The Long Blue Line (Summer 2020)

and adaptability during the largest search and
rescue mission in American history. Actual
operations began well before the hurricane left
the region. During the operation, over 5,000 Coast
Guard personnel worked around the clock, halting
traffic on nearby rivers and ports, operating over
40 aircraft out of the Aviation Training Center in
Mobile, AL, and rescuing over 30,000 people.
President George W. Bush awarded the Coast
Guard with a Presidential Unit Citation for its
fearless response.
Lifesaving Innovation and Technology Gallery:
Coast Guard members have used and adapted
tools and technology in innovative ways to find
people and vessels in distress during search
and rescue operations. When Coast Guard crews
perform search and rescue we find people in
distress fast. Every second counts during a storm,
shipwreck or disaster. Over time we’ve innovated
new tools and technologies to locate survivors and
bring them back to shore safely.
Mass Rescue Operations Gallery: Severe storms,
floods and natural disasters can destroy houses
and whole neighborhoods. Streets flood. Power
lines go down. It’s at these times that Coast Guard
rescuers step up to the challenge. They coordinate
with other responders. They adapt to changing
conditions. They fearlessly face all obstacles.
Modern Life Boats Gallery: From the early days
of the Lifesaving Service, life boats have been an
essential tool to complete the mission. Today’s
Coast Guard vessels are better equipped than
ever to enable SAR crews to locate and rescue
distressed mariners. The Coast Guard’s 47-foot
motor life boat is primarily designed as a fastresponse
rescue vessel in high seas, surf, and
heavy weather environments. But the unique
feature of this boat is that it can selfright in only 30
seconds if knocked over by waves or surf.
Saving Lives by Air Gallery: Planes and helicopters
have become some of the most important assets
in Coast Guard search and rescue allowing
responders to quickly reach the scene. Air crews fly
in the most challenging conditions, often when there
is no other way of reaching survivors. They rescue
hikers stranded on cliffs; fly through hurricane-force
winds; pluck people from roaring waves; and save
lives all over the world.
36 SUMMER 2020
THE LONG BLUE LINE