In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Adam Sustachek, a U.S. Coast Guard flight mechanic, to share his experiences and rescues during his 25-year career with the Coast Guard.

Sustachek talks about his background and how he got into the military. He talks about his time in various locations, including Sitka, Alaska and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He recounts his first rescue and the challenges he faced during the mission. He also recounts the details of a daring night rescue in adverse weather conditions for which he received a Coast Guard Commendation Medal.

We talk about his experience during Hurricane Katrina and his deployment to New Orleans. He talks about the challenges they faced, including the long flight from San Diego to Louisiana and the limited tools and facilities they had at their disposal. He also describes the devastation they witnessed and the rescue missions they conducted, including searching for an elderly man stranded in his flooded home. He highlights the resilience of the people of Louisiana and the support they received from the local community.

Sustachek reports on one rescue mission in which they had to save three fishermen stranded on rocks in treacherous conditions. On another mission, he had to save a group of people stranded on a foggy island.

Sustachek also talks about the emotional toll of losing colleagues in helicopter accidents and the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and readiness while deployed. He emphasizes the opportunities for personal and professional growth in the Coast Guard and encourages others to step outside their comfort zone. Enjoy!

This episode is provided by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you to Collins Aerospace, Bell and Switlik for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ.

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