The Path of a Rescue Swimmer

[Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)]

This was previously posted in forums by Kari - but thought I would post it here to (it's good info. for the new people in the group - like me!) Thanks Kari and BB!

Here goes.......

After Boot Camp PIR, your son will go to Pensacola. He may be on hold there for a couple of months before classing up for NACCS (Naval Air Crew Candidacy School). My son was on hold for about 6 weeks last spring (08).  NACCS is about 5-6 weeks, depending on how long processing takes.  After graduating NACCS, he will most likely be on hold again before classing up for RSS (Rescue Swimmer School). RSS is 5 weeks long.  After RSS graduation, they usually are on hold again for a month or more.  Rescue Swimmers are AW rate. (Aviation Warfare). They serve as Air Crew for the AW's.  They will have another "job" on board, but are considered Rescue Swimmers first.  As far as what they do, they sit in the gunners chair right behind the pilot.  They are responsible for contact with the tower for the pilot, and contact with the pilot.  They are to be constantly looking out for an emergency landing spot.  They learn in their training what to look for.  The RS also pre-flights the entire helo before flying (2-3 hours).  They have the right to ground a helo, if they don't see it fit to fly.  He has had to ground a couple already for things that weren't fixed on previous lists.  After each flight, they do a checklist report of what wasn't working correctly on the flight that needs to be fixed before it flies again.  The RS needs to know how to read the mission display, they are "back up eyes and brains" for the pilots.  Interestingly, the Coast Guard goes to school a lot longer for RS, 14 months I think, but when they are done, they know NOTHING about the helo that they fly in.  He said most of them don't even know what kind of engine is in it, or what kind of oil it takes!!!  Navy trains their RS to know EVERYTHING about the helo, down to the last BOLT!!!  Pretty cool.  He said if there came a time when it is needed, they could even fly the helo if something happens to the pilot, they know that much.  He said that doesn't happen much though.  If something happened to the pilot, there isn't much time to get him out of the seat.  The Sierra can carry up to 12 people, so it is much more stripped down for SAR/Combat rescues.
What rate within the AW rate they have will depend on which "platform" (aircraft) they will serve as Air Crew on.  They usually are "chosen" for this platform, but are sometimes allowed to give a "preference".  My son is on the Sierra, which is a sea combat platform, whereas the "Romeo" is more of a "mine and sub chaser".  AW School has 9 platforms.  Each platform is directed at a different aircraft. Rescue Swimmers only have 2 choices of platforms (as they can only jump out of a helo...not a plane hee hee )  So they can go H-60R (Romeo) or H-60S (Sierra).  The Romeo is the newest version, and they just officially went into the fleet this past October.  (They have been training the pilots since Oct 2007 for them).  The Romeo is deployed aboard an assault ship, and tracks foreign subs with sonar, and can launch missiles.  Typically, with only a 4 person crew, the RS is the missile minder.  The Romeo is used primarily in ocean rescues.
The Sierra is basically a gutted Huey/Blackhawk.  It has a technically updated flight data system for the pilot, but is otherwise gutted.  It is used to rescue wounded soldiers by land, as well as sea. It is also used in SEAL missions.  It is usually ground based somewhere on foreign soil.  Since RS are highly medically trained, they are used for combat rescues too.  Once they complete AW School (which is their "A" School) they continue to FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron) training for 6-9 months depending on their "platform".  RS go to Norfolk or SanDiego, as those are the bases that the helos are stationed at primarily.  Sierra FRS is about 5-6 months, as they aren't equipped with all of the radar and computer equiptment to track mines and subs, so training is shorter more rescue oriented-.  Romeo FRS requires more technical training than the Sierra.  After FRS is completed, the RS's are required to go to SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) Training in Maine or California. Sometimes they will do SERE first and then FRS.  This training is to aid and educate them to evade the enemy, or survive capture. VERY INTENSE!! :0) SERE is 2 weeks long, with NO CONTACT with the outside world for the lst week. :) From there, they will be sent to the fleet.

By the way, RSS is considered a "C" School, so Rescue Swimmers actually attend their "C" School BEFORE their "A" School ;0) I thought that was interesting.   HUGS

[oneproudmomca]

Thank you for the great info. My son had his PIR last Friday and is Pensacola now he is enjoying it and loving the weather change.

[nancynature]

Hi oneproudmom! My son is currently at bc for Air Rescue Swimmer. I was wondering if you could give me a heads up regarding the PIR and what our new sailors are allowed to do that day. Any liberty time? Did your son fly out to Pensacola the next day? What things did you bring for him after the PIR besides his cell phone? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Cindy (nancynature)

[oneproudmomca]

Hi nancynature!  We were lucky, our sailor didn't have to fly out to Pensacola until Sunday.  He received liberty right after his PIR.  Unfortunately, our sailor was not feeling well, so we took him to our hotel room, so he could rest and take a nice long shower.  After resting we went out to an early dinner because he had watch from 6:00-8:00, so he had to go back early.  If he didn't have watch we would have him until 8:00 pm.  The next day my husband went and picked him up at 6:00 am and we were able to spend the whole day with him.  We went to Chicago and did some sightseeing.  We are big baseball fans, so my husband and sailor took a picture in front of Wriggley Fields.  We had a great time with him.  He had to be back at GL early again, because he had watch from 6:00-8:00 again, otherwise he had to be back at 8:00 pm. He had to be at the airport at 1:30 am for his flight at 9:00 am, so we went to the airport around 6:30 am, that way he could sleep for a little while.  We had breakfast and stayed with him until he had to leave.  We were able to go through security to spend time with him, it was great.  At that time we gave him his cell, actually he got his cell phone the minute we were able to run down to the floor and give him a very big hug (very emotional) after PIR, but he had to give it back to us everytime we dropped him off at the base, because they are not allowed to have the cell phone on base.  We had also brought him a graduation gift, an iPad, we gave him that at the airport also, we had brought his shaver and some clothes and watch in a backpack, but he couldn't take the clothes or watch.  So at the airport he took his cell phone, iPad, shaver, charger for both phone and iPad, and ear buds.  We flew in early and arrived on Thursday morning.  On Thursday evening, we went to Sarge's Meet and Greet, at the Sundance Saloon in Waukegan. I heard it is the best one, and our sailor's div 807 Navy for Mom's group was going to be there, so we decided to go to Sarge's instead of the one in our hotel.  I was glad we did, Sarge is very informative (he told us things that are not told in other Meet and Greets) and we met moms and dads and other relatives and friends from our son's div, it was great.  When you go to the base for PIR, wear comfortable shoes, you will do a lot of walking.  If you don't get the "I'm a Sailor" call, don't worry, we didn't get it, because our son's CPO wouldn't let them do the calls, since they are in the 800 division, they are the last to go through Battle Stations and it is usually right before you leave to go see their PIR.  Being in the 800 divisions are very intense, they seem to do more than the other divisions.  Also, the drums at the PIR are awesome, it gives you chills.  Have a great time at your Sailor's PIR, I hope this information helps.  The reason my sailor did not take his clothes with him, is they are not allowed to wear anything but navy issued clothing while they are in Phase 1.  I just sent my son his clothes, because he just went up to Phase 2. (Look on this website, it has a section about Liberty and Phases)  Everybody is at Phase 1, when they arrive at Pensacola.  One more thing, you might want to order some Ribbons from Unique Memory Makers, the lady who makes them, Lora does a fantastic job, I ordered some for all of us who went and we wore them to the Meet and Greet and also the PIR, it will have your Sailor's name on one side and his Division on the other.  They also make great keepsakes, very reasonable also.  Have a great time at the PIR and bring some kleenex to wipe your eyes.

Carol (oneproudmominca)

[nancynature]

Carol, Thank yo soo much! All of the above was so helpful! Looks I will be extending our hotel stay just in case he doesn't head out until Sunday.

How did you find out about the Meet and Greet and then specifically about Sarge's?

Thank you for the heads-up about the 'I'm a Sailor' phone call. I had read that we would get that call and now knowing that the 800 division is one of the last to do their BS I won't worry about getting the call.

I will check out the ribbons. They sound like a great idea!

Also, how often were you able to talk to your son while he was in BC? Looking at one of their 'typical' schedules, I just wonder how much time they really have.

Thank you again. If I have more questions that pop up later, can I come back to you for some insight?

 

[oneproudmomca]

Hi Cindy, You are welcome! Please come back and ask any questions and I will be happy to give you some insight.  I found out about the Meet and Greet, first of all the hotel we were staying at was having one.  Then I asked, in our Division 807 group, which Meet and Greet everybody was going to and they told me Sarge.  So we decided to go to Sarge's because we wanted to meet some parents of Sailors in our son's division.  We were really happy we went, great information, great food and a lot of fun meeting people.

We received about 4 phone calls and about 2 letters.  It is awesome when you hear from them.  Our first call was the "I am here" call, which was very short.  But good to know that he made it.  Our next call was about 3 weeks later, both my husband and I were able to talk to him for about 15 minutes.  Then another 2 weeks went by and we received another call, my husband was able to talk to him but I wasn't home :(, but it was still great to be able to hear what he had to say through my husband, it was about 20 minutes.  Then he called in the middle of the week, which was great to hear from him, usually he would call on the weekend, this was also around 15 minutes. The last call, I didn't get to talk to him again,        :(, but my husband was able to speak to him again, this one was around 20 minutes. Then the next week we were in Chicago and was able to see him.  I wrote to him at least 3 times a week and my husband wrote a couple of times, and he wrote us a couple of times, but he was so busy, he didn't have much time to write.

My son did tell us that all the other divisions treated their division like rock stars, they all had a lot of questions for them.  Also they couldn't believe how much they do.  During the PIR, they did get quite a big cheer when they entered the hall.  Again goose bump :)

Regarding the Meet and Greets, look to the right of these messages and they have the Meet and Greets for the PIR dates.  They are held every Thursday before the Meet and Greets.  And you should RSVP to the one you want to go to.

It has been great giving you some insight, please don't hestitate to ask me  any other questions you may have.

Carol

[Cinthia]

Hi I just wanted to ask how long was ur sons training for AIRR in pensacola ? My husband is about to start his A school there and we are so confused about the length of time he will be in FL? I'm trying to figure out if I should move there with him or not.,

[Saltyocean]

Thank you the Sea is Ours -----for the info about the training. Our Sailor to be  has PIR on 6/28 and then to Pensacola.  Didn't know all about the training and what he will actually be doing.  Any suggestions on what he may need to bring or be sent once he gets there?

[Vallie62]

Thank you this was very informative.  I've learned alot and look forward to learning more.

[AKNavyMom(Ship 3 Div 021)]

Hi Ladies, I have a question...My son is going to take the challenge to see if he can rate for Rescue Swimmer. He wants to train for it before he goes to Boot Camp. Does anyone have suggestions as ti what is the best way to train? I am not sure where to ask this question.

[Travelsalot]

Hi Twosilvatwins... I dont have twin girls or a girl in the Navy but I have a son who just graduated from Rescue Swimmer School. There was only one girl in the class ahead of my sons and she passed right along with the men. Tell your girls to swim, hold their breath underwater as long as they can and then some.. tread water and swim.. run and swim swim swim... Thats just the physical part..

[Travelsalot]

Akanavymom.. Hello.... my son just graduated.. he said the training is very hard... if you pass out under water you will automatically be rolled... I toured the facility and it is really top notch.. The instructors prepare the RS for anything they may encounter in rough waters or in climate weather...
I would suggest swimming in the ocean if thats possible.. if not. swim swim swim swim, run and then swim..underwater, on top of water, fully clothed boots and all..Swim during rain and wind and in rough water...

[Cinthia]

AKNavyMom my husband took the longest time to earn his AIRR contract and I'm talking about like 5 months! Lol it's usually not this long for ppl at all but he was having trouble with qualifying his run. So I will recommend practice doing the run a lot. Also the swimming practice on improving the times way past the minimum requirements you need to go above and beyond the requirements for everything. Swim, run, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. You can fin the minimums online so tell him to work on doing way better than the minimums. also the most important thing that helped my husband was to never give up! If he doesn't get his contract the 1st, 2nd, 3rd.....37th time! Lol just don't get discouraged and don't give up, a lot of guys don't get selected for contracts in a certain round eventho they did really well, this is because the contracts are being distributed among all applicants throughout the country and they want to distribute them equally. Bur just keep on exceeding on the PSTs every week so he can get on every the draft for the contract which is 2x a month i believe. if he wants it bad enough and keeps at at, he will get selected eventually(:
My husband went at it for 5months which is more than normal but they saw that he wasn't willing to quit at any cost and he eventually got a contract(: best of luck to your son.