U.S. Navy Combat Search & Rescue Training

U.S. Navy Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmers are highly trained and part of the aviation branch. An SAR swimmer is in attendance on nearly every naval helicopter mission. The swimmer's prime objective is to jump from the helicopter and rescue a sailor who has fallen overboard or a pilot who has ejected from his plane.

Training

SAR candidates train for almost two years in advanced swimming and lifesaving techniques before reporting to their first squadron. Candidates are continually tested mentally and physically in a series of rigorous and challenging scenarios.

Locations

The SAR swimmer candidate attends several training camps in Pensacola, Florida. Four weeks are spent at the Aircrew Candidate School learning water, land survival and flight safety. Search and rescue swimming skills are taught during five weeks at Rescue Swimmer School, followed by a basic skills course at the Class A Technical School for an average of 18 weeks.

Aviation Training

After successfully completing the courses in Pensacola, the candidate moves on to learn survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) techniques. The course lasts two weeks at SERE School in North Island, California, or Brunswick, Maine. The SAR candidate then spends an average of 24 weeks, depending on aircraft, at a Naval Air Station learning aircraft systems.

References

• U.S. Navy: Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Special Operations
• U.S. Navy: SAR Swimmers "Jump" For Training
• Global Security: HH-60H Seahawk

Resources

• The Official Website of the United States Navy