HSC-25, Guam Fire and Rescue Save Distressed Swimmers

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Wilson, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Public Affairs

TUMON, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation and rescued two distressed swimmers, one male and one female, off the coast of Gun Beach Aug. 5 at approximately 2:20 p.m.

HSC-25 received a request from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam at approximately 1:40 p.m. A Navy MH-60S Knighthawk was then launched from Andersen Air Force Base and the crew retrieved the female swimmer with a hoist. Navy personnel transported the patient to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam for treatment.

Guam Fire and Rescue retrieved the male swimmer via jet ski and transported the patient to shore for treatment.

"This rescue was the culmination of a team effort between our U.S Coast Guard partners, Guam Fire and Rescue and the Island Knights," said Cmdr. Stephen Merritt, executive officer of HSC-25. "The rapid response to the swimmer in distress was only possible due to the dedicated training by our pilots, aircrew and maintenance professionals here on the island of Guam and the CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). We appreciate the continued support from the Guam community."

HSC-25 is the Navy's only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary 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.