ALCOAST 170/18 - MAY 2018 2017 ORDER OF DAEDALIANS EXCEPTIONAL AVIATOR AWARD RECIPIENT

R 031050 MAY 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-7//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 170/18
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2017 ORDER OF DAEDALIANS EXCEPTIONAL AVIATOR AWARD RECIPIENT
1. COMDT (CG-7) is honored to announce LCDR Jason Hathaway of Sector /
Air Station Corpus Christi, as the U.S. Coast Guard winner of the 2017
Order of Daedalians Exceptional Aviator Award.
2. With over 6,000 total flight hours in military and civilian aviation,
Lieutenant Commander Hathaway was selected to be the unit Assistant
Air Operations Officer. He diligently coordinated training with local,
State, and Federal entities strengthening community partnerships.
Through periodic joint training evolutions, he synchronized rescue efforts
in high-altitude mountainous terrains and local maritime waterways with
Big Bend National Park Services and SIGNET Maritime Corporation (SMC).
These partnerships were invaluable during the response to Hurricane Harvey
in Corpus Christi and Houston, Texas. Considering the size and strength of
the storm, he developed a multi-layered joint interagency response that
allowed flexibility for aircrews to assist in the most devastated areas.
Recognizing the storm’s altered path prior to landfall, he redirected the
evacuation plan for the USCG MH-65D helicopters allowing them to stage out
of an area where safe and effective rescue efforts could be executed.
Fighting through severe weather conditions of winds up to 65 knots and
visibility less than one quarter mile, his leadership, courage, and superior
aeronautical skills were unmatched. Lieutenant Commander Hathaway led two
MH-65s and a SMC vessel in the successful rescue of 15 survivors from four
sunken, submerged, and aground vessels. Due to limited fuel on both aircraft,
he established the SMC vessel as the recovery platform where all survivors
were transferred thus greatly streamlining rescue efforts. During one
particularly challenging hoist between trees and two sets of power lines,
Lieutenant Commander Hathaway expertly handled faulty autopilot inputs,
Automatic Flight Control Stabilization (AFCS) system failures, and cockpit
display malfunctions. Flying with junior pilots throughout the storm, he was
both a coach and mentor while successfully tackling aircraft malfunctions
resulting from water intrusion into cockpit avionics. Among several
rescues, Lieutenant Commander Hathaway directed an especially challenging
hoist of a paraplegic child with a tracheotomy and associated medical
equipment. Battling 40 knot winds with low ceilings and less than one
quarter mile visibility, he maneuvered the aircraft into the crosswind to
keep rain and wind from harming the child’s medical equipment. He then
ensured a stable platform lifting the child away from rising flood waters.
Displaying exceptional aviation acumen, he flew 15 sorties rescuing 77 lives.
3. COMDT (CG-7) congratulates LCDR Jason Hathaway and the heroic efforts
of his exemplary crews as they performed these life-saving missions.
4. This year's selection process was extremely difficult. The nominations
received were truly outstanding, reflecting courageous service and aviation
excellence. COMDT (CG-7) would like to congratulate all of the nominees for
their accomplishments, and thank the nominating commands for taking the
time to recognize their heroic efforts. They are all worthy of high honor,
Bravo Zulu to all.
5. Honorable mention goes out to the following pilots and air stations:
    LCDR Gregory T. Dahl, Air Station Kodiak
    LCDR Min H. Kim, Air Station Barbers Point
    LCDR Robert P. O’Donnell, CG HITRON
    LT Garin A. Kirkpatrick, Air Station Clearwater
    LT Jonathan D. Magin, Air Station Savannah
    LT George R. Matthews, Air Station Houston
    LT Myles A. Richardson, Air Station San Francisco
    LT James F. White, Sector San Diego
6. CAPT B. A. Cooper, Acting Assistant Commandant for Capability, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.