Navy Rescue Swimmer Dads

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Comment by Blake W. on August 18, 2011 at 10:34pm

My son graduated today from RSS. He, along with just about everyone in the last couple of classes, has been assigned to Romeo- though he was really hoping for Sierra. I'm very period of him!

Comment by Brad on August 18, 2011 at 9:11pm

Just uploaded a funny pic from Garrett and his Detachment Alpha serving from the USS Cowpens as part of the 7th Fleet Summer tour with the GW.

Comment by Brad on August 3, 2011 at 7:38pm

Got a nice note from my son Garrett, the CO came by his group the other day to present Garrett with a Safety Award.  He is with the 7th Fleet having just completed excercises with the Australian Navy this past month.  Great to see his efforts are being noticed!

Comment by Trust No One on July 18, 2011 at 4:16am

Well son is around the half way mark in Romeo school after this Frac and SERE

Comment by Brad on July 10, 2011 at 10:14pm

The following is a great explaination from a Facebook post of what our AW/Resuce Swimmers do as a part of the 7th fleet working with the USS George Washington and the supporting ships also carring HS-14 helos.

HS-14 Performs Invaluable Support to USS George Washington By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William Gatlin

by USS George Washington (CVN 73) on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 6:10pm

SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 30, 2011) – Aircraft carriers often conjure up images of fighter jets being catapulted off the bow, but aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) on patrol in the South China Sea,, that wouldn’t happen without the “Chargers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 14 (HS-14) which has a new claim to fame.

 

HS-14 is the U.S. Navy’s largest Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron, first in the air and the last to land on the deck during the continuous flight operations aboard the Navy’s only fulltime forward-deployed nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. 

 

“Our primary mission is to provide plane guard and search and rescue (SAR) assets during flight operations and protect the inner zone by making sure the area remains clear from any potential threats,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Hayes, HS-14’s Operations Officer. “The fixed wing aircraft are not going to fly unless we are up in the air to provide them with SAR.”

 

To be ready to execute in a moment’s notice when called upon, HS-14 conducts extensive SAR training day and night, for both peacetime and at times of conflict.  By being able to complete this mission, HS-14 can support the Air Wing and increases the overall readiness of the Strike Group.

 

In addition, HS-14 has mission capabilities for Anti-submarine (ASW) and Anti-surface (ASUW) warfare, anti-ship missile defense, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Special Operations Forces (SOF) support.  The squadron maintains and flies two versions of the H-60 Seahawk: the SH-60F for ASW and the HH-60H for CSAR and SOF missions.

 

“Our squadron is tasked daily to support each Warfare Commander across all mission areas.  It is exciting to fly a platform that is multi-mission capable,” said Hayes. 

 

In 2010, USS George Washington navigated more than 50,000 nautical miles across the western Pacific Ocean.  During that time, North Korea sank the South Korean ship, Cheonan, taking tensions between the two nations to the tipping point.  While those tensions have de-escalated, the incident demonstrated the need for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the western Pacific.  With George Washington once again underway, HS-14 fulfills that mission critical need.

 

“The Chargers coordinate with the surface assets of the Carrier Strike Group to investigate surface threats near the operating area as well is any indication that a submerged threat is operating in the carrier strike group’s vicinity,” said LT Brian Carnes.  “Helicopters in their nature are a flexible asset, so as a squadron we have to remain flexible to the needs of the strike group.”

 

That flexibility is plain to see when George Washington is conducting a vertical replenishment-at-sea (RAS).  While fixed wing aircraft stand down during this evolution, the helicopters of HS-14 are still in the air, moving hundreds of pallets back and forth between the supply ship and George Washington’s flight deck.

 

Vertical replenishments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the logistical support capabilities HS-14 brings to the fight.  HS-14 also conducts medical evacuations, personnel transfers between ships and shore and deliver mission essential parts among the strike group.

 

“Our missions might not always be as cool as others, but we play a vital role in the strike group and do a lot of behind the scenes grunt work.  I like to think of us as a lineman on a Super Bowl winning team,” said Hayes.

In the aftermath of Japan’s massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked in the nation in March, HS-14 was among the first U.S. Navy assets on the frontlines, delivering life-saving supplies to thousands of homeless people in need. 

 

“Being able to assist our Japanese neighbors during Operation Tomodachi was incredibly rewarding.  It was an All Hands effort to respond as quickly as we did.  We flew in tremendously challenging environments: winter storms in the mountains, coupled with the potential for radiation contamination from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant,” said Hayes.

But the squadron was ready to meet those challenges when called upon.  Throughout Operation Tomodachi, HS-14 flew more than 500 hours and delivered over 62,000 pounds of life-saving relief supplies directly to those hit the hardest. 

 

George Washington returned to patrolling the waters of the Western Pacific ocean on June 12, 2011, departing her forward operating base of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka.  Onboard are more than 5,500 Sailors from George Washington and Carrier Air Wing Five. George Washington’s mission is to ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific and to be in position to work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis across the operational spectrum as directed.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on July 7, 2011 at 3:53pm

as far as I know training would not be considered a PCS....

Comment by Eric McGlade on July 7, 2011 at 3:40pm

Hey all. I'm looking into the possibilities of joining the Navy as AWS. Can anyone tell me if my family would be PCS'd out to me when I'm going through FRAC? My understanding is FRAC is 6-12 months depending if you go AW Romeo or Sierra, and either San Diego or Norfolk, so my question is in regards to that part of training.
Thanks for any help/advice you can give,
Eric

Comment by Brad on June 8, 2011 at 7:34pm

David, Bravo Zulo for your son Robert and his accomplishment of AW 1.  Outstanding!  Love that he earned all those medals.  He will be a great addition to helping the new Helo pilots!  God Speed to him.

Comment by David Wells on June 7, 2011 at 9:09pm

Congrats to your son, Robert.  My son did a tour at Buehring with the air ambulance service three years ago.  Ask your son if Wednesday is still 'surf n turf' day with steak and lobster?  My son returned with the Army Air Medal, the Navy Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy sailor of the quarter, and a great appreciaton of air conditioning.

Comment by David Wells on June 7, 2011 at 9:04pm

Less than 5% of sailors testing for AW-1 (E-6) made the grade.  Proud that my son Robert (Rescue swimmer) was in the top 2%, had the frocking and is now a First Class Petty Officer.  He's now at Whiting Field in Florida training new Navy Helicopter pilots.   I made it to E5 as a helicopter aircrewman, but got out because of that little Vietnam thing..

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