Search and Rescue Operations

This cluster shows rescue swimmers in action, including drills and training exercises in water, representing maritime search and rescue efforts.

220726-N-PQ495-3055 SAN DIEGO (July 26, 2022) German Navy Lt. Cmdr. Steffen Schubert, commanding officer, Seebatallion Mine Clearance Diving Unit (SeeBtl. MiTaKp), left, and German Navy Chief Petty Officer Patrick Kohn participate in a diving exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. SeeBtl. MiTaKp is located in Eckernförde, Schleswig Holstein, Germany. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Rescue Swimmer - 26-HK-257-9. Hurricane Katrina

111215-N-NR955-017ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec 15, 2011) Engineman 3rd Class Michael E. Kenyon, a search and rescue swimmer aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), is lowered into the water during a shipboard recovery man-overboard drill. Gunston Hall is participating in a composite training unit exercise, a major requirement for the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group to be certified for deployment.

Two search and rescue (SAR) swimmers signal that all is well before they are hoisted aboard a Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 16 (HC-16) helicopter during SAR training near Pensacola, Florida. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) prepares to anchor in Portsmouth, England, for the ships second international port visit, Nov. 14, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Strike Group is conducting their first deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

Exercise of the search and rescue (SAR), Leeuwarden airbase. A crashed kite dobbert in a dinghy in the Wadden Sea after he managed to settle in safety with a parachute. The SAR helicopter is on site to save the unfortunate kite.

TSGT Rick Diaz, an Air Force Audiovisual photographer, takes photographs of a practice rescue mission while he floats in the water. The mission is being conducted by member s of the 129th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group of the Air National Guard. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

040316-M-5455N-005. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2D MAW

Exercise of the search and rescue (SAR), Leeuwarden airbase. A crashed kite dobbert in a dinghy in the Wadden Sea after he managed to settle in safety with a parachute. The SAR helicopter is on site and has been rescued the unfortunate kite. Dinghy is also included.

Scuba divers

220726-N-PQ495-3055 SAN DIEGO (July 26, 2022) German Navy Lt. Cmdr. Steffen Schubert, commanding officer, Seebatallion Mine Clearance Diving Unit (SeeBtl. MiTaKp), left, and German Navy Chief Petty Officer Patrick Kohn participate in a diving exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. SeeBtl. MiTaKp is located in Eckernförde, Schleswig Holstein, Germany. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Hedge, a calibration technician with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, swims to test endurance during the Water Survival Advanced course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification that Marines can obtain before becoming Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival. Throughout the course, students endured aquatic conditioning, endurance swimming, and underwater rescue training.

A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses his Supplemental Emergency Breathing Device prior to escaping the simulated helicopter seat during Shallow Water Egress Training at the Camp Hansen pool, May 30, 2014. The training allows the Marines to competently use their breathing devices and escape a submerged helicopter. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force of choice for the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Dave Torrance, Tech. Sgt., 210th Rescue Squadron Special Mission Aviator with the Alaska Air National Guards HH-60 Pave Hawks, mans the hoist cable system during a training mission above Homer, Alaska. The cable hoist system is used to lower pararescuemen to treat and rescue potential victims when the weather or terrain does not allow for the helicopter to land. In a combat theater the hoist system allows for an expedited rescue to minimize the vulnerability of the Pave Hawk and the crew members. U.S. Air Guard

DN-ST-88-03162. Base: Nav Ordnance Station Indian Head State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221024-A-JJ498-1171 ARABIAN GULF (Oct 24, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Chas Jackson and Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st class Aaron Stagg, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, conduct a search and rescue exercise, Oct. 24, in the Arabian Gulf. HSC-26 trains pilots and aircrewmen to employ the MH-60S Sea Hawk worldwide in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, search and rescue, medical evacuation, special warfare support, anti-surface warfare, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 5, 2023) Airman William Vignali, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), pushes off a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) during an open water surface Search and Rescue (SAR) training exercise, April 5, 2023. Essex is dry docked in San Diego conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard.

A Navy SEAL combat swimmer conducts a sneak and peak with his head just above the water surface and weapon at the ready during combat swimmer training off the coast of San Diego, California. The SEAL is diving an experimental closed circuit oxygen rebreather.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Derrick Burke, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, rappels during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, Dec. 3. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

170604-N-CS953-025 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 4, 2017) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Alix Sawin performs a backflip off the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) during a swim call. Mahan is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group deployed in 3880934the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

DN-SC-87-02934. Base: Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220422-N-HA192-1419NORFOLK, VA. (April 22, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), take on fuel during a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) April 22, 2022. Bataan is underway in the 2nd fleet area of operations. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

111030-N-FI736-086ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2011) Seaman Jeremiah Pherigo, a search and rescue swimmer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), is lowered into the water during a training exercise. Arleigh Burke is continuing its independent deployer certifications after completing Exercise Joint Warrior 2011-2.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Corbin Stinson, assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, enters the water for a dive during Exercise Dugong 2016, in Sydney, Australia, Nov. 10, 2016. Dugong is a bi-lateral U.S Navy and Royal Australian Navy training exercise, advancing tactical level U.S. service component integration, capacity, and interoperability with Australian Clearance Diving Team (AUSCDT) ONE.

020428-F-9528H-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Base: Port Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040913-F-3208M-025. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221030-N-TR763-1251 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Brian Draper assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) jumps into the Pacific Ocean during a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

220926-N-EV253-1861 SAN DIEGO (Sep. 26, 2022) - US Naval Aircrewmen assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM) component of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, hoist a practice dummy to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a dynamic proof of concept exercise in Glorietta Bay off the coast of Coronado, Calif., Sep. 26, 2022. During the evolution, SARMM tested the practicality of using two rescue swimmers versus the traditional one, as well as alternative litter deployment and recovery methods in an effort to decrease the time required to affect a rescue, and give future flight crews increased flexibility in a variety of different personnel recovery scenarios. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the responsibility for promoting policy and standardization in SAR training, equipment, manuals and procedures for all rescue capable units and associated medi

220926-N-EV253-1861 SAN DIEGO (Sep. 26, 2022) - US Naval Aircrewmen assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM) component of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, hoist a practice dummy to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a dynamic proof of concept exercise in Glorietta Bay off the coast of Coronado, Calif., Sep. 26, 2022. During the evolution, SARMM tested the practicality of using two rescue swimmers versus the traditional one, as well as alternative litter deployment and recovery methods in an effort to decrease the time required to affect a rescue, and give future flight crews increased flexibility in a variety of different personnel recovery scenarios. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the responsibility for promoting policy and standardization in SAR training, equipment, manuals and procedures for all rescue capable units and associated medi

Kelsie-Blake Weeks, a Barrier Island Ocean Rescue lifeguard prepares to be hoisted onto a H-60M Black Hawk helicopter by an FBI Hostage Rescue Team member during FBI HRT search and rescue training in the Charleston Harbor on Aug. 3, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina. The HRT training was supported by local Law and maritime agencies while Priority 1 Air Rescue was involved in training the FBI personnel to familiarize them with rescue operations onboard the H-60M Black Hawk helicopter.

Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 212th Rescue Squadron parachute from a 211th RSQ HC-130J Combat King II aircraft on to the frozen Beaufort Sea several hundred miles north of the Alaskan coastline March 5, 2018. This is the first time the Arctic Sustain Package, an air droppable package accompanied by rescue personnel that can provide shelter, heat, transportation, fuel, and food for 28 individuals for up to six and half days in extreme arctic conditions, has been dropped from the units new HC-130J Combat King II after receiving four new models last year. The training is linked to the Alaska National Guards Arctic Eagle 2018 and U.S. Navys Ice Exercise. A number of Department of Defense exercises afford participating forces the opportunity to operate in a joint environment while assessing the ability to conduct sustained operations in arctic conditions including Arctic Eagle 2018, Alaskan Commands Exercise Arctic Edge, the U.S. Armys Arctic Pegasus, and the U.S. Navys ICEX.

NORFOLK (Oct. 22, 2012) Two naval air crewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 tread water during simulated search and rescue operations.

S66-50757 (15 Sept. 1966) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., command pilot of the Gemini-11 spaceflight, is hoisted aboard a recovery helicopter from the USS Guam. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot, sits in a life raft below waiting to be picked up. Gemini-11 splashed down at 9 a.m. (EST) Sept. 15, 1966, to conclude a three-day mission in space.

The US Navy and NASA recovery teams are on station off the cost of California on Dec. 3, 2014 and ready to recover Orion after Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) landing. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

U.S. Navy SEALs assigned to a Naval Special Operations Team, tread water while preparing to go underwater during a dive mission as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 12, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

DN-ST-87-00940. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WEDDING 86 Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Navy SEALs assigned to a Naval Special Operations Team, signal each other while preparing to go underwater during a dive mission as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 12, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to USS New Orleans (LPD 18), jumps from the catwalk during a swim call aboard New Orleans in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West conducts visit board search and seizure exercises and maritime interdiction operations off the coast of San Diego July, 18, 2022, these exercises are in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29-Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Stanton.

A Navy diver from Mobile Diving Salvage Unit One enters the water from a diving platform. The diver, wearing a Mark 12 dive helmet is studying the wreck of the World War II Japanese merchant ship KIZUGAWA MARU as part of Project Sea Mark, a four-year undersea survey and mapping study of naval historic sites. The study is being conducted in conjuction with the U.S. Park Service's Submerged Cultural Resource Unit. Base: Apra Harbor State: Guam (GU) Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

With his canine partner firmly held, a Coast Guard service member with the Marine Safety and Security Team in Galveston, Texas, is hoisted down from an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter deployed from Air Station Houston to a waiting boat. The hoist was part of a training evolution designed to acclimate the dog and handler with the aerial entry process. US Coast Guard Art Program 2022 Collection, Ob ID# 202202, "Special delivery hoist training," C.R. Bob Bryant, oil, 16 x 20

An FBI Hostage Rescue Team member is lowered from a H-60M Black Hawk helicopter during FBI HRT search and rescue training in the Charleston Harbor on Aug. 4, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina. The HRT training was supported by local Law and maritime agencies while Priority 1 Air Rescue was involved in training the FBI personnel to familiarize them with rescue operations onboard the H-60M Black Hawk helicopter.

A member of the Armée de l'Air et de lEspace (French Air and Space Force) executes a military free fall from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing near Cazaux Air Base, France, May 6, 2022. The MFF was part of exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities. Exercises like Athena allow U.S. service members to train at the operational and tactical echelon as a combined, joint force with SOF setting the conditions for larger operations.

Members of the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobil Unit 7 from San Diego, California in the Zodiac boat lay out markers on the lake surface as divers search for the 500 pound Mark 82 bombs carried by the A-10 that crashed on nearby Gold Dust Peak. Base: Big Spruce Lake State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Evan Beavers, a boatswains mate aboard USCGC Bear (WMEC 901), backflips into the water after being relieved as the coxswain of the cutter small boat during a swim call, Sep. 18, 2022. The crew of the Bear were granted a swim call by command as a reward at the end of their patrol.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-03-24. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-03-24. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 18, 2012) Ship's Serviceman Seaman Shan Willoughby, one of two search and rescue swimmers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), rescues "Oscar" during a man overboard drill for Exercise Joint Warrior 2012. Joint Warrior serves as a certifying event for ships deploying with coalition forces in future operations.

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, traverse waves in a Zodiac rigid-inflatable boat during their unit spur ride at Bellows Airforce Station, HI., on May 5, 2022. The purpose of this operation is to evaluate the tactical competence, technical proficiency, and physical fitness of Cavalry Soldiers who strive to be inducted into the "Order of the Spur".

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) rappel from an MV-22B Osprey assigned toMarine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 during a Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques(HRST) Master Course at Landing Zone Sterling, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. Rappelling allowsMarines to enter landing zones that are too dangerous for helicopters to safely land. Fast rope andhelicopter rope suspension training teach Marines proper knots, rappelling techniques, and buildconfidence for maneuvering from air to ground.

221030-N-TR763-1855 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - A Sailor assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) jumps into the Pacific Ocean during a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A combat control team scuba diver boards an inflatable boat during a water training exercise. The team member is from the 63rd Military Airlift Wing. Base: Anacapa Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Rockhold, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) specialist assigned to 353rd Combat Training Squadron, attempts to catch a fish as part of Tropical Survival training during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 9, 2024.U.S. and JASDF Airmen shared tropical environment recovery procedures to better operate as a Joint, Combined force in the Indo-Pacific region. Air Force

A Virginia Army National Guard Soldier participates in the 100-meter swim assessment during testing for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) July 4, 2022.Fifty-seven Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa earned the GAFPB July 4-5, 2022, at Camp Simba, Kenya. The badge is a test of physical fitness and shooting proficiency with three levels of the award that can be earned: gold, silver, and bronze. It is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.

A signalman aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) runs signal flags up the halyard. The NEW JERSEY, after recently completing renovation and modernization, is undergoing sea trials prior to reactivation in January 1983. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members with Air Rescue Squadron 71, Fleet Air Wing 31, conduct rescue training during the JMSDF New Years flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 5, 2024. The JMSDF New Years flight is typically held at the beginning of January, and this years flight showcased the US-2s capabilities, as well as Fleet Air Wing 31s ability to swiftly and successfully conduct search and rescue missions. This is the first time in 9 years the event has been held at Iwakuni.

221210-N-BR419-2112 PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 10, 2022) Damage Controlman 2nd Class William Knowles, from Key West, Florida, tests the countermeasure wash-down system on the flight deck aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Dec. 10. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

220926-N-EV253-2337 SAN DIEGO (Sep. 26, 2022) - US Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Justin Pickering, assigned to assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM) component of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, and from Woodbridge, Illinois, is hoisted to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter after securing a practice dummy to a litter during a dynamic proof of concept exercise in Glorietta Bay off the coast of Coronado, Calif., Sep. 26, 2022. During the evolution, SARMM tested the practicality of using two rescue swimmers versus the traditional one, as well as alternative litter deployment and recovery methods in an effort to decrease the time required to affect a rescue, and give future flight crews increased flexibility in a variety of different personnel recovery scenarios. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the responsibility for promoting policy and

130313-N-WX059-151 PEARL HARBOR (March 13, 2013) Builder 2nd Class Kyle Neuman, left, and Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Danial Nichols both assigned to Construction Dive Detachment Alpha, part of Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2 out of Port Hueneme, Calif., weld during a structural pile restoration at the Hotel piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Underwater Construction Team provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations.

A Navy SEAL combat swimmer, diving a oxygen rebreather, taking a quick sneak and peak above the waterline to ensure he is on course to the target

220926-N-EV253-1324 SAN DIEGO (Sep. 26, 2022) - US Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Devin Haswell, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Weapons School, Pacific, and from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, secures a practice dummy to a litter before hoisting it to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a dynamic proof of concept exercise in Glorietta Bay off the coast of Coronado, Calif., Sep. 26, 2022. During the evolution, which was overseen by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM) component of HSC-3, the practicality of using two rescue swimmers versus the traditional one was tested, as well as alternative litter deployment and recovery methods in an effort to decrease the time required to affect a rescue, and give future flight crews increased flexibility in a variety of different personnel recovery scenarios. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the respo

221007-N-XB010-1006 Philippine Sea (Oct. 7, 2022) -Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) disembark from the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stern gate in combat ready rubber crafts (CRRCs). New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

120325-N-DX615-180ARABIAN GULF (March 25, 2012) Sailors move chocks and chains on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as the ship prepares to recover a landing craft air cushion. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

020830-F-1443F-024. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

221030-N-TR763-1548 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Casandra Camacho, from Miami, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) jumps into the Pacific Ocean during a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

060823-N-5484G-035. Base: Ns San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ATLANTIC OCEAN - Seaman Hudson Haylor stands a lookout watch aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Jan. 22, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is the final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEUs ability to conduct military operations through joint planning, and execute challenging and realistic scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Schwab)

220510-N-DW158-1060 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 10, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) Airman Zachary Dahl from Pleasant Hill, Oregon, lays a rubber cover over a catapult on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during a test of the ships countermeasure wash-down system. The countermeasure wash-down system is used before, during, and after chemical contamination events to wash off harmful chemicals or agents on the outside of the ship. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units take part in a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, WI.

U.S. Marines with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit take part in underwater egress training (UET) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 1, 2022. The UET allows Marines to gain confidence in their abilities to exit an aircraft in the event of an accident over water and also allows Marines to become comfortable in their emergency equipment.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 21, 2022) Operation's Specialist 3rd Class Jack Sunnerville, assigned to USS Barry (DDG 52), assists the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) for a scheduled port visit as part of the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, begin their ascent during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 24, 2013) Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Bryan Dingess, assigned to Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1, signals to a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton during a Dawn Blitz 2013 amphibious exercise. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven exercise led by U.S. 3rd Fleet and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force that will test the planning and execution of amphibious operations of the United States, New Zealand, Canadian, and the Japam Maritime Self-Defense Force.

A-10 recovery team members tie themselves in to the safety lines after being lowered to the crash site from a CH-47 helicopter from Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard. Base: Gold Dust Peak State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-07967. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian J. Rashid, a Houston, Texas, native and combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, pulls himself out of the water while executing an arctic plunge during the NATO Cold Weather Instructor Course in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 25, 2022. NCWIC is a course designed to develop Marines and other service members to be instructors of cold weather survival training in preparation for future deployments.

An East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) conducts a military free fall into Arctic waters from a MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing during Arctic Edge 24 in Kodiak, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2024. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate the Commands ability to conduct Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Army

A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to USS New Orleans (LPD 18), jumps from the catwalk during a swim call aboard New Orleans in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

(220527-N-OI810-0108) KEY WEST, Florida (May 27, 2022) Steelworker 1st Class Leonardo Gomez, left, from Bogota, Columbia, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, and Builder 1st Class Marcelo Restrepo, from Orlando, Florida, assigned to NMCB-14 remove a dock bumper from a fueling dock at Sigsbee Marina, Naval Air Station Key West (NASKW), May 27, 2022. Seabees assigned to NMCB-14 travelled to NASKW to perform on-site training and assist with facility and compound maintenance. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

Aircrew members of the 127th Air Refueling Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, participate in water survival training at a local water park on August 13, 2022. Part of a routine skill certification, the survival, evasion, resistance and escape training gave KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew and A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots practice on how to survive if their planes crash over a large body of water.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 31, 2012) Seaman Corey Duncan washes down the well deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) are deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Special Operator from the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Special Tactics Squadron parachutes into the Ohio River during the annual Thunder Over Louisville airshow in Louisville, Ky., April 13, 2019. Hundreds of thousands of spectators turned out to view the event, which has grown to become one of the largest single-day air shows in North America.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Audra St Hilare, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducts an ice breaker drill as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 9, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain-warfare training, and military-to- military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexander Caterinicchio, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, conducts mountain maneuvering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 20, 2022. The 3rd ASOS Airmen participated in this training to strengthen mission-readiness skills in mountain terrain.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Holmes conducts swiftwater rescue training April 10, 2013 near Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. Pararescuemen, like Holmes, are the Department of Defenses only combat force specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full-spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations. Holmes is assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Normand E. LaFleur, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Six (VFA-146) assists in loading a CBU-87/B cluster bomb on the wing of an F/A-18C Hornet. USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and her embarked air wing nine (CVW-9) are operating in the Persian Gulf to enforce UN sanction against Iraq by patrolling the no-fly zone under operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion travel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Nome, Alaska, via UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter April 11, 2022. The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will remain in Nome for Golf Company, Detachment 1, 2-211th GSAB to conduct annual training and aide in River Watch if needed this spring. Should there be significant flooding or other emergency in the vicinity, the helicopters will provide support as requested by the State. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

Special Operation Forces helocast from a Joint Task Force-Bravo CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, June 20, 2022, as part of Fuerzas Comando 2022 at Tiger Island, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando 2022 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, executed by U.S. Special Operations Command South, which has been conducted primarily in Central and South America and the Caribbean since 2004. Teams from more than 20 countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, are taking part in the competition, which promotes military-to-military relationships,increases training knowledge and improves regional security. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Amber Carter)

011127-M-2427M-003. Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Stephan Bristow, a Colorado Springs, Colorado, native and an infantry officer with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conducts a 500-meter swim during the Division Leader Assessment Program 4-22 on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 8, 2022. The assessment program provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 conducts low altitude tactics (LAT) training in vicinity of Northern Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, teaches his son how to spool a line on a reel at a fishing event held at the harbor at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 11, 2023. The harbor was opened to local fishermen and the MCAS Iwakuni community for a fishing event to promote camaraderie among Japanese and Americans.

A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from the brow during a swim call aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Recruits with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 12, 2022. Basic swim qualification consists of a 25 meter swim, tower jump into the water, four minute tread, 25 meter pack swim, and an under water gear shed.

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