Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers: Heroes of the Deep
The United States Navy has a long history of bravery and selflessness, and one of the most elite and respected groups within the Navy is the Aviation Rescue Swimmers (ARS). These heroes of the deep are trained to rescue personnel in distress, often in the most challenging and hostile environments. In this article, we will delve into the world of Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers, exploring their history, training, and missions.
A Brief History of Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers
The concept of rescue swimmers dates back to World War II, when the Navy recognized the need for specialized personnel to rescue pilots and aircrew who were forced to ditch their aircraft in the ocean. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Navy began to formalize its rescue swimmer program, training personnel to recover airmen in distress.
Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of the Navy, with ARS becoming an integral part of naval aviation. Today, ARS are an essential component of the Navy’s search and rescue (SAR) operations, providing a critical link between the aircraft and the personnel they are sent to rescue.
Training to Become an Aviation Rescue Swimmer
Becoming an Aviation Rescue Swimmer is an extremely challenging and selective process. The training pipeline is designed to push candidates to their limits, testing their physical and mental toughness.
To be eligible for the ARS program, candidates must meet rigorous physical standards, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 18 and 28
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a physical fitness test
Once selected, candidates begin a grueling training program that includes:
- Basic Training: Candidates attend the Navy’s Basic Training, also known as Boot Camp, where they learn the fundamentals of being a sailor.
- Aircrew Candidate School: Candidates attend this school to learn the basics of being an aircrew member.
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training: Candidates learn how to survive in hostile environments and evade capture.
- Aviation Rescue Swimmer School: Candidates attend this school to learn the skills necessary to become an ARS, including swimming, diving, and rescue techniques.
The training pipeline is notoriously difficult, with a dropout rate of around 50%. However, those who persevere are rewarded with a prestigious and respected rating within the Navy.
The Role of Aviation Rescue Swimmers
ARS are trained to perform a variety of missions, including:
- Search and Rescue (SAR): ARS are deployed to search for and rescue personnel in distress, often in remote or hostile areas.
- Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR): ARS are trained to recover personnel who have been shot down or stranded in enemy territory.
- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC): ARS are trained to evacuate injured personnel from the battlefield or other hostile environments.
ARS use a variety of aircraft, including the SH-60 Seahawk and the MH-60 Romeo, to perform their missions. They are also trained to use specialized equipment, such as rescue baskets and hoists, to recover personnel in distress.
Real-World Missions
ARS have been involved in numerous high-profile missions over the years, including:
- Operation Earnest Will: In 1987, ARS were deployed to the Persian Gulf to escort reflagged Kuwaiti tankers and recover personnel in distress.
- Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, ARS were deployed to the Persian Gulf to support coalition forces and recover personnel in distress.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: In 2001, ARS were deployed to Afghanistan to support coalition forces and recover personnel in distress.
ARS have also been involved in numerous humanitarian missions, including:
- Hurricane Katrina: In 2005, ARS were deployed to the Gulf Coast to assist in the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
- Typhoon Haiyan: In 2013, ARS were deployed to the Philippines to assist in the relief efforts following Typhoon Haiyan.
Conclusion
Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers are truly heroes of the deep, risking their lives to rescue personnel in distress. Their training is rigorous, their missions are challenging, and their sacrifices are immense. However, the reward is worth it – the knowledge that they are making a difference and saving lives.
The ARS program is a shining example of the Navy’s commitment to excellence and selflessness. These heroes of the deep are an inspiration to us all, and their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
What is the role of an Aviation Rescue Swimmer?
+
An Aviation Rescue Swimmer (ARS) is a member of the United States Navy who is trained to rescue personnel in distress, often in hostile or remote environments. ARS are trained to perform a variety of missions, including search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
How do I become an Aviation Rescue Swimmer?
+
To become an Aviation Rescue Swimmer, you must meet rigorous physical standards and pass a series of challenging tests. You must also complete a grueling training program that includes Basic Training, Aircrew Candidate School, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer School.
What kind of training do Aviation Rescue Swimmers receive?
+
Aviation Rescue Swimmers receive a wide range of training, including swimming, diving, and rescue techniques. They also learn how to operate specialized equipment, such as rescue baskets and hoists, and how to navigate challenging environments.
