>Rocket launch from Kodiak goes off without a hitch, Coast Guard provides safety zone

Posted by , Monday, November 22, 2010

>A six-man aircrew aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak conducted a patrol of an established safety zone extending out 100 miles from the launch complex at Narrow Cape to ensure no vessels or aircraft were in the area prior to the launch of a four stage Minotaur IV rocket Friday.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by AMT3 Greg Sykes.

The aircrew flew about four hours and did find one commercial cargo vessel flagged from Hong Kong transiting about five miles within the far edge of safety zone. They were directed to change course and left the zone without incident, continuing on their voyage. The safety zone was established by Coast guard Sector Anchoragee and Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak. It was advertised locally and through broadcast notice to mariners.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Sara Francis.

The aircrew was supplemented by the presence of the Coast Guard Cutter Roanoke Island, a 110-foot patrol boat from Homer. While in the area over the weekend the cutter crew provided a training platform for the Air Station’s helicopter crews. Together the units conduct 108 hoists with rescue baskets and trail lines.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by TC2 Dan Raymer.

Air Station Kodiak and the Roanoke Island pride themselves on having extremely proficient and professional crews. Many hours of training is the price for that excellence.

For more information on the launch and the rocket please visit: http://www.kmxt.org/

Tags: , ,