JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., conducted a medical evacuation of a Navy crewmember early this morning from the USS Gettysburg CG 64, a Navy guided missile cruiser home ported in Mayport, FL.The Coast Guard Air Station in Savannah responded after receiving information from Coast Guard 7th District headquarters that a Navy crewmember was in need of hospital care. The air station was asked to expedite their launch due to the nature of the medical emergency. An HH-65A Dolphin launched, and the helicopter crew started their transit to rendezvous with the USS Gettysburg, 40 miles off the Mayport coast. The helicopter landed safely on the back of the Gettysburg near 5 AM. The Navy crewmember was transferred to the helicopter on a rescue litter, in stable condition. The helicopter immediately flew to Naval Air Station Jacksonville where the patient was transferred to an awaiting ambulance.
Teamwork between the Navy and Coast Guard has always been extensive during law enforcement missions and training operations. The Coast Guard is committed to responding to emergencies on the water, serving the public and other military services.