A search and rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island conducted a medical evacuation late Sunday night for an Orcas Island man suffering from severe abdominal blockage. The SAR crew of five took off at about 9:15 p.m. to airlift the 58-year-old man from East Sound Airport to St. Joseph Medical Center, Bellingham.

Due to poor weather conditions, a civilian medical transport helicopter was unable to assist. This is the sixth MEDEVAC SAR has flown from the San Juan Islands since Jan. 5.

“All members’ communication and meticulous attention to detail allowed this flight to be successfully and more importantly safely conducted during extremely challenging and rapidly
changing weather conditions,” said helicopter aircraft commander Lt. Cmdr. James Thompson.

Last year, NAS Whidbey Island SAR launched on 35 search and rescue missions, resulting in 47 lives saved. The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60 helicopters from NAS Whidbey as search and rescue platforms for the EA-18G aircraft as well as other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation. The base also has an agreement to assist Washington State with medical evacuations and search and rescue activities.