MCB HAWAII -- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 51 Windjammers performed a joint forces training search and rescue exercise in Kaneohe Bay on April 22.
The combined effort included a C-130 Hercules aircraft manned by United States Coast Guard pilots from Barbers Point and an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 Easy Riders.
Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Pacific Fleet Detachment flew in two water survival instructors from Whidbey Island, Wash. Marine Corps Base Hawaii Waterfront Operations provided additional support.
“This is a rare opportunity for us to do a multi-unit exercise,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr.Eric Ascheman, operations officer, VR-51. “We usually practice in a pool, so for us to get out in the ocean to do an extraction provides important hands-on training.”
The exercise began in Hangar 105 with an overview of the emergency equipment involved.
Once the crew was familiarized and briefed, they headed to the MCB Hawaii Marine and Outdoor Recreation Center to board two Morale, Welfare and Recreation pontoon boats.
Kaneohe Bay port security and WFO provided safety and security for VR-51 as they embarked to the middle of the bay.
The C-130 dropped smoke and flares to set up a perimeter for the exercise as mock survivors posed in the water. Minutes later, the C-130 dropped a 20-man life raft to the swimmers.
As the SH-60B went airborne, motivational “Ride of the Valkyries” music blasted from large onshore speakers. Two SAR swimmers were dropped from the helicopter and they swam to the pick-up area.
“The current was strong but not too dangerous,” said swimmer Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Bryce J. Williams, an aircrewman with HSL-37. “It was a longer swim than normal for us working with VR-51, but we do this exercise nearly six times per year, so for them to get this training is good real-life practice.”
Individual survivors were hoisted in a basket halfway up to the helicopter and then lowered back into the water.
After a series of lifts, all swimmers were directed to an inflated life raft leashed to a pontoon boat. The swimmers were then pulled back to the marina to conclude the exercise.
“The training really built up my confidence,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Aircrewman Andrew D. Gill, VR-51. “It was a real world experience in a safer environment.”
Navy Cmdr. David Parker, safety operations officer, VR-51, was credited for the successful planning of the exercise.
“The commander put a lot of hard work into the SAREX. He allowed for stellar communication between the different services, and he knows how to talk to the right people,” Gill said.
This exercise is parallel to the recurrent training necessary for his aircrew to stay current in mandatory water survival training, according to Parker.
“The SAREX was a total success. We don’t have anything else planned on this scale in the near future, but this operation went smoothly and we stuck to the time table well,” Parker said.