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USS Blue Ridge, HSL-51 SAR Swimmers Practice in Pacific Ocean

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070614-15
Release Date: 6/14/2007 2:36:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Bradley, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 took advantage of calm seas and beautiful weather to hone their search and rescue skills June 8 and 9.

The training evolution combined the capabilities of Blue Ridge and HSL-51 search and rescue (SAR) swimmers, the ship’s boat crews, and the air crew of HSL 51 during Talisman Saber 07 (TS07). TS07 is a U.S. and Australian led Joint Task Force operation designed to demonstrate the U.S. and Australian commitment to our military alliance and regional security.

“It's important for us to train together because when the day comes that a shipmate is in the water, it doesn’t matter if it’s a boat rescue or a helicopter rescue, we have to be ready to go,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (AW) Alan TenBroek of HSL-51. “It’s a team effort, and I’m confident that everyone involved will be ready when that day comes.”

Working together allowed every member of the team to exchange techniques, strategies and form a closer working bond that will prove invaluable in a real-world situation.

“Working with the Blue Ridge SAR swimmers was a great chance for us to see what we’re capable of,” said TenBroek.

“It’s a great job, although we all hope that we never have to use it,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (AW) Donald Safford, attached to HSL-51. “We do the training to be ready when that day comes.”

SAR swimmers took turns jumping from the SH-60F Seahawk Helicopter and being hoisted up again using various rescue devices and techniques.

“It is important for us to take advantage of every training opportunity, especially ones like this that keep our skills sharp,” said Safford. “It is something that is ongoing. SAR swimmers can never stop learning or honing their skills.”

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for the commander of U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa with an operating detachment in Sasebo.