![]() | ![]() | |||||||||||
|
|
Rescue Swimmer Saves Man Near Mouth Of Columbia River Not everyone can say they got the
chance to perform a daring rescue, because they won a game of
rock, paper, scissors. However, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class John
“Branch” Walton ... a Greensville, South Carolina native and an
aviation survival technician from Sector North Bend ... can.
Students sitting in a classroom
attending the final day of the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School
also heard the call. The students leapt at the chance to assist
in the rescue. Any one of the swimmers could have gone, but
ultimately it was a game of rock, paper, scissors that allowed
Branch to join the senior instructors in the rescue. Branch reflects on his experience with the Coast Guard and how it led to this high visibility rescue. What was your inspiration to join the Coast Guard and become an aviation survival technician? From what I remember as a child, there was a gentleman who went to my church who was in the Coast Guard. I can’t remember but I think he was a rescue swimmer. I always admired him and his job. It’s funny because I remember hearing news about the Coast Guard come on the television and I would always tell my family to be quiet so I could listen. My interest really started from there and I’m glad I was able to join. How has your journey to becoming a rescue swimmer been? It was extremely challenging – I actually didn’t know how to swim before I joined the Coast Guard! I had a lot of people come along in my life and teach me how to swim. I am grateful for it because it helped me out for bootcamp. I was stationed at Training Center Petaluma for two years in the Annex X rescue swimmer program. It really helped me learn the basics and taught me what I needed to work out so I could pass A-school. I was miraculously able to pass the first time – I was expecting to go through two or three times. What was your favorite part about the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS)? I enjoyed the whole program and the surf training. It was cold. I mean really cold. It was just cool to learn how to hook someone up and rescue them in insane weather while being extremely aware of your surroundings. I also really enjoyed the cliff training. That was probably my favorite part because it was super cool hanging off the cliff. They implemented new things that I haven’t done before and it was super interesting and valuable to learn. Honestly, urban search and rescue is sick too! Hanging out the window and putting a quick chop on the Oscar dummy was like no other experience I have ever had before. How did it feel diving into the water and how did AHRS prepare you for this rescue? So, going into the water we had a very
clear plan what we wanted to do. The pilots and the flight mechs
were the brunt of the crew and we figured out to every detail of
what we wanted to do. It was very logical and it made sense. So,
I got down, I started swimming. Once I got to the boat, I
started yelling at him to get in the water because we planned to
get him into the rescue sling. He pointed to the wave and that’s
when it hit us pretty good. I was scared during the rescue if I
am being honest. I did get raddled up when the wave hit since it
was kind of unexpected. How did it feel post rescue once you got back into the helicopter? I was ecstatic. I was so happy. The flight mech gave me a big cheesy smile and put both his hands up and the first thing I said was, ‘Man, I got rocked!’ I am honored to work with people who are so dedicated. It is an honor and a dream come true to work with such dedicated rescuers. In my eyes, I did not do anything special. I just got hit by a big wave and it got caught on camera. I did my job. I think our teamwork is the coolest part. It is the whole team that makes this work. Why do you think teamwork is the most important part of any rescue and in your job? It starts with the watchstander. They receive the call and mark the location. Then there are the three [47-foot Motor Lifeboats] that were on scene and monitoring the situation before we got there. The MLBs had constant communication with the air crew. Within the aircrew itself, it is constant communication. From when I’m on the hook to where I want to go is relayed to the flight mech, which is relayed to the pilot. No one does anything alone it’s a constant circle of communication. What makes this rescue so memorable for you? It is the teamwork and leadership. When we got that call there were seven other rescue swimmers who were more experienced than I am. They trusted me and gave me the opportunity to go out there when any of them could have gone out. They took that initiative to make sure the newer person got the experience. It’s a great group of people and I could not be happier to be a part of this selfless community. Branch and other students graduated AHRS just three hours after completing the rescue. His dedication to completing the mission was selfless and displays how teamwork in the Coast Guard is necessary. Although the rescue garnered him national attention, Branch only considers himself one moving part in the machine of Coast Guard rescuers. No job goes unnoticed in a group effort to save a life. Coast Guard Gifts | U.S. Coast Guard | U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
|