CG Advanced Helo Rescue School Hosts Training

ASTORIA, Ore. -- The U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria hosted the first joint agency class of its kind Jan. 23-27, strengthening partnerships and sharing knowledge with agencies with similar search and rescue missions on the west coast of North America.

U.S. Coast Guard AHRS normally trains U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue personnel. This unique class included civilian rescue air crewmembers from the Los Angeles City Fire Department and Santa Barbara County, Calif., Fire Department as well as military Search and Rescue Technicians from the Royal Canadian Air Force 442nd Squadron out of Comox, B.C.

U.S. Coast Guard instructors provided pilots and crews with training in heavy weather and heavy surf conditions.

The entrance to the Columbia River provides the surf, cliffs, caves and weather ideal for training air rescue personnel to perform in extreme conditions.