Here’s the odd thing about this thought process. The coast guard is maintaining both personnel and equipment. With no rescues, the helicopter and crew would lik

Here’s the odd thing about this thought process. The coast guard is maintaining both personnel and equipment. With no rescues, the helicopter and crew would likely take maintenance and training flights. Why does there need to be any bill given we are supporting the capability anyway. It is part of all sorts of rescue and other services that other vessels are also using from time to time. It may prevent derelict ships from blocking shipping lanes, or rescuing sick crew from larger vessels, or identifying spilled cargo or materials.