Coast Guard Helicopters during Hurricane Katrina

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In the immediate aftermath and first days after one of the most devastating storms in US history, much of the rescue duty fell to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, whose exceptional search and rescue response earned them a presidential unit citation.
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This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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Script by THG
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[@jedimasterted4712]

Thanks

[@majcorbin]

MAKE 1984 FICTION AGAIN KILROY corbin WAS HERE *[1952-PRESENT]

[@steveshoemaker6347]

🇺🇸🎀👍

[@petesheppard1709]

Coast Guard unofficial motto: "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back" The Coasties take a lot of kidding, but they are the ones who move TOWARD the storm.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Amazing response to the orders "Go there and help." - "Yes sir!"

[@petesheppard1709]

@@MonkeyJedi99 Truth!

[@JBHRN]

I can agree and will disagree... the USCG has stepped back somewhat from that model. The real issue becomes that if you go out, then go down... you created a secondary mission. You know that your brothers and sisters back at the AirSta are not going to leave you there. In addition, you lost a resource. The reality is, USCG Aviation are true experts in risk management, Crew Resource Managment and Standardization of Practices. The standardization of aviation operations allowed the USCG to mix crews from various airstations across the nation into one aircraft. Having never worked together, these aircrews were put into one aircraft and effectively worked as though they had been working together for years. There is great risk borne by the men and women of the USCG. Lives have been lost the persuit of "So Others May Live" and they are not forgotten. However, every Coastie is dedicated to bringing their crew and aircraft back so it can be ready for the next mission. We, like all other services, are not going to leave our fellow Coasties behind. Semper Paratus, God bless the USCG and our nation.

[@petesheppard1709]

@@JBHRN True. I mentioned it because of the ethos it represents. All responder agencies now have risk matrices that they have to complete before assigning missions. I remember a Life Flight pilot telling me that, after an alert, they have to complete a GO/NO GO weather brief before they are given the details of the mission, lest they let the urgency of the call override normal caution and safety.

[@ol-Sarge]

@@petesheppard1709 the “You have to go out…” was very much the rule when I was in during the 1970s and 1980s and assigned to Small Boat Stations. Whether it was a medical emergency or a ship floundering n the midst of a Nor’Easter, we got underway. It wasn’t a sense of heroics, it was the job of the duty crew. I knew that before I ever enlisted as my father was in the USCG during WW2 and my grandfather was a Lighthouse Keeper before that. That same determination followed my LE career when waiting for the fire department to get there would have resulted in the person’s death. There is nothing quite like the feeling of saving a life and the day after the storm, when the sun comes out.

[@navret1707]

I worked several SAR operations with the Coast Guard while I was a P-3 crewman. I distinctly remember time when we were getting the crap beat out of us because of high winds. Those rescue swimmers and all the rest of the crew are amazing. They fly in weather that they have no business flying in. Amazing people!

[@mmeeddddddozzzzzzz3421]

True.. The Coast Guard flies in weather that grounds, pretty much everyone else. If they can't come and get you, time to call in a few favors from either God or your Guardian Angel... The Coast Guard is the literal answer to prayers. Without them, many a spouse is widowed and children orphaned.....

[@douglassauvageau7262]

"Just another day in the office". USCG Aviation is 'the big leagues'.

[@wrightmf]

There is a documentary about rescue swimmer school, one of the candidates said working with the evaluator in the pool was like a wrestling match in water. Which I assume the evaluator was doing what actual people have done to him when rescuing them from water.

[@phoenixpierce5478]

Let’s not forget this was a swampland mixed with murky mush waters and raw sewage. New Orleans has some of the most diverse wildlife in the US. These guys weren’t just diving into water; they were diving into diseased, impoverished, and muddy waters filled with venomous animals and carnivorous creatures. On a good day, I wouldn’t wanna step into the water.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

The men and women of our Coast Guard are far too often unappreciated. Real heroes.

[@UncleBooBoo]

This is history - and these are people - that most definitely deserve to be forever remembered 🙏

[@timfarrell6968]

During the Flood of 97 in Grand Forks, ND one of he oddest (yet comforting) sights I remember was seeing USCG choppers flying over town. Semper Paratus Coasties!

[@allen_p]

Good video. I was the volunteer manager of the first Houston, TX, American Red Cross Disaster Shelter for the stream of Katrina evacuees on I-10 and US Hwy 90. They continued to open more shelters in Houston for the stream of people from Louisiana. In years past, I had witnessed Coast Guard helicopter rescue people stranded on their roofs after Tropical Storm Allison flooded Houston, Texas. I was the volunteer shelter manager at the Channelview High School. The helicopters would land on the tennis court to unload people. Then, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. My house didn't flood, as it's on very high ground, but flooded Cypress Creek, Spring Creek, and Willow Creek resulted me living on an island. However, I could hear the helicopters flying all around the island I was residing. Also, need to mention the incredible volunteers of the "Cajun Navy" from Louisiana. Good ole boys motoring their john boats up flooded, Houston neighborhood streets to remove people from flooded houses. The Cajun Navy far out-numbered the government response.

[@raymichael7078]

You really tried to do this story justice but this incredible coast guard rescue effort is beyond anything that is imaginatively possible. I will always speak very highly of the coast guard and out of all agencies they definitely must get the funding they need to keep on doing what they do so well. They are an incredible organization. Thank you Coast Guard.

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

Thank you for making this episode and reminding everyone how important the USCG is to our nation. Semper Paratus!

[@Djynni]

Thank goodness someone is prepared.

[@DavidConnor]

You have to go out, you don't have to come back. Thank you USCG.

[@HM2SGT]

*9/11 & Katrina brought responses I've not seen before or since in 37 years as a medic and firefighter.* We just loaded up a few ambulances & engines & headed in the direction of the disaster... a blessing & a curse for the resource managers!

[@rebelscumspeedshop]

I can vouch for why the coast guard was so prepared. I grew up near the Hudson River. Coast Guard helicopters and cutters would train so often it became part of what you would expect to see every day. Then in various other parts of the country I've stayed in, Carolina Beach, Snead's Feary , Delphine Island, New Port Rhode Island.. you would always see the coast guard training.

[@erikkunkle9574]

The USCG was so successful due to situational awareness, great leaders and people, and Planing and Logistics. The last two are often overlooked because hardly anyone wants to take the tine to plan, amd logistics, when done right, is like a visit from Santa Claus....it just happens. As a Logistics, Deliberate, and Crisis Action Planner; I got goosebumps and pride listening about all the pre-staging, adapting, houseing and feeding, and execution of how quickly choppers were able to get in the air. I was a part of some pretty quick and awesome logistics in my 27 years in and working for the USAF, but nothing like that. Those folks that made all that possable deserve to be remembered.

[@JoshuaTootell]

My unit in the early 2000's adopted the Incident Command System used by the California Department of Forestry (fire fighting). Very adaptable system that was amazing for planning and response. I don't know how they got the idea, if it was a mandate or an idea inside the unit but it was spectacular and the rest of the USCG followed suit.

[@jb-vb8un]

and crown Thy good with Brotherhood from Sea to shining Sea

[@mantis10_surf85]

Semper Paratus!

[@feellucky271]

@@jb-vb8un Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound

[@debbieellett9093]

Thank you for sharing this important part of history. I had no idea the Coast Guard was on scene so fast! God bless all the brave souls!

[@michaeldufresne9428]

Thank you for recognizing these heroes. A great companion piece would be one about the Cajun Navy. Regular Louisiana citizens who on their own volition ran boats through the flood waters to rescue those in need. They have continued to contribute their assistance for other hurricane recovery missions as well.

[@Bigboy4018]

My son was a USCG cutterman, he and his shipmates took part in the rescue/recovery operation in New Orleans.

[@donwilbanks2226]

I lived in Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish for Katrina. According to the marks on my front door, the first to search my flooded home was Canadian Task Force 1. We were lucky, we only had 4' of water in our home.

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for recognizing the actions of our best neighbors.

[@ntvypr4820]

I live in Louisiana and if I recall correctly out of all law enf. agencies that responded to assist in the entire N.O.-Baton Rouge Katrina operation area the R.C.M.P (Mounties) were actually the first to arrive. Followed by a unit of Mexican soldiers(?). Next thing you know we had cops here from all points. Being in LE I was amazed at that. I never saw others leave their AO's to assist in another place half the country away.

[@fk319fk]

@@ntvypr4820 Mom told me about the Mexican Soldiers at the border of Texas. I never did hear what happened.

[@JimDean002]

I have a family member who was a rescue swimmer in the Navy. He was on the helicopter carrier Bataan when Katrina hit. They followed the storm into New Orleans and he was jumping into that water within hours. Some of what he saw is mind-numbing. At first a lot of the people taking refuge on second stories wouldn't come out. It took about a week before they started to realize they needed to take that ride.

[@MichaelOfRohan]

Its super important to remember all history, not just the parts that concern us or the parts that we find attractive, regardless of how much time passed since. We were totally shocked at the devistation of Katrina.

[@danielulz1640]

I was living and working in the French Quarter when Katrina hit and was not evacuated until the following Saturday evening/Sunday morning. I spent a week living in shock. I could tell you so many stories, both good and bad.

[@tygrkhat4087]

I learned that lesson in 1997, when I visited the Smithsonian. There was a set of Klan robes on display, and it angered me that such items were there. But, I quickly realized that history must be taught, the bad and the good must be discussed.

[@MrMatteNWk]

Heckuva comment, Brownie.

[@chrismaverick9828]

@@tygrkhat4087 To show history invites discussion. To ignore or deny it, to make it as if it never happened, not only removes discussion but also invites it to happen again through peoples' ignorance.

[@michaelwood8071]

Very moving and difficult to watch. When you live thru hurricanes you know. You see it every year and while this was one of the worst there are no good hurricanes. It’s always good to see the coast guard and other first responders going way beyond their duty.

[@michaelevans1193]

The most incredible helicopter rescue I have seen was the Park Police helicopter that flew the rescue after Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, DC. That pilot accomplished maneuvers that were impressive and successfully rescued all but 1 survivor from the crash and that 1 lost could get his seat belt off.

[@feellucky271]

I was at the bridge that day I think I was 19 or 20 then what was it 1981 something anyway we were a few cars away from the bridge when the air Florida hit the vehicle but we almost couldn't see it was snowing so hard at the time by the time Lenny jumped in the water the snow had let up but what a tragic day and we went from Bowling to absolute horror and there was the crash in the subway system that day to cost people their lives also and it was just a bad day in Washington DC and Virginia

[@ntvypr4820]

@@feellucky271 As opposed to the complete nightmare that's been happening in DC/Va. the last 30 years? They've been wrecking the entire COUNTRY from Capitol Hill, and there aren't any helicopters that can save us from that.

[@woodeye6699]

My son-in-law was a CG pilot sent to New Orleans to perform rescues. He had flown in Antarctica two summers and in the Bering Sea off CG Cutters among other places he had flown. It was the first time he was in “combat” where his helicopter was shot at while performing rescues. They also chopped holes in the roofs many times to rescue trapped survivors.

[@mattmcintosh5133]

OK, just watched this and started typing when the sobbing stopped. PTSD is a biotch. I lived not far from the air base when Katrina hit. I wasn’t rescued or anything, but I took a healthy amount of damage and had no power for weeks. I was lucky. There were a lot of people that weren’t. The overall response at the state, local and national level was *cough* inadequate. There was very little the locals could do to improve their situation other than get out (if they could). The one group who retains my eternal gratitude are the Coasties. They -were- the response and they did it mostly outside higher orders (bickering agencies, etc). I was in the Army and on August 28, 2005, I looked down on the Coast Guard. By September 5, I thought very highly of them. I have been to the base and proudly wear the tshirts the local unit sells at their airshow. I have made it a habit of buying drinks to any Coasties I see out and about. The United State Coast Guard is this army grunts hero and you will never hear another jibe about them from me.

[@chriscarpenter337]

Thanks for posting this! I am a proud member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. All of “Team Coast Guard” including Active-Duty, Reserve, Auxiliary, Civilian (and families and support networks) are such an outstanding resource. Semper Paratus!

[@daveyoder9231]

The Auxiliary contributed heavily to the response, especially with communication support.

[@Rocdog]

History Guy, As a Veteran of the Cold War and Gulf War, I can say we love busting each other’s balls. Like a dysfunctional family!!!! We always give credit where credit is due and our Coastie Brothers and Sisters did one helluva job! I was a Firefighter in Southern California at the time and USAR Team 8 went to New Orleans for 9 weeks as well. The Coasties has the largest air contingent for a while until National Guard birds arrived from 16 states. Well Done Uncle Sam’s Canoe Club! 🇺🇸🫡😁

[@MillerSean]

The fire axe story is a great lesson. Adapt and improve. I worked with a Paramedic who had a reason (and story) behind why every piece of kit was where it was in our rig. For example: our ambulance had a fire axe mounted on the door to the O2 compartment. He said "Well you might be wondering why we have this axe since Extraction is Fire's job. Well, this one time we got to a crash where some people were stuck in the car. And then it lit on fire. And then they screamed for a while. But then they stopped. Well anyway, that's why we have this axe." In a field which necessitates some of the darkest humor you've ever heard just to stay sane, this guy had mastered the art of just casually talking about the most horrific things you've ever heard like it was some Buzzfeed article he read online.

[@RetiredSailor60]

Good morning from Ft Worth TX History Guy and everyone watching. A coworker and I watched it together because he and his family are Katrina survivors. He was 14 years old then.

[@joegibson4946]

Thank you for this episode. Many times the Coast Guard's rescue efforts are overshadowed by the other services when Hurricane Katrina is discussed. In the Louis B. Armstrong airport in New Orleans there was a photographic display showing the Navy, Army and Air Force rescue efforts but not a single photo of a Coast Guard helicopter or unit.

[@chashague8479]

That needs to be fixed...

[@JoshuaTootell]

Red headed step children of the military

[@mattmcintosh5133]

Dont worry about the display. The residents have never forgotten who plucked them off the roofs.

[@DaveDaDeerslayer]

21 year US Navy Chief here. All the Guardsman I worked with were outstanding. Good times boarding ships in the red sea, and busting drug runners in the Caribbean. Stay safe brothers and sisters.

[@richardross7219]

Semper Paratus is correct but there is also "nobody dies on my watch". My old man was a USCG CPO in WWII. He raised me to be a Chief too. I ended up an Army Officer for 27 years. Good Luck, Rick

[@JBHRN]

One of the keys to the success of the USCG was decentralized leadership. Unit leaders were allowed to execute their plan to position aircraft in advance of the storm. This, as opposed to micro-management, let the leaders on the ground make the decisions as they were in the best position to make those decision. In this situation, the senior leadership of the USCG did two things.... 1. Removed Barriers 2. Provided support and advice. This is a general hallmark of the USCG.

[@MrLobstermeat]

I was stationed with the 172nd in Jackson MS when Katrina hit. Most of our unit was deployed to turkey. The entire ramp was given over to helos prior to the land fall. We worked around the clock with other branches to help those effected by the Hurricane. It was really incredible how fast the US armed forces reacted and operated to help those in need. Thanks for saying Mississippi and not the land mass. HAHA

[@johnapppel64]

Its worth mentioning the Coast Guard's unofficial motto: "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back."

[@jamesfracasse8178]

Eternal father strong to save 1:53 😊

[@patschlosser5020]

My father was a Coast Guardsman and he would've been very proud of the Guard's response after Katrina. Thanks for such stellar content!

[@glennrishton5679]

Mt father was Coast Guard , 1935 to retirement in 1956 and he would have been very proud of their performance as well.

[@ntvypr4820]

As a native of Louisiana I have to say I was stunned at the level of rescue response and support the state received in response to both Hurricane Katrina and Rita, never saw that level before. Personally I lived too far into western LA for Katrina to cause us much harm but right behind it came Rita and that one knocked us on our azz for a month! I am in L.E. here and recall well when those first choppers tried to go in and help right after K, those no goods in N.O.'s SHOT at them! Now, I know many the world over loves New Orleans. As a historical city and one of the greatest in the country I agree. But it is overrun and inhabited by a kind of people you really never want to meet. Hasn't gotten better since 2005 it's gotten WORSE. Still I remain amazed and touched by the outpouring and swell of support from across the country back then, and even from outside the country to the devastation of Katrina AND Rita. Truly it was so much and so widespread I wonder if a true accounting and history can ever be done of everyone that helped.

[@jasonwomack4064]

I remember the New Orleans mayor and LA governor complaining about slow federal response, on a split screen. The other screen had hundreds of school buses sitting in flood water. I'm amazed all the local politicos escaped being fed to alligators after everything that happened.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

Reverend Jackson: Bush hates black people. How about, Help is on the way. Don't shoot the helicopter.

[@navret1707]

And some were screaming racism because some people supposedly saw the helos bypass minority districts. People don’t realize that a helo as a very restricted loadout.

[@1977Yakko]

Agreed. Much blame was placed on the federal govt response and I'm not denying it could've been better but the failures at the State and local level were seemingly just as if not more egregious. There was a lot of political showmanship for sure.

[@eddie8279]

And look at the leader of new Orleans, always looking for the government to keep them up. The sad reality is new Orleans did not have near damage as Waveland Mississippi. But because new Orleans bett fit the narrative of the media it was largely overlooked. New Orleans got yet another wake up call and as usual looked for someone else to do for them what they should have been prepared to do (incompetent leaders with victim mentality) do that kind of things. So it placed an unfair burden on All rescue organizations that could have been prevented. The demographics explain the largest portion of the problems. I personally made 6 volunteer trips there to Waveland, Mississippi and experienced the devestation and worked with many homeowners and heard their side of being linked together with their neighbors, friends, families and the volunteers that came to help. So sad that sewer rats of N O got most media attention instead of the people that sit on their backside and piss and moan about government help. When they could have gotten up and done what they could.

[@Ztex]

Yeah, with Bush in office none of the democrats had to worry about bad press...all the media could talk about was W. SMH

[@FuzzyMarineVet]

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps I have utmost respect for the courage and dedication of the Coasties. It takes very strong courage to leap from a helicopter, into the ocean, during a storm, to save a puppy. But never does a Coasty hesitate. One might say they all have brass pairs that float.

[@roberthaston459]

My USAF H-60 crew rescued 184 in one night. NOLA is "Instant Venice". Just add water. Nobody had boats ready, except one retired paratrooper in a paddle boat. He also had a life vest and a waterproof bag. Also the DOD wasted 36 hours waiting for orders they didn't need. By Hurricane Harvey, they finally seemed to have fixed this.

[@markxfarmer6830]

Thank you for retelling the efforts of so many to save and aid those in need. Retired USCG here. Semper Paratus!

[@johnfiorentine968]

Bravo Zulu History Guy! USCG ‘96-‘16

[@stevedietrich8936]

Good Job Coasties! I can't believe people would fight with, or shoot at, the people trying to rescue them. (Well, actually I can believe it seeing how we have devolved.)

[@HM2SGT]

It's not that Society or civilization have deteriorated, it's the basic responses everybody who is frightened and in an unfamiliar, desperate situation and condition. Polite society and civilization are a facade and thin veneer. We aren't quite as evolved as we congratulate ourselves on being.

[@ElValuador]

@@HM2SGT Most people are decent but some never will be.

[@HM2SGT]

@@ElValuador 🤷 I have been in emergency services most of my life, my experience has been that you ain't wrong... but people become unpredictable under stress and it's better to err on the side of caution. When people are scared they become irrational, and you can't expect rational behavior from irrational people. That's a pretty universal maximum.

[@ElValuador]

@@HM2SGT I was a volunteer emt and irrational doesn’t equal criminal. Shooting at and deliberately trying to harm emergency personnel is a moral/values issue.

[@timpatrick2109]

@@HM2SGT You can’t be serious?? Being Scared and confused is one thing. Shooting at rescue Helicopter’s is mind boggling.

[@abitofapickle6255]

My cousin lost her house which was right near dauphin island during Katrina. Shout out to the Coasties! We love you guys. For a video suggestion: The F-105 MOH mission involving Leo Thorsness

[@ks9066]

So glad you covered the Coast Guard in Katrina. More Coast Guard please. Often overlooked branch.

[@shawnr771]

Excellent presentation. Thank you for the lesson.

[@MCRideout]

I remember being in college when Katrina hit. I then travelled with my school during spring break to clean up and have been back five times since to assist in cleaning up, rebuilding, and rehoming residents of St. Bernard parish.

[@ibbylancaster8981]

My grandparents house was only about 10 miles away from Ft Bragg in Fayetteville (Now Ft Liberty🙄). I now live even closer, within 1/8 of a mile. Helicopters are always flying along the border, usually about 300 feet above the ground. The venerable Blackhawks and Apache’s and the occasional Chinooks are a fixture of our neighborhood. One of the neighbors is a Blackhawk pilot and commander of a unit. All of these folks would rise to the occasion and the Coasties did absolutely wonderful. It just goes to show how folks can rise to the occasion and adapt to the mission. God Bless them all who lay their lives on the line to save their fellow man.

[@davidtaylor1384]

I worked at a shelter close to home. I made it 2 days. 3 out of 4 people were thankful. Basically 1 out of 4 would throw the food back at you, saying they wouldn't eat the slop we were serving. 2 ambulances on site were held up by gunpoint looking for drugs.

[@vSwampFox]

Being a Louisiana Native, can’t wait to watch this one.

[@mattmcintosh5133]

Have your beverage of choice handy. They do it justice

[@GoSlash27]

I remember those days well. I was in the service center that repaired their servos, radios, and mission computers. It was the only time I volunteered to work overtime.

[@jimdugan7240]

The History Guy is the best show I’ve ever seen and I’m 71 years old.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Thinking about this in 2023 is still heartbreaking, and yet still gives me a feeling of human goodness and some often best of humanity.

[@jake9705]

Great job telling the story of a terrifying disaster and a heroic response 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@ChiefMac59]

I was a Huey pilot in the 1980s. Flying out of Hamilton AFB where my US Army Reserve unit keep our helicopters. We flew rescue missions on the Russian River during the floods. The California National Guard and the US Army Reserves were the only that managed these rescues. The Coast Guard sent one of their boats but the flood water plugged up the intakes of rescue boat and the National Guard had to rescue them

[@johnshinn6274]

Thank you again, Mr. Lance. You’re a good man.

[@magellantv]

An exceptional video! Thank you for shining a light on these heroes!

[@davidanderson5767]

I so respect the USCG. Such a national treasure.

[@ccreel64]

They certainly deserved the Citation they received. As a Mississippi Gulf Coast resident during Katrina they did yeoman work that I still appreciate today.

[@buzz-es]

Louisiana state and local officials blew it, they also refused to let the Federal officials do their jobs. Complete incompetence.

[@tommywright7196]

Not to take anything away from what the coast guard did , every one of them are true heroes . But let's also remember all the private citizens who took their boats down there and rescued a lot of people

[@wadeb31]

I served on the CGC Sedge out of Homer Alaska and at MSO Valdez Alaska. It is nice hearing how so many were rescued. It was the several search and rescues I was involved in the Gulf of Alaska that were demoralizing in the fact nothing but pieces of destroyed and sunk vessels were recovered the vessels going down with the loss of all hands. As I badly miss spelled Semper Paradus. I feel on the some of the trips I was out on. We were just lucky to come back.

[@jaxithfox]

A prime example of why I firmly believe that the Coast Guard is the single best branch of the armed forces and the most underrated one.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

AGREE!!!! 100%! This IS History that "Deseves to Be" REMEMBERED!

[@ericnefflen5746]

BZ to the USCG. I've been a boater for years and always appreciate what the Coast Guard does to help Americans every day.

[@andreakimmel6651]

Thank you for covering this. I was a coastie kid, and we lived in Alaska at the time, and AK helicopter pilots and crews were being scrablemed as the storm hit. It didn't make sense to send helicopters from Alaska, but they absolutely sent people.

[@marka7831]

I remember a Coast Guard base commander saying about Katrina that "We have a prejudice to action". There was a delay because of civil war era "State's Rights" controversy.

[@MsWobbly1]

Years before Katrina, I read an article in the Scientific American that predicted the catastrophic effect of a category 4 or 5 hurricane. It was reported that the author of the scientific paper had spent the night trying to warn the authorities of the ongoing disaster but was unable to reach anyone. It was said that the scientist had been in tears.

[@stuartriefe1740]

Good morning classmates, time to take our seats!

[@rebasack21]

I remember after katrina hit and we were getting sometimes hourly updates about the rescue work being done by the coast guard there was a call for help on the medical front. My mom is a nurse and the hospital she worked for at the time set up a way that employees could volunteer to be sent to new orleans on the hospitals dime and still get paid. My mom spent several weeks there helping wherever she could. years later when my sisters and i were all out of school my mom went back there on vacation and loves the place.

[@AEMace069]

My feelings of pride for the courageous and selfless men and women of our Coast Guard and of gratitude for everyone on the ground that supported their heroic efforts thankfully outweigh my feelings of shame and anger towards those storm victims that would attack, assault and even shoot at their saviors. I understand pain, fear, terror and panic but, I will never understand that.

[@jedimasterted4712]

Thanks

[@rogergoodman8665]

I couldn't believe it when I first heard on the news that "victims" were attacking some coast guard rescue swimmers and that some helicopters were taking small arms fire. I was in disbelief thinking that's gratitude for you. My friend said they would probably climb over their grandmother to get in the helicopter. There were both heroic acts by rescuers and despicable acts of cowardice on full display for the world to see during Katrina.

[@daveyoder9231]

The gun fire was to attract attention. No air crews reported any aimed fire. This was an exaggerated report picked up by the media. And not the only one. Remember the "reports" of murders in the Superdome? No evidence was ever found.

[@dinsdalemontypiranha4349]

That was REALLY good. Thank you so much.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

If a person doesn't want to join the Red Cross. Local companies have have search and rescue teams that could always use extra people. They also train you. What a great way to give back to the community 👏

[@janblackman6204]

Salvation Army would be better

[@major__kong]

I'm on a CERT team that my community runs.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@major__kong Thank you for your valued addition!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@janblackman6204 Where ever you feel more drawn to. And pass it on .

[@georgeemeny6123]

Old Coastie here, the CG trains, but that training is used EVERY Day. Training is a day off for the "old salts" and gives the new guys /gals a small idea what might happen and how not to get in the way or get hurt.

[@jakeweston8616]

I sure do remember seeing all those Coast Gaurd copters in the skies over New Orleans in the days after Katrina

[@tigertiger1699]

Quite humbling when you think of the service our collective militaries provide the citizenry 👍🙏

[@infoscholar5221]

I was in Grad School in Louisiana when Katrina came ashore. I left, went home to Northeast Alabama, until, I planned, "they got things put back together." Experienced some harrowing situations. Once home, time moved on. Never did finish that Ph.D.

[@raywhitehead730]

Retired USN Aviator extradinaire, never thought about the Coasties being much good. But I was wrong, so wrong the Coast Guard did a great job, Kudos to them. Very underrated..

[@daveyoder9231]

Many Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force pilots join the USCG after initial service because of the greater amount of flying time, and the greater challenges.

[@raywhitehead730]

More likely, they can keep flying without deployment.

[@glennrishton5679]

I live in Gulfport, Mississippi and I find it a little tiresome that the destruction on the Mississippi Coast by the strongest quadrant of Katrina rates only a footnote. The CG didnt have as large a role here since the floodwaters receded after the storm. They played a far more important role in NOLA. Beyond the governmental agencies and military there was tremendous help here especially in the clean-up then rebuilding by Church and Religious organizations. Thank You. One strange sight I saw was police patrol cars with the large NYPD markings driving down our streets. Both NYC and Kansas City sent officers to assist our law enforcement. Thank you

[@lkcisneros1]

I'm glad you mentioned churches and religious organizations, they did so much for their communities. My cousins in Bay St Luis lost their house (ended up on a different street). I remember the agony of all the news being about NOLA and nothing about BSL for days.

[@wallycox4579]

Thank you for recognizing an amazing group of people.

[@frequentlycynical642]

I knew a woman married to one of these USCG helicopter Katrina pilots. I never met him. Some emotional stories. My father spent four years in WWII in the Coast Guard in both Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He was in the Philippines in an attach transport carrier which would have been involved in the invasion of Japan. I love the Coast Guard. I love my deceased father.

[@edwardyork4321]

Another GREAT Episode 🎉🎉 A tiny point that you did overlooked Mr History Guy. Katrina very 1st made land fall on the East Coast of Florida. NO WHERE the damage or destruction or rescues took place place but, the Coast Guard was there doing their duty as well 👍🏆🏆

[@lkcisneros1]

Florida has certainly had it's fair share of disaster! Luckily, Katrina was still a cat 1 when it hit Florida. It's unfortunate all the media coverage focused on NOLA and none of the other places that were devestated. Like Bay St Luis which was on the east eye wall and had 27-29' storm surge. My cousin's house ended up on a different street!

[@tygrkhat4087]

I would wager, that to a man, none of the rescue crews would claim to be heroes; they were just doing their job. But make no mistake, heroes they are.

[@ryanrenuart7531]

Air Force CSAR crews, flying HH-60G PaveHawks, rescue over 2000 people during Katrina response.

[@spannerdan4926]

My dad, when I got an award for bravery...said that was his day job. He was a paramedic. 😂 Just respect to the guys that put themselves in harm's way for others. Solid.

[@ingridfong-daley5899]

My grandparents led a New Orleans-based RV group, and two of their members died during Katrina--drowned in the attic, an elderly couple. They lived on (or just off) Ponchartrain Blvd, shown in your video at the @5:50 mark (the area below the billowing smoke at West End). My grandpa went on to be a large/active part of recovery and cleanup in the immediate aftermath, and my in-laws had one of the first restaurants to open back up afterward--they owned a Chinese restaurant on Williams Blvd. but i think they were selling simple stuff like fried chicken. The line was always wrapped around the block, and I think their hours were basically "open until we run out of food." Every person from the Greater New Orleans area has at least one big, personal Katrina story, and they're often 'uniquely' sad--no two are alike. Thankfully there are just as many Hero stories of kindness and generosity in the aftermath.

[@jackieheidorn5875]

And then they came back and did it again after Rita. thank you so very much for saving our friends.

[@scotcoon1186]

Over 200 helicopters in the air with no atc, and not a single in-air incident. They lost nearly a day when the feds grounded everyone due to news reports of helicopters being shot. No crews reported any such event. When Popular Science researched their article on what went right, they talked to a private helicopter owner/ pilot who told some friends to pack their bags, they were headed to New Orleans. Flew in from a significant distance. It's a good read if you can find the issue. Last time I looked they had pulled the article off their website.

[@BasicDrumming]

I appreciate you, thank you for making content.

[@gerardtrigo380]

The sound of helicopters in the air was non-stop. My Viet Nam vet neighbor was having flashbacks to his time in the war. I lived in a relatively unaffected area just outside of New Orleans. (We lost power for two weeks following the storm, mostly from downed power lines and fallen Trees. Our town was a staging area for rescue efforts, with the small local private airport turned into a base for helicopter operations. The helicopters from the local National Guard unit were also operating, along with some hellcopters from petroleum companies that operated out of Louisiana. .

[@mattmcintosh5133]

West Bank here...

[@gerardtrigo380]

@@mattmcintosh5133 LaPlace here.

[@geezzzwdf]

As always EXCELLENT THANK YOU

[@markmclaughlin2690]

For years New Orleans was told the levee system wouldn’t withstand a Cat 3 at high tide. Studies by UNO, LSU and the Army Corps.

[@SaltyDougSailing]

It is worth mentioning that the Coast Guard is, and was during Katrina, supported by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer force of over 30,000 men and women, who, for no compensation, other than the satisfaction of serving their country, support, virtually, every mission of the Coast Guard with the exception of law-enforcement. They too embody the motto of Semper Paratus!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The Extraordinary Wartime Contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5CrdKFpnbKld9E

[@daveyoder9231]

Amen.

[@SaltyDougSailing]

@@daveyoder9231 Thank you, brother!

[@MsWobbly1]

The Coast Guard was the only branch of federal gov that did it's proper job. All Hail the USCG, the bravest men and women on the planet. They go to help people in peril regardless of the risk 24x7 and 52 weeks a year. They are the bravest,

[@WindowGeek1]

Outstanding narrative. I had no idea of the numbers of lives saved or the countrywide response by the Coasties. Thanks for telling their story.

[@johnosbourn4312]

This was a very eye opening story about the Katrina Search, and Rescue operations.

[@ernestsmith3581]

Story suggestion: The history of and removal of the Hell's Gate rocks from the navigable water (East River?) in NYC during the Civil War. Background: I live in Texas near the Guadalupe River, and the last rapid on that river before it settles into the coastal plains is called "Hell's Gate". The Dewitt Colony where the rapid is located had several colonists from New York State, and I suspect the rapids in Texas was named by a New Yorker in memory of the NYC rapids/navigation hazard. The Texas connection will likely interest few, but, suspecting Hell's Kitchen has a connection to Hell's Gate, the story of NYC's Hell's Gate might be interesting to many.

[@michaelhowell2541]

Hai Coast Guard! SEMPER PARATUS!✌️🇺🇸

[@captainamerica3814]

As a former USCG SAR (Search & Rescue) Helicopter Crewman I approve of this episode. Air Station North Bend, OR (1980-82)

[@John--vj5ef]

Thanks!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thank you!

[@gregglouis2969]

Awesome topic for a video