Clackamas / Willamette River Rescue

Shipmates, I received today a letter from a woman and her husband who live in Milwaukee, Oregon. The letter was in thanks for the recent rescue performed by Flotilla 73 member Ken Babick and Flotilla 71 VFC Dick Mullinax. On April 17th, Flotilla 73 Coxswain Ken Babick was on routine patrol with crewman Dick Mullinax. Coxswain Babick was engaged in training crewmember Mullinax who is currently enrolled in the Flotilla 73 Crew & Coxswain Academy as a Coxswain candidate.

Knowing from experience how swift the waters surrounding the Clackamas river are when they converge with the Willamette at Clackamette Park in the spring, Ken and his crew surveyed the river for any signs of distress.

At just that time, a woman and her husband had set out for an afternoon on the water in their two kayaks. Unfortunately, they'd misjudged the swift current and soon found themselves in distress, separated from one another and struggling with exhaustion.

Coxswain Babick and his crew quickly sprung into action. They secured the woman lifting her safely aboard the Coast Guard facility. They were also successful in securing the two kayaks and preventing the loss of property.

Ken, and his crew's, professionalism, competence, and heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

Please join me in congratulating them both on a job well done.

Bravo Zulu shipmates!

Brian Rollins

Commander, FL-73

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary