Ep 3. Survival of the Fittest

Coast Guard Alaska is a breathtaking show that follows the daily operations of the United States Coast Guard units stationed in Alaska. This season's third episode, "Survival of the Fittest," captures some of the most harrowing rescue operations and showcases the brave men and women who risk their lives to save others in the roughest conditions of Alaska.

The episode starts with Lieutenant Commander Brian McLaughlin, who leads a team on a mission to rescue a 66-year-old woman who is suspected of having a stroke on the remote island of Chirikof. The island is located around 150 miles from Kodiak Island, where the local Coast Guard Station is based. The team has to endure terrible weather, with heavy snow and freezing rain, to reach the island. Once they arrive, they face numerous challenges, including negotiating tough terrain, slipping on slick rocks, and avoiding dangerous wildlife, including aggressive Kodiak bears.

The team, much like the brave Coast Guardsmen stationed in Alaska, must be resilient, quick, and smart in their approach to rescue operations. They must also be prepared to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and work together seamlessly to ensure the best possible outcome under unpredictable conditions. The team works with the island's EMT and manages to stabilize the patient, who is airlifted to Kodiak Island for further treatment.

The next segment highlights the aircrews who are on a training exercise to prepare for the upcoming air show. However, the training takes a turn when they are diverted to a real-life emergency. The aircrews are tasked with searching for a missing man, whose boat had capsized near the shore. The man had been in the frigid water for over an hour, and the possibility of hypothermia is high. The search area is roughly 36 square miles, and the aircrews must work together to pinpoint the man's location.

The Coast Guard Alaska aircrews are highly trained and experienced in the challenging conditions in Alaska. They have some of the best helicopters, like the MH-60 Jayhawk, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including infrared cameras, which can detect heat signatures. Their ability to see beyond the visible light spectrum allows them to locate stranded people quickly, even in low light conditions.

The aircrews' quick response, along with their sophisticated equipment, saves the man's life, and he is taken to a nearby hospital. The episode ends with a group of brave Coast Guard aviation survival technicians (AST) tasked with jumping out of a helicopter into the Pierce (an ice-breaking emergency vessel). These brave professionals are the first responders in the Coast Guard's cold-related emergencies in Alaska. They are responsible for plunging into icy waters to save lives, and their work is incredibly dangerous, but they are also the best at what they do.

Overall, Coast Guard Alaska season 2's episode 3 showcases the captivating and often dangerous nature of the Coast Guard's operations in Alaska. The episodes are a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Coast Guard's men and women, who work tirelessly to save lives in the toughest of conditions. Viewers can experience firsthand the thrill of the Coast Guard's rescue missions in Alaska, and they develop an appreciation for the brave people serving our country.