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.