Coast Guard takes 47 ABC to “air box”

The Ocean City Air Show can be a thrilling experience for both the fans and the pilots. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all those awe inspiring maneuvers can also be very dangerous.

The U.S. Coast Guard in Ocean City took 47 ABC out on the water to show our crew how they’re prepared for a possible emergency.

Kyle Wood, a Second Class Boatswain’s Mate with the U.S. Coast Guard says, “The main thing we’re concerned about is safety.”

Planes zoomed over Ocean City for the eighth annual air show. Hundreds of fans looked on from the shoreline. However, the watchful eyes of 38 U.S. Coast Guard members stationed in Ocean City also had their sights set on the action.

The high flying acts can present a significant danger to the waters below. BM2 Wood says, “Our whole mission for this air show is to keep all vessel traffic out of this air box.”

The air box, also called the “Coast Guard Safety Zone” is a three mile long, by one mile wide area in the Atlantic where absolutely no vessels are allowed.

BM2 Wood continues, “We need to keep that area clean in the event of a crash or if a pilot needs to ditch. We don’t want anybody in there to make that situation any worse.”

The area is pretty easy to see. It’s blocked off by floating water fenders.

BM2 Wood replies, “If you’re getting close to one of those yellow or red fenders you should probably think about backing away from it.”

During the air show, the Coast Guard is in “all hands on deck” mode. Everyone is working during the air show. They also get help from state agencies for water rescues.

However, this is not to say the Coast Guard has taken their attention away from other boaters. They’re ready for anything. When headed out to the air box on our shoot, a speed boat’s engine began smoking. 

This family was removed from their vessel safely with the assistance of the Coast Guard. The scene again instilled their goal of everyone having a fun and most importantly safe time on the water.

Sunday’s performances wrapped up the 2015 Ocean City Air Show.