As the 45th anniversary of the Mount St Helens volcano eruption approached on May 18, 2025, a new book was released that offers a unique and harrowing first-hand perspective on the disaster and its aftermath. "Under the Ash" is authored by Capt. Michael D. Cairns, who served as a Search-Rescue-Recovery helicopter pilot in the Washington Army National Guard during that period. His book documents the intense operations he was involved in, from the first rescue efforts to his final recovery mission on July 10th, 1980.

It's available on Amazon here.

Cairns operated West Seattle Produce on Fauntleroy Way SW in 2009.

Cairns' role involved air-lifting both survivors and the remains of the deceased from the devastated blast zone. The conditions they faced were incredibly challenging and uncertain. As Cairns recounted, "We didn't know how much ash was going to be in the air."

The book's distinction lies in its visual documentation. "Under the Ash" features photos that have never been seen before, including graphic ones, which Cairns personally shot. These images provide detailed aspects of these intense operations witnessed by very few individuals, mostly helicopter pilots involved in the operation. The book is a unique publication that cannot be duplicated and is likely to remain the sole photographic record of the event.

The helicopter crews involved in these perilous missions shared a common background; most of the crews were veterans of the war in Vietnam. Cairns shared their mindset, saying, "All of us were Vietnam veterans and we all sort of thought we were invincible." Despite this, the missions were extremely dangerous. Cairns specifically highlighted one type of landing, stating, "There were four crews that made what I consider to be the most dangerous landing you could ever make."

For their service and bravery, Cairns and his copilot, Fred Phillips, were awarded the Valley Forge Cross for heroism by the National Guard. However, when reflecting on his actions and those of his comrades, Cairns humbly stated, "I don't call myself a hero."

Cairns' story and his experience during the eruption were also featured by award-winning journalist, Ann Curry. Her series “We’ll Meet Again”, which aired on PBS in 2018, included an episode titled “Rescued at Mt St Helens”. This episode specifically featured a dramatic rescue of Sue Ruff, and her reuniting with me 38 years later. Ann Curry has kindly endorsed "Under the Ash", and her comments will be featured on the back cover.

With very few pilots and crew members from that time still living today, the release of "Under the Ash" coinciding with the 45th Anniversary provides a significant opportunity. It allows many who were born after the event to have a pilot’s eye view and first-hand account of what happened on those tragic days.

"Under the Ash" offers a powerful and unique look back at a pivotal moment in history, through the eyes of one of the few who were there in the immediate aftermath.