Every time I see something like this video, my estimation of, and respect for, the United States Coast Guard and the men and women who serve in this incredible branch of our military services hits new heights. Watch and see what I mean.

This particular video deals with the Coast Guard air station at Kodiak, Alaska. As you will see, this is not your average duty station, and the rotary and fixed-wing pilots stationed there are among the best anywhere in the world.

Photo: YouTube/Coffee or Die Magazine

The mountainous terrain and the vastness of the sea that they cover are as dramatic, difficult, and challenging as they come. The weather is equally dramatic and is often wildly unpredictable in that part of our country.

Given the vastness of the land and seascapes that these pilots have to patrol, administer, and operate in, they are often stretching their planes and helicopters to the limit in terms of mechanical demands and fuel supplies. Because of the dramatic heights and depths of the mountainous terrain and the expanses of the seas that they cover, in all kinds of weather, they are often very far from refueling stations.

Photo: YouTube/Coffee or Die Magazine

Despite these realities, these pilots are driven by their duties to serve those in need and go out into difficult weather and sea conditions to fulfill those duties. Honoring their motto, Semper Paratus (Always Prepared), they train diligently and hard for all such conditions. But no matter how good the training and how practiced the skills, one needs true courage to fly out into those often wild and very remote conditions.

Photo: YouTube/Coffee or Die Magazine

The rescue crews that these pilots deliver to the scenes where they are needed are as highly trained in their duties and skills as those pilots and are equally courageous. They are the best at what they do, and their mutual efforts to help those in harm's way are well known and well documented.

We honor and respect the men and women who serve in the United States Coast Guard. Semper Paratus. Fair Winds to all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UDIYtpA8Nw