USS Mason, HSM 74 Team Up for SAREX

Surface rescue swimmers from guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and aviation rescue swimmers from the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, “Swamp Foxes”, conducted a combined search and rescue (SAR) exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 29.

An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from HSM 74 performed aerial searches and swimmer insertions while a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from Mason was used to deliver swimmers to recover simulated survivors more than two nautical miles from Mason.

“The goal was to provide a safe, practical and realistic training experience in accordance with our quarterly and annual training requirements that offered the chance to apply our skills in a combined event,” said Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 1st Class Michael Reilly, an aviation rescue swimmer assigned to HSM 74 embarked aboard Mason.

HSM 74 showcased their SAR capabilities by recovering simulated survivors with a rescue strop and a two-person rescue basket extended from the helicopter hovering more than 50 feet above the sea.

“This was the first time I’ve seen the rescue basket used outside of training videos or television programming,” said Reilly. “It was easy to control and worked well during the event.”

Mason’s RHIB-based team successfully navigated the choppy water, deployed finned surface rescue swimmers and swam simulated survivors to safety.

“Each team took turns alternating between the roles of survivor or rescuer,” said Ensign Timothy McDaniel, a surface rescue swimmer aboard Mason. “The swimmers all had an opportunity to experience what the other team has been trained to do and, as a result, gain some appreciation for the role they play in the surface or aviation communities.”

Both surface rescue and aviation rescue swimmers go through a similar curriculum in order to earn their respective posts.

“The SAR component at each of our schools is virtually the same,” said Reilly. “However, most of the training takes place in a controlled environment like a pool or bay. Training in the Mediterranean Sea was a rare opportunity.”

“We all found out firsthand today that physical fitness is a top priority when dealing with rescues in a sea state,” said McDaniel. “Once fatigue takes hold, it becomes more difficult to remain objective in an emergency. “

Given the teams’ performances and the benefits of an open-ocean SAR event, Mason and HSM 74 have already begun outlining plans for the next integrated training exercise.

“We all performed as expected,” said Reilly. “Both teams have well-trained swimmers that did their jobs in a professional manner and had a lot of fun doing it.”

Mason is currently deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Press Release, November 04, 2013; Image: US Navy