Michigan-based Coast Guardsmen use airboats to assist Red River flood victims

Apr 18th, 2011 · Comments Off

GRAFTON, N.D. - Coast Guard members in an airboat from Coast Guard Station Belle Isle, Detroit, patrol floodwaters while conducting wellness checks April 16, 2011. Coast Guard members are working with state and local agencies to conduct wellness checks and perform rescues and other critical functions to ensure the safety of the residents affected by the flooding. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

Coast Guard Station Belle Isle airboat. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Tara Molle.

CLEVELAND – Personnel and equipment from various Great Lakes Coast Guard units are in the Fargo, N.D., area this week sharing their knowledge and expertise to help evacuate and provide aid for Red River flood victims in the region.

Stations Marblehead, Ohio, and Belle Isle in Detroit, each sent an airboat and personnel to the region. Air Station Traverse City, Mich., sent one MH-65C Dolphin helicopter, one aircrew and one aircraft maintenance team.

With dozens of active-duty, reserve and civilian Coast Guard personnel responding, 26 of them, more than one-third, are from the Ninth Coast Guard District.

“We are glad top be able to send our people and assets to help those that have been affected by the flooding,” said Chief Warrant Officer Robert Clark, commanding officer of Station Belle Isle. “And while we have people and assets deployed in support of those rescue efforts, we still ensure our readiness and ability to respond to any emergencies in the Detroit area.”