McAllen, Texas Native Serves Aboard USS Antietam as a Search and Rescue Swimmer while conducting operations in the Philippine Sea

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Santiago Navarro | 220812-N-NY362-1011 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug 5, 2022) Seaman Abraham Guillen, from McAllen, Texas, poses for a photograph next to a J-Bar Davit station on the f’osc’le aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). SAR swimmers are essential to U.S. Navy ships during underway operations (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santiago Navarro)  

PHILIPPINE SEA

08.13.2022

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Santiago Navarro 

Commander, Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5

Philippine Sea –

A McAllen, Texas native and 2017 Lamar Academy graduate is serving aboard the U.S. Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

Abraham Guillen is an undesignated Seaman who also serves as a Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmer on the Antietam, which is forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.


SAR swimmers are essential to U.S. Navy ships during underway operations. SAR swimmers are sent into the water to recover individuals in minutes and are trained in medical life-saving support.

“I’m in a position where I am blessed to be able to respond to an emergency,” said Guillen. “It is a surreal feeling to be able to save somebody’s life.”

To qualify as a SAR swimmer, Guillen had to attend a challenging five-week training school for SAR candidates in San Diego, California. While there, Guillen’s proficiency was tested in areas such as swimming, strength training, and medical life-saving procedures.

“Being a SAR swimmer is not just about being fit, but also about being medically proficient,” said Guillen. “What good is it if you can pull someone out of the water if you can’t save them afterwards.”

In addition to his SAR swimming duties, Guillen enjoys giving back to the ship in other areas. He currently serves as the Antietam’s command fitness leader; as part of this duty, Guillen regularly runs workout sessions for Sailors who are in the Fitness Enhancement Program. He was also recently elected as Morale, Warfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee president for the Antietam and regularly plans various recreational events for the crew such as gaming tournaments and karaoke nights.

“I enjoy walking into the mess decks and seeing it decorated during these events,” said Guillen. “It helps Sailors get out of the regular ship routine.”

Whether it is in his primary responsibilities or other duties, Guillen enjoys giving back to the Antietam and making himself available to respond to situations.

“What I like about my job as Sailors is that I can respond to a crisis situation, whether it be going to war with our enemies, fighting a fire, or saving someone in the water,” said Guillen. “I like the feeling I get when I hear those bells, even if it is something bad, to be able to respond.”

The Antietam returned to sea on May 19th after a ten month in-port period. The ship returned to the Philippine Sea on July 30th from the South China Sea where it conducted a patrol for two weeks. It’s mission during this period was to support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, providing a presence as part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. Antietam departed from Singapore on July 26th after a scheduled port visit.

Antietam is attached to Commander, Task Force 70/ Carrier Strike Group 5 conducting underway operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

• Date Taken: 08.13.2022
• Date Posted: 09.17.2022 06:37
• Story ID: 429552
• Location: PHILIPPINE SEA