For Bob Blanchard, Flight Helmet Links Past USCG Service and Present Calling

August 1, 2025

Teamwork, camaraderie and common purpose are all hallmarks of King Kulture, fostering open communication and an environment that encourages learning from others. Bob Blanchard, vice-president of business development – special projects, recently shared some of his experiences serving in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with King Aerospace President Jarid King and Keith Weaver, vice president of business development.

Blanchard also brought the flight helmet he wore while serving at USCG Air Station Clearwater (FL), where he flew HH-60J Jayhawk helicopters on dozens of search and rescue (SAR) and other missions.

“Clearwater is one of the busiest air stations in the country,” Blanchard says, noting the facility handles more than 400 SAR cases annually, often in challenging offshore environments. He also served in OPBAT (Operation Bahamas, Turks & Caicos), a multinational drug interdiction program involving Bahamian authorities working with the Coast Guard and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

“I flew missions from forward-deployed bases on Great Inagua & Grand Bahama, using FLIR (forward-looking infrared) and radar systems to detect and track narcotics smugglers,” Blanchard recalls. “These missions directly supported the seizure of thousands of pounds of cocaine and marijuana, helping to curb cartel activity in the region.”

Blanchard later flew MH-68A Stingrays, the USCG variant of the Agusta A109E Power helicopter, as mission commander and instructor pilot for Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron Ten (HITRON-10), the Coast Guard’s elite airborne use-of-force unit based in Jacksonville, FL.

“HITRON was created to stop ‘go-fast’ vessels used by drug cartels, and remains one of the most effective counter-narcotic aviation units in U.S. history,” he continues. “I deployed aboard numerous Coast Guard cutters to perform armed interdictions, teach advanced aerial tactics and directly support missions that led to the disruption of major drug trafficking operations.”

Blanchard, who joined King Aerospace in January of 2024, served his country for more than 33 years in a variety of homeland security and national aviation law enforcement roles. His flight helmet is a personal reminder of his time helping to support and defend the U.S.,

“This helmet was with me through both humanitarian rescues and high-risk tactical pursuits,” he adds. “For me, it symbolizes a career rooted in service, protection and interdiction. I’m pleased to continue helping to support these important missions through my work at King Aerospace.”