A Miracle at ATTU: The Rescue of CG-1600
by Bill Peterson
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Pub Date Sep 13 2016 | Archive Date Dec 31 2016
Description
A Miracle at Attu: The Rescue of CG-1600 is an historic nonfiction account documenting the phenomenal rescue of nine survivors from a U. S. Coast Guard HC-130H that crashed on a logistics mission to the remote Coast Guard Long Range Navigation Station on Attu Island Alaska. Be prepared as you are transported back in time to a cold isolated mountain on Attu for a truly remarkable rescue. It is an inspiring and emotional story of human error, courage, bravery, and survival. It takes a special mindset to go into harm’s way and fly into the storm so others may live. You will come to know and see the many perspectives of the rescue through the eyes of the survivors, and the crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon, LORAN Station Attu, Rescue-1602, and Rescue-1425. The author guides the reader to feel the tension, risk, and danger to locate and rescue the downed crew. Alaska and particularly the remote Western Aleutian Islands pose a unique and unforgiving operating environment. Weather is constantly poor with high winds, poor visibility, low clouds, precipitation, and high sea states. High speed vessel transits are extremely risky as there are no navigational aids and near shore nautical charting is unreliable. Helicopter operations are always risky due to low ceilings, limited visibility, high gusty winds, and steep mountains right down to the water’s edge. You will feel as if you are right in the cockpit, on the side of the mountain, on the Mellon flight deck and bridge as the rescue team works against all odds to save their fellow aviators and shipmates.
About the Authors -
CAPTAIN Bill Peterson- Peterson graduated from Vanden High School Travis AFB, CA, in 1972. He entered the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree focused on marine science and ocean engineering. Peterson was winged a Naval Aviator in 1979 and is designated Coast Guard Aviator number 1953. Peterson retired from active duty as Chief of Aviation Forces for the Coast Guard in late 2005. Peterson has two grown sons. His oldest is a Federal Parole Officer and National Guard Officer. His youngest is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent and Naval Reserve Corpsman. He is married to Susan (Albright) Peterson and combined they have five married children and nine grandchildren to spoil.
CAPT Mike Wallace- Wallace graduated from Cambridge High and Latin High School in Cambridge, MA, in 1970. He then graduated from North Adams State College, North Adams, MA, in 1975, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. He earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification in May 1976, married in June, and then entered and graduated from Coast Guard Officer Candidate School in December 1976. Wallace was winged a Naval Aviator in 1977 and is designated Coast Guard Aviator number 1883. Wallace retired from active duty after 31 years of service in 2007. Wallace has been blessed with the love and support of his wife Sharon, for more than 40 years, and they are both very proud of their family: daughters Meghan and Michelle and granddaughters Emily and Sophia.
A Note From the Publisher
Keywords: Rescue, Bravery, Survivors, Helicopter, USCGC MELLON, Risk, Coast Guard, Storm, Seas, Miracle, Plane Crash, Alaska, ATTU
Advance Praise
CDR Jim Wright, CGAS Kodiak Operations Officer- “How powerless I felt as the helicopter inched its way up the side of the mountain in the fog, rain, and wind to the survivors. We on the C-130 vividly could imagine that the helo crew was acting more like an ATV than a rotary wing aircraft, without the benefit of wheels on the ground. This was the most complex and remote a SAR case I have ever been associated with in my 20 years in the Coast Guard. We had so many people doing selfless work…AVDET, Mellon, LORAN Station, Shemya AFB, and other CGAS Kodiak crews. Seeing the photos of wreckage and knowing how bad the weather was, I was totally astounded that we had survivors.”
CAPT Jim Sabo, CGC Mellon Operations Officer- “Upon reflection on the CG-1600 operation over 30 years later, I believe there was a coming together of too many factors to be considered coincidence. Call it fate, luck, or divine intervention, but Mellon, with the personnel involved, became the right tool, at the right time, and in the right place to successfully prosecute this mission…someone was looking out for those survivors. The Coast Guard is, however, Always Ready…Semper Paratus. It is staffed with personnel who will ‘always’ demonstrate Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty, and Courage.”
Sgt. Darlene J. Turner, Kodiak Post Commander, Alaska State Troopers (Retired)- “Captain Peterson’s and Captain Wallace’s book, “A Miracle at Attu”, is mesmerizing and a true jaw clincher… I could not walk away from it. The danger and hazards the pilots and crews face every day in Alaska would give most others pause. This book demonstrates the true passion and courage these brave men showed during a very stressful rescue. It is a chilling, gut wrenching and inspirational account of an impossible rescue. The men and women of the USCG have my utmost respect. Fantastic job Bill and Mike.”
Marketing Plan
ebk, pbk, hc
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781506902883 |
| PRICE | $7.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Ann K, Bookseller
A well written historical account of a Coast Guard aircraft in Alaska. The description is vivid of the landscape and terrible conditions. There is probably a limited audience for this book but anyone interested in aviation or the military will enjoy this book.
