Search and rescue (SAR) swimmers
from the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron
(HS) 2 completed SAR jumps Feb. 8, during their annual required
training in the San Diego Bay.
The SAR jumps are part of an annual training exercise to ensure
SAR swimmers are current on their qualifications.
The swimmers are required to successfully complete four
day-jumps and two night-hoists. SAR swimmers enter the water from a
safety boat, Higgin's Landing Craft Utility (LCU), and are hoisted
safely into the helicopter by a mechanical driven cable. Then, they
jump from a helicopter hovering 10 feet above the water at 12 mph.
After completing all requirements the swimmers are recovered by the
LCU.
“Being a SAR swimmer is a very demanding job,” said
Cmdr. Ritchard R. Thompson, commanding officer of HS-2.
“The training exercises give them a realistic experience
so they’ll be ready for any situation and know how to
react.”
The training helps swimmers prepare for real life rescues and
ensures they know proper safety procedures, explained Aviation
Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class (AW) Paul David Noriega,
training lead petty officer for the squadron.
“It takes a lot of drive, motivation and training to
become a SAR swimmer,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator
2nd Class (AW) Patrick Sullivan, aircrew tactics petty officer for
the squadron. “The training is very fast paced because
there’s a lot to learn. It took me two years to finish all of
my training and get into the fleet with just a basic understanding
of SAR."
“We have to be in great physical shape,” said
Noriega. “We work out everyday mainly for endurance. In our
job it doesn’t mean anything to be a world-class swimmer if
you can’t swim in the gear.”
SAR swimmers wear a wet suit, snorkel mask, utility harness,
floatation device, and fins during rescue missions.
“Although many crew members play a role in the squadrons
mission, SAR swimmers are the heroes of the operation,” said
Sullivan. “The swimmers help save lives by ensuring the
survivors don’t drown, have proper floatation, and are away
from any hazards.”
“The best part of my job is going out to sea and employing
the skills I’ve learned through school and training,”
said Sullivan. “It’s awesome to be able to help out in
such terrible times and make an positive impact on someone
else’s life.” [ANN Salutes Journalist Seaman Jennifer
S. Kimball, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific]