beard recounts his first rescue mission, where he and his crew saved two sailors whose sailboat had run aground on the Galveston, Texas, jetty. This successful rescue earned him an achievement medal and the USCG District 8 Rescue of the Year award. Another notable rescue involved a medevac of a crew member with a critical blast injury. Beard’s disciplined crew resource management and quick decision-making skills were crucial in these high-pressure situations. 

During Hurricane Harvey, Beard and his crew were one of the first to respond to the storm and perform rescue operations. They faced challenging conditions, including a violent squall line and rising floodwaters. They embarked on multiple missions, hoisting people in critical condition and navigating through power lines and dangerous obstacles. Beard’s actions and skills were instrumental in the rescue of 32 people. In addition to flying, he also assisted with maintenance tasks and fueling operations, contributing to the success of the massive air rescue operation that saved and assisted 1,738 lives. 

Beard talks about the dedication and hard work of the Coast Guard during the hurricane relief efforts and the camaraderie among the team. He also discusses his transition to The Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) and the training he underwent to become a precision marksman. He emphasizes the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to learn and grow. We conclude our conversation with Beard offering advice to those considering joining the Coast Guard. He encourages anyone to reach out for more information. Enjoy!

 

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ASTerisk - The Danish Rescue Swimmers In-Person from EURORSA 2024

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is Live from EURORSA 2024. He sits down with Jesper Rintza and Martin Ravn, two rescue swimmers from the Danish Royal Air Force. They give an insider's perspective, discussing how they do the job of a Rescue Swimmer.

First, both Rintza and Ravn tell a memorable rescue that stands out to each of them.  For Rintza, it was a rescue of two Olympian female sailors who went missing. After over an hour of searching, they located the women. The race was on to do everything they could to save the women. Next, for Ravn, he recalls a medevac from a cruise ship, where a patient was experiencing a possible heart attack and needed to get to the hospital.  

In the next part of the conversation, we focus on the process that it takes to become a rescue swimmer in their squadron. They have a two-week physical fitness push and then lots of time in the helicopter getting on-the-job training. We discuss some of the medical training that they have to do as Danish Rescue Swimmers, as well as one of the procedures they use for a hypothermic victim in the water. Enjoy!

 

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ASTerisk - Five of the First Six USCG Rescue Swimmers

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is LIVE from DECERT 2024. He is joined by five of the first six U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers: Steve Ober (01), Kelly Gordon (02), Rick Woolford (03), Butch Flythe (05), and Larry Farmer (06). This historic gathering brings together the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program.

Join us as these trailblazers share their incredible stories and memorable moments from the early days of the program. From their grueling training experiences to their first rescues, each recounts the challenges and triumphs that defined their careers. Listen in as they reminisce about the camaraderie, the life-saving missions, and the evolution of the program that set the standard for excellence in search-and-rescue operations.

This episode is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the original Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Their stories not only highlight their personal heroism but also the enduring legacy of the program they helped establish. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the legends of the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer community. Enjoy!

 

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