HSC-25 Rescues Distressed Mariners in Saipan

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amy M Taylor | The crew of a Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 rescue effort pose in front of their helicopter. HSC 25 responded and retrieved two distressed mariners off the coast of Saipan Feb. 25. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)  

JAPAN

02.25.2017

Courtesy Story

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7     

ASAN, Guam– Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 conducted a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation and retrieved two distressed mariners off the coast of Saipan Feb. 25.

Upon the request of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, a Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from HSC-25 launched from Andersen Air Force Base to Saipan at 2:45 p.m. At 10:20 p.m., Navy personnel safely recovered the individuals from their vessel and brought them to the Saipan International Airport.

“Search and Rescue is a mission that we train to regularly and the ability to execute and assist a person in dire need is truly an honor for the entire crew and HSC-25 as a whole,” said Lt. Jake Dighton, aircraft commander of the flight. “The competency and readiness of the crew made it possible to complete the rescue after a long day of searching in difficult conditions.”

HSC-25 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron. As a part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, it provides an armed helicopter capability for U.S. 7th Fleet in support of logistics, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance missions.

HSC-25 is also the only squadron that maintains a 24-hour search-and-rescue and medical evacuation alert posture, directly supporting the U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Region Marianas.

• Date Taken: 02.25.2017
• Date Posted: 03.01.2017 02:33
• Story ID: 225286
• Location: JP