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

[Ridgegirl]

Does all of this pretty much still hold true in 2013-14? My SR is in BC currently. Thanks!

[Jodi-alumni Ship 4]

This needs to be on the front page again so I am posting to the comments to get it there.

[proudmama]

Hi Kim,

You are in the right place! Glad you found the Path of the Rescue swimmer link. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. There are lots of moms who have a variety of experiences- and are willing to share-). It's one step at a time with this journey! Good luck to you and your son:)

[SOTS]

Great info - Thanks

[LynJ]

Thank you for this information.  You've answered ALOT of my questions, answers I couldn't even get from my son, you know "son-speak". Thanks for clarifying everything.

[Samanthajoy72]

Thank you for all the information. My son leaves for boot camp tomorrow morning. Then on to Pensacola.

[SailorW'sWife]

When they're on "hold" is it wherever they are they have to stay there or can they come home for the hold? Also, do they continue to get paid while on hold?

[Jodi-alumni Ship 4]

SailorW'sWife, they continue to get paid. Being on hold just means they are waiting for their classes to begin. Are you with your husband or are you still waiting for housing? When you ask if he can come "home" I am assuming you aren't living together right now. I think there is a travel distance limit for how far away they can go but since he will still have duties to do while waiting for his classes to begin I don't think it would be feasible for him to leave.

[amj510]

My son is having his first day today in FL.  He starts the NACCS next week.  Leaving him at the airport was so hard but his smile melted my heart.  He is so happy, makes me happy.  I am hoping to connect with AIRR moms and family.  The bootcamp site was so helpful, I know I will find this same help on here.  This Navyformoms is the best gift!

[Jodi-alumni Ship 4]

Welcome amj510 to the group! You are in for quite a ride but it's a good one. The moms on here are full of information and when you need it they will be a shoulder to cry on or a pat on the back for raising a great son :)

The best way to keep in touch is on the main page so that everyone will see your comments. Good luck and enjoy the ride.

[amj510]

Thank you

[amj510]

Hi Everyone.  My son should be graduating from NACCS this week or next week per my call with him yesterday.  My question is that I am not able to come to this graduation but I want to prepare my employer for RSS graduation.  Is there a hold time before RSS for training or other reasons?  I think my son said there was 3 weeks of pre-training but I could have completely heard wrong.  Thank you in advance.