Following the Healy: Adventures of an icebreaker

Here we can see the helicopter hovering over the flight deck as they prepare for a Helicopter In-Flight Refueling (HIFR). Photo by LTJG Colin Fenster

By Diane Hettrick

Photo notes by ENS Maddie Colwell

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy was recently in our waters testing out a new engine after a year long refurbishment. They were unusual for us in that they anchored overnight.

The Landing Signal Officer (yellow shirt) directs a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP). In this instance we practiced by using 150 pounds of fenders while the helicopter remains in a hover. 
Photo by LTJG Colin Fenster

They are an icebreaker, getting ready for a trip through the Arctic. They also have a Facebook page and great articles.

We watch so many different types of vessels coming and going past our Puget Sound shore. I thought it would be fun to follow one of them on their journey. I contacted the Healy and they were delighted.

Here is a Helicopter In-Flight Refueling in action! You can see the Landing Signal Officer (yellow shirt) telling the helicopter to remain in a hover while the rest of the people on the flight deck handle the fuel hose. Photo by LTJG Colin Fenster

So we'll be riding along with them.

On June 4, 2021 after testing the motor off Shoreline, they were at the Air Station in Port Angeles.

A special shout out to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station / SFO Port Angeles for engaging in flight operations with us last week! We really appreciated your time and professionalism while we qualified new personnel in preparation for our upcoming deployment.

This is the view from HEALY’s Helicopter Control Officer station. Here we use the radio to communicate with the helicopter, flight deck personnel, and the bridge team responsible for driving the cutter. Photo by LTJG Colin Fenster.

Next: Sea trials