The Long Blue Line (Summer 2020)

from Iceland to pre-revolutionary Iran. He flew many
American and European aircraft for business and
pleasure, holding at one time or another, American,
Italian, French, German and Swiss pilot's licenses.
In 1975, Sergei returned to the Sikorsky Aircraft
headquarters in Statford, CT, now a Lockheed
Martin Company. He continued traveling around
the world, visiting customers and operators of the
company’s equipment. He retired from Sikorsky
Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin company, as Vice
President—Special Projects in 1992, but remains
active as a consultant.
My association with the CG
was one of the highlights
of my life. I’m grateful that
I’ve been allowed to visit CG stations
operating Sikorsky aircraft and look
forward to a few more visits before I
am rightly and fully retired.
When asked about the significance of the Coast
Guard use of Sikorsky helicopters among the
numerous other purposes they’ve served, Sergei
equates the relationship to a strong marriage.
“The Coast Guard and Sikorsky have been married
since 1943 ever since that helicopter evaluation
squadron at Floyd Bennet Field. Sikorsky aircraft
have served in the Coast Guard ever since. I look
forward to many more years of our helicopters
serving with the Coast Guard.”
He also points to the Coast Guard’s role in
innovation with regard to helicopters and life-saving
hoists. “The Coast Guard obviously has been one of
the great pioneering forces in helicopters. Started
under Frank Erickson and Stu Graham they proved
the concept of the rescue hoist. The Coast Guard
played a crucial role in the development of the
helicopter and pioneered many of its uses.”
Finally, he notes the personal significance of the
Service in his own life. “My association with the
Coast Guard was one of the highlights of my life.
I’m grateful that I’ve been allowed to visit Coast
Guard stations operating Sikorsky aircraft and look
forward to a few more visits before I am rightly and
fully retired.”
Sikorsky’s parent company, Lockheed
Martin, has generously pledged $1 million
to support the construction of the National
Coast Guard Museum. The commitment
for museum support is the largest to date
from the defense industry and will sponsor
the Saving Lives by Air Gallery. Lockheed
Martin has an extraordinary history of
supporting the armed services and
recognizing their critical role to our Nation.
“The National Coast Guard Museum will
inspire young visitors to become our
nation’s next problem solvers, innovators,
and critical thinkers,” said Capt. Wes
Pulver (USCG, Ret.), Museum Association
President. “We appreciate the opportunity
to partner with Lockheed Martin on this
project that will bring to life the centuries of
devotion and sacrifice by Coast Guard men
and women, and highlight the innovation
and technology that the Coast Guard
has developed with industry partners like
Lockheed Martin.”
THE LONG BLUE LINE SUMMER 2020
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