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EOD, Marines Practice Cast and Recovery Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050706-11
Release Date: 7/6/2005 10:45:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Sean Spratt, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS NASHVILLE (NNS) -- Search and Rescue swimmers from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, based out of Norfolk, Va., led a Cast and Recovery Operation in the Mediterranean Sea as part of Barbary Thunder II.

The cast and recovery operation is one of many different evolutions taking place aboard USS Nashville (LPD 13) during the 10-day exercise involving several nations, aimed at developing good relations and participating in challenging maritime scenarios.

“Cast and Recovery operation is a fast means of inserting and extracting troops,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class (AW/NAC) William Stark, helicopter crew chief. “This training is important because you have two branches of the service, the Navy and the Marines, and we can bring together two different types of training and everything works perfectly.”

HSC-26 coordinated with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel from Det. 8, Mobile Unit 8 out of Sigonella, Italy, and Marines from 2nd Platoon, 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Company, currently deployed to Rota, Spain.

“It is always a good time to get together with EOD and the Marines, because it is different from our normal routine,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Lee Lyons, helicopter crew chief. “We don’t usually get to work with this kind of mix of personnel, and I know everyone in the back of the helo enjoyed it and had lots of respect for one another.”

Sailors and Marines jumped out of the MH-60S Knight Hawk feet first to brave the Mediterranean and tread water until the helicopter circled back around and dropped the ladder to pick them up.

“It was a great ride getting to jump out of the helicopter. The water was beautiful and warm, and we enjoyed the whole experience,” said Lt. Nathanael Aschenbrenner, officer in charge of EOD Det. 8, Mobile Unit 8. “It was kind of tough with the rotor wash hitting us, but once we got under the helicopter and got hold of the caving ladder, it wasn’t too bad getting back up in the helo.

“Cast and recovery is routine training, but not necessarily for our detachment, so we enjoy every chance we have to get out and do it,” continued Aschenbrenner. “This experience was fantastic, especially because we were out there with the FAST company Marines for this operation. They were extremely professional and know their jobs really well, so it’s been great to learn from them.”

What may be routine training to EOD personnel wasn’t the case for the Marines, who generally don't get the opportunity to participate in this type of training.

“I think it was a great experience for the Marines,” said Lance Cpl. James Minch, 2nd Platoon, 2nd FAST company team member. “We almost never get this kind of training, and it was awesome getting the chance to be alongside EOD to experience what they do. Plus, it’s a good chance to walk in their shoes and learn what they’re about.

“Any type of training is a good thing,” continued Minch. “Any experience you get can only make you better yourself as a person and Marine.”