Coast Guard Salutes a Cherry Point Squadron for a Live-Saving Partnership
Alternative content
Coast Guard Salutes a Cherry Point Squadron for...
Across the country, the Coast Guard has saved more than a million lives throughout its history -- but here in the east, they've had a little help.
Photo By: Philip Jones
Two HH-46 helicopters called “Pedro” sit inside a hangar at MCAS Cherry Point that belong to Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1)—and there’s a third one parked outside. And believe it or not, they’re some of the Coast Guard’s biggest assets here in the east.
With the summer boating season now in full swing, chances are you’re going to hear about more courageous rescues by the Coast Guard.
Across the country, the Guard has saved more than a million lives throughout its history—but here in the east, they’ve had a little help.
Nine On Your Side’s Philip Jones explains how the Coast Guard and the Marine Corps are putting aside their friendly rivalry to keep you safe:
Two HH-46 helicopters called “Pedro” sit inside a hangar at MCAS Cherry Point that belong to Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1)—and there’s a third one parked outside.
And believe it or not, they’re some of the Coast Guard’s biggest assets here in the east.
“They are a complete lifeline for us,” said Coast Guard Sector North Carolina’s Commanding Officer, Capt. June Ryan.
Capt. Ryan thanked the Marines for being that lifeline Wednesday by presenting them with a joint support award.
“Very often, our assets out of Elizabeth City take much longer to get to a search and rescue case right here off of the coast or even down in Wilmington,” Capt. Ryan said. “And Pedro is Johnny-on-the-spot and able to get there much quicker.”
It’s a partnership that paid off just a few weeks ago, when Pedro and VMR-1 Marines helped rescue a stranded boater in Goose Creek.
“They called us at about midnight and we went out and quickly, within about 10 or 15 minutes, we found the guy,” said Sgt. Brandon King, a rescue swimmer with Pedro.
Despite the friendly rivalry between the two different branches of the military, both Sgt. King and Capt. Ryan say they’re happy to work together when it comes to saving lives.
“It is one commonality and one team effort,” Capt. Ryan said.
“You know, you might talk smack about one another, but ultimately we’re here to do the same thing,” Sgt. King said, smiling.
And that’s something everyone in the east should be thankful for.
The Coast Guard and VMR-1 routinely train together off our state’s coast.
Tuesday’s joint support award is the latest of a handful of honors the Coast Guard has given those Marines.
Advertisement
Advertisement