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Enterprise Aviation Rescue Swimmers Train So Others May Live

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100914-04
9/14/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Guerra, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 aviation search and rescue swimmers (AIRR) participated in a Category 2 sea state direct deployment qualification Sept. 4 while embarked aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

The qualification required AIRR Sailors, aboard an HH-60H helicopter, to rappel 15 feet to the water below while staying connected to the helicopter by cable and simulate the rescue of distressed personnel.

This type of jump is typically the preferred way to rescue personnel in the water during instances of hurricane, flood or heavy seas.

According to Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class (AW/NAC) Ricardo A. Becerra, the ability to retrieve personnel from the water is not the only thing an AIRR is judged upon during qualifications such as this. In order to be effective, an AIRR must be able to asses the situation and plan a course of action prior to initiating a rescue.

"It's all about your decision-making," said Becerra.
"It's easy to stay in shape, but the knowledge we have to posses is the difference. Making the right decision under pressure is the key."

The extensive training AIRR personnel must go through prior to earning their aircrew wings is the foundation which provides the knowledge to asses many different situations. With each AIRR Sailor completing two years of training in areas ranging from open oceanography and tracking submarines to survival, evasion, resistance and escape techniques, they are well-equipped to meet any challenge.

"There are so many different aspects to our job that we have to keep training," said Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class (AW/NAC) Christopher R. Davidson. "People's lives depend on our ability to perform our job. We have to be ready for anything that happens."

In order to stay prepared for the challenges AIRR Sailors may face, each member of the AIRR team typically puts in a minimum of two hours of physical training a day while underway. This physical training along with their dedication to studying the various mission areas they serve: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery and anti-force protection, reinforces the knowledge and confidence necessary to perform at peak performance.

For those Sailors donning aircrew wings, quitting isn't an option. With a community whose motto is "So Others May Live," that fight-to-the-finish spirit is not surprising.

"You have to want it and keep working until you reach your full potential," said Davidson. "You keep going until you make it. As long as you have that mental focus, you can make it."

Enterprise is conducting work-ups and flight deck operations in preparation for its upcoming deployment.