Ep 12. Touching Lives

In "Coast Guard Alaska" season 3 episode 12 titled "Touching Lives," viewers are taken on a journey through the daily lives of the brave men and women of the US Coast Guard stationed in Alaska. This episode showcases some of the most inspiring stories of search and rescue missions executed by the Coast Guard team.

The episode starts with the crew detonating explosives on a frozen river to break up the ice and prevent flooding downstream. The team also uses a hovercraft to carry out patrols on the frozen Bering Sea, which is fraught with danger and demands exceptional skills. The patrol team moves through channels of ice, constantly on the lookout for trouble, and they explain the unique challenges of serving in this environment. They are always on high alert, whether they are looking out for stranded fishermen, or responding to flares, and their work is always dangerous.

Later in the episode, the team attempts to save a man who has fallen overboard while mining for gold. The rescue mission is filled with tension and drama as the team struggles to locate the man in the dark and stormy waters. The episode is a reminder of the selflessness of the Coast Guard as they risk their lives to save others.

In an emotional moment, the Coast Guard team also saved a cat that had been stranded on a tiny stretch of land that was being swallowed up by the rising tide. The cat was distressed and scared, and the team had to act quickly to save it from drowning. The cat was a reminder of the unconditional love that animals offer and also highlighted the humanity that exists in the Coast Guard team.

At the helm of this team is the commanding officer, who is responsible for overseeing every aspect of the Coast Guard's functioning. From managing finances to leading search and rescue missions, the commanding officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the team's success. We also get to see how the Coast Guard officers take time out of their schedule to visit hospitals and meet war veterans.

The episode ends on a heartwarming note as the Coast Guard team helps a team of researchers. Scientists investigate the effects of climate change in the Arctic, and the team of Coast Guards helps them to move their equipment across to a remote area of the Arctic ice shelf which was melting faster than they predicted. The scientists explain the danger of allowing ice shelf melting to go unchecked and how the Arctic environment is changing more than any other place on Earth. It reminds viewers of the importance of the work being done by the Coast Guard to keep people and nature safe.

In conclusion, "Coast Guard Alaska" season 3 episode 12 is a must-watch for anyone interested in the work of the Coast Guard. The episode showcases the dedicated service of the Coast Guard officers who risk their lives every day to keep people safe. From high-stakes rescue missions to lighter moments like saving a cat, the episode inspires viewers with the courage, humility, and humanity of these men and women. It's a testament to the importance of the work that the Coast Guard does and why it matters.