Sharks, Daisies, and the Skies Above: How Aviation Forged a Unique Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Story
George Cavallo’s Journey from Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer to Artist and Author
We had the rare opportunity to sit down and talk with George Cavallo, USCG, Ret., where he shared a riveting story about his journey as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. What follows is that casual and very interesting interview:
Flying in the remote regions of Kodiak, Alaska, presents many unique and unexpected challenges—treacherous weather, unforgiving high seas, and life-or-death situations that can unfold in the blink of an eye. Few people understand this better than George Cavallo, a retired Coast Guard Chief Rescue Swimmer who spent an entire career saving lives in some of the harshest environments known to man. The culmination of those experiences can be found in his newly published book, Sharks and Daisies: Tales of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, which offers readers an unedited glimpse into the very core of those hazardous rescue missions.
Cavallo’s journey—spanning military aviation, artwork, and writing—reflects his extraordinary life experiences. From earning an Air Medal for a harrowing rescue in the Bering Sea to creating art pieces that tour the nation as part of the esteemed Coast Guard Art Program, his story is one of teamwork, resilience, and the transformative powers of military aviation. Now, via a highly creative side, namely his art and writing, this retired Coast Guard officer provides insights into a life driven by a passion for saving those in danger and for capturing the emotions of so many heroing moments.
His recently released memoir, Sharks and Daisies, invites readers into the exhilarating world of the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. Whether you are in awe of their bravery or in search of unforgettable adventures, this gripping tale of courage, survival, and resilience is sure to leave the reader inspired and amazed. You can find his book on Amazon by clicking the following link: Sharks and Daisies: Tales of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.
From Kodiak Skies to Perilous Seas: The Air Medal Rescue
Perhaps Cavallo’s most memorable mission—and the one that earned him the prestigious Air Medal—occurred during a daunting and exceedingly dangerous rescue mission deep within the clutches of the Bering Sea. “The weather in Kodiak is brutal,” Cavallo reflects with a sigh. “There’s a sign at the air station that reads, ‘The Final Frontier in Coast Guard Aviation,’ and it’s true. On one mission, our anti-icing system failed. Ice was forming on the helicopter blades, and the ice projectiles were pounding the fuselage like artillery fire.”
That mission, like so many others, unfolded in terrifying conditions: 30 to 40-foot seas, fierce winds, and the bitter cold that clearly defines conditions in the Bering Sea. But for Cavallo and his crew, it was just another day at work. Pilots Trimmpert and Youngberg and Flight Mechanic Wiltse worked together to rescue a group of fishermen trapped in the raging waters.
“It was a mission that could’ve easily ended in disaster,” Cavallo recalls. After successfully pulling several fishermen from the icy waters, a rogue wave nearly ended Cavallo’s life. While he was entangled in the rescue basket, an errant wave hit with such force that it felt as though two elephants were crashing down onto him. Submerged and struggling, he thought his time had come.
“I was trapped underwater, my oxygen running low,” Cavallo remembers. “I didn’t think I was going to make it.” But then, as if by some miracle, he was slingshot out of the water, unwinding like a yoyo in front of the pilots’ windows before swinging back toward the tail rotor, narrowly missing it.
“It was terrifying,” he laments. “But we saved those fishermen that day. It wasn’t just me—it was the entire crew working together like a fine-Swiss watch.” Cavallo has always been quick to deflect praise to his aircrews, emphasizing that without them, no rescues would be possible. “They’re the real heroes,” he says. “Every time I saved someone, they saved two—me and the person in the water. They got me home.”
Sharing Stories of Survival at the Seattle Museum of Flight
Cavallo’s love of military aviation and rescue missions goes far beyond his Coast Guard career. One of his more recent engagements involved speaking at the Seattle Museum of Flight, where he recounted his experience rescuing the sole survivor of an Air National Guard C-130 crash—call sign King 56. The aircraft went down in shark-infested waters, killing 10 out of the 11 crew members on board.
“I’ll never forget that mission,” Cavallo says somberly. “We found one survivor in the water, surrounded by sharks. It added an extra layer of urgency and danger to the rescue, but we got him out safely.”
The event at the Museum of Flight offered Cavallo the opportunity to share not just the details of that mission but the broader themes of teamwork and the indomitable human spirit that defined so many of his real-world experiences. For Cavallo, aviation was not just a means of transportation or search and rescue; it was a lifeline for victims on the brink of death.
“Aviation was simply a facilitator for so many rescue missions,” he explains. “Without it, we couldn’t have reached remote areas or saved the lives that we did. Whether it was crab fishermen in Cold Bay—where Deadliest Catch is filmed—or other critical rescue missions, aviation made the impossible suddenly possible.”
From the Skies to the Canvas: Cavallo’s Work as a Coast Guard Artist
Today, Cavallo’s connection to aviation and the Coast Guard continues through his work as a visual artist. As a painter, his works have been featured in the Coast Guard Art Program’s national touring collection, where they serve as a tribute to the bravery of the men and women who serve in the U.S. Coast Guard—particularly those involved with aviation.
“I try to capture the intensity of these moments,” Cavallo says of his artwork. “The power of the aircraft, the conditions we faced, the teamwork required, and the human element of it all. My art is a way to honor those who serve and to tell the story of what we experienced in flight.”
His paintings often reflect the deep emotional connection he feels to those life-saving missions and to the aircraft that made it all possible. Each stroke of the brush is infused with the memory of those high-stakes moments when the margin between life and death was razor-thin.
Cavallo’s talents extend even beyond painting. He is an accomplished aviation photographer, with several of his aviation-themed prints featured in galleries across Seattle. Whether capturing the sleek lines of a vintage aircraft or evoking the nostalgia of aviation’s golden age, Cavallo’s photography is another outlet for his innate storytelling gift.
“Photography is very similar to rescue work in a way,” Cavallo notes. “It’s all about capturing a moment. Whether it’s a dramatic scene in the air or a quiet, reflective moment, it’s about telling a story.”
Sharks and Daisies: A Story of Grit and Resilience
Cavallo’s new book, Sharks and Daisies: Tales of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, delves deeper into his life and the challenges he’s faced. While aviation plays a central role in the book, Cavallo’s story is ultimately about resilience—about overcoming the mental and emotional struggles that come with such a high-pressure career and with the challenges life presents to everyone.
“The book is about more than rescue missions,” Cavallo explains. “It’s about pushing through tough times and finding the strength to keep going, even when everything is working against you. Whether you’re flying into a storm or facing a personal struggle, the mindset is the same. Resilience is everything.”
In Sharks and Daisies, Cavallo shares deeply personal reflections on how his time as a rescue swimmer shaped his outlook on life. The lessons learned in the skies above and in the perilous seas below became tools he would use to navigate later hardships. It’s a book that resonates not just with aviation enthusiasts but with anyone who has faced adversity and came out the other side.
The Role of Aviation Properties in High-Stress Operations
Although Cavallo is no longer in military aviation, he knows firsthand how critical aviation properties—like hangars, FBOs, and airparks—are for the success of rescue operations. “In remote areas like Alaska, having well-equipped aviation facilities makes all the difference,” he says. “It’s where aircraft get refueled, repaired, and prepped for the next mission. Without them, many rescue operations wouldn’t be possible.”
Cavallo’s unique perspective highlights the often-overlooked infrastructure that underpins life-saving missions. From well-maintained runways to state-of-the-art hangar facilities, these aviation properties ensure that aircrews and their helicopters always stand mission-ready.
Keynote Speaking and Sharing Cavallo’s Story
As an author, artist, and speaker, Cavallo continues to share his story with audiences across the country. His experiences as a rescue swimmer and his journey into art and writing offer powerful lessons on teamwork, perseverance, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most mind-bending challenges.
In addition to writing and creating art, Cavallo is available for keynote speaking engagements, where he discusses topics related to his book and life as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. Whether speaking to a group of military personnel, first responders, or anyone facing difficult times, Cavallo’s message is clear: resilience and teamwork can carry you through the storm.
For more information on booking George Cavallo Swimmer #122 (Ret) for keynote speaking or to purchase Sharks and Daisies: Tales of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, visit Georgecavallo.com and SharksandDaisies
