Members from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak and Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington granted a child’s wish to be a rescue swimmer in Kodiak, Alaska, Friday and Saturday, July 8. Andrew Bishop, an 8-year-old boy from Woodland, Washington, was designated as an honorary rescue swimmer aboard the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter after completing modified rescue swimmer pool training and basic air crewman training, Friday. Bishop was given a flight suit and reported for duty as a rescue swimmer, Saturday morning. During his first day of duty, he responded to a search and rescue case where he and the aircrew hoisted a hiker with simulated injuries. Bishop and the crew simulated CPR on the hiker and safely transported him to the air station. After the mission, he was met by members of various Coast Guard units and families and was presented an Air Medal for his work during the rescue. “I could not be more proud of the coordination effort put forth by the members who helped make this a memorable event for Andrew and his family,” said Capt. Mark Morin, commanding officer of Air Station Kodiak. “Words cannot express the look on Andrew’s face during his time spent with us and we are proud to have such a wonderful addition to the Air Station family.” For more information on Bishop contact Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington at 425-770-3212.
