Photo By Staff Sgt. Ricky Arnold | Airmen assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Wing complete a team exercise during water...... read more read more
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Airmen assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Wing conducted water survival training Jan. 29, 2026, strengthening essential skills needed during a catastrophic event in an open ocean environment. Water survival training focuses on building confidence in the water while reinforcing survival fundamentals, including flotation techniques, controlled breathing, and safe movement while wearing operational gear. Participants completed a series of guided exercises designed to simulate high-stress conditions and emphasize teamwork, endurance, and situational awareness. “The idea behind our members attending this training was following the commander's program of actions and milestones in creating multi-capable Airmen,” said Col. Craig Gural, 141st Operations Group, commander. “We have never placed our aircrew members in a scenario where they must consider not only their own survival during a catastrophic event, but also the survival of passengers aboard their aircraft.” Water survival training is a critical readiness requirement that ensures Airmen maintain both physical capability and mental resilience. Practicing these skills in a controlled environment improves the ability to remain calm, think clearly, and execute procedures effectively during real-world contingencies. “The purpose of this training is to take them from the beginning of a potential isolating incident inside their aircraft,” said Tech. Sgt. Mike Bilodeau, 22nd Training Squadron, SERE Specialist. “We do our best to turn this area into a blackout, open ocean with 40 to 60 mile an hour winds and 4 to 6 foot waves to give the students a chance to be able to take all the gear that they have and actually apply it to a survival scenario as close as we can get it to real life.” The event also reinforced the importance of personal confidence and trust among teammates. Many participants described the experience as challenging but valuable in building operational preparedness. “The main takeaway of this training for me is learning the endurance required for a situation like this,” said Tech. Sgt. Dana Rowland, 141st Force Support Squadron. “I can run, I can do push ups and sit ups, but learning how well your lungs work when you're scared in a chaotic situation where you're swimming against waves was an eye opening experience and is something I would definitely do again.” Training events like this support the 141st Air Refueling Wing’s commitment to maintaining a ready force capable of operating in diverse and demanding environments.
| Date Taken: | 01.29.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2026 17:28 |
| Story ID: | 557265 |
| Location: | SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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