In addition to its duties as a transport squadron, Marine Transport Squadron 1 has two unique missions aboard the air station – search and rescue operations and community relations. VMR-1 flew across the Neuse River to Arapahoe, N.C., and demonstrated its SAR capabilities for the boys and girls at Camp Sea Gull, July 28.

Campers flocked to the squadron’s HH-46E, known as Pedro, and were able to board the aircraft and see what components the specialized Sea Knight has. “We support tactical aircraft at Cherry Point, which is basically any ejection seat equipped aircraft with needs such as search and rescue,” said Capt. Brian Santucci, the search and rescue officer in charge with VMR-1. “We’re also able to support the local community.”

Santucci stood near Pedro as the campers were coming out and fielded a few questions.

“This is a static display and this is a way we can interact with the local community and show them what we do in the Marine Corps,” Santucci said. “We do this a couple of times a month. We have a pretty big presence in the local community and we like doing this to show them we’re out there.

“We come out and spend some time answering questions about the helicopter,” Santucci said.

Pedro can be seen demonstrating its capabilities for many different agencies including other branches of the military. The squadron does displays for Coast Guard stations, elementary schools, emergency medical service stations and fire stations, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Lawrence G. Courtney, an in-flight medic with VMR-1.

For Camp Sea Gull, Pedro went far beyond just a static display and performed a simulated rescue mission. “We’re going to do something pretty simple,” Santucci said. “We’re going to leave one of our crewmembers here and we’re going to take off. Then we’re going to come back and get him.”

Pedro performed a takeoff for the campers and circled the air. Upon approach, a hook was lowered 75 feet to the waiting Marine to hoist him to the aircraft.

“That’s normally how we attempt a rescue,” Santucci said.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Sgt. Michael L. Falzone, a rescue swimmer with VMR-1 who was rescued during the simulated mission. “It’s not everyday that you get hoisted up 75 feet. I’ve never done a hoisting during a static display, so it was a little bonus.”

The crew’s static display showed its onlookers more than the spectacle of seeing a Marine hoisted 75 feet into the air. It also gave the campers a view of the squadron’s primary mission.

“Our mission is kind of unique in the Marine Corps,” Santucci said.

The Roadrunners provide a means of transportation and support for local emergencies. Without bypassing other government agencies, Pedro is able to perform operations that can be burdensome to smaller units.

“Typically what will happen is that the hospitals will try ambulances first and then other civilian medical transportation aircraft,” Santucci said. “If these are unavailable, the weather is really bad, or if the civilian aircraft can’t make it, they’ll call us.”

“A lot of the time we take missions civilian units can’t,” Santucci said. “Predominantly because we’re capable of flying at night and during bad weather.” The crew chief’s role during the rescue mission is quite vital and it was demonstrated in a manner that not only entertained the campers but also educated them as well.

“Anything that goes on in the back of the aircraft, I take care of that,” said Sgt. Christopher O. Pierce, a crew chief with VMR-1. “Once we get into the actual rescue part of it, I get these guys in the water or on the ground safely. Whatever gear our swimmer is calling for, I get that ready and send it down to him.”

The Marines of VMR-1 flew away from Camp Sea Gull as the campers waved. Pedro’s dual mission left an overwhelmingly positive impression. “It’s always fun to go out there and interact with the community,” Pierce said. [ANN Salutes Lance Cpl. Michael Curvin, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point]

FMI: www.usmc.mil