U.S. Navy sailors aboard the forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) completed a search and rescue (SAR) limited training team (LTT) assessment on January 12.
Inspectors from afloat training group, detachment Western Pacific (ATGWP) visited USS Ronald Reagan to carry out a three-day, ship-requested inspection of the ship’s deck department and SAR swimmers.
“These inspections are important,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Adam Wendt , an ATGWP inspector. “If the ship’s SAR swimmers and deck department aren’t communicating correctly in a combat situation somebody could lose their life.”
Part of the assessment was held at the Purdy Gym pool aboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, where sailors were evaluated on their ability to save unconscious victims, fight off combative survivors in the water, rescue drowned pilots and administer first-aid to medical casualties.
Another part of the assessment was held aboard USS Ronald Reagan. ATGWP inspectors examined the ship’s SAR-swimmer equipment, including wetsuits, googles, snorkels, flippers and first-aid equipment as well as its SAR-deck equipment including life preservers, line, battle lanterns, hand-held radios and medical stretchers.
ATGWP is responsible for the training, testing and certifying of SAR swimmers for 19 ships stationed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
Ronald Reagan is currently undergoing a selected restricted availability, which is a planned maintenance period to ensure the ship is operationally ready for future patrols.