The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.) — A crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City conducted hoist training with cadets from Great Lakes Maritime Academy aboard the training vessel State of Michigan in Grand Traverse Bay, about two miles offshore, on Monday.
Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy recently signed a memorandum of understanding which allows this type of training to occur year-round whenever both sides are able to facilitate. Empty baskets were used during the actual hoists. No cadets were hoisted.
The training allows the air station helicopter crews to simulate hoisting from larger commercial vessels operating on the Great Lakes. In addition, the academy students on the vessel are introduced to the hoisting maneuvers, preparing them for real-life scenarios when they work on vessels and require Coast Guard assistance.
The memorandum of understanding also calls for, among other things, the Coast Guard to provide officers to assist with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Naval Reserve professional development programs. In return, the GLMA will share its training resources and vessel bridge simulators with the Coast Guard.
“We share a proud partnership with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy," said Cmdr. Sean M. Cross, Air Station Traverse City commanding officer. "Their assistance in our hoist training will allow the Coast Guard to execute search and rescue cases more efficiently and safely.”
