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Kearsarge Completes SARCERT

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080324-11
Release Date: 3/24/2008 1:08:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William S. Parker, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

ABOARD USS KEARSARGE (NNS) -- Search and rescue swimmers aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) completed the search and rescue certification (SARCERT) March 13.

The certification consisted of four areas: Administration, equipment, surface rescue swimmers and rescue boat evolution.

"The certification was a superbly executed event," said Lt. j.g. Chad Hunsucker, SAR officer on board Kearsarge. "The grades are qualified, unqualified and needs attention and Kearsarge qualified."

The first day of the inspection consisted of administrative tests-checking the SAR swimmers' overall knowledge on topics such as first aide, rescue procedures and proper equipment.

"The tests help us maintain our mental readiness as well as physical readiness," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Anthony Boatner, a Kearsarge SAR swimmer.

The second day of the inspection was held at the Fleet Recreation pool on Norfolk Naval Station where Kearsarge SAR swimmers endured a swim fitness test. The swimmers performed a 500-meter swim followed by a 400-meter buddy tow, and a helicopter crash scenario.

"It's all stuff we should be able to do, and can do," Boatner said, who is certifying for the second year since reporting to Kearsarge. "These drills get you back in the mindset to be able to survive after the helicopter goes down in the water as well as rescue survivors, and do it safely."

As a SAR swimmer, one must be ready to not only swim in storm tossed ocean waves as well as become a corpsman and take charge as the senior medical person on scene.

"Petty Officer Boatner is one of the strongest swimmers I have seen in years," said Hunsucker. "This SARCERT went incredibly smoothly due to his expertise."

The last portion of the inspection included a boat inspection, first aid gear inspection and a small boat recovery. The swimmers dressed out in full gear and performed a simulated rescue in the 50-degree ocean.

"Ships have to have the knowledge and know how to complete these types of simulations," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Nicholas Jahrmarkt of ATG. "Kearsarge has demonstrated that they can commence a SAR rescue safely and efficiently."

"It was a tough inspection," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Miguel Mejiacontreras, a Kearsarge SAR swimmer. "But it's all worth it to know we are following the right procedures and performing the way we should be in the end."

"Kearsarge SAR swimmers and boat crew successfully passed the written test, the pool practical skills, the small boat recovery, and the SAR and boat equipment inspection with ease due to the dedication and superior preparation of the SAR swimmers," said Hunsucker.

Kearsarge has recertified its SAR qualification until 2010.

For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/.