Mullen awards HS2 Sailor the Navy/Marine Corps Medal

08.27.2008

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Arianne Anderson 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Arianne A. Anderson
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

PERSIAN SEA - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen presented the Navy/Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Jesse P. Hubble aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 27, 2008.

Hubble, a member of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 2, was awarded the medal for rescuing seven crew members from a crash of a Navy HH-60H helicopter off the coast of Southern California, Nov. 9, 2007, while Hubble was embarked during Composite Training Unit Exercise.

"I'm sure he'd say he was just doing his job," said Mullen. "But, he was more than instrumental in saving seven lives. He was the calm in the eye of the storm. It's one thing to have the skills, but it's quite another to execute them."

According to the award citation, Hubble launched in Hunter 610 to conduct a six-and-a-half hour range night Combat Search and Rescue exercise. While returning to Lincoln, wingman Hunter 616 experienced a controllability failure and ditched at sea. Before being directed to do so, Hubble immediately donned his rescue gear and prepared for water entry. He unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety entered the low-light, no-moon, open ocean to rescue the seven exhausted survivors.

"Relying on his special training, stamina and courage, he remained in 63-degree water for 45 minutes until all seven survivors were safely hoisted aboard the rescue helicopter. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Hubble prevented the loss of seven lives," the citation read.

The San Diego native has been an AW for 10 years and said he really enjoys what he does.

"When I am up in the sky, I own the back of the helicopter," he said. "We train everyday, physically and mentally, for any situation that might happen. We prepare for the worst case scenario, and that night was one of the worst. It all happened so fast. You just do what you have to do. I am glad everyone made it out alive."

Hubble said the award was completely unexpected.

"I never expected any recognition like this," he said. "It's a big shock. I have never seen anyone get this award and I never though I'd have something this high on my chest. I really appreciate it. It's a big day for me."

• Date Taken: 08.27.2008
• Date Posted: 08.28.2008 12:15
• Story ID: 22969