Rescue Wing Commander Honored

Suffolk is home to a rescue squadron that scrambles helicopters and midair refueling aircraft that saves people hundreds of miles out to sea. They were featured in the movie “The Perfect Storm” for an epic rescue mission and, more recently, dropping emergency medical supplies to the Columbian crew of a yacht 1,200 miles from their Westhampton Beach base.

Captain Julie C. Alfredson, Commander of the 106th Maintenance Squadron, was honored recently as a Woman Veteran of Distinction by Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella. The Shirley resident, mustering from the New York Air National Guard Base at Gabreski Airport, is an expert on aircraft equipment and maintenance.

Captain Alfredson enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2007 as a Security Forces Defender and has been deployed around the globe in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. She’s served in multiple capacities, including law enforcement and nuclear deterrence security.

“I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to spend time with Captain Alfredson learning about her deployments and personal experiences in combat zones,” Legislator Mazzarella said. “It is evident that her commitment to serving our country is undying. She demonstrates this passion specifically when she speaks about her military service. Captain Alfredson is an amazing woman, and we are privileged to have her protecting our country.”

Captain Julie C. Alfredson of Shirley, Commander of the 106th Maintenance Squadron, was honored recently as a Woman Veteran of Distinction by Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella. File Photo

In March of 2013, Captain Alfredson transferred from Active Duty Air Force to the Air National Guard. She has been recognized for her outstanding accomplishments, earning the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. She is also an intricate part of many professional memberships and associations, including the National Society of Leadership Success, National Guard Association of the United States, 106th Rescue Wing Company Grade Officer Council President, Suffolk County Legislators Women’s Veterans Advisory Board, and the 106th Rescue Wing Women’s Initiative Team Chair.

While Captain Alfredson serves the country nobly in her role with the Air National Guard, she is also a wife and mother of a one-year-old.

Finding the yacht Namah three hours from their base into the North Atlantic was challenging for the 106th, especially since the crew only spoke Spanish and their last position was reported 12 hours earlier. They dropped two packages of medical supplies for a 23-year-old woman who had been scalded by boiling water and headed home.

During the Perfect Storm in 1991, a 106th helicopter crew attempted a daring rescue of a mariner 250 miles off the New Jersey coast. They deployed a pararescue jumper but had to abort the mission due to high seas and heavy wind. On the way back to the base, the H60 crew was unable to refuel after 30 attempts over an hour-and-a-half with a C-130 supply plane, and had to ditch their aircraft in complete darkness. They were rescued four long hours later by the Coast Guard cutter Tamaroa, at some points towering 30 feet higher than the ship as waves passed underneath them. The rescue jumper, Rick Smith, was lost at sea.