For the Gazette

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE – An Amherst native is being credited for assisting with a rescue at sea.

The Guam-based “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 responded to a civilian in distress aboard a sail boat on June 24, with Amherst native Caleb French as co-pilot.The sailor was injured three days earlier while sailing through a severe thunderstorm aboard the a 32-foot sailboat west of Guam.

HSC-25 Search and Rescue, led by Aircraft Commander Lt. Nathan Gordon, was on scene within two hours of the initial call.
“We were told the gentleman’s health had diminished significantly over a time span of three days,” said Lt. Gordon. “The satellite phone was a key tool in today’s rescue. His ability to contact the U.S. Coast Guard and pass us a precise location greatly decreased search time, getting him the medical care he desperately needed.

“The crew worked well together and the whole process was smooth due to the aid up front from my Co-Pilot Lt. j.g. Caleb French, our crew chief at the hoist AWS2 Dominic Thomas, our rescue swimmer AWS2 Preston Smith, and the medical support from our SAR Medical Technician, HN Nolan Turner and HSC-25’s Flight Surgeon Lt. Erik Kumetz. The medical team was able to immediately push IV fluids to stabilize him until we reached Guam.”

The incident was the 16th emergency call to HSC-25 by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam this year and marks 14 recoveries during search and rescue and medical evacuations in 2019.