THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 26, 1996 TAG: 9604260578
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: COMMUNITY BRIEFS
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 27 lines
The Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center dedicated a building this week to Cmdr. Steward R. Graham (Ret.), the service's first pilot to take off and land on a ship at sea.
Graham, who was the Coast Guard's second designated helicopter pilot, was on hand Wednesday morning for the dedication attended by numerous military dignitaries and several of his old friends.
Graham performed the first nighttime medical evacuation, or MEDEVAC, and was a test pilot for several different helicopters and various aviation equipment.
He was instrumental in the creation and development of most equipment used in modern helicopters, including the hydraulic hoist and rescue basket.
Graham retired 24 years after joining the Coast Guard in 1937 and lives with his wife in Maine. by CNB