Katrina Helos Move to Carriers - Saves Fuel and Time

US Navy helicopters which had been flying from Pensacola will now be flying off USS Harry S. Truman off Pascagoula as reported here.

Military officials say the move will save time and about 200 gallons of fuel per mission, which could result in saving more lives. Pensacola is at least an hour's flying time from New Orleans while the carrier is only 30 minutes away.

And the helos are rescuing people:


Caption:

U.S. Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Robert Webber, a search and rescue swimmer assigned to the "Emerald Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven Five (HS-75), keeps a firm grip on a New Orleans resident as he is hoisted-up during mandatory evacuation efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. HS-75 is embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico.