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Helicopter Squadron Assists in Search and Rescue Efforts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070812-01
Release Date: 8/12/2007 10:50:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Phil Hogan, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 43 and Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

USS JARRETT, At Sea (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, Det. 3, aided the Malaysian government with search and rescue (SAR) efforts for a missing Royal Malaysian military helicopter carrying six Malaysian personnel, July 14.

HSL 43 Det. 3, embarked aboard USS Jarrett (FFG 33), had just finished the Malaysian phase of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise 2007 when a call from the Malaysian military requesting SAR support for the missing helicopter was issued.

Within the hour, HSL 43 Det. 3 joined the multi-national search effort consisting of several Malaysian aircraft and ground units.

Rescue efforts were hampered by harsh climate conditions.

“Low-lying clouds, rain showers, and a dense, layered jungle canopy created tremendous challenges to conducting low-level flight while searching for the downed aircraft,” said HSL 43 Det. 3 officer in charge Lt. Cmdr. Greg Batchelder.

Maintaining communications with Jarrett, which was on station more than 150 miles away, was another challenge. The ship’s satellite communication system was down and the helicopter was flying beyond normal communication range. The crew adapted by using cell phones to relay vital information and coordinate their sorties.

“The cell phones were a vital link in the lines of communication,” said Batchelder. “All of the coordination for short notice diplomatic clearance from the ship to the U.S. Defense Attaché Office (USDAO) was accomplished by cell phone. Cell phones were used immediately before and following each sortie to relay updated information to the chain of command and to contact local aircraft controllers before entering Malaysian airspace.”

The downed helicopter was discovered on the fourth day of the search. Regrettably there were no survivors.

HSL 43 Det. 3 flew a total of 10 sorties, dedicating 25 hours, four pilots, and two air crewmen to the SAR mission.

According to the USDAO, the Malaysian government was extremely appreciative of the support from the Navy. Additionally, the USDAO stated the SAR effort reinforced the U.S. government’s willingness to support our friends overseas and will further strengthen our future relationship with Malaysia.

“The teamwork between all air assets was phenomenal, including support from Malaysian air traffic control facilities,” said Lt. Justin Eckhoff, a HSL 43 Det. 3 crew member. “We had very simple yet effective aircraft and SAR-related communication that allowed fifteen aircraft to operate safely and effectively together.”