Hurricane Florence

Some helicopters flew out of harms way.

Others flew into it.

Incredible video here:

Yep, they usually fly in the opposite direction of those that are flying to safety.

Floating, flying, rolling, and walking stock is now not only staging and awaiting taskers, but many are already engaged in rescue and sustainment ops. I used to live for these opportunities which were often times more exciting and rewarding than combat operations.

@Freda'sMom video. Coastie pilots and SAR techs are true heros. Nads of brass and hearts of gold.

MCAS Cherry Point for decades had CH-46s, call sign Pedro, who flew rescue missions. They were highly trained and saved many lives. The Navy/Marine Corps team still has rescue air assets of course but Florence is what Pedro was built for.

https://www.military.com/daily-news...nder-declined-evacuate.html?ESRC=eb_181019.nl

Base residents at Lejeune can file for reimbursements for the period that BGen Alford told them to stay away after the storm. The article states "Brig. Gen. Julian Alford, who until recently served as Lejeune's commanding general," blah, blah...

The author left it hanging like he had been fired or something. The fact is, Alford is now the CG of Task Force Southwest in Helmand Province, AFG.

Pedro was a great platform. Twin rotors blew everything outward. Saw Commanders call film of a shot up wheels up landing of Skyraider burning on the runway as a Pedro sat over him and blew the flames outward as the guys in the flame retardant suits got the pilot out. Didn't know they had them at Cherry Point. On a tour of Cherry Point years ago Command Pilot on rescue Helo told me that they do Lifestar for eastern Carolinas. Payback which most civilians don't know about. God save and protect all those on the Panhandle and southern east coast.