On Deck at the Lights

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter on deck at Boon Island Lighthouse. Photo by Tony Robb

There are lighthouses of renown standing far beyond,
Upon islands and ledges are these noble ones found.
Amidst lonesome frontiers, where uncertainty is always near,
And even alluring whispers of the sea are less than sincere. 

But alas, across the briny divide, a light and horn must be tended,
And on occasion, their supportive devices too must be mended. 
By who you may ask? 
The United States Coast Guard, of course! Always ready, always on task. 

During three seasons fickle in nature, the mighty Jayhawk is sought,
For well out to sea are lighthouse technicians to be brought. 
Dally not, for there are only so many flight hours to spare, 
With a full itinerary of lights still awaiting due care.

So too is there only so much fuel to expend,
A fact not lost on those whose light’s reliability depends. 
With purpose and power is the helo flight taken,
Until it’s time to descend upon sentinels by no means forsaken. 

A Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter at Matinicus Rock Lighthouse. In 2016, a select number of Jayhawks were painted with a yellow color scheme celebrating 100 years of Coast Guard aviation. The yellow color scheme represented colors used on certain Coast Guard and Navy helicopters in the 1940s and 1950s. Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.

Finally, wheels down, the Jayhawk is on deck,
Landed at an elusive station are the intrepid crew and techs.
But wait for the signal! The flight mechanic must first ensure,
Before the cadre departs, that a rim of safety endures. 

“Grab the tool bags and water distilled,” are muffled reminders on cue,
“And don’t forget the lamps and fog horn parts too!”
Above, blades a-turning create a roaring din and hurricane-force downdraft,
Yet amidst the rotor wash, it’s “go time” for those of the lighthouse craft. 

The moment has come for the keepers of the lights to shine,
For on this day, tradition will be honored once more in fashion fine. 
At the lighthouse, one scurries up the vintage steps of the tower,
Others inspect hardware while yet another checks vital battery power.  

Servicing tasks are performed with swiftness, for there is no time to waste,
Still, to assure the station’s light is watching properly, the checklist must be aced. 
In work’s wake, the crew is mustered and the lighthouse once again secured, 
To the Jayhawk! And back up into yonder where making new history is assured!  

A USCG Jayhawk helicopter takes off from Libby Island Lighthouse. Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.

Here is a video that I took of a U.S. Coast Guard MH60T Jayhawk helicopter circling Matinicus Rock Light Station before landing at the site.

Here is a video that I took of a USCG Jayhawk landing at Libby Island Lighthouse…

Here is a video that I took of lighthouse technicians departing a Jayhawk helicopter at Mount Desert Rock Lighthouse…

Here is a video that I took of lighthouse technicians returning to a Jayhawk helicopter after wrapping up their work at Petit Manan Light…

Here is a video that I took of lighthouse technicians waiting just outside a Jayhawk helicopter for the flight mechanic to finish making things orderly inside the cabin…

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