U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Lt. Commander Travis Christy, who flies a Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk for the service, is the recipient of HAI’s 2022 Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award. This award recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year or extraordinary professionalism over a period of time.
Christy joined the USCG, received his wings at the Coast Guard Academy in 2013, and has since helped save numerous lives at sea, inland, and in post-disaster-support efforts. In the past year alone, Christy has racked up numerous notable saves.
On March 2, he battled 40- to 60-knot winds and 33-foot waves to evacuate eight of 31 aboard Atlantic Destiny, a 140-foot fishing vessel that had caught fire and was taking on water more than 200 nm east of Cape Cod.
And on May 2, he and his crew rescued an injured skier at 4,000 feet on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. To reach the injured skier some 20 nm away in low-visibility conditions, Christy followed a road, navigating around clouds and mountainous terrain at 40 to 70 knots and altitudes of 100 to 200 feet agl.
In August 2021, Christy was also instrumental in discovering and rescuing eight people and two pets from a severely damaged beach hotel on Grand Isle, Louisiana, while supporting post-hurricane rescue efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
“Throughout his many years with the Coast Guard, Christy has found himself in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges,” HAI said. “Yet by employing careful judgment, aviation skills, and trusted leadership capabilities, he has benefited countless lives.”