WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Coast Guard and Canadian Forces helicopter crews also practiced hoisting swimmers and other personnel to cutters, patrol boats and small boats.
"Orange Flag spanned five days with the first focusing on command and control operations, learning the capabilities of the other agencies, and safety briefings," the release explained. "The following days consisted of Coast Guard aircraft drops of Air National Guard parajumpers (Guardian Angels), Canadian aircraft drops of search and rescue technicians, and the recovery of personnel by Coast Guard small boats to the cutters."
The final practice day on Friday included a simulated mass rescue operation that could become necessary in situations such as a sinking ship.
