Episode 95: Inside U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Maintenance | Blades of Valor Tour

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.As part of the 2026 Blades of Valor tour, Jon Gray and Mike Reyno travelled to meet with the United States Coast Guard to better understand the maintenance culture supporting one of the most demanding rotorcraft missions in the world. Recorded on location, this episode features Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) Jonathan Harper and Aviation Maintenance Technician Chief Petty Officer (AMTC) Brock Wilson of the Coast Guard Station Clearwater aviation maintenance community as they share how disciplined processes, corrosion control, and safety culture sustain readiness across a vast and complex area of operations.Operating in saltwater environments, hurricane-prone regions, and high-tempo search and rescue missions requires more than technical competence. It requires systems that support non-punitive reporting, structured mishap response, and continuous learning. CWO3 Harper discusses how the Coast Guard approaches safety culture—not as a compliance exercise, but as an operational foundation—and why encouraging maintainers and aircrew to speak up strengthens the entire program.The conversation also explores the realities of maintaining aircraft in coastal conditions, managing aging platforms amid parts shortages, and preserving institutional knowledge while empowering the next generation of technicians. From remote deployments to dense operational airspace, Coast Guard maintenance teams balance mission urgency with procedural discipline to ensure aircraft are returned to service safely and consistently.This episode offers maintainers a detailed look at how one of the world’s most respected public safety aviation organizations structures its maintenance philosophy—where accountability, camaraderie, and craftsmanship intersect to support life-saving missions.Special thanks to the United States Coast Guard for hosting the Blades of Valor tour and for sharing insight into the maintenance professionals who keep their rotorcraft mission-ready.Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alpine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group.Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the support of Massif Flight Suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!