A helicopter crew from the San Diego-based USS Carl Vinson rescued a sailor who had been alone at sea for the than 30 days and needed medical attention.
The crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 15 “Red Lions” rescued the 70-year-old man more than 400 miles from Honolulu on Sunday.
The sailor, who was crossing the Pacific Ocean alone on a 35-foot sailboat, had texted his wife via a satellite phone, and through a series of phone calls involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific Fleet Command and U.S. 3rd Fleet, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was directed to his aid.
“When I first heard we were going to assist someone in need, I knew I had to be on my A-game,” said Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Jarad Angel. “It went extremely smooth. I expected it to be more chaotic, but our training prepared us for this.”
The rescued man is currently receiving treatment from the ship’s medical department and is in stable condition. He will be taken to San Diego.
The Vinson is scheduled to return to San Diego Thursday after a 10-month deployment.
