Fleet Week 2012: Coast Guard's staged rescue thrills Staten Islanders

 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hundreds gathered yesterday at The Sullivans Pier to tour six powerful warships docked at the former home port for Fleet Week celebrations. But what really caught their attention was a surprise Search And Rescue (S.A.R.) demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard executed the drill in New York Harbor to show the crowd what it does best -- rescuing victims at sea. It commenced at 2 p.m., when a Coast Guardsman, playing victim, jumped about 20 feet from a helicopter, treaded water and raised his right hand to signal for help. Another Coast Guardsman, playing rescuer, jumped into the water to secure his comrade. The two were lifted to safety by a rope. Patrick Murphy, 15, of Westerleigh, said he and his family enjoy the Fleet Week festivities each year. The S.A.R. demonstration, however, was a new experience for him. "My favorite part was probably when the guy just fell out of the chopper! At first I was a little confused, but then I realized it was a drill and that it wasn't so serious." Tourists were not the only ones who enjoyed the Coast Guard demonstration. Sailors dressed in their summer whites, black and tans, and Navy working uniforms watched with the crowd, offering details about the operation. Margo Miscatel of Dongan Hills said she was impressed by the sailors' accessibility and knowledge. Staten Island Advance/Irving Silverstein Caitlyn Hearn of Eltingville and Nicole Clark of Grymes Hill learn about the helm of the USS San Jacinto from sailor Isaiah Riddick. "The staff took their time to explain to us what was going on and how the drill worked. I thought it was fantastic. It really shows what they can do and how skilled they are." But fans of Staten Island Fleet Week -- which continues in Stapleton through Tuesday -- almost missed their opportunity to witness a genuine S.A.R. demonstration, which was scheduled for noon. "We delayed due to the cloud coverage. In these situations, the question is always whether the ceiling is safe enough to conduct any demonstration," said Charlie Rowe, a civilian U.S. Coast Guard public affairs officer who helped organize the event. According to the U.S. Navy Staten Island Command Center stationed at the pier, compromised visibility often forces helicopter pilots to hover close over the water's surface. This poses several dangers, requires consulting radar technology and is done only in an actual emergency situation. But by 2 p.m., the skies cleared and the demonstration began. Earlier in the day, Borough President James P. Molinaro hosted a "captain's call" at Borough Hall for the commanders of the four American ships stationed at The Sullivans Pier, including the USS San Jacinto, USS Mitscher, the USS Donald Cook and the USS Gonzalez. "I am pleased to welcome the commanding officers to Staten Island and I would like to express our gratitude to the fine men and women who defend our country and protect the liberties we enjoy. I hope they have a wonderful time as guests in our great city," Molinaro said in a statement. Visitors to The Sullivans Pier can tour the Navy ships from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tuesday or attend the Annual Splash Music Festival today and tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free tours of the Ships, also including KRI Dewaruci of Indonesia and the Cisne Branco of Brazil, are available today, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free shuttle transportation from the south parking area, between Edgewater Street and Canal Street, to the front gate is available today, tomorrow and Monday from 12 to 5 p.m.