Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.

Thank you to 2026 Blades of Valor Tour sponsor Switlik Survival Products and the support of Massif flight suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.

Switlik Survival Products supports aviation, marine, military, and search-and-rescue with a wide variety of high-quality survival products. To learn more, go to Switlik.com

The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set.

These teams serve as a benchmark for the public aviation community. Our mission is to share their stories of unwavering commitment, courage, innovative leadership, teamwork, and technological innovation from agencies setting the standard in public safety aviation.

Today’s episode comes to you from inside the hangar at United States Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater — the final stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour.

Joining us are MH-60T pilot Lieutenant Commander Nathan Jones and helicopter rescue swimmer Zachary Sowers, two Coast Guard professionals whose journeys to this moment are as inspiring as the missions they fly.

Nate comes from a proud family legacy of service. He began his career in the Coast Guard Reserve before earning an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy. Through discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he earned his “Wings of Gold” and now flies the powerful MH-60T Jayhawk — one of the most capable search-and-rescue platforms in the world.

Zach’s path started with a life-altering near-drowning experience as a young boy. What could have been a tragedy became motivation. Swimming lessons turned into competitive success, which led to a Division I scholarship, work as a lifeguard, and eventually a calling to serve — becoming one of the Coast Guard’s elite rescue swimmers. Today, he is the one entering the water in the worst conditions imaginable so others can make it home.

In this episode, we discuss incredible real-world rescues and the relentless, constant training that keeps these aircrews sharp and ready at a moment’s notice. We learn more about Air Station Clearwater’s mission set, the vast area they cover, and the extraordinary support personnel behind the scenes — the maintainers, operations specialists, and ground crews — whose expertise makes every launch possible and every rescue achievable.

You’ll also gain deeper insight into the MH-60T Jayhawk — its capabilities, mission versatility, and why it remains such a critical asset for maritime search and rescue, law enforcement, and disaster response.

From powerful rescue stories to the disciplined preparation that makes them possible, this conversation highlights teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to saving lives.

Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM, CNC Technologies and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch.