US Coast Guard Helo Training in Putnam County

Photo by Chris DilleyMH-65

Photo by Chris DilleyPCFR Eng 11

Photo by Chris Dilley

Photo by Chris Dilley

Photo by Chris Dilley

Photo by Chris Dilley

Photo by Blake Nazario-CaseyMelrose Eng 242

Photo by Chris Dilley
On Monday August 15, 2022, firefighters from Putnam County Fire Rescue, Palatka & Melrose Fire Departments participated in helicopter safety training with the US Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) at the Palatka Kay Larkin airport. Crews from several different engine and rescue companies rotated through the training event and performed hands on training with a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. Topics covered during the training were safe and danger areas on the helicopter exterior, normal & emergency access to doors and windows, aircrew restraint systems, securing engines and electrical power and rescue hoist safety procedures. The Coast Guard operates several MH-65 Dolphin helicopters in the drug-interdiction mission out of the Cecil Commerce Center in Jacksonville, Fl.