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2/3 takes a dive for survival's sake

USMC News

Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 200373181256
Story by Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(June 26, 2003) -- When a helicopter crashes in the water, those aboard have a few crucial moments to get out and get to safety.

They must not panic and remember the precise steps in order to move away from the sinking aircraft.

The Modular Amphibious Egress Training Simulator at the base pool aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, hits the water and flips over just like a helicopter would when it crashes in the water.

When the Marines from 2nd Bn. 3rd Marine Regiment splashed into the water for the first time in the MAETS June 26, they realized how easy it was to panic and make a mistake that could cost them their life in a real-world situation.

As the helicopter flipped under the water's surface, the Marines instinctively held their breath and remained calm. As they were taught in their training, they opened up a window beside them and swam above water. vAlthough it was easy for them to remove themselves from the sinking aircraft, the Marines knew they could encounter serious problems when crashing into water. The most common problem is the Marines gets caught or tangled in equipment.

"Even in the training environment when they know they are safe, some Marines panic and become a bit disorientated," said Cpl. Travis Bachman, a squad leader in Fox Co., 2/3. "It is good they get a chance to do this in a training environment because they have to learn to stay calm and not panic.

That is probably the biggest challenge for the Marines doing the training - stay calm when they are holding their breath upside down and under the water's surface."

Before climbing into the MAETS, the Marines were able to view a real world crash in which Marines actually perished in the accident. Those that survived the crash completed the same course the Marines took June 26.

"This is some very serious training, but we enjoyed it," said Bachman. "We had fun getting in the water and actually feeling what a real crash feels like. These are lifesaving techniques we learned today. I think all Marines should learn this training because it greatly increases their chance of survival if they are faced with an aircraft crashing into a body of water."