they break it for a living on new york's hudson river, but even veterans like the ship's commander haven't seen anything like this. >> this winter is the worst winter that i've seen on the hudson and it's certainly the worst winter since 2004 that the coast guard has had to deal with. >> axelrod: the radar and satellite technology they use is state-of-the-art, but they get some old-school help, clearing channels 250 feet wide. >> the air station has been notified. >> reporter: from retired air force pilots like darrell laxin and fred vanitierwilt, who volunteer for the u.s. coast guard auxiliary. they fly over the hudson river spotting dangerous choke points where ice backs up and send pictures to help the cutter plot its course. >> it's definitely supplemental technology. >> reporter: they enhance that. >> yes. >> axelrod: the old fashioned way. with their eyes. >> in the sky. >> axelrod: the battle this winter has been a reminder as much as technology has changed