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Whidbey SAR Improves Interoperability, Trains with Rescue Council

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090508-05
Release Date: 5/8/2009 7:20:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (NNS) -- Members of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Search and Rescue (SAR) team provided training to volunteers from the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council (BMRC) at Bellingham International Airport, May 5.

BMRC, a volunteer mountain rescue organization that works under the authority of the Whatcom County Sherriff's Office, and NAS Whidbey SAR have a long history of cooperation in rescue efforts.

The training is held annually to ensure cohesion in rescue procedures is continually maintained between the two entities.

"Our members gain significant value from any cross-training with another agency," said Harry Patz, operations leader for BMRC, from Acme, Wash. "In our case, we really need the opportunity to learn more about helo ops before we get on a mission for the simple reason that a mission is the wrong time to be practicing something."

The training involved an information session presented by Lt. James Udall and Naval Aircrewman 1st Class (AW/NAC) Chad Lewis, both of NAS Whidbey Island SAR. They educated the attendees on communication and location methods SAR uses in their MH-60S Seahawk.

"They do this every year, but it's just another way to tell them the procedures and it gives them a chance to see how to work once the hoist hits the deck," said Lt. Brandon Sheets, a NAS Whidbey Island SAR pilot. "When we arrive on scene (at a rescue), nobody wants any extra surprises and we want everything to flow smoothly and efficiently."

This was followed by a static demonstration that allowed the volunteers to get the feel of being hoisted with the helicopter on the ground. Next, the aircraft went airborne to provide an opportunity for BMRC members to observe and feel the prop wash generated while the helicopter hovered at different levels, and, finally, actual hoisting of personnel into the aircraft.

"Cross-training with any other resource is aimed at improving efficiency and safety," said Patz. "Most of our members will be exposed to a helicopter quite a few times in the volunteer career with BMRC, and the information presented makes that operation a smarter, safer and more efficient process."

For more news from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, visit www.navy.mil/local/naswhidbey/.